Mercedes-Benz SL vs. Porsche Cayman Feature Comparison

Features Comparison: Mercedes-Benz SL vs. Porsche Cayman

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Model Year	2008	2008	2008	2008	2007	2007
Model	SL	SL	SL	SL	Cayman	Cayman
Trim	SL550	SL600	SL55 AMG	SL65 AMG	Base	S
Engines (hide)
5.5L V8 DOHC-4v 382 hp@6000 391 lb-ft@2800
turbocharged 5.5L V12 OHC-3v 510 hp@5000 612 lb-ft@1900
supercharged 3.0L V6 DOHC-4v 300 hp@5250 325 lb-ft@2900
turbocharged 6.0L V12 OHC-3v 621 hp@5250 664 lb-ft@2000
2.7L H6 DOHC-4v 265 hp@6700 206 lb-ft@4400
3.4L H6 DOHC-4v 315 hp@6700 266 lb-ft@4500
Transmissions (hide)
7-speed manually-shiftable automatic
5-speed manually-shiftable automatic
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
Drivetrains (hide)
RWD
Tires (hide)
285/35ZR18 tires
255/40ZR18 tires
255/40YR18 tires
285/35YR18 tires
285/30ZR19 tires
255/35ZR19 tires
205/55ZR17 tires
235/50ZR17 tires
235/40ZR18 tires
235/35ZR19 tires
265/40ZR18 tires
265/35ZR19 tires
Audio Systems (hide)
Bose, 250W, 8 speakers (with subwoofer)
Unbranded, 50W, 4 speakers
Bose, 325W, 11 speakers (with subwoofer)
Unbranded, 230W, 7 speakers
Accessories (hide)
Adaptive cruise controlAutomatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Minimum speed around 30 mph. Replaces regular cruise control, and includes its value.   [?]
Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Minimum speed around 30 mph. Replaces regular cruise control, and includes its value.
Cruise control
First-aid kit
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.   [?]
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power locks
Power trunk closerDecklid can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.   [?]
Decklid can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob.
Proximity keyEnter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.   [?]
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Remote window/roof operationOperate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.   [?]
Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power
Universal garage door openerHomelink.   [?]
Homelink.
Wind blocker, smallRemovable or foldable barrier extends upward behind the front seatbacks, preventing cold air from entering the front seat area.   [?]
Removable or foldable barrier extends upward behind the front seatbacks, preventing cold air from entering the front seat area.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety (hide)
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.   [?]
Rear disc brakes.
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seatsIf active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.   [?]
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.   [?]
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.   [?]
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Auto-raising roll bars / headrestsIn some convertibles. Automatically raise when a rollover is sensed.   [?]
In some convertibles. Automatically raise when a rollover is sensed.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.   [?]
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Ceramic brake rotorsCeramic composite brake rotors.   [?]
Ceramic composite brake rotors.
Fire extinguisher
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.   [?]
Mandatory, in all cars.
Front side airbagsTorso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.   [?]
Torso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.
Knee airbag, driver
Obstacle detection, frontBeeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.   [?]
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Performance braking system (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).   [?]
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Temporary spare tire
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.   [?]
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Tires, run-flatCan be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire.   [?]
Can be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.   [?]
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Cargo Management (hide)
Air-conditioned storage compartment
Cargo net
Console with shifter
Storage compartment under front seat(s)
Climate Control (hide)
Air conditioning
Automatic air recirculationAutomatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.   [?]
Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Dual-zone climate controlTemperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.   [?]
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Heated windshield washer nozzles
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.   [?]
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rain-sensing wipersWipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.   [?]
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.
Rear defrost
Residual heatProvides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.   [?]
Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.
Variable intermittent wipersTime between wipes can be precisely adjusted.   [?]
Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted.
Water-repellent front-door glassMakes rain bead up and roll off the windows.   [?]
Makes rain bead up and roll off the windows.
Wiper de-icerHeating elements defrost area where front wipers rest.   [?]
Heating elements defrost area where front wipers rest.
Drivetrain (hide)
Limited-slip rear differentialWhen one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction.   [?]
When one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction.
Engine / Motor (hide)
Mid-engine configurationThe engine is located behind the driver but ahead of the rear axle.   [?]
The engine is located behind the driver but ahead of the rear axle.
Raised top speed limiterPermits a higher top speed before fuel cutoff kicks in.   [?]
Permits a higher top speed before fuel cutoff kicks in.
Sport exhaustChanges sound of exhaust and/or appearance of the tips. In some cases might slightly improve performance.   [?]
Changes sound of exhaust and/or appearance of the tips. In some cases might slightly improve performance.
Exterior (hide)
Body kitSide skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron.   [?]
Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron.
Bright-finished exhaust tip(s)Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.   [?]
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.
Glass roof panel(s)One or more glass panels in the roof that cannot be opened or removed.   [?]
One or more glass panels in the roof that cannot be opened or removed.
Power retractable hardtop
Retractable rear spoilerSpoiler extends automatically at high speeds. Otherwise flush with body. Can be manually extended and retracted.   [?]
Spoiler extends automatically at high speeds. Otherwise flush with body. Can be manually extended and retracted.
Sport front fascia (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Gas Guzzler Tax (hide)
1300
2600
Infotainment (hide)
Audio controls on steering wheel
Bluetooth cell phone linkEnables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.   [?]
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
CD changer, remoteCD changer in the glove compartment, trunk, or cargo area, beyond easy reach. Can be in addition to an in-dash CD player.   [?]
CD changer in the glove compartment, trunk, or cargo area, beyond easy reach. Can be in addition to an in-dash CD player.
CD player
MP3-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.   [?]
Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.   [?]
Screen-based navigation system.
