1997 Porsche Boxster vs. 1987 Porsche 959
To start off, 1997 Porsche Boxster is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Porsche 959. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Porsche 959 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 959 (450 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1997 Porsche Boxster. (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1997 Porsche Boxster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Porsche 959 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1997 Porsche Boxster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Porsche 959 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Porsche Boxster. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1987 Porsche 959 (500 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Porsche Boxster. (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Porsche Boxster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Porsche Boxster | 1987 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | Boxster | 959 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2480 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 450 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 67 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2270 mm |
