1999 Porsche Boxster vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Porsche Boxster (202 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 211 kg more than 1999 Porsche Boxster.
Because 1999 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 1999 Porsche Boxster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1999 Porsche Boxster (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1999 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2012 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1999 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 1999 Porsche Boxster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Porsche Boxster | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | Boxster | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2480 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2712 mm |
