2003 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2004 Porsche Boxster is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 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 69 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 314 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Porsche Boxster (270 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2004 Porsche Boxster has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 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:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2004 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 520 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 7.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 15.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
