[hrag]

Didn't BSM have a similar kind of comparo or teaser last month?

[Gordon]

Lets look at some differentiating details here:





Mercedes SLK 350 | Porsche Boxster S

• Wheels: 17 inch | 18 inch
• Electronic Brake Assistance: Std | N/A
• Telematic Systems: Std | N/A
• Automatic Headlights: Std | N/A
• Daytime Running Lights: Std | N/A
• Rear Spoiler: N/A | Std
• Separate Driver/Front Passenger Climate Controls: Std | N/A
• Steering Wheel Mounted Controls: Std | Opt
• Electronic Parking Aid: N/A | Opt
• Passenger Multi-Adjustable Power Seat: Opt | Std
• Cargo Net: N/A | Std
• Self Sealing/Run Flat Tires: Opt | N/A

The SLK350 and the Boxster S share a lot of features in common with the exception of the above. Clearly, the SLK offers more interior comforts like the Seperate Passenger Climate Control, Steering Mounted Controls and extra exterior features like the Automatic Headlights.

Buttt lets look at the performance figures:

• The SLK is 8bhp lower than the Boxster S.
• The SLK is about 0.5 seconds slower to the 100kmph mark than the Boxster S.
• Top Speed is 155mph (limited) for the SLK while the Boxster S beats it to 168mph. No idea what it would do without that limiter.

Anyways, its almost on par with the Boxster S. And the only reason for most to prefer the Boxster is BECAUSE it is a "Porsche" since most are bored of a Mercedes. Some also prefer it because it is a better handling car. Overall, the SLK seems more practical car though.

In the UK, the SLK is about 4000 pounds cheaper than the Boxster S. I guess the SLK is a more expensive car than the Boxster S here in India. Does anyone have the prices of the two cars in India?! I couldn't find proper prices.

* Comparitive details sourced from MSN Autos

[BuRnT RuBbEr]

Originally Posted by Gordon

Mercedes SLK 350 | Porsche Boxster S

• Wheels: 17 inch | 18 inch
• Electronic Brake Assistance: Std | N/A
• Telematic Systems: Std | N/A
• Automatic Headlights: Std | N/A
• Daytime Running Lights: Std | N/A
• Rear Spoiler: N/A | Std
• Separate Driver/Front Passenger Climate Controls: Std | N/A
• Steering Wheel Mounted Controls: Std | Opt
• Electronic Parking Aid: N/A | Opt
• Passenger Multi-Adjustable Power Seat: Opt | Std
• Cargo Net: N/A | Std
• Self Sealing/Run Flat Tires: Opt | N/A

• Malfunctions: Std | not much reported.

Porsche would be it for me. Sheer driving pleasure. Agression. and Porsche. period.

[sridhar24]

For me its the Porsche anyday over a Merc. Nothing beats a porsche for pure driving pleasure, a pure driver's car.

[Aditya]

Originally Posted by BuRnT RuBbEr

• Malfunctions: Std | not much reported.

Porsche would be it for me. Sheer driving pleasure. Agression. and Porsche. period.

Exactly what I was thinking.
Without any hesitation, I'll head towards the Porsche. Maybe a poor man's 911, but, it's still awesome to drive.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. "My hard earned money? Jag / Aston / Porsche before I even think of anything else.

[adya33]

Porsche is leading poll by whooping 14 votes.
Which has once again assured me that my choice of SLK was correct one.

With so many people getting Boxster, SLK will remain exclusive.

Without any hesitation, I'll head towards the Porsche. Maybe a poor man's 911, but, it's still awesome to drive.

Adi, where are you going to use all that handling in India ?

[Arnav_Kacker]

Originally Posted by adya33

Adi, where are you going to use all that handling in India ?

Talking plainly in terms of appeal...id settle for porsche.....practicality issues would tend me towards the SLK

[SLK]

Its got to be SLK for me! (now I am one person who doesn't need to give reasons)

.. Actually reasons
Looks
Equipment
Practicality
Probably A.S.S

[Rehaan]

I hate to say it, but i would have to choose the boxster because thats more of a car from an enthusiasts point of view...

However, i think the SLK is much better looking, not to mention the awesome convineience of that roof.

Adya33, what makes you think that handling isnt important at lower speeds too ? say <120km.h etc ?

Gordon, very well laid out thread!

cya
R

[cooldude1988765]

I chose the slk just for looks and sice it is India the handling advantage of the boxster will never be found out. Plus the Slk is a hard top...

[mxx]

>>Malfunctions: Std | not much reported. by BuRnT RuBbEr

MALFUNCTIONS??? r u joking???
I havnt used slk, but with my experience with C and E class, i havnt encountered even a single problem. and i expect the same from other merc products.

[adya33]

Adya33, what makes you think that handling isnt important at lower speeds too ? say <120km.h etc ?

Yes handling is important at lower speed too. Agreed.
However at lower speeds <120kmph SLK also handles well, where Boxster shines is at high speed handling.

[Gordon]

Malfunctions: Std | not much reported.

What malfunctions?! Are there any reported from the SLK owners?! If its a one-off issue it can be ignored. Just because they are present on the C and E doesn't mean the SLK too has them. What guarantees you that the Boxster is a problem-free car?!

Speaking about handling, its not that the SLK handles rubbish compared to the Boxster. The Boxster just handles better on a race track, otherwise practically it doesn't make any difference to us. Moreover, there is hardly any difference in performance.

[navin]

I got a few PMs about numbe plates being visible. TBHP's policy is that we protect the owner's identity. his means that if the photo was at a public event (where the number plate could be seen and photogrpahed by others such as the press) or taken from a publication (such as in this case) the number plates need not be blanked out.

However if the pics are in a private garage or not otherwise available for public consumption we cannot allow for the pics to be poasted on TBHP.

As a precaution however, my personal view is, it is best to blank out number plates so that we protect the owner's identity as far as we can.

Originally Posted by Gordon

[* This is only a comparison between the SLK 350 and the Boxster S
** Technical figures from Top Gear India
*** Pics taken at MotoXtreme, so plates are not blanked out

[Aditya]

Originally Posted by adya33

Adi, where are you going to use all that handling in India ?

If you look at it that way, even a car like a Lancer has more than enough capability to handle our roads.