1997 Porsche Boxster vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2012 Toyota RAV4 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Porsche Boxster (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2012 Toyota RAV4. (179 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 308 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, 2012 Toyota RAV4, 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota RAV4. (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota RAV4. 2012 Toyota RAV4 has automatic transmission and 1997 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 1997 Porsche Boxster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Porsche Boxster | 2012 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Porsche | Toyota |
| Model | Boxster | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2480 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2659 mm |
