2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2012 Porsche Boxster is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2012 Porsche Boxster. (310 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Porsche Boxster.
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 (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Porsche Boxster. (360 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Porsche Boxster. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | SL | Boxster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 382 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4371 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1293 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 64 L |
