1996 BMW 540 vs. 2006 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2006 Porsche Boxster is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2006 Porsche Boxster. (225 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2006 Porsche Boxster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 429 kg more than 2006 Porsche Boxster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Porsche Boxster. (260 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Porsche Boxster. 2006 Porsche Boxster has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 540 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 540 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Porsche Boxster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2006 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 540 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 253 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
