2008 Porsche Boxster vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Porsche Boxster would be higher. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2008 Porsche Boxster. (291 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Porsche Boxster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 430 kg more than 2008 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Porsche Boxster. (340 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Porsche Boxster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Porsche Boxster | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Boxster | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 272 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4612 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2099 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1315 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2585 mm |
