Compare the2023 Mazda MX-5 MiataVS 2022 Porsche 718 Boxster

The MX-5 Miata’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 MX-5 Miata has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. A system to reveal vehicles in the 718 Boxster’s blind spot costs extra.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the MX-5 Miata’s standard rear cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the MX-5 Miata and the 718 Boxster have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact 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.

Mazda’s powertrain warranty covers the MX-5 Miata 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Porsche covers the 718 Boxster. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 718 Boxster ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are almost 3 times as many Mazda dealers as there are Porsche dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the MX-5 Miata’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the MX-5 Miata’s reliability 46 points higher than the 718 Boxster.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are better in initial quality than Porsche vehicles. With 20 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mazda higher than Porsche.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Porsche vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Mazda first in overall reliability. Porsche is ranked 9th.

On the EPA test cycle the MX-5 Miata gets better mileage than the 718 Boxster:

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mazda MX-5 Miata uses regular unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for maximum performance). The 718 Boxster requires premium, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mazda MX-5 Miata higher (3 out of 10) than the Porsche 718 Boxster (1). This means the MX-5 Miata produces up to 22.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 718 Boxster every 15,000 miles.

The MX-5 Miata’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51% to 49%) than the 718 Boxster’s (45.5% to 54.5%). This gives the MX-5 Miata more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 5.3 feet tighter than the 718 Boxster’s (30.8 feet vs. 36.1 feet). The MX-5 Miata’s turning circle is 6.7 feet tighter than the 718 Spyder’s (30.8 feet vs. 37.5 feet).

The Mazda MX-5 Miata may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 750 pounds less than the Porsche 718 Boxster.

The MX-5 Miata is 1 foot, 6.3 inches shorter than the 718 Boxster, making the MX-5 Miata easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The MX-5 Miata's optional power retractable hardtop allows a seamless transition from an open car, to a completely sealed coupe. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a retractable hardtop.

As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the MX-5 Miata Club is quieter than the 718 Boxster S (47 vs. 54 dB).

The MX-5 Miata’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. Porsche does not offer a locking feature on the 718 Boxster’s standard power windows.

The MX-5 Miata’s LED headlights produce a white, bright light using less electricity than the 718 Boxster’s standard xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights. HID headlights can be slow to reach full brightness or power cycle, causing issues when flashing them to signal other vehicles; LED headlights light instantly. LED lights also last about three to four times as long.

Consumer Reports rated the MX-5 Miata’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the 718 Boxster’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Porsche 718 Boxster, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The MX-5 Miata was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 8 of the last 28 years. The 718 Boxster hasn’t been picked since 2014.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata outsold the Porsche 718 by 55% during the 2022 model year.