Porsche Boxster vs Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Convertibles compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Porsche Boxster: we're still completing price, warranty, ground clearance, turning circle and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
No price
- no option data for this car
$386,500RRP
- with the Porsche Boxster's standard kit: $386,500 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Porsche Boxster
- REC-004963 · published 29 Sep 2021Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear suspension may fail in extreme driving situations.Year range on the notice: 2012 - 2013; 2014
- REC-001155 · published 26 Sep 2019An airbag control unit with an out of specification capacitor for maintaining power supply may have been installed on the affected vehicles.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2016
- REC-001152 · published 27 Mar 2019The airbag sensors in the sides of the vehicle may not have been tensioned sufficiently.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2018
- 1 more on the model page.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
- REC-003905 · published 20 Nov 2019The front passenger airbag may not have been sewn in accordance with the specifications.Year range on the notice: the notice prints no build range
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, Burmester audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Porsche Boxster uses a Petrol producing 232kW and 360Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed pdk dual-clutch to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class responds with a Petrol making 430kW and 800Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has the clear power advantage at 430kW vs 232kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Porsche Boxster measures 4,374mm long on a 2,475mm wheelbase, 331mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class at 4,705mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 280L in the Porsche Boxster and 213L in the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, giving the Porsche Boxster a 67L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m diameter
Average
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.3 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,280/year for the Porsche Boxster and $3,962/year for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. That is a $1,682 annual difference in favour of the Porsche Boxster.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Porsche Boxster if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Porsche's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (49 vs 49). The Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Porsche Boxster will save you roughly $1,682 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Porsche Boxster has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is the cheapest at $386,500 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Porsche Boxster uses the least fuel at 8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Porsche Boxster has the largest boot at 280L with the seats up.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class makes the most power at 430kW. The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 3.9s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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