1990 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2004 Porsche Boxster is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,687 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche Boxster (236 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1990 BMW 520. (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 186 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Porsche Boxster (270 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 520. (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2004 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 520. 2004 Porsche Boxster has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Porsche Boxster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 520 | 2004 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2420 mm |
