1997 Porsche Boxster vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2002 Toyota Solara is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 2,480 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche Boxster (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Solara weights approximately 145 kg more than 1997 Porsche Boxster.
Because 1997 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 1997 Porsche Boxster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara, 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, 1997 Porsche Boxster (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Porsche Boxster | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Porsche | Toyota |
| Model | Boxster | Solara |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2480 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2680 mm |
