2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2005 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (511 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 2005 Porsche Boxster. (237 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2005 Porsche Boxster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 665 kg more than 2005 Porsche Boxster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Porsche Boxster. (270 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Porsche Boxster. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2005 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 2005 Porsche Boxster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2005 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | Boxster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 511 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 256 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.5 seconds | 6.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