Off-road navigation systemEnables navigation even without roads. Requires and does not include the value of a navigation system.   [?]
Enables navigation even without roads. Requires and does not include the value of a navigation system.
Satellite radioXM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.   [?]
XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply.
Surround sound
Telematics service, such as OnStarIn-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.   [?]
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.   [?]
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Weatherband radioIncludes frequencies for weather channels. Only listed when pricing a single model because incomplete data for all model.   [?]
Includes frequencies for weather channels. Only listed when pricing a single model because incomplete data for all model.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors (hide)
Auto-dimming driver-side mirrorDriver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirrorPassenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.   [?]
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.   [?]
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
ChronometerStopwatch, lap timer. Usually includes an analog clock.   [?]
Stopwatch, lap timer. Usually includes an analog clock.
Cornering lightsLights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned.   [?]
Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned.
Fog light, rearMake it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog.   [?]
Make it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog.
Fog lightsLight wide area close in front of the vehicle.   [?]
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Headlight washers
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.   [?]
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.   [?]
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Interior ambient lightingLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.   [?]
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.   [?]
Front row reading lights.
Mirror tilt-down in reverseOne or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.   [?]
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.
Outside temperature display
Perimeter approach lightingArea around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.   [?]
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.   [?]
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
TachometerReports engine speed.   [?]
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.   [?]
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Xenon HID headlightsProvide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.   [?]
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Seats and Interior Trim (hide)
Front buckets
Front sport buckets
Carbon fiber trimWon't be listed in conjunction with wood or aluminum trim even if they are available together.   [?]
Won't be listed in conjunction with wood or aluminum trim even if they are available together.
Center armrest(s), front row
Cooled or ventilated front seats
Door sill trim plates
Floor mats
Heated front seats
Leather door panel trim
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.   [?]
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather upholstery, extended coverageLeather beyond the seating surfaces, door panels, and IP top. No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models.   [?]
Leather beyond the seating surfaces, door panels, and IP top. No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Manual height adjuster, driver seat
Manual height adjuster, passenger seat
Memory system, driver seat
Memory system, passenger seat
Metal pedals
No leather in second row
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.   [?]
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat
Power headrest height adjuster, driver seat
Power headrest height adjuster, passenger seat
Power height adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, passenger seat
Power lumbar adjuster, driver seatPower-adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Power-adjustable lower back support.
Power lumbar adjuster, passenger seatPower-adjustable lower back support.   [?]
Power-adjustable lower back support.
Power recliner, driver seat
Power recliner, passenger seat
Power seatback bolsters, driver seatPower adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.   [?]
Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.
Power seatback bolsters, passenger seatPower adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.   [?]
Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.
Power thigh bolsters, driver seatPower adjustable bolsters on the seat cushion, to prevent sliding out of the seat in hard turns.   [?]
Power adjustable bolsters on the seat cushion, to prevent sliding out of the seat in hard turns.
Power thigh bolsters, passenger seatPower adjustable bolsters on the seat cushion, to prevent sliding out of the seat in hard turns.   [?]
Power adjustable bolsters on the seat cushion, to prevent sliding out of the seat in hard turns.
Power thigh support length adjuster, driver seatPower-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.   [?]
Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.
Power thigh support length adjuster, passenger seatPower-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.   [?]
Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.   [?]
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Special interior trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Synthetic suede headlinerUsually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars.   [?]
Usually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars.
Synthetic suede steering wheelSynthetic suede steering wheel rim.   [?]
Synthetic suede steering wheel rim.
Upgraded leather upholsteryNo additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models.   [?]
No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models.
Upholstered instrument panel, leather
Wood trimReal wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.   [?]
Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.
Wood trim, expanded coverageNo additional value over wood trim because no way to standardize across all models.   [?]
No additional value over wood trim because no way to standardize across all models.
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheelReal wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim.   [?]
Real wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires (hide)
Adaptive dampers - electricalShocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting.   [?]
Shocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting.
Adaptive hydraulic struts, auto-leveling and ht. adjustableHydraulic semi-active struts severely reduce body roll in turns and can be used to adjust the ride height.   [?]
Hydraulic semi-active struts severely reduce body roll in turns and can be used to adjust the ride height.
Alloy wheels
Electronic systems calibration selectorVaries throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration.   [?]
Varies throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration.
Sport suspension (upgrade)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Ultra-sport suspension (upgrade)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Transmission (hide)
Short-throw shifter (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.   [?]
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controlsPaddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.   [?]
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.

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