1996 BMW 530 vs. 2004 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2004 Porsche Boxster is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 530 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche Boxster (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1996 BMW 530. (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 530 weights approximately 130 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 (310 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 530. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2004 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 530. 2004 Porsche Boxster has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 530 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:
| 1996 BMW 530 | 2004 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 530 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 64 L |
