2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2012 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2012 Porsche Boxster is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Boxster (320 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (148 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 195 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 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, 2012 Porsche Boxster (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 2012 Porsche Boxster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2012 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | Roadster | Boxster |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1838 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4341 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1232 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 54 L |
