1988 BMW 520 vs. 1999 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 1999 Porsche Boxster is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Porsche Boxster (252 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Porsche Boxster (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1999 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 1999 Porsche Boxster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1999 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
