1996 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2007 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2007 Porsche Boxster is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Porsche Boxster (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 185 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Porsche Boxster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2007 Porsche Boxster (321 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. 2007 Porsche Boxster has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Porsche Boxster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Golf | 2007 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Porsche |
| Model | Golf | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2420 mm |
