SLK280 vs. Porsche Boxster

Ikarus · 07-29-2007

This week, when my girlfriend dropped her A4 at the Audi dealership, she got the pretty-girl treatment from the service advisor who put her in a Porsche Boxster for the time it will take them to get a part for the CVT transmission shipped from Germany. How convenient to be able to bring your car for service to a dealership which happens to sell Porsches, too. Actually, so does my Mercedes dealership, but this didn't prevent them from trying to put me in a Ford Expedition loaner when I brought my SLK for service and after one hour of waiting they came up with some underpowered C-class that pulled to the right like nothing I've driven before. Must be because I don't qualify for the pretty-girl treatment. Anyway, I'm digressing...

The first thing that caught my eye on the Boxster were those beautiful 19" wheels that look somewhat disproportionate on a car of this size. Next thing I noticed was that the dealer opted for putting the front license plate in the trunk rather than where it belongs. It seems they'd rather risk paying for fix-it tickets than letting a front license plate uglify their car. I can't blame them, my front license plate is still in the trunk, too. I have to say, even without the plate I don't like the Boxster too much from the front because of those two big gaping holes. Alright, looks are subjective, but there's no doubt that the SLK has the more ingenious design. At least from the front, the Boxster looks more or less like a dozen of Porsche generations before. One wonders whether Porsche has all their designers busy with sunglasses and stuff.

Coming from the SLK280, the 245hp base Boxster engine sounds wonderful and it delivers adequate power, but it doesn't make the car feel faster than the SLK280 in a straight line. It feels less torquey and wants to be revved higher for a decent amount of punch. However, the car is most definitely faster in the twisties, since it is more eager to turn in and still feels solid and sure-footed through the corners. Road-feedback through the steering column is a more intense tactile experience than in the SLK280. Tossing this car around feels like you're driving a big go-kart, which is about the best compliment I can think of for a sports car. I can see why Porsche cars are considered as industry benchmark in terms of handling.

Sadly, the 5-speed automatic gear box in this Porsche feels like it has no business whatsoever of being in this car. To put things in perspective, I happen to think the same about Mercedes-Benz's 7G in the SLK. In my opinion, on cars like these, you want either a stick or at the very least a transmission without a torque-converter such as VW/Audi's S-Tronic. Now that Porsche owns a significant share of VW, it shouldn't take them long to source that superior technology from there.

The Boxster's interior material feels cheap.

I have no other way of saying it. This is unworthy of a car in this price range and the SLK wins hands-down in this department. The same holds for interior storage space and trunk space. Sure, the Boxster has two trunks, one in the front and one in the back that combined are about as big as the one in the SLK, but this means you have to split your luggage into two smaller bags. On the positive side, trunk space is not affected when the roof is down. The seats are good and provide excellent lateral support. The ones in the SLK (I got the powered seats) are a notch better though.

The ride is firmer than the SLK280's and you do feel every bump in the road, but I don't find it uncomfortable. The soft-top provides a decent amount of sound insulation, but the cabin is definitely louder than the SLK's. The top folds in a little over half the time it takes to fold the SLK's hard top and the system allows for operation at a speed of up to 31mph, which reduces the probability of embarrassing situations at traffic lights. I'm sure you all know what I mean.

One Boxster feature the SLK does not provide is what I'd call the turbo hair-dryer. Compared to the SLK, this cabin is drafty! It's quite chilly, too. As soon as the mercury dropped below 64F, we had to put the roof back up, because we started feeling uncomfortable. Contrast that with the 48F, the coldest temperature in which I've driven my airscarf-equipped SLK with the top down without feeling uncomfortable at all. Two big thumbs up for the SLK in the creature comfort department!

It's a tie on the cup holders. They're utter crap in both.

**etyu** · 07-29-2007

Thanks Ikarus for your personal review and comparison.

**-1-** · 07-30-2007

Thanks for the info. I've never been a Boxster fan, I do like the name and the look of the exhaust out the rear. By the way, I think the Chrysler Crossfire has the neatest looking exhaust (tips).

**alroumi** · 07-30-2007

thank you for the detailed review, i preffer the slk over the boxster for the looks, sound and interior quality.

N4PWJ · 07-30-2007

that was an interesting read, thanks ikarus.
I am a massive boxster fan, and considered one instead of the slk, but i felt the slk was better for the money, as a specced up boxster is alot of money in comparison. your break down of comparisons is very accurate, and is generally how most poeple would feel i believe.

