2006 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2012 Porsche Boxster is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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 123 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 150 kg more than 2012 Porsche Boxster.
Because 2012 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 2012 Porsche Boxster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2012 Porsche Boxster (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Porsche |
| Model | Passat | Boxster |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4346 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
