1988 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2009 Porsche Boxster is newer by 21 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 2,901 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Porsche Boxster (252 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520.
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, 2009 Porsche Boxster (215 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 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 2009 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 2009 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 | 2009 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 262 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
