2011 Porsche Boxster vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Porsche Boxster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Porsche Boxster would be higher. At 2,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Porsche Boxster (255 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2011 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 120 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Porsche Boxster. (290 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Porsche Boxster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Porsche Boxster | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | Boxster | 120 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2900 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4371 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1801 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1293 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2416 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 51 L |
