Compare the2022 Porsche 718 BoxsterVS 2022 BMW 2 Series

Both the 718 Boxster and the 2 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.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the 718 Boxster has a 175-amp alternator. The 2 Series’ standard 170-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

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.

The 718 Boxster has more powerful engines than the 2 Series:

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the 718 Boxster lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The 2 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 2 Series 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 2 Series doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The 718 Boxster’s optional fuel tank has 3.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the 2 Series (16.9 vs. 13.7 gallons).

The 718 Boxster offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 2 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 2 Series doesn’t offer an SMG.

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 2 Series doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better traction, the 718 Boxster has larger standard tires than the 2 Series (F:235/45R18 & R:265/45R18 vs. 225/45R18). The 718 Spyder’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 2 Series (F:245/35R20 & R:295/30R20 vs. F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19).

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 2 Series’ optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 718 Boxster offers optional 20-inch wheels. The 2 Series’ largest wheels are only 19-inches.

For better maneuverability, the 718 Boxster’s turning circle is .3 feet tighter than the 230i’s (36.1 feet vs. 36.4 feet). The 718 Spyder’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the M240i’s (37.5 feet vs. 38.2 feet).

The Porsche 718 Boxster may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 500 to 650 pounds less than the BMW 2 Series.

The 718 Boxster is 6.6 inches shorter than the 230i, making the 718 Boxster easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the 718 Boxster w/Sport Chrono has an electronically controlled liquid-filled front engine mount and conventional liquid-filled engine mounts (standard liquid front mount on other versions of the 718 Boxster). A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The 2 Series uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

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 2 Series doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

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 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 2 Series 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 2 Series has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

The 718 Boxster’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch. The 2 Series 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.

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 2 Series doesn’t offer headlight washers.

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 2 Series doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Porsche 718 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the BMW 2 Series isn’t available as a convertible.

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 M235i/M240i hasn’t been picked since 2017.