1998 BMW 317 vs. 2004 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2004 Porsche Boxster is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 317. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 317 would be higher. At 2,687 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche Boxster (236 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 1 kg more than 1998 BMW 317. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Porsche Boxster (270 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317. 2004 Porsche Boxster has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 317 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 317 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Porsche Boxster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 2004 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 317 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2420 mm |
