2006 Porsche Boxster vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 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 2,687 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Porsche Boxster (225 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 284 kg more than 2006 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Porsche Boxster. (260 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 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 520 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | Boxster | 520 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2687 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.5 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
