1996 Porsche Boxster vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Porsche Boxster (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 258 kg more than 1996 Porsche Boxster.
Because 1996 Porsche Boxster is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Porsche Boxster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Porsche Boxster. (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Porsche Boxster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Porsche Boxster | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | Boxster | Passat |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2480 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1252 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 62 L |
