2012 Porsche Boxster vs. 2001 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Porsche Boxster is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Golf 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 216 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 35 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Volkswagen Golf, 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 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen Golf. 2001 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche Boxster has manual transmission. 2012 Porsche Boxster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Porsche Boxster | 2001 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | Boxster | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3400 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4341 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1801 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1232 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2416 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