**WhiteRabbit** · 07-30-2007

I was ready to buy an 06 Boxster until I checked the resale value of previous years which was quite low. Just to compare I checked the SLK resale value and found that they had the SLK 280 which I did not know about at the time (August 05). After pricing the SLK it was several grand cheaper than the Boxster with a better automatic that had the same performance and gas mileage of the manual. Unlike the Boxster's auto which is much slower and worst fuel economy. There were many other factors and I got the better car, the SLK280.

**Ynot** · 07-31-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by alroumi

thank you for the detailed review, i preffer the slk over the boxster for the looks, sound and interior quality.

I feel the same way you do, never been a fan of the boxster look, plus there's too many of them on the road. I never drove one before, and would love to drive it on the track at least one but don't think I'll ever own one, at least not the current model.

N4PWJ · 07-31-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

I feel the same way you do, never been a fan of the boxster look, plus there's too many of them on the road. I never drove one before, and would love to drive it on the track at least one but don't think I'll ever own one, at least not the current model.

I have driven a boxster S on the track and it is very good Ynot, however i also drove the Cayman S the same day on the track and it is far superior, so id rather spend the extra bit and have a cayman S.

**WhiteRabbit** · 07-31-2007

I love the look of the Cayman S especially in red but boy is it pricey in comparison to a SLK 280 or SLK 350

**F111F** · 07-31-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ikarus

This week, when my girlfriend dropped her A4 at the Audi dealership, she got the pretty-girl treatment from the service advisor who put her in a Porsche Boxster for the time it will take them to get a part for the CVT transmission shipped from Germany. How convenient to be able to bring your car for service to a dealership which happens to sell Porsches, too. Actually, so does my Mercedes dealership, but this didn't prevent them from trying to put me in a Ford Expedition loaner when I brought my SLK for service and after one hour of waiting they came up with some underpowered C-class that pulled to the right like nothing I've driven before. Must be because I don't qualify for the pretty-girl treatment. Anyway, I'm digressing...

Dude, don't be bitter, do what I do.
Use my good looks and go to the best looking female service manager and give her lots compliments (I can act dumb, I am a blonde) and get great service. I mean, she trips over making sure I am happy. Give her a gift once in a while, and she tries to find ways to save me money and make sure the service is great. imho....

In other words, do what you gf does, but in reverse.

It works.

V8SLK · 07-31-2007

Ikarus, that (imho) was one of the best, most objection review/comparisons that i have read, including many a magazine. well written sir, thank you.

**Ynot** · 08-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by N4PWJ

I have driven a boxster S on the track and it is very good Ynot, however i also drove the Cayman S the same day on the track and it is far superior, so id rather spend the extra bit and have a cayman S.

My brother is a track junkie, he wanted the Cayman S, not sure what he's going to get, I heard the Cayman S is one of the best handling cars on the track.

nappy · 08-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

My brother is a track junkie, he wanted the Cayman S, not sure what he's going to get, I heard the Cayman S is one of the best handling cars on the track.

I've test driven a Cayman S. On the days I go to my dealership for a car wash I go test drive stuff when I'm bored. The handling on the Cayman S is definitely better than my stiffer suspensioned 350 with AMG sports pkg, but not a whole lot better. The S is deceptively fast, it'll blow the 350 away at the light easy. The manual stick shift on the Porsche feels more precise and firm, but not as smooth and easy to shift as the SLK's.

For the higher price and lack of hardtop convertible, I'm glad I got my SLK. Not to say that Mercedes Benz options are cheap, but Porche's options are pretty crazy when you load it up, might as well get a base 911 if you want a fully optioned out a Cayman S.

**Ynot** · 08-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by nappy

For the higher price and lack of hardtop convertible, I'm glad I got my SLK. Not to say that Mercedes Benz options are cheap, but Porche's options are pretty crazy when you load it up, might as well get a base 911 if you want a fully optioned out a Cayman S.

yeah, I know, that's why a lot of people opt for the base model cayman or just pay the extra for the 911. Porsche options are insane, I build my own 911 C2S and it came out to $104,xxx, or close to the base price of a GT3.

RacerCub68 · 08-07-2007

Get over the looks everybody. It's one of THE BEST period. You see, you can't compare the look of mid-engine cars against regular front engine cars. They have engineering and packaging requirements that makes them much harder to design. Making a pretty mid-engine car is really a difficult thing to do.

Look at cars like the first and last generation MR2 (the second generation copy of the Fiero was nice), and most other mid-engine cars. They tend to be ungainly. Even the Porsche 914 isn't a looker. The FIAT X1/9, busy as all hell. The Muria, Fiero and Boxster are probably the three best looking mid-engine cars ever, this side of Ferrari.

Forget the interior plastics. Yes, I chose the SLK also because it looked more refined inside, but let's face it: Everytime I feel the ass end side step on a bump from the ****ty non-sport suspension in my SLK350, I am reminded of where Porsche spent the money and Mercedes didn't. My interior looks nicer, but my car bump steers like my '88 Fiero GT did.

I assume the SLK280 has the same bum suspension and steering rack the non-sport equipped 350's do. Oh how I regret them deleting my beloved sport suspension package and that I did not just waste the money chopping off the side plastic add ons and dumping the 5 spoke wheels from the AMG package.

With the sport suspension, my SLK would take the regret away from me not buying the Boxster S instead (or Carrera S). However, I can't seem to get Dan to get me the part numbers. Hint. Hint.

In every price comparison (and the 5 speed is a joke at these prices) the Boxster was $20,000 more then the SLK. I'm sorry, now that they are no longer an exotic sports car maker like Ferrari, they no longer deserve a $20,000 premium. They can lower their price like the full line manufacturer they are becoming.

In fact, I asked the dealer for the Porsche "Soccer Mom" discount as I find the Cayanne a disgrace. It is the visage of Porsche's greed and transfer of concern from their customers to thier coffers.

You can't deny the Boxter on the curves though. The SLK just doesn't have it there, althought it does come close. The price we pay for luxury.

I never drove the Non-S Boxster, the 2006 S has more power, but still is low in the torque department compared to the SLK.

No one should EVER use the term "Go-Kart" to describe ANY road car save a FIAT X1/9 or Lotus Elan. Go-Kart may apply to those sub 1,500 lbs. cars, but not anything with air bags. You are required to drive one of those two cars before ever uttering that phrase again!

Time to hop in my heffer and go to work. A mid-engine bigot 'till the end...

RacerCub68 · 08-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by nappy

I've test driven a Cayman S. On the days I go to my dealership for a car wash I go test drive stuff when I'm bored. The handling on the Cayman S is definitely better than my stiffer suspensioned 350 with AMG sports pkg, but not a whole lot better. The S is deceptively fast, it'll blow the 350 away at the light easy. The manual stick shift on the Porsche feels more precise and firm, but not as smooth and easy to shift as the SLK's.

For the higher price and lack of hardtop convertible, I'm glad I got my SLK. Not to say that Mercedes Benz options are cheap, but Porche's options are pretty crazy when you load it up, might as well get a base 911 if you want a fully optioned out a Cayman S.

The Caymen has NO optional roof opening, and will never have according to Porsche, so I had to ax it from my list. A closed car on a track is nice, but you have to feel the wind in your hair on the street.

The mid-engine traction gives the Caymen S it's bolt off the line. However, put a good driver with a good launch in an SLK350 manual and it could go either way. Put a slushbox 7G and wave goodbye to the Caymen's tail lights.

I went into 4 wheel drifts with Hurley Haywood in a Caymen S, at over 170 MPH. Oh my God, it was ****ing amazing! The car is a track beast, and Hurley Haywood is a god among Porsche drivers. You could have not reproduced that run with ANY street legal Mercedes-Benz. The SLR just cannot be tossed like that.

But at the end of the day, you can't open the roof. So, make my track car a GT3 RS in bright orange, and I'll keep the SLK for enjoying life.

Hurley waits for my fat ass to get in. Thanks to our Navy for allowing us to do silly things on their runways.

**Duo-Art** · 08-07-2007

Thanks for mentioning the Muira. It's my all time favorite mid-engine design.

Ikarus · 08-07-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by RacerCub68

No one should EVER use the term "Go-Kart" to describe ANY road car save a FIAT X1/9 or Lotus Elan. Go-Kart may apply to those sub 1,500 lbs. cars, but not anything with air bags. You are required to drive one of those two cars before ever uttering that phrase again!

I hear you. I've driven actual go-karts, so let's just agree that the Boxster is as go-karty as it gets for a car with that level of equipment.

07-29-2007	#1 (permalink)
Ikarus Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: 2006 SLK 280 w. 6M Other Toys: 2000 New Beetle GLS w. 5M Posts: 596 Country: Thanks: 18 Thanked 40 Times in 20 Posts	SLK280 vs. Porsche Boxster This week, when my girlfriend dropped her A4 at the Audi dealership, she got the pretty-girl treatment from the service advisor who put her in a Porsche Boxster for the time it will take them to get a part for the CVT transmission shipped from Germany. How convenient to be able to bring your car for service to a dealership which happens to sell Porsches, too. Actually, so does my Mercedes dealership, but this didn't prevent them from trying to put me in a Ford Expedition loaner when I brought my SLK for service and after one hour of waiting they came up with some underpowered C-class that pulled to the right like nothing I've driven before. Must be because I don't qualify for the pretty-girl treatment. Anyway, I'm digressing... The first thing that caught my eye on the Boxster were those beautiful 19" wheels that look somewhat disproportionate on a car of this size. Next thing I noticed was that the dealer opted for putting the front license plate in the trunk rather than where it belongs. It seems they'd rather risk paying for fix-it tickets than letting a front license plate uglify their car. I can't blame them, my front license plate is still in the trunk, too. I have to say, even without the plate I don't like the Boxster too much from the front because of those two big gaping holes. Alright, looks are subjective, but there's no doubt that the SLK has the more ingenious design. At least from the front, the Boxster looks more or less like a dozen of Porsche generations before. One wonders whether Porsche has all their designers busy with sunglasses and stuff. Coming from the SLK280, the 245hp base Boxster engine sounds wonderful and it delivers adequate power, but it doesn't make the car feel faster than the SLK280 in a straight line. It feels less torquey and wants to be revved higher for a decent amount of punch. However, the car is most definitely faster in the twisties, since it is more eager to turn in and still feels solid and sure-footed through the corners. Road-feedback through the steering column is a more intense tactile experience than in the SLK280. Tossing this car around feels like you're driving a big go-kart, which is about the best compliment I can think of for a sports car. I can see why Porsche cars are considered as industry benchmark in terms of handling. Sadly, the 5-speed automatic gear box in this Porsche feels like it has no business whatsoever of being in this car. To put things in perspective, I happen to think the same about Mercedes-Benz's 7G in the SLK. In my opinion, on cars like these, you want either a stick or at the very least a transmission without a torque-converter such as VW/Audi's S-Tronic. Now that Porsche owns a significant share of VW, it shouldn't take them long to source that superior technology from there. The Boxster's interior material feels cheap. I have no other way of saying it. This is unworthy of a car in this price range and the SLK wins hands-down in this department. The same holds for interior storage space and trunk space. Sure, the Boxster has two trunks, one in the front and one in the back that combined are about as big as the one in the SLK, but this means you have to split your luggage into two smaller bags. On the positive side, trunk space is not affected when the roof is down. The seats are good and provide excellent lateral support. The ones in the SLK (I got the powered seats) are a notch better though. The ride is firmer than the SLK280's and you do feel every bump in the road, but I don't find it uncomfortable. The soft-top provides a decent amount of sound insulation, but the cabin is definitely louder than the SLK's. The top folds in a little over half the time it takes to fold the SLK's hard top and the system allows for operation at a speed of up to 31mph, which reduces the probability of embarrassing situations at traffic lights. I'm sure you all know what I mean. One Boxster feature the SLK does not provide is what I'd call the turbo hair-dryer. Compared to the SLK, this cabin is drafty! It's quite chilly, too. As soon as the mercury dropped below 64F, we had to put the roof back up, because we started feeling uncomfortable. Contrast that with the 48F, the coldest temperature in which I've driven my airscarf-equipped SLK with the top down without feeling uncomfortable at all. Two big thumbs up for the SLK in the creature comfort department! It's a tie on the cup holders. They're utter crap in both. Last edited by Ikarus; 07-30-2007 at 04:34 AM.

07-29-2007	#2 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,280 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Thanks Ikarus for your personal review and comparison. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

07-30-2007	#3 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,226 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	Thanks for the info. I've never been a Boxster fan, I do like the name and the look of the exhaust out the rear. By the way, I think the Chrysler Crossfire has the neatest looking exhaust (tips). __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

07-30-2007	#6 (permalink)
WhiteRabbit Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Arlington, VA Vehicle: 2009 SLK 350 Posts: 368 Country: Thanks: 80 Thanked 35 Times in 23 Posts	I was ready to buy an 06 Boxster until I checked the resale value of previous years which was quite low. Just to compare I checked the SLK resale value and found that they had the SLK 280 which I did not know about at the time (August 05). After pricing the SLK it was several grand cheaper than the Boxster with a better automatic that had the same performance and gas mileage of the manual. Unlike the Boxster's auto which is much slower and worst fuel economy. There were many other factors and I got the better car, the SLK280. __________________ 2009 SLK 350, Arctic White, Gullwing Red, 7G Automatic, Premium PKG I, Lighting, Heating packages, Auto Climate Control, smartTop roof module v3.22, Clear side-marker lenses.

07-31-2007	#9 (permalink)
WhiteRabbit Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Arlington, VA Vehicle: 2009 SLK 350 Posts: 368 Country: Thanks: 80 Thanked 35 Times in 23 Posts	I love the look of the Cayman S especially in red but boy is it pricey in comparison to a SLK 280 or SLK 350 __________________ 2009 SLK 350, Arctic White, Gullwing Red, 7G Automatic, Premium PKG I, Lighting, Heating packages, Auto Climate Control, smartTop roof module v3.22, Clear side-marker lenses.

07-30-2007	#4 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	thank you for the detailed review, i preffer the slk over the boxster for the looks, sound and interior quality.

07-30-2007	#5 (permalink)
N4PWJ Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Belfast,N.Ireland Vehicle: 2006,slk280,carlsson Other Toys: Caterham Posts: 1,417 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	that was an interesting read, thanks ikarus. I am a massive boxster fan, and considered one instead of the slk, but i felt the slk was better for the money, as a specced up boxster is alot of money in comparison. your break down of comparisons is very accurate, and is generally how most poeple would feel i believe.

07-31-2007	#11 (permalink)
V8SLK Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Home of the brave Vehicle: 05 SLK55 AMG Posts: 1,071 Country: Thanks: 40 Thanked 48 Times in 26 Posts	Ikarus, that (imho) was one of the best, most objection review/comparisons that i have read, including many a magazine. well written sir, thank you.

08-07-2007	#15 (permalink)
RacerCub68 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: South Beach (Miami Beach, FL) Vehicle: 2006 SLK350 - All Opts. Except AMG Package & Auto. Clean looking 6-speed. Posts: 710 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Get over the looks everybody. It's one of THE BEST period. You see, you can't compare the look of mid-engine cars against regular front engine cars. They have engineering and packaging requirements that makes them much harder to design. Making a pretty mid-engine car is really a difficult thing to do. Look at cars like the first and last generation MR2 (the second generation copy of the Fiero was nice), and most other mid-engine cars. They tend to be ungainly. Even the Porsche 914 isn't a looker. The FIAT X1/9, busy as all hell. The Muria, Fiero and Boxster are probably the three best looking mid-engine cars ever, this side of Ferrari. Forget the interior plastics. Yes, I chose the SLK also because it looked more refined inside, but let's face it: Everytime I feel the ass end side step on a bump from the ****ty non-sport suspension in my SLK350, I am reminded of where Porsche spent the money and Mercedes didn't. My interior looks nicer, but my car bump steers like my '88 Fiero GT did. I assume the SLK280 has the same bum suspension and steering rack the non-sport equipped 350's do. Oh how I regret them deleting my beloved sport suspension package and that I did not just waste the money chopping off the side plastic add ons and dumping the 5 spoke wheels from the AMG package. With the sport suspension, my SLK would take the regret away from me not buying the Boxster S instead (or Carrera S). However, I can't seem to get Dan to get me the part numbers. Hint. Hint. In every price comparison (and the 5 speed is a joke at these prices) the Boxster was $20,000 more then the SLK. I'm sorry, now that they are no longer an exotic sports car maker like Ferrari, they no longer deserve a $20,000 premium. They can lower their price like the full line manufacturer they are becoming. In fact, I asked the dealer for the Porsche "Soccer Mom" discount as I find the Cayanne a disgrace. It is the visage of Porsche's greed and transfer of concern from their customers to thier coffers. You can't deny the Boxter on the curves though. The SLK just doesn't have it there, althought it does come close. The price we pay for luxury. I never drove the Non-S Boxster, the 2006 S has more power, but still is low in the torque department compared to the SLK. No one should EVER use the term "Go-Kart" to describe ANY road car save a FIAT X1/9 or Lotus Elan. Go-Kart may apply to those sub 1,500 lbs. cars, but not anything with air bags. You are required to drive one of those two cars before ever uttering that phrase again! Time to hop in my heffer and go to work. A mid-engine bigot 'till the end...

08-07-2007	#17 (permalink)
Duo-Art Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 544 Thanks: 0 Thanked 15 Times in 14 Posts	Thanks for mentioning the Muira. It's my all time favorite mid-engine design.