Compare the2023 Porsche 718 BoxsterVS 2023 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’ 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 BMW 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, BMW is rated lower.

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

As tested in Consumer Reports the Porsche 718 Boxster turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the 230i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder (automatics tested):

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.

For better stopping power the 718 Spyder CCB’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the 2 Series:

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 2 Series doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The 718 Boxster stops much shorter than the 2 Series:

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 295/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the M240i Coupe’s optional 35 series 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.

The 718 Boxster handles at 1.06 G’s, while the 230i Coupe pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

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 600 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.

The 718 Boxster has 1.2 inches more front headroom and 1.2 inches more front legroom than the 2 Series.

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 third in service department satisfaction. With a 13% lower rating, BMW is ranked 7th.

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 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 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.

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 2 Series only retains 48.56% to 48.87%.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Porsche 718 Boxster and the BMW 2 Series, 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 M235i/M240i hasn’t been picked since 2017.