2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1996 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 2,480 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Porsche Boxster (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1578 kg more than 1996 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Porsche Boxster. (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Porsche Boxster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 1996 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Porsche |
| Model | C | Boxster |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 1252 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 64 L |
