Compare the2022 Porsche 718 BoxsterVS 2021 Alfa Romeo 4C

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Recommendations

Safety

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The Porsche 718 Boxster has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The 4C doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The 718 Boxster PDK offers optional Porsche Active Safe, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The 4C doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The 718 Boxster has standard ParkAssist to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The 4C doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

The 718 Boxster’s optional blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The 4C doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

The 718 Boxster has standard Porsche Connect, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The 4C doesn’t offer a GPS response system, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the 718 Boxster and the 4C have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights and rearview cameras.

The Porsche 718 Boxster weighs 533 to 747 pounds more than the Alfa Romeo 4C. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts. Crosswinds also affect lighter cars more.

Warranty

The 718 Boxster’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the 4C’s (12 vs. 5 years).

There are over 34 percent more Porsche dealers than there are Alfa Romeo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 718 Boxster’s warranty.

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the 718 Boxster’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the 4C’s camshafts. If the 4C’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the 718 Boxster has a standard 175-amp alternator. The 4C’s 160-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 718 Boxster second among compact premium sporty cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The 4C 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 Alfa Romeo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche 15th in initial quality. With 41 more problems per 100 vehicles, Alfa Romeo is ranked 28th.

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 Alfa Romeo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche second in reliability, above the industry average. With 110 more problems per 100 vehicles, Alfa Romeo is ranked 32nd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Alfa Romeo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Porsche 20 places higher in reliability than Alfa Romeo.

Engine

The 718 Boxster’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 63 more horsepower (300 vs. 237) and 22 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder. The 718 Boxster S’ standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 113 more horsepower (350 vs. 237) and 51 lbs.-ft. more torque (309 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder. The 718 Boxster GTS 4.0’s standard 4.0 GT3 6-cylinder produces 157 more horsepower (394 vs. 237) and 51 lbs.-ft. more torque (309 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder. The 718 Spyder’s standard 4.0 GT3 6-cylinder produces 177 more horsepower (414 vs. 237) and 51 lbs.-ft. more torque (309 vs. 258) than the 4C’s 1.8 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Porsche 718 Boxster is faster than the Alfa Romeo 4C (automatics tested):

	718 Boxster 2.0	718 Boxster S	4C
Zero to 60 MPH	4 sec	3.7 sec	4.1 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	9.9 sec	n/a	10.7 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	5 sec	n/a	5.1 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	3.5 sec	n/a	4.2 sec
Quarter Mile	12.5 sec	11.9 sec	12.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	112 MPH	n/a	107 MPH
Top Speed	170 MPH	n/a	159 MPH

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the 718 Boxster lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The 4C doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

Fuel Economy and Range

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 4C doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the 718 Boxster’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The 4C doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the 718 Boxster’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The 4C doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The 718 Boxster’s standard fuel tank has 3.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4C (14.2 vs. 10.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The 718 Boxster’s optional fuel tank has 6.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4C (16.9 vs. 10.5 gallons).

Transmission

A seven-speed automatic (SMG) is available on the Porsche 718 Boxster, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the 4C.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the 718 Boxster’s brake rotors are larger than those on the 4C:

	718 Boxster	718 Spyder	4C
Front Rotors	13 inches	16.1 inches	12 inches
Rear Rotors	11.8 inches	15.4 inches	11.5 inches

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 4C doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The 718 Boxster stops much shorter than the 4C:

	718 Boxster	4C
70 to 0 MPH	143 feet	144 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	98 feet	113 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the 718 Boxster has larger standard tires than the 4C (F:235/45R18 & R:265/45R18 vs. F:205/45R17 & R:235/40R18). The 718 Spyder’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4C (F:245/35R20 & R:295/30R20 vs. F:205/45R17 & R:235/40R18).

The 718 Spyder’s 245/35R20 front and 295/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 4C’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 718 Boxster has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch front wheels are standard on the 4C. The 718 Boxster’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels optional on the 4C.

Suspension and Handling

The 718 Boxster offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The 4C’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The 718 Boxster has standard power steering to make quick and controllable low speed maneuvers easy. The 4C doesn’t offer power steering.

The 718 Boxster offers optional vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The 4C doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 718 Boxster’s wheelbase is 3.7 inches longer than on the 4C (97.4 inches vs. 93.7 inches).

The 718 Boxster’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (45.5% to 54.5%) than the 4C’s (41% to 59%). This gives the 718 Boxster more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the 718 Boxster’s turning circle is 4.4 feet tighter than the 4C’s (36.1 feet vs. 40.5 feet). The 718 Spyder’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the 4C’s (37.5 feet vs. 40.5 feet).

Passenger Space

The 718 Boxster has 1.3 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom and 1.7 inches more front shoulder room than the 4C.

Cargo Capacity

The 718 Boxster has a much larger trunk with its top down than the 4C Spider (9.6 vs. 3.7 cubic feet).

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the 718 Boxster’s available trunk can be opened just by holding your hand near the emblem on the trunk, leaving your hands completely free. The 4C doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Servicing Ease

The 718 Boxster uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The 4C uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the 718 Boxster is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the 4C. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Porsche service is better than Alfa Romeo. J.D. Power ranks Porsche first in service department satisfaction. With a 102% lower rating, Alfa Romeo is ranked 32nd.

Ergonomics

When three different drivers share the 718 Boxster, the optional memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle and climate settings. The 4C doesn’t offer a memory system.

The 718 Boxster’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 4C doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

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 4C does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The 718 Boxster’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch. The 4C has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The 718 Boxster’s front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The 4C’s power windows’ switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

The 718 Boxster’s standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 4C’s available power window controls are spread out on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

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 4C doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in and manually raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

Porsche Entry and Drive optional on the 718 Boxster allows you to unlock the driver’s door, trunk and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading groceries, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Alfa Romeo 4C doesn’t offer an advanced key system.

The 718 Boxster has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The 4C doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The 718 Boxster’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The 4C’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

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 4C doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The 718 Boxster has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The 4C doesn’t offer automatic headlights.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the 718 Boxster detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The 4C doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the 718 Boxster has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The 4C doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The 718 Boxster’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 4C’s power mirror controls are on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

When the 718 Boxster with available tilt-down mirrors is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The 4C’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The 718 Boxster’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The 4C doesn’t offer the luxury of automatic dimming mirrors.

The 718 Boxster has standard heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the 4C.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the 718 Boxster keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The 4C doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the 718 Boxster’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The 4C doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The 718 Boxster’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The 4C doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The 718 Boxster’s standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The 4C doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

A built-in pollen filter with a charcoal activated canister removes pollen, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the 718 Boxster’s passenger compartment. This helps prevent lung and/or sinus irritation which can trigger allergies or asthma. The 4C’s air conditioner doesn’t offer a filtration system.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the 718 Boxster (except Manual) offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The 4C doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

To help keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, the 718 Boxster offers optional steering wheel controls for the radio. The 4C doesn’t offer steering wheel audio controls.

To direct the driver from any location to a given street address with audible turn-by-turn directions, a GPS navigation system is available on the 718 Boxster. The 718 Boxster’s navigation system also has a real-time traffic update feature that offers alternative routes to automatically bypass traffic problems. (Service not available in all areas.) The 4C doesn’t offer a navigation system.

With optional PCM Voice Control, the 718 Boxster offers the driver hands free control of the radio and the navigation computer by simply speaking. The 4C doesn’t offer a voice control system.

Model Availability

The Porsche 718 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Alfa Romeo 4C isn’t available as a coupe.

Recommendations

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 4C has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The Porsche 718 outsold the Alfa Romeo 4C by over 56 to one during the 2021 model year.

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