1985 BMW M5 vs. 2012 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2012 Porsche Boxster is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Boxster (320 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1985 BMW M5. (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M5 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2012 Porsche Boxster.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Porsche Boxster (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW M5. (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW M5 | 2012 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | M5 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4341 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1232 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.5 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
