987 vs. SLK Autoweek review - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Adam · 07-08-2005, 12:31 PM

I thought this review was interesting. I just wished they would've used an S but then it would've been a total wash.
http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=102662

eslai · 07-08-2005, 01:16 PM

I drove my friend's brand-new SLK last weekend. It still has the german plates on it from when he did the European Delivery.

It's a NICE car. LOTS of torque, and for the money you get a heck of a lot more luxury than you do with the Boxster. However there's some questionable bits--like why is the windblocker still a mesh knit stocking that you put over the headrests? It makes a lot of strange glare from headlights behind you at night.

The thing I liked the most about it was the fact that there's even less wind turbulence in the cabin when the top's down than there is in the Boxster. Nice!

But it has a totally different attitude than the Boxster. As a "driver", my Boxster S makes me much happier than his torquey SLK. He's the kind of guy that asks me not to redline the car (yes, it's broken in). I'm the kind of guy that tells him to beat on it!

And personally, I like the way the Boxster looks much more than the SLK. That beak-nosed thing that Mercedes has been doing lately is rather gaudy I think, as is the pie-plate sized Mercedes emblem/grille.

Oh, and the steering is way too light on the SLK.

SD987 · 07-08-2005, 05:56 PM

Motortrend had previously published a comparison between the 987S with the SLK55 AMG, which they considered more apples to apples than 987S to SLK350.

http://motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0504_stars/

Adam · 07-08-2005, 07:11 PM

Yeah, I saw that one too. I can't believe they gave the SLK 350 a six speed but it's auto only for the AMG. What are they thinking? The AMG blows away the boxster s because it runs in C6 territory so power wise the S is closer to the standard SLK but it costs about 8k more. I think it could go either way because the AMG is a good amount more than the S as well.

SD987 · 07-08-2005, 07:42 PM

I don't think I'm really going out on a limb by saying I'd rather have an SLK55 AMG than a Boxster S. It seems like the germans (bmw/merc/audi at least) are really making the transition to F1 style/automatic shifters. Only reason the M6 is getting a manual is because Americans want it.

JackG · 07-08-2005, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD987

I don't think I'm really going out on a limb by saying I'd rather have an SLK55 AMG than a Boxster S. It seems like the germans (bmw/merc/audi at least) are really making the transition to F1 style/automatic shifters. Only reason the M6 is getting a manual is because Americans want it.

Then you need to be banished from this forum.

The Boxster is a FAR better looking car than the SLK, and in capable hands is the winner in the areas that matter.

But maybe I'm wrong...

Jack

Brucelee · 07-09-2005, 06:11 AM

I have never driven a Mercedes that I would consider buying. For some reason, they have all seemed too vague and heavy to me (handling wise). This includes some AMG models etc.

Perhaps this new car is different but I am skeptical.

PS- the Benz is pretty car though.

Rail26 · 07-09-2005, 07:03 AM

Brucelee speak truth Kemosabe. Porsche good, Benz bad.

99-Boxster-MK · 07-09-2005, 07:59 AM

Aren't all Mercedez electrical disasters? Just what I heard and absorbed while reading around. Not one car in perticular just the overal feeling that there are many electrical issues..

Mike

Brucelee · 07-09-2005, 08:43 AM

Yes, MB has had a ton of issues with electrics.

eslai · 07-09-2005, 09:39 AM

My mother's E320 has been an electrical fiasco. And they make their on-board computers way to confusing. Their demographic is NOT computer nerds, after all! My mother needs my help to set up just about everything on that car. I doubt she'll buy one again.

The time that the speedometer and fuel gauge just stopped working was a fun day for me.

QporscheQ · 07-09-2005, 01:09 PM

Like I've said in previous posts on similar subjects. One of my best friends owns the previous gen SLK32AMG. I like my 986 in every single catagory over the SLK with the exception of two things. The folding hard top is very cool and the stock stereo is a million times better.

ranbar2 · 07-11-2005, 06:58 AM

From the Motor Trend article:

"Going the S route puts Porsche's 3.2-liter, 280-horsepower F-6 just aft of your spine and includes sportier suspension tuning, 18-inch rolling stock, and brakes."

I especially like the fact that you get brakes. How the hell do they stop those 2.7's???

Rail26 · 07-11-2005, 10:02 AM

I have a 2.7...it didn't come with brakes, I had to cut a hole in the floor and stop like the Flintstones. Obligatory annoying smily follows:

Brucelee · 07-11-2005, 04:31 PM

You guys are funny!