1988 BMW 520 vs. 2001 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2001 Porsche Boxster is newer by 13 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 3,200 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche Boxster (254 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 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 250 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 Porsche Boxster (310 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 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 2001 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 2001 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 | 2001 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 5.7 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 | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
