Car comparison

Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4vsMercedes-Benz SLK (R172) 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 ccGasolineRWDDual-clutchNaturally aspiratedRoadster2012-2016
VS

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172)

SLK 350 V6

306 hp3498 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedRoadster2011-2015

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
    5.0 s
  • Fastest top speed
    277 km/h
    172 mph
  • Most powerful
    315 hp
    235 kW
  • Lightest
    1,370 kg
    3,020 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    230 hp/t
    171 kW/t
    4.3 kg/hp
  • Largest trunk
    280 L
  • Best overall score
    57/100
  • Best performance score
    69/100
  • Best practicality score
    31/100

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 350 V6

  • Highest torque
    370 Nm
    273 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    7.1 L/100 km
    33.1 mpg US
    39.8 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    9.9 L/100 km
    23.8 mpg US
    28.5 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    5.5 L/100 km
    42.8 mpg US
    51.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest CO2 emissions
    167 g/km
  • Best estimated range
    845 km
    525 mi
  • Best economy score
    88/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelPorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 350 V6
Power
315hp235kW
306hp228kW
Torque
360Nm266lb-ft
370Nm273lb-ft
Curb weight
1,370kg3,020lb
1,465kg3,230lb
Gross weight
1,685kg3,715lb
1,855kg4,090lb
Top speed
277 km/h
172 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
65.0s99% target: 274 km/h / 170 mph
Calculated
72.3s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.0s
5.6s
0-200 km/h
15.9s
Calculated
19.0s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.8s
Calculated
5.3s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
8.2L/100 km28.7mpg US34.4mpg UK
7.1L/100 km33.1mpg US39.8mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
11.4L/100 km20.6mpg US24.8mpg UK
9.9L/100 km23.8mpg US28.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.3L/100 km37.3mpg US44.8mpg UK
5.5L/100 km42.8mpg US51.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.0s
Calculated
13.7s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
230hp/t171kW/t104hp/1000 lb
Calculated
209hp/t156kW/t95hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
263Nm/t176lb-ft/ton
Calculated
253Nm/t169lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
780km485mi
Calculated
845km525mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,436cc210cu in
3,498cc213cu in
Length
4,374mm172in
4,134mm163in
Width
1,801mm71in
1,810mm71in
Height
1,281mm50in
1,301mm51in
Wheelbase
2,475mm97in
2,430mm96in
Front track-
1,559mm61in
Rear track-
1,565mm62in
Trunk volume
280L
225L
Max trunk volume-
335L
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
64L
60L
CO2 emissions
190g/km
167g/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 (R172) SLK 350 V6PowerTorque
  • Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) 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 (R172)SLK 350 V66,500 rpm3,500-5,250 rpm6,750 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricPorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 350 V6
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.8 s
5.3 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.0 s
5.6 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
15.9 s
19.0 s
Top speed
277 km/h
172 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.2 s
2.3 s
330 ft
101 m
5.8 s
6.0 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.6 s
9.0 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.0 s
11.5 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.0 s
13.7 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
182 km/h
113 mph
172 km/h
107 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 (R172)SLK 350 V6
306 hp
228 kW

Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4 has 9 hp more than Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 350 V6.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 350 V6 and Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4: 9 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 (R172)SLK 350 V6
370 Nm
273 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
1,370 kg
3,020 lb
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 350 V6
1,465 kg
3,230 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
277 km/h
172 mph
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 350 V6
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 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 3.45.0 s
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 350 V65.6 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4 and Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 350 V6: 0.6 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
8.2 L/100 km
28.7 mpg US
34.4 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 350 V6
7.1 L/100 km
33.1 mpg US
39.8 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 350 V6 and Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4: 1.1 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
230 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 350 V6
209 hp/t
156 kW/t
4.8 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
780 km
485 mi
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 350 V6
845 km
525 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
5.0 s
277 km/h
172 mph
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 350 V6
306 hp
228 kW
5.6 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 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/h5.0 s
Top speed
277 km/h
172 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 (R172)SLK 350 V6
Power
306 hp
228 kW
0-100 km/h5.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
225 L
7.9 cu ft
Length
4,134 mm
162.8 in
Height
1,301 mm
51.2 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/h5.0 s
Top speed
277 km/h
172 mph
8.2 L/100 km
28.7 mpg US
34.4 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 350 V6
Power
306 hp
228 kW
0-100 km/h5.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
7.1 L/100 km
33.1 mpg US
39.8 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
8.2 L/100 km
28.7 mpg US
34.4 mpg UK
5.0 s
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 350 V6
7.1 L/100 km
33.1 mpg US
39.8 mpg UK
5.6 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
230 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
8.2 L/100 km
28.7 mpg US
34.4 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 350 V6
209 hp/t
156 kW/t
4.8 kg/hp
7.1 L/100 km
33.1 mpg US
39.8 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehiclePorscheBoxster (981)S 3.4Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 350 V6
Power
315 hp
235 kW
306 hp
228 kW
Torque
360 Nm
266 lb-ft
370 Nm
273 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.0 s
5.6 s
Top speed
277 km/h
172 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,370 kg
3,020 lb
1,465 kg
3,230 lb
Fuel consumption
8.2 L/100 km
28.7 mpg US
34.4 mpg UK
7.1 L/100 km
33.1 mpg US
39.8 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
225 L
7.9 cu ft
Length
4,134 mm
162.8 in
Height
1,301 mm
51.2 in
Range score
780 km
485 mi
845 km
525 mi
CO2 score
190 g/km
167 g/km
Trunk score
280 L
9.9 cu ft
225 L
7.9 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
230 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
209 hp/t
156 kW/t
4.8 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 (R172) SLK 350 V6
Consumption8.2 L/100 km28.7 mpg US34.4 mpg UK7.1 L/100 km33.1 mpg US39.8 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km14.35 LC100 km12.42 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi23.09 LC100 mi20.00 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,230 L325 US gal271 UK gal1,065 L281 US gal234 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,153 LC/year1,864 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4

  • Has 9 hp more
  • Is 95 kg lighter
  • Is 0.6 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 12 km/h (7 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 21 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 55 L more trunk volume

Pros

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

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Highest CO2 emissions

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 350 V6

  • Has 10 Nm more
  • Uses 1.1 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 65 km (40 mi) more estimated range
  • Emits 23 g/km less CO2

Pros

  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Porsche Boxster (981) S 3.4
Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 350 V6
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