2008 BMW 523 vs. 2001 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 2,687 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Porsche Boxster (217 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 224 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 Porsche Boxster (265 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2001 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | 523 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2360 mm |
