1998 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 2,480 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Porsche Boxster (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 63 kg more than 1996 Porsche Boxster.
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, 1996 Porsche Boxster (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1996 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 1996 Porsche Boxster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1996 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 318 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1252 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
