2006 Porsche Boxster vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 2,686 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Porsche Boxster (240 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 315 kg more than 2012 BMW 120. 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 BMW 120 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Porsche Boxster. (270 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Porsche Boxster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Porsche Boxster | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | Boxster | 120 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2686 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 51 L |
