2003 Porsche Boxster vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 2,687 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Porsche Boxster (225 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 49 kg more than 2003 Porsche Boxster.
Because 2003 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 2003 Porsche Boxster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 2003 Porsche Boxster (261 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Porsche Boxster | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | Boxster | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2687 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2520 mm |
