
The group of roadsters that take more of a luxury tack has gradually become a little edgier and more brash, and that leaves the SLK-Class as one of the more conservative, comfort-oriented in its competitive set.
Most of these models are more than one-trick ponies, with enough versatility and space for a weekend trip, comfort for daily commutes, features befitting luxury cars, and thrills to satisfy most driving enthusiasts.
The Jaguar F-Type convertible and coupe is a beautiful sight with plenty of power available, but like the SLK and Z4 it doesn't quite deliver on the sporty promise.
The Q60 Convertible, which was formerly known as G37, may seem like a left-field choice, but it's less expensive, equally comfortable, and offers a pinch-use rear seat; keep in mind that this is a 2015 model, and while a new generation is on the way, it's likely there will be no Q60 Convertible for the 2016 model year.
The BMW Z4 hits these notes at all the same angles as the SLK, often with better-balanced performance.
The Porsche Boxster and its fixed-roof Cayman sibling are brilliant performers, with some of the best steering and handling at any price.
And if you're looking at roadsters, you might as well include the excellent new Mazda MX-5 Miata, a sports car that provides unrivaled driving thrills, albeit with a more bare-bones attitude about interior appointments and cabin quiet.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is more of a weekend-getaway machine than a canyon-carver; but with mini-SL style and some unrivaled tech features, if offers up roadster thrills with fewer sacrifices in comfort. |
While it isn't as agile as the Porsche Boxster it is priced against, the 2016 BMW Z4 balances sportiness with comfort and a comfortable cabin. |
The 2015 Jaguar F-Type fleshes out its sportscar credentials this year with a manual transmission and all-wheel drive. |
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata shouldn’t disappoint driving purists, yet it’s been reformulated for a new generation to enjoy. |
The 2016 Porsche Boxster is a thrill to drive; but beyond that it's a great car in nearly every way, and one of the best-value sports cars you can get. |
The 2016 Porsche Cayman offers most of the driving satisfaction and practicality of the fabled 911—and perhaps with even more thrills. |
MSRP From | |||||
$47,000 | $49,700 | $65,000 | $24,915 | $52,100 | $52,600 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
19 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 27 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Supercharger Premium Unleaded V-6 | Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded H-6 | Premium Unleaded H-6 |
EPA Class | |||||
Two-Seaters | Two-Seaters | Two-Seaters | Two-Seaters | Two-Seaters | Two-Seaters |
Style Name | |||||
2-Door Roadster SLK 300 | 2-Door Roadster sDrive28i | 2-Door Coupe Manual RWD | 2-Door Convertible Manual Sport | 2-Door Roadster | 2-Door Coupe |
Drivetrain | |||||
Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Roadster | Roadster | Coupe | Convertible | Convertible | Coupe |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class vs. 2016 BMW Z4 | 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class vs. 2016 Jaguar F-Type | 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class vs. 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class vs. 2016 Porsche Boxster | 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class vs. 2016 Porsche Cayman |