SLK/R171: Mercedes SLK v Porsche Boxster
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Midlands, England
SLK 230
Mercedes SLK v Porsche Boxster
Okay I know this has been vented on many previous occasions. But I am hoping now that both new cars have had a year to get into the hearts and minds of people I wondered what the general thoughts of people are and I don't just mean the car, driving, but also the whole general appeal, servicing, things going wrong, and generally the difference in being treated. I appreciate this is a mercedes forum but please try to be as unbiased as possible please. 
ON PROBATION
Joined: Jun 2005
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OMG...here we go again.... Gentlemen, start your engines! LOL 
My opinion: They are two completely different cars. Yes, they have roadster, convertible, and sports car in common -- but they are very different cars IMO. Depends on what you really want and value the most.
Do you want sportscar/roadster, row through the gears, and spot-on handling with a soft-top? Get the Boxster S.
Do you want roadster/sportcar/grand tourer, a very good - but automatic -tranny, power, and great handling with a folding hardtop? Get the SLK55 with the 030 package.
I'm done.
My opinion: They are two completely different cars. Yes, they have roadster, convertible, and sports car in common -- but they are very different cars IMO. Depends on what you really want and value the most.
Do you want sportscar/roadster, row through the gears, and spot-on handling with a soft-top? Get the Boxster S.
Do you want roadster/sportcar/grand tourer, a very good - but automatic -tranny, power, and great handling with a folding hardtop? Get the SLK55 with the 030 package.
I'm done.
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 82
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 SLK350
I cannot speak to the Porsche at all... never have owned or driven one.
As for the R171, I can say that I have been very impressed. I had a first year W208 which was a mechanically trouble-free car, but had it's share of interior fit/finish problems. I based my decision to accept my '06 SLK350 delivery in part on the information I culled from the owner forums, which suggested that first year manufacturing problems had been resolved.
As to another point, how one is treated by the dealership, I had eight years of experience with my current one in San Jose, CA... and I have generally been impressed with them. That would have factored into my purchase decision as well, but more likely in a negative way should my experiences with them not have been as good.
There just isn't a rational way of comparing the cars directly. And even if there were it would be somewhat meaningless, IMHO. I share the sentiment that the car's design, behavior, and performance needs to fit the needs and desires (and budget!) of the prospective owner. Every car has strong and weak characteristics, when compared against a given buyer's list of important evaluation points.
As for the R171, I can say that I have been very impressed. I had a first year W208 which was a mechanically trouble-free car, but had it's share of interior fit/finish problems. I based my decision to accept my '06 SLK350 delivery in part on the information I culled from the owner forums, which suggested that first year manufacturing problems had been resolved.
As to another point, how one is treated by the dealership, I had eight years of experience with my current one in San Jose, CA... and I have generally been impressed with them. That would have factored into my purchase decision as well, but more likely in a negative way should my experiences with them not have been as good.
There just isn't a rational way of comparing the cars directly. And even if there were it would be somewhat meaningless, IMHO. I share the sentiment that the car's design, behavior, and performance needs to fit the needs and desires (and budget!) of the prospective owner. Every car has strong and weak characteristics, when compared against a given buyer's list of important evaluation points.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 62
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From: San Jose
SLK 350
I drove the SLK320, Boxer, 350ZX and the G35 Coupe. There were no Z4 to try at the time. The 350ZX was the most sure footed and powerful. The Boxter had large blind spots with the top up. I guess it doesn't matter if you are on a 2 lane road. For a Porsche, the color of the caliper signify the level of trim; black, silver and red in accending order. In the Porsche, it is very easy to concentrate on the driving since there are no MOST rings and iPOD integration kits to worry about.
The G35 was the most civilized. I would have gone with the G35 but my wife decide on the SLK350 and we pickup a cancellation in late 2004.
The G35 was the most civilized. I would have gone with the G35 but my wife decide on the SLK350 and we pickup a cancellation in late 2004.
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Joined: Jan 2006
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SLK vs BoxsterS
For what it's worth.........Just traded my 01 Boxster S (out of warranty) in on a 05 SLK.
Unbelievable mid engine handling with the Boxster S and great sound with that engine right behind your head. Also seems like a bit more space with two trunks. A little more sport in the S vs a little more comfort/class in the SLK.
Initial impressions on the SLK ..........better acceleration. Love the hardtop for security sake. Better interior appointments. Love the new SLK design.
It depends on your preferences I like to try new cars every two or three years. I loved my TT too but design not fresh any longer. Any car out of warranty makes me nervious especailly a Porsche !!!!!!!!!!! They can be tempermental.
Unbelievable mid engine handling with the Boxster S and great sound with that engine right behind your head. Also seems like a bit more space with two trunks. A little more sport in the S vs a little more comfort/class in the SLK.
Initial impressions on the SLK ..........better acceleration. Love the hardtop for security sake. Better interior appointments. Love the new SLK design.
It depends on your preferences I like to try new cars every two or three years. I loved my TT too but design not fresh any longer. Any car out of warranty makes me nervious especailly a Porsche !!!!!!!!!!! They can be tempermental.
