1987 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2012 Porsche Boxster is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Boxster (255 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 369 kg more than 1987 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (290 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 2012 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 966 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4371 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1293 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2416 mm |
