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Features Comparison: Porsche Boxster vs. Mercedes-Benz M-Class
| Model Year | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2012 | 2006 | 2006 |
| Model | Boxster | Boxster | Boxster | Boxster | M-Class | M-Class |
| Trim | Base | S | S Black Edition | Spyder | ML350 | ML500 |
| Engines | ||||||
| Transmissions | ||||||
| Drivetrains | ||||||
| Tires | ||||||
| Audio Systems | ||||||
| Accessories | ||||||
| Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available. | ||||||
| Liftgate can be opened and closed using buttons inside the vehicle and on the keyfob. | ||||||
| Pulls decklid / liftgate tight after latch is engaged. Door can be shut with very little effort. | ||||||
| Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket. | ||||||
| Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob. | ||||||
| Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob. | ||||||
| Homelink. | ||||||
| Removable or foldable barrier extends upward behind the front seatbacks, preventing cold air from entering the front seat area. | ||||||
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | ||||||
| Rear disc brakes. | ||||||
| Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | ||||||
| Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time. | ||||||
| When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes. | ||||||
| Ceramic composite brake rotors. | ||||||
| Mandatory, in all cars. | ||||||
| Torso-level front row airbags, usually contained in the seats. Many also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags. | ||||||
| Selectively applies the brakes to maintain a slow, steady descent on off-road downhill slopes. | ||||||
| Applies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle. | ||||||
| Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid. | ||||||
| Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid. | ||||||
| Torso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags. | ||||||
| Deploys extended duration side curtain airbags when the vehicle rolls over. Usually included on tall vehicles. Rare on others. | ||||||
| Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row. | ||||||
| Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning). | ||||||
| Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire. | ||||||
| When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction. | ||||||
| Cargo Management | ||||||
| Net extending from the floor to the ceiling to prevent cargo from flying into the passenger area during sudden stops. | ||||||
| Hitch rated for up to 5,000 pounds. Capacity of the vehicle could be lower. | ||||||
| No crossbars. | ||||||
| Includes four-wire harness, limited to relatively small trailers. | ||||||
| Climate Control | ||||||
| Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air. | ||||||
| Maintains set temperature in front row. 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. | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
| Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor. | ||||||
| Vents at aft end of center console, in B-pillars, and/or in ceiling. | ||||||
| Maintains set temperature in rear passenger area by providing heated or cooled air through vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Replaces and includes value of rear air vents with manual controls. | ||||||
| Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row. | ||||||
| Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off. | ||||||
| Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars. | ||||||
| Time between wipes can be precisely adjusted. | ||||||
| Makes rain bead up and roll off the windows. | ||||||
| Drivetrain | ||||||
| When one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction. | ||||||
| Engine / Motor | ||||||
| Valves open in the exhaust at high rpm and/or during brisk acceleration, for power boost and/or richer sound. Valves can also be opened with a switch. | ||||||
| The engine is located behind the driver but ahead of the rear axle. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Changes sound of exhaust and/or appearance of the tips. In some cases might slightly improve performance. | ||||||
| Exterior | ||||||
| Moldings on the bodysides, to protect against door dings in parking lots. | ||||||
| Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust. | ||||||
| Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler. | ||||||
| Spoiler extends automatically at high speeds. Otherwise flush with body. Can be manually extended and retracted. | ||||||
| In addition to first rear spoiler. | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
| Infotainment | ||||||
| Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car. | ||||||
| Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers. | ||||||
| Includes 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. | ||||||
| Audio system capable of playing DVD-Audio discs. | ||||||
| Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port. | ||||||
| Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files. | ||||||
| Audio system capable of playing discs with MP3 files. | ||||||
| Screen-based navigation system. | ||||||
| Enables navigation even without roads. Requires and does not include the value of a navigation system. | ||||||
| XM or Sirius. Includes a subscription for three to six months, after which monthly fees apply. | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
| Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months. | ||||||
| Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls. | ||||||
| Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system. | ||||||
| Includes frequencies for weather channels. Only listed when pricing a single model because incomplete data for all model. | ||||||
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | ||||||
| Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||||||
| Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||||||
| Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle. | ||||||
| Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights. | ||||||
| Stopwatch, lap timer. Usually includes an analog clock. | ||||||
| Lights illuminate area just ahead and to the side of the vehicle when the turn signals are used or the steering wheel is turned. | ||||||
| Make it easier for following vehicles to see the vehicle in fog. | ||||||
| Light wide area close in front of the vehicle. | ||||||
| Clears ice and fog from mirrors. | ||||||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||||||
| Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror. | ||||||
| LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior. | ||||||
| Front row reading lights. | ||||||
| One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb. | ||||||
| Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked. | ||||||
| Includes value of manual remote mirrors. | ||||||
| Mirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots. | ||||||
| Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned. | ||||||
| Reports engine speed. | ||||||
| Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights. | ||||||
| Seats and Interior Trim | ||||||
| Real aluminum trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. Deleted by wood trim even if they appear together. | ||||||
| Won't be listed in conjunction with wood or aluminum trim even if they are available together. | ||||||
| Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette. | ||||||
| Leather beyond the seating surfaces, door panels, and IP top. No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | ||||||
| Manually adjustable lower back support. | ||||||
| Either only the front seats are leather or the upholstery is a mix of cloth and leather. | ||||||
| Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | ||||||
| Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out. | ||||||
| Power 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 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-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | ||||||
| Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs. | ||||||
| Power 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. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Seating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede. | ||||||
| Synthetic suede steering wheel rim. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| No additional value over leather upholstery because no way to standardize across all models. | ||||||
| Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. | ||||||
| Real wood comprises part of the steering wheel rim. | ||||||
| Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
| Air springs automatically level the vehicle and enable manual adjustment of ride height. | ||||||
| Same value as regular alloy wheels because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Varies throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration. | ||||||
| Alloy wheels highly polished to yield an almost chrome-like finish. In the past valued more highly than regular alloy wheels. But the term is used so broadly lately, often meaning that only some of the wheel face is machined, that they have the same defau | ||||||
| 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. | ||||||
| Lug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels. | ||||||
| Transmission | ||||||
| Electronically controls engine and transmission for perfect launch. | ||||||
| Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models. | ||||||
| Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission. | ||||||
Option Package Contents
Auto-dimming mirrors
SportDesign Package
Sport Chrono Package
Convenience Package
Power sport seats
Adaptive sport seats plus
Auto-dimming mirrors
SportDesign Package
Infotainment Package
Sport Chrono Package
Convenience Package
Power sport seats
Adaptive sport seats plus
SportDesign Package
Sport Chrono Package
Power sport seats
Adaptive sport seats plus
Auto-dimming mirrors
Sport Chrono Package
Sport seats plus
Dynamic Handling Package
Premium 1 Package
Premium 2 Package
Interior Sport Package
Sport Package
Lighting Package
Multicontour front seats
Dynamic Handling Package
Premium 1 Package
Premium 2 Package
Lighting Package
Multicontour front seats
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