1996 BMW 523 vs. 2000 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2000 Porsche Boxster is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,687 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Porsche Boxster (217 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2000 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, 2000 Porsche Boxster (265 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2000 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 2000 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 523 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2360 mm |
