Since I am expecting delivery of a tectite grey SLK55 in June/July, I was pleased to come across the first comparison down under of the SLK55 vs Boxster S.
"Describing the SLK55, the reviewer said "Everyone deserves to feel the surge of this car at least once in their life.Here is the link:

http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/ar...vf=2&bg=1&pp=0

Nice review. I am ordering a 2006. I was at my dealer last night and they say that I actually place the order in two weeks. In order to get an earlier allocation spot, they are trading their allocation slot of an SL65 for mine. They are a nice dealer to work with.

TEAShea
from Nebraska

At this point, The SLK55 and the upcoming Porsche Cayman appear to be more equivalent models. The choice of waiting for the future model or selecting the SLK55 now is difficult.

Thanks for this review. All the way from Australia to find a writer that doesn't have Porsche $ in his back pocket.

Porsche has their own money?

That must be why their prices are so stupidly expensive. When you print your own money, you can charge whatever you want!

Amen, lisamcgu.
It was quite disappointing to see the R171 SLK featured on a few bits from shows like Top Gear and Fifth Gear only to have it become the foil to the Boxster's purported sports handling perfection. This article is definitely refreshing and self-affirming

Addendum - I also found these comparisons for the SLK in general on the same site at: http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/ar...x?id=5817&vf=1 <--- Z4, 350Z, Crossfire, SLK comparo
http://www.drive.com.au/editorial/ar...x?id=9268&vf=1 <--- Boxster, Z4, SLK comparo with Porsche $

It seems clear to me that the SLK55 does not currently have a direct competitor in Aus anyway.Wingless, I would wait for the 06 SLK if there was going to be a significant upgrade.I have heard all the rumours,but it seems unlikely that the 4 valve V8 will appear in the SLK so soon.

Lisamcgu, couldn't agree more.As far as real world on road performance goes, I think the SLK55 must have really caned the Boxster for the Journos to come to any other conclusion.

In the new issue of Car Magazine there is a comparison between the SLK 55, CORVETTE and TVR SAGARIS haven’t read it yet but when I get the issue ill scan and post it.

I've read it... but I won't spoil the surprise! Car magazine has never been my favourite, though. It's right down there with What Car generally.

Mattar, we don't have the corvette or the TVR in Aus, but I look forward to reading that comparison.

I sort of understand their logic in only testing the Boxster with an auto box to make it a fair comparison but Porsches tip auto is crap compared to the SLK 7G..... the auto Box is much slower than the manual car anyway.

Anyone that orders a Boxster S and then pays good money to ruin it by adding an auto should be shot as far as I'm concerned

The upcoming Porsche Cayman S appears to be a better match, in terms of cost and performance, to the SLK55, than the Boxster S.

Nearly..... but its not a convertible

Each vehicle feature is weighted by the consumer. For those who place performance at a greater value than open-air motoring, this ride will definitely be considered and then cut into the SLK55 market share.

How is a four-passenger Audi S4 considered equivalent, for comparison purposes, to the the two two-passenger vehicles?

Just read in Wheels mag in oz that BMW is planning a convertible 1 series to be called M coupe using the current M3’s 252kw engine. That should be interesting.

Wingless, the S4 is a competitor because it is a convertible that is similarly priced. I think having four seats may be a bonus for some(like me with two kids..impending purchase of lexus RX330 will take care of that) but not for others who are after max performance. If there was an SLK option of two small rear seats for a similar price, I would buy it. I would not, however, pay a SL55 premium for this convenience.

Eh? I didn't realize the SL55 had two small rear seats!!

Vantage I have never driven an SL55, but I thought that it had small bench seat.It certainly looks large enough to have them..If it doesn't I stand corrected.

If no extra seats, then how many extra golf bags can SL hold over the SLK?

Technically the SL55 doesn't have a rear bench seat....... its a parcel shelf that you could squeeze a small person into if you wanted....... it also doesn't have a seat belt in the rear so another clue that its not a proper seat.

Trouble is many SL55 owners probably think its a seat because it really does look like one!

Wait a minute, no extra seats, much bigger,but not much quicker than the SLK55 and much more expensive!

warning I would invest my money in a Kleeman system.Tried to do that, but dealer wont allow pre purchase mods.Also I was told that Merc have stopped all tourists deliveries.