Car comparison

Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4vsMercedes-Benz SLK (R171) · Facelift 2008 SLK 350 V6

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Porsche Boxster (981)

S 3.4

315 hp3436 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedRoadster2012-2016
VS

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) · Facelift 2008

SLK 350 V6

305 hp3498 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedRoadster2008-2011

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    5.1 s
  • Fastest top speed
    279 km/h
    173 mph
  • Most powerful
    315 hp
    235 kW
  • Highest torque
    360 Nm
    266 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,340 kg
    2,954 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    235 hp/t
    175 kW/t
    4.3 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.0 L/100 km
    26.1 mpg US
    31.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    12.7 L/100 km
    18.5 mpg US
    22.2 mpg UK
  • Largest trunk
    280 L
  • Best overall score
    58/100
  • Best performance score
    70/100
  • Best economy score
    83/100
  • Best practicality score
    31/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelPorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
Power
315hp235kW
305hp227kW
Torque
360Nm266lb-ft
360Nm266lb-ft
Curb weight
1,340kg2,954lb
1,430kg3,153lb
Gross weight
1,655kg3,649lb
1,800kg3,968lb
Top speed
279 km/h
173 mph
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
66.4s99% target: 276 km/h / 172 mph
Calculated
70.5s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.1s
5.4s
0-200 km/h
16.1s
Calculated
17.9s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.9s
Calculated
5.1s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9L/100 km26.1mpg US31.4mpg UK
9.7L/100 km24.2mpg US29.1mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
12.7L/100 km18.5mpg US22.2mpg UK
14.5L/100 km16.2mpg US19.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.1L/100 km33.1mpg US39.8mpg UK
7L/100 km33.6mpg US40.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.1s
Calculated
13.4s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
235hp/t175kW/t107hp/1000 lb
Calculated
213hp/t159kW/t97hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
269Nm/t180lb-ft/ton
Calculated
252Nm/t168lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
711km442mi
Calculated
722km448mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,436cc210cu in
3,498cc213cu in
Length
4,374mm172in
4,107mm162in
Width
1,801mm71in
1,788mm70in
Height
1,281mm50in
1,298mm51in
Wheelbase
2,475mm97in
2,430mm96in
Front track-
1,526mm60in
Rear track-
1,549mm61in
Trunk volume
280L
208L
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
64L
70L
CO2 emissions
211g/km
-

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) Facelift 2008 SLK 350 V6PowerTorque
  • Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) Facelift 2008 SLK 350 V6: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.46,700 rpm4,500-5,800 rpm6,950 rpm
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V66,500 rpm4,900 rpm6,750 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricPorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.9 s
5.1 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.1 s
5.4 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
16.1 s
17.9 s
Top speed
279 km/h
173 mph
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.3 s
2.3 s
330 ft
101 m
5.8 s
5.9 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.7 s
8.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.1 s
11.4 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.1 s
13.4 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
181 km/h
113 mph
175 km/h
109 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4
315 hp
235 kW
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
305 hp
227 kW

Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4 has 10 hp more than Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) Facelift 2008 SLK 350 V6.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) Facelift 2008 SLK 350 V6 and Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4: 10 hp (7 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4
360 Nm
266 lb-ft
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
360 Nm
266 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4
1,340 kg
2,954 lb
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
1,430 kg
3,153 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4
279 km/h
173 mph
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.45.1 s
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V65.4 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) Facelift 2008 SLK 350 V6: 0.3 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
9.7 L/100 km
24.2 mpg US
29.1 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) Facelift 2008 SLK 350 V6: 0.7 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4
235 hp/t
175 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
213 hp/t
159 kW/t
4.7 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4
711 km
442 mi
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
722 km
448 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4
315 hp
235 kW
5.1 s
279 km/h
173 mph
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
305 hp
227 kW
5.4 s
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4
Power
315 hp
235 kW
0-100 km/h5.1 s
Top speed
279 km/h
173 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
280 L
9.9 cu ft
Length
4,374 mm
172.2 in
Height
1,281 mm
50.4 in
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
Power
305 hp
227 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
208 L
7.3 cu ft
Length
4,107 mm
161.7 in
Height
1,298 mm
51.1 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4
Power
315 hp
235 kW
0-100 km/h5.1 s
Top speed
279 km/h
173 mph
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
Power
305 hp
227 kW
0-100 km/h5.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.7 L/100 km
24.2 mpg US
29.1 mpg UK

Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 mpg UK
5.1 s
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
9.7 L/100 km
24.2 mpg US
29.1 mpg UK
5.4 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
PorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4
235 hp/t
175 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
213 hp/t
159 kW/t
4.7 kg/hp
9.7 L/100 km
24.2 mpg US
29.1 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehiclePorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4Mercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
Power
315 hp
235 kW
305 hp
227 kW
Torque
360 Nm
266 lb-ft
360 Nm
266 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.1 s
5.4 s
Top speed
279 km/h
173 mph
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,340 kg
2,954 lb
1,430 kg
3,153 lb
Fuel consumption
9.0 L/100 km
26.1 mpg US
31.4 mpg UK
9.7 L/100 km
24.2 mpg US
29.1 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
280 L
9.9 cu ft
Length
4,374 mm
172.2 in
Height
1,281 mm
50.4 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
208 L
7.3 cu ft
Length
4,107 mm
161.7 in
Height
1,298 mm
51.1 in
Range score
711 km
442 mi
722 km
448 mi
CO2 score
211 g/km
-
Trunk score
280 L
9.9 cu ft
208 L
7.3 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
235 hp/t
175 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
213 hp/t
159 kW/t
4.7 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehiclePorsche Boxster (981) S 3.4Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) Facelift 2008 SLK 350 V6
Consumption9 L/100 km26.1 mpg US31.4 mpg UK9.7 L/100 km24.2 mpg US29.1 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.75 LC100 km16.97 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi25.35 LC100 mi27.32 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,350 L357 US gal297 UK gal1,455 L384 US gal320 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,363 LC/year2,546 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4

  • Has 10 hp more
  • Is 90 kg lighter
  • Is 0.3 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 9 km/h (6 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 0.7 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 22 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 72 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Largest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4
Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) SLK 350 V6
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2 vehicles selected

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