2012 Porsche Boxster vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Porsche Boxster is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 2,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Boxster (255 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 459 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, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Porsche Boxster. (290 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Porsche Boxster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Porsche Boxster | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Porsche | Volkswagen |
| Model | Boxster | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2900 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4371 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1801 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1293 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2416 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
