Compare the2022 Porsche 718 BoxsterVS 2021 Mercedes AMG C-Class Cabriolet

Both the 718 Boxster and the AMG C-Class Cabriolet 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.

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

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 718 Boxster second among compact premium sporty cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The AMG C-Class Cabriolet 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 Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche 15th in initial quality. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th.

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 Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche second in reliability, above the industry average. With 36 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Porsche 11 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

As tested in Car and Driver the 718 Boxster S 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the AMG C 63 S Cabriolet 4.0 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 AMG C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the 718 Boxster gets better mileage than the AMG C-Class Cabriolet:

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 AMG C-Class Cabriolet 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 AMG C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

For better stopping power the 718 Spyder’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the AMG C-Class Cabriolet:

The 718 Boxster stops much shorter than the AMG C-Class Cabriolet:

For better traction, the 718 Boxster has larger standard tires than the AMG C-Class Cabriolet (F:235/45R18 & R:265/45R18 vs. F:225/45R18 & R:245/40R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 718 Boxster offers optional 20-inch wheels. The AMG C-Class Cabriolet’s largest wheels are only 19-inches in the front and 20-inches in the rear.

The 718 Boxster handles at 1.06 G’s, while the AMG C 63 S Cabriolet pulls only .97 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the 718 Boxster’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the AMG C 63 Cabriolet’s (36.1 feet vs. 37.1 feet). The 718 Spyder’s turning circle is .9 feet tighter than the AMG C 43 Cabriolet’s (37.5 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The Porsche 718 Boxster may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1050 to 1200 pounds less than the Mercedes AMG C-Class Cabriolet.

The 718 Boxster is 1 foot shorter than the AMG C 43 Cabriolet, making the 718 Boxster easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 718 Boxster has .5 inches more front headroom and 1 inch more front legroom than the AMG C-Class Cabriolet.

The 718 Boxster has a much larger trunk with its top down than the AMG C-Class Cabriolet with its top down (9.6 vs. 7 cubic feet). The 718 Boxster has a larger trunk than the AMG C-Class Cabriolet with its top up (9.6 vs. 8.8 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 AMG C-Class Cabriolet 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 Mercedes. J.D. Power ranks Porsche first in service department satisfaction. With a 32% lower rating, Mercedes is ranked 6th.

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 AMG C-Class Cabriolet does not have an oil pressure gauge.

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 AMG C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer headlight washers.

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 AMG C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Porsche 718 Boxster and the Mercedes AMG C-Class Cabriolet, 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 AMG C-Class Cabriolet 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 AMG C-Class Cabriolet has never been an “All Star.”