Compare the2023 Porsche 718 BoxsterVS 2023 Audi S5

Both the 718 Boxster and the S5 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 standard 175-amp alternator. The S5’s 150-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the 718 Boxster has a standard 450-amp battery. The S5’s 420-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Audi vehicles. With 39 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Porsche higher than Audi.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than Audi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche above average in long-term dependability. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Audi is rated below average.

The 718 Boxster GTS 4.0’s standard 4.0 GT3 6-cylinder produces 45 more horsepower (394 vs. 349) than the S5’s 3.0 turbo V6. The 718 Spyder’s standard 4.0 GT3 6-cylinder produces 65 more horsepower (414 vs. 349) than the S5’s 3.0 turbo V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the Porsche 718 Boxster is faster than the Audi S5 (automatics tested):

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the 718 Boxster lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The S5 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 S5 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The 718 Boxster’s optional fuel tank has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the S5 (16.9 vs. 15.3 gallons).

The 718 Boxster offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The S5 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 S5 doesn’t offer an SMG.

The 718 Boxster PDK’s optional launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The S5 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the 718 Spyder CCB’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the S5:

The 718 Boxster Spyder 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 S5 doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The 718 Boxster stops shorter than the S5:

For better traction and acceleration, the 718 Boxster has larger standard rear tires than the S5 (265/45R18 vs. 255/35R19). The 718 Spyder’s rear tires are larger than the largest rear tires available on the S5 (295/30R20 vs. 265/30R20).

For better maneuverability, the 718 Boxster’s turning circle is 1.6 feet tighter than the S5’s (36.1 feet vs. 37.7 feet). The 718 Spyder’s turning circle is .2 feet tighter than the S5’s (37.5 feet vs. 37.7 feet).

The Porsche 718 Boxster may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 850 to 900 pounds less than the Audi S5.

The 718 Boxster is 1 foot shorter than the S5, making the 718 Boxster easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 718 Boxster has a much larger trunk with its top down than the S5 Cabriolet with its top down (9.6 vs. 7.3 cubic feet). The 718 Boxster has a larger trunk than the S5 Cabriolet with its top up (9.6 vs. 9.3 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Porsche service is better than Audi. J.D. Power ranks Porsche third in service department satisfaction. With a 14% lower rating, Audi 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 S5 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 S5 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

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 S5 doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

Insurance will cost less for the 718 Boxster owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 718 Boxster will cost $2485 less than the S5 over a five-year period.

The 718 Boxster will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the 718 Boxster will retain 59.61% to 61.94% of its original price after five years, while the S5 only retains 47.95% to 48.34%.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Porsche 718 Boxster, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The 718 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 18 of the last 19 years. The S5 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 23 years. The S5 has never been an “All Star.”