Compare the2022 Porsche 718 BoxsterVS 2022 BMW 8 Series

Both the 718 Boxster and the 8 Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes and blind spot warning systems.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 718 Boxster second among compact premium sporty cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The 8 Series isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche 15th in initial quality. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 20th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche second in reliability, above the industry average. With 22 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 10th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Porsche 3 places higher in reliability than BMW.

As tested in Motor Trend the 718 Boxster S 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the M850i 4.4 turbo V8 (automatics tested):

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the 718 Boxster lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The 8 Series doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0/Spyder’s fuel efficiency. The 8 Series doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The 718 Boxster offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 8 Series doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The 718 Boxster offers an optional sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The 8 Series doesn’t offer an SMG.

For better stopping power the 718 Spyder’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the 8 Series:

The 718 Boxster offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The 8 Series doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The 718 Boxster stops much shorter than the 8 Series:

The 718 Boxster S handles at 1.10 G’s, while the M850i xDrive Convertible pulls only .97 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The 718 Boxster S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the M850i xDrive Convertible (23.1 seconds @ .89 average G’s vs. 24.3 seconds @ .82 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the 718 Boxster’s turning circle is 2.1 feet tighter than the 8 Series’ (36.1 feet vs. 38.2 feet). The 718 Spyder’s turning circle is 1.5 feet tighter than the 8 Series xDrive’s (37.5 feet vs. 39 feet).

The Porsche 718 Boxster may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 900 to 1500 pounds less than the BMW 8 Series.

The 718 Boxster is 1 foot, 6.7 inches shorter than the 8 Series, making the 718 Boxster easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Porsche service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks Porsche first in service department satisfaction. With a 33% lower rating, BMW is ranked 8th.

The 718 Boxster’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The 8 Series does not have an oil pressure gauge.

In case of a sudden change of weather, the 718 Boxster has a standard remote convertible top that can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. On a hot day the 718 Boxster has a standard remote opening feature, to lower the top from outside. The 8 Series doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The 718 Boxster has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The 8 Series doesn’t offer headlight washers.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Porsche 718 Boxster, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Boxster/Cayman was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 16 of the last 17 years. The 8 Series has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The 718 Boxster was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 10 of the last 21 years. The 8 Series has never been an “All Star.”