1997 Porsche Boxster vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster is newer by 15 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 20 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. (181 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 5 kg more than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster, 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Porsche Boxster | 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster | |
| Make | Porsche | Mini |
| Model | Boxster | Cooper Roadster |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2480 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1389 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2466 mm |
