Features Comparison: Porsche Cayman vs. Mercedes-Benz SLK
Model Year
2012
2012
2012
2012
2011
2011
Model
Cayman
Cayman
Cayman
Cayman
SLK
SLK
Trim
Base
S
S Black Edition
R
SLK300
SLK350
Engines
2.7L H6 DOHC-4v 275 hp@7400 213 lb-ft@4500
3.4L H6 DOHC-4v 325 hp@7400 273 lb-ft@4500
3.4L H6 DOHC-4v 340 hp@7400 280 lb-ft@4750
3.0L V6 DOHC-4v 228 hp@6000 221 lb-ft@2500
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 300 hp@6500 265 lb-ft@4900
Transmissions
7-speed automated manual
6-speed manual
7-speed manually-shiftable automatic
Drivetrains
RWD
Tires
205/55ZR17 tires
235/50ZR17 tires
235/35ZR19 tires
235/40ZR18 tires
265/35ZR19 tires
265/40ZR18 tires
225/45WR17 tires
245/40WR17 tires
225/40ZR18 tires
245/35ZR18 tires
Audio Systems
Unbranded, 50W, 4 speakers
Unbranded, 235W, 9 speakers
Bose, 325W, 11 speakers (with subwoofer)
No audio
Unbranded, 9 speakers
Harman/Kardon, 380W, 11 speakers (with subwoofer)
Accessories
Cruise control
First-aid kit
Heated steering wheel
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
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
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.
Rear disc brakes.
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.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
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
Knee airbag, passenger
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
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.
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
Cargo net
Console with shifter
Climate Control
Air conditioning
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.
Intermittent wipers
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.
Drivetrain
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
Dual-mode exhaust, switchableValves 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.
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.
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.
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
Additional chrome 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.
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.
Metallic paint (extra cost)
Paint, special black
Paint, special green
Power retractable hardtop
Rear spoilerCan be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
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.
Special exterior 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.
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.
Tall rear wing-type spoilerLarge spoiler stands well above the trunk or hatch.
Large spoiler stands well above the trunk or hatch.
Infotainment
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
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, in-dashIncludes CD player.
Includes CD player.
CD player
DVD-Audio-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing DVD-Audio discs.
Audio system capable of playing DVD-Audio discs.
DVD-compatible playerAudio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data.
Audio system capable of playing DVDs on a front-row screen. Inoperative when the vehicle is moving. No value because of incomplete data.
HD radioHigh-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.
iPod integrationIntegrates 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.
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.
Media driveBuilt-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.
Built-in drive with at least 10 GB of storage for MP3 and other audio files.
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.
SD Card slotSD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader.
SD, CF, PCMCIA, or other digital media reader.
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.
Traffic informationInformation about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
USB portOften permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.
Often permits an iPod or phone to be integrated into the vehicle's entertainment system and controls.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Voice recorder
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
Analog clock
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.
Steering-linked headlightsHeadlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.
Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.
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
Visor mirror, driver
Visor mirror, passenger
Xenon HID headlightsProvide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Seats and Interior Trim
Front buckets
Front sport buckets
Carbon fiber / leather-wrapped steering wheel
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
Illuminated door sill trim plates
Interior trim, special colorOnly 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.
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
Manual tilt adjuster, driver seatManually tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Manually tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Manual tilt adjuster, passenger seatManually tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Manually tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Memory system, driver seat
Memory system, passenger seat
Metal pedals
Neck-level heating, front seatsNeck-level heat vents.
Neck-level heat vents.
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 height adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, passenger seat
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 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.
Synthetic suede headlinerUsually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars.
Usually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars.
Synthetic suede inserts in leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede.
Seating surfaces are part leather, part synthetic suede.
Two-tone upholstery (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.
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/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
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.
Alloy wheels
Electronic systems calibration selectorVaries throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration.
Varies throttle, steering, ABS, and/or stability control calibration.
Power steering coolerOnly 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.
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.
Wheel locksLug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels.
Lug nuts that can only be removed using a special key. Prevents theft of wheels.
Transmission
Launch controlElectronically controls engine and transmission for perfect launch.
Electronically controls engine and transmission for perfect launch.
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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What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
7-speed shiftable automatic RWD