Compare the2022 MINI Cooper ConvertibleVS 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster

The Cooper Convertible has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Cooper Convertible’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The Cooper Convertible’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Cooper Convertible and the 718 Boxster 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 and available front parking sensors.

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Cooper Convertible for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Porsche pays for maintenance for the 718 Boxster (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than Porsche vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI 10th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 12 more problems per 100 vehicles, Porsche is ranked 15th, below the industry average.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the MINI Cooper Convertible higher (7 out of 10) than the Porsche 718 Boxster (1). This means the Cooper Convertible produces up to 47 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 718 Boxster every 15,000 miles.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the 718 Boxster.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the Cooper Convertible can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For better maneuverability, the Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the 718 Boxster’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.1 feet). The Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is 2.1 feet tighter than the 718 Spyder’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.5 feet).

The Cooper Convertible is 1 foot, 8.2 inches shorter than the 718 Boxster, making the Cooper Convertible easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Cooper Convertible is quieter than the 718 Boxster S:

The Cooper Convertible has standard seating for 4 passengers; the 718 Boxster can only carry 2.

The Cooper Convertible has 27 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 718 Boxster (76 vs. 49).

The Cooper Convertible offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

If the windows are left open on the Cooper Convertible the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the 718 Boxster can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Cooper Convertible’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The 718 Boxster’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Cooper Convertible to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Cooper Convertible’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The 718 Boxster’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the MINI Cooper offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Cooper Convertible’s optional Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The MINI Cooper comes in coupe, convertible and four door hatchback bodystyles; the Porsche 718 isn’t available as a four door.

Insurance will cost less for the Cooper Convertible owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Cooper Convertible will cost $1645 to $5325 less than the 718 Boxster over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the MINI Cooper Convertible will be $24773 to $35399 less than for the Porsche 718 Boxster.