Compare the2023 Porsche 718 BoxsterVS 2023 Chevrolet Camaro

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The 718 Boxster PDK offers optional Porsche Active Safe, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The Camaro offers an available collision warning system without the automated brake feature that would prevent or reduce the collision if the driver fails to react.

The 718 Boxster has standard ParkAssist to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The Camaro doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

Both the 718 Boxster and the Camaro 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 blind spot warning systems.

Warranty

The 718 Boxster comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Camaro’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The 718 Boxster’s corrosion warranty is 6 years and unlimited miles longer than the Camaro’s (12/unlimited vs. 6/100,000).

Reliability

For smoother operation, better efficiency and fewer moving parts, the engines in the 718 Boxster have an overhead cam design, rather than the old pushrod design of some of the engines in the Camaro.

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 718 Boxster’s reliability 20 points higher than the Camaro.

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 Chevrolet 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, Chevrolet is rated lower.

Engine

As tested in Car and Driver the Porsche 718 Boxster is faster than the Chevrolet Camaro (manual transmissions tested):

	718 Boxster 2.0	718 Boxster S	Camaro turbo 4 cyl.	Camaro V6
Zero to 30 MPH	1.5 sec	1.7 sec	1.9 sec	1.9 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	4.4 sec	4.3 sec	5.4 sec	5.5 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	7.3 sec	6.8 sec	9.1 sec	n/a
Zero to 100 MPH	10.6 sec	9.8 sec	15 sec	14.4 sec
Quarter Mile	13 sec	12.6 sec	14.1 sec	14.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	109 MPH	113 MPH	97 MPH	99 MPH
Top Speed	170 MPH	n/a	145 MPH	151 MPH

As tested in Car and Driver the 718 Spyder 4.0 GT3 6-cylinder is faster than the Chevrolet Camaro 2.0 (manual transmissions tested):

	718 Boxster	Camaro
Zero to 60 MPH	3.9 sec	5.4 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	8.8 sec	15 sec
Quarter Mile	12.1 sec	14.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	118 MPH	97 MPH

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

	718 Boxster 2.0	718 Boxster S	Camaro V6	Camaro LT1/SS
Zero to 60 MPH	4 sec	3.7 sec	5.2 sec	4.1 sec
Quarter Mile	12.5 sec	11.9 sec	13.8 sec	12.6 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	112 MPH	n/a	104 MPH	113 MPH

In a Motor Trend race course test, the Porsche 718 Boxster S was clocked 3.32 seconds faster than the Chevrolet Camaro LT Coupe (81.87 sec. vs. 85.19 sec.).

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the 718 Boxster lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The Camaro doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the 718 Boxster gets better mileage than the Camaro:

			MPG
718 Boxster
	Manual	T 2.0 turbo flat-4	20 city/26 hwy
		2.0 turbo flat-4	20 city/25 hwy
		2.5 turbo flat-4	19 city/24 hwy
		GTS 4.0 4.0 DOHC flat-6	17 city/24 hwy
		718 Spyder 4.0 DOHC flat-6	17 city/23 hwy
	Auto	2.0 turbo flat-4	21 city/27 hwy
		2.5 turbo flat-4	19 city/25 hwy
		GTS 4.0 DOHC flat-6	19 city/24 hwy
		Spyder 4.0 DOHC flat-6	18 city/24 hwy
Camaro
	Manual	3.6 DOHC V6	16 city/26 hwy
		6.2 OHV V8	16 city/24 hwy
		6.2 supercharged V8	14 city/20 hwy
	Auto	3.6 DOHC V6	18 city/29 hwy
		6.2 OHV V8	16 city/26 hwy
		6.2 supercharged V8	13 city/21 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the 718 Boxster’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Camaro doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the 718 Boxster’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Camaro doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

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 Camaro doesn’t offer an SMG.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the 718 Boxster’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Camaro:

	718 Boxster	718 Spyder CCB	Camaro LS/LT	Camaro ZL1
Front Rotors	13 inches	16.1 inches	12.6 inches	15.35 inches
Rear Rotors	11.8 inches	15.4 inches	12.4 inches	14.4 inches

The 718 Boxster’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the Camaro LS/LT are solid, not vented.

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 Camaro doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The 718 Boxster stops much shorter than the Camaro:

	718 Boxster	Camaro
80 to 0 MPH	189 feet	206 feet	Road and Track
70 to 0 MPH	144 feet	170 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	99 feet	118 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction and acceleration, the 718 Boxster has larger standard rear tires than the Camaro (265/45R18 vs. 245/50R18).

The 718 Boxster’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Camaro’s standard 50 series tires.

Suspension and Handling

The 718 Boxster S handles at 1.10 G’s, while the Camaro SS Convertible pulls only .98 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 Camaro SS 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 feet tighter than the Camaro’s (36.1 feet vs. 38.1 feet). The 718 Spyder’s turning circle is .9 feet tighter than the Camaro ZL1’s (37.5 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

Chassis

The Porsche 718 Boxster may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 900 pounds less than the Chevrolet Camaro.

The 718 Boxster is 1 foot, 3.9 inches shorter than the Camaro, making the 718 Boxster easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

For excellent aerodynamics, the 718 Boxster has standard flush composite headlights. The Camaro has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the 718 Boxster is quieter than the Camaro SS Convertible (84 vs. 85 dB).

Cargo Capacity

The 718 Boxster has a much larger trunk with its top down than the Camaro Convertible (9.6 vs. 7.3 cubic feet).

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 Camaro doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Servicing Ease

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Porsche service is better than Chevrolet. J.D. Power ranks Porsche third in service department satisfaction. With a 27% lower rating, Chevrolet is ranked 16th.

Ergonomics

Both the 718 Boxster and Camaro have a standard remote lowering convertible top; