Compare the2022 Porsche 718 BoxsterVS 2022 Mercedes AMG SL

Both the 718 Boxster and the AMG SL have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes and blind spot warning systems.

The 718 Boxster’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the AMG SL’s (12 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 718 Boxster second among compact premium sporty cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The AMG SL isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. With 30 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Porsche higher than Mercedes.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche above average in long-term dependability. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mercedes is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Porsche 11 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the 718 Boxster lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0/Spyder’s fuel efficiency. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the 718 Boxster’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

For better stopping power the 718 Spyder’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG SL:

The 718 Spyder’s 245/35R20 front and 295/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG SL’s 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better maneuverability, the 718 Boxster’s turning circle is 6 feet tighter than the AMG SL’s (36.1 feet vs. 42.1 feet). The 718 Spyder’s turning circle is 4.6 feet tighter than the AMG SL’s (37.5 feet vs. 42.1 feet).

The 718 Boxster is 1 foot shorter than the AMG SL, making the 718 Boxster easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 718 Boxster has a much larger trunk with its top down than the AMG SL with its top down (9.6 vs. 7.5 cubic feet). The 718 Boxster has a much larger trunk than the AMG SL with its top up (9.6 vs. 8.5 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Porsche service is better than Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Porsche third in service department satisfaction. With a 30% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 18th.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the 718 Boxster detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The AMG SL doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

On extremely cold winter days, the 718 Boxster’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The AMG SL doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The 718 Boxster’s available GPS navigation system has a real-time traffic update feature that plots alternative routes to automatically bypass traffic problems. (Service not available in all areas.) The AMG SL’s available navigation system doesn’t offer real-time traffic updates.

The Porsche 718 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Mercedes AMG SL isn’t available as a coupe.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Porsche 718 Boxster, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The 718 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 17 of the last 18 years. The AMG SL has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The 718 Boxster was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 10 of the last 22 years. The AMG SL has never been an “All Star.”