2012 Porsche Boxster vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 Porsche Boxster is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 320 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 (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 329 kg more than 2012 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 Porsche Boxster (360 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320. 2004 BMW 320 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. 2004 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Porsche Boxster | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Porsche | BMW |
| Model | Boxster | 320 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3400 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1351 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4371 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1801 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1293 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2416 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 63 L |
