Compare the2023 Porsche 718 BoxsterVS 2023 BMW 8 Series

Both the 718 Boxster and the 8 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.

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.

As tested in Motor Trend the 718 Boxster S 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the M850i 4.4 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 8 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 8 Series doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The 718 Boxster offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 8 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 8 Series doesn’t offer an SMG.

For better stopping power the 718 Spyder CCB’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the 8 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 8 Series doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The 718 Boxster stops much shorter than the 8 Series:

The 718 Boxster S handles at 1.10 G’s, while the M850i xDrive Convertible pulls only .97 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The 718 Boxster S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the M850i xDrive Convertible (23.1 seconds @ .89 average G’s vs. 24.3 seconds @ .82 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the 718 Boxster’s turning circle is 2.1 feet tighter than the 8 Series’ (36.1 feet vs. 38.2 feet). The 718 Spyder’s turning circle is 1.5 feet tighter than the 8 Series xDrive’s (37.5 feet vs. 39 feet).

The Porsche 718 Boxster may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 900 to 1400 pounds less than the BMW 8 Series.

The 718 Boxster is 1 foot, 6.8 inches shorter than the 8 Series, making the 718 Boxster easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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 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 8 Series 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 8 Series 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.

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 8 Series doesn’t offer headlight washers.

Insurance will cost less for the 718 Boxster owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 718 Boxster will cost $1845 to $7855 less than the 8 Series 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 8 Series only retains 42.36% to 43.82%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Porsche 718 Boxster will be $20733 to $31666 less than for the BMW 8 Series.

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 8 Series 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 8 Series has never been an “All Star.”