The Germans have a serious knack for compiling the ultimate in aesthetic appeal, track-worthy performance and seemingly limitless, luxurious amenities into one compact package. Just skimming through any of the high-end manufacturer brochures will have you bookmarking every page. Even 2008’s drop-top entries from Porsche and Mercedes have undoubtedly attempted to squeeze all of the aforementioned accoutrements into the confined space of the two-seater format.
Entering the ring this time around are the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK280. The Boxster, internally known in Zuffenhausen as codename 987, made its debut at the 2004 Paris Auto Show and has, most recently, received a new front fascia and an incremental power bump. The SLK280 was introduced in 1997 and has since undergone an extensive physical transformation to supplement its underhood prowess. Both convertibles have accrued multiple awards, but will now be graded on our six criteria to see which can lose the roof without losing its cool.
2008 Porsche Boxster
MSRP (base): $45,800Engine: 2.7-liter, flat V6
Horsepower: 245 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 201 lb-ft @ 4,600 - 6,000 rpm
MPG: City: 20; Highway: 29
Performance - 17/20
You may not immediately notice the subtle changes made at Stuttgart to the Porsche Boxster, but upon closer inspection -- which you are most certainly guaranteed to do -- you'd see the most nimble second generation skeleton in its class. The frame, shared with the solid-roofed Cayman, boasts a flawless 50/50 weight distribution. This mid-engine cruiser, with its responsive steering, carves some major pavement and ensures that no slalom is too much of a challenge. Base models of the Porsche Boxster are equipped with Porsche's Stability Management, or PSM, which monitors the pilot’s inputs and utilizes selective braking of the monobloc, four-piston, fixed-alloy calipers with Swiss-cheese discs and ABS, to retain optimal control of the car. The suspension is mildly rigid, but not uncomfortably so, and plays a significant role in eliminating bounce. Optional is the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) that automatically tailors the suspension’s setup according to the terrain conditions you're driving on. A peek into the engine bay showcases a 2.7-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 mated to a five-speed manual or six-speed auto-stick, good for 245 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 160 mph.
Exterior design - 15/20The Porsche Boxster projects a slender silhouette and its aesthetic remains virtually unchanged since its recent physical reconstructions, with the exception of the sleeker door panels and darting headlamps. The design team improved the automatic-folding soft-roof scheme with a tonneau cover and a collapsing pulley that completes the task of going top to not in just 12 ticks. If that doesn’t do it for you, then maybe its ability to do so at speeds of up to 30 mph will. Beyond that, the Porsche Boxster features an aerodynamic, self-extending rear spoiler and 17-inch wheels. And while the Boxster is a Porsche, it seems to lack the aggressive look that the 911 and Cayman wear with such reverence, even with the improved exterior design.
Interior design - 7/10
The Porsche Boxster’s cabin is as surprising as it is functional -- or better yet, surprising because it is functional. The plush appointments, leather stitching, pricey plastic composites, and aluminum brush accents distinguish this convertible as a rare find. The bolstered bucket seats deliver tremendous lateral cradling; even your wingman will appreciate not having to cling to the door handle. The seats have been slung lower than previous editions and the roof has been raised to create more room that is oft scarce in this category. Still, the cockpit isn’t exactly spotless, as anyone over six foot one inch will notice right away when trying to enter or exit the drop-top. The heads-up display digits play victim to certain glares and become less than legible at times. The climate control system’s knobs and stereo dials appear to be undersized clones and threaten to confuse any driver who doesn't want to spare any more concentration than is necessary to change the radio station or turn on the air conditioning. The interior’s boost comes from two considerate storage compartments. Logically, a moderate front and rear trunk crown this one of the most practical roadster in the field, at the moment.
Sound system/goodies - 5/10
The key component in being dubbed a luxury roadster is of course, luxury. Porsche has always been a benchmark of sorts and attempts to extend this to its freshest Boxster, although we will admit that we expected much more of the German brand. The onboard computer comes complete with AM/FM radio and an in-dash CD player with speed-sensitive volume control. There are four 50-watt speakers that lose a significant percentage of clarity and depth when cranked just past midway. Absent are the adaptations for an iPod and satellite radio module. The DVD-based navigation system is simple so non-techies will appreciate it being far easier to operate than others on the market. As mentioned before, a lot of the controls blend together so be prepared to use the phrase, “Where the (insert expletive here) did the (insert expletive with center-console control) go?” until you really get used to your new ride.
Bang for your buck - 17/20The 2008 Porsche Boxster remains a stead on the roster, capitalizing on being a more affordable variant of the now-popular Cayman, and a much, much cheaper alternative to the 911 lineup. Offering as much as it does, with the pilot’s enjoyment in mind, the $45,800 asked is less than the marques average and is more than permissible.
Driving experience - 18/20
Whipping through traffic becomes a “breeze” in this ruthless, roofless ride.The superior vehicle
Overall score - 79/100
The Porsche Boxster is a golden option as summer nears. Some may refer to is as the Poor-man's Porsche, but because it's just that -- affordable -- it makes this rag-top highly desirable, practical and fun to drive. Who could really ask for more?
dynamics and road-hugging handling lend several degrees of credibility to the many “Top Car of the Year” awards the Porsche Boxster has received. Twenty city miles to the gallon and 29 on the open road will get you where you need to go, although our only riffs are that the seats seem stiff after too long and there’s a little too much wind noise when the top is on.
Mercedes SLK280 Roadster
MSRP (base): $44, 975Engine: 3.0 -liter, V6
Horsepower: 228 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 221 lb-ft @ 2,700 - 5,000 rpm
MPG: City: 17; Highway: 25
Performance - 18/20
Propped atop a highly acclaimed, banter-weight aluminum chassis is the 2008, entry rung Mercedes SLK280. The German manufacturer chose the moniker to reflect its intentions for the second generation roadster, Sportlich (Sporty), Leicht (Light) and Kurz (Short). This compact is formatted in RWD and places a highlight on its well-structured, independent, three-link front suspension and independent, five-arm, multilink rear suspension. Setting the SLK280 into motion is a punchy 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve V6 motor, cultivating 228 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm and 221 lb-ft. of torque anywhere between 2,700 and 5,000 rpm. Mercedes-Benz didn’t stop there though; they’ve also tacked on an advanced electronic stability control to keep you planted on the road, no matter how spirited your driving may get. The standard six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic options have been meticulously refined, compared to ‘07’s base, and currently offer ultra-smooth shifting with a preemptive sense of pilot commands. All that performance will see you go from 0-60 mph in 6.1 seconds and a hit a top run rate of 174 mph.
Exterior design - 18/20
Here is where most will find the Mercedes SLK280 irresistible. The two-door, short-sport’s styling cues have put some distance between itself and the “chick car” stigma of yesteryear, taking cues from the coveted SLR and exuding an aura of sensual automotive sex appeal. The elongated hood, wedged outline, crouched rear end, and raked windshield make for an added wind-splitting effect. The signature, electro-hydraulic, retractable, steel hard-top allows the SLK280 to be both a
convertible and coupe, and is our favorite of the bunch. The impressive and technologically advanced drop-top fractures into three segments before it acrobats and stacks itself into the trunk in a tidy 22 seconds. Those who require even more attention on the road than this car already garners will be pleased with the mega-glossy, clear-coat paint as well.Interior design - 7/10
The captain’s quarters of the Mercedes SLK280 is inviting, and oozes sophistication. All cowhide threads used are remarkably soft to the touch and seem to surround the driver in comfort from every angle. Hopping in and out with the top raised can be potentially hazardous for consumers over six feet tall, but does not require you to be a contortionist. The cabin displays two eight-way adjustable seats that make it seem cramped on the whole, but consider that these bucket seats are more accommodating than those of the competitors, even in the upright position. The trunk has 9.8 cubic feet of space, which gets reduced to 6.5 cubic feet when the roof is back. Unfortunately, the HUD is a bit baffling, but it's still more manageable than not.
Sound system/goodies - 5/10The short-sport Mercedes SLK280, in its most modest form, comes equipped with a standard AM/FM audio network with an in-dash, single-CD player. Although there are nine speakers provided in total (which could seem superfluous for a car this compact) the quality of the output is alarmingly intermediate. Housed in the center stack is the contempo AIRSCARF unit that channels warm air through the headrests to the occupants’ neck and shoulders -- which is oh-so pleasing to those of us driving in more northern climates. The introduction of this system makes this the best all-weather convertible, hands down. The system even compensates for fluctuations in speed and air temperature, and is governed by a tri-stage temperature monitor. If your wallet can handle an upgrade, the Premium III package includes a DVD-rooted navigation system with a COMAND head unit (think shades of BMW’s iDrive unit with half the hassle).
Bang for your buck - 17/20
When you look at the Mercedes-Benz SLK280 as a complete package (even with the roof) and you consider the price tag of nearly $45,000, it really is a good bargain. Mercedes has maintained enough of a focus on luxury without neglecting the importance of creating a fun daily driver for the consumer, and this SLK280 is valued accordingly.
Driving experience - 17/20
Motoring in the Mercedes SLK280 transforms any hike into your own personal Nurburgring hot lap. The helping of torque and its exceptional throttle response means this Merc is agreeable in both traffic-riddled urban jungles as well as scenic back roads. This unique roadster experience stems from its ability to be two separate cars, while maintaining its status as one of Mercedes-Benz’s best handling machines ever. The 17 mpg city and 25 highway, however, do not match the Boxster’s EPA and the meager cargo room may prove to be a reservation as well.
Overall score - 82/100
While some may not be completely sold on the Mercedes-Benz SLK280's masculinity, this is definitely a roadster that knows how to get down and dirty, and it does it in style. Mercs are notorious for their sophistication and class, and the SLK280 is no exception. However, it manages to be aristocratic and still have some attitude, which is precisely what you want in a Benz rag-top.
and the winner is…
The convertible roadster has always served as the quintessential star of the warmer seasons, with the obvious style benefits of chop-top driving. Porsche and Mercedes are just two marques to have put a fresh spin on an old concept, with ingenious roof-top designs and interiors that make the harrowed cargo-less roadsters a thing of the past. While the Porsche Boxster is stellar in its own context -- and it is, after all, a Porsche -- the SLK is a bit edgier aesthetically and under the hood it deserves this automotive victory.82/100
Resources:http://www.porsche.com/
http://www.mbusa.com/
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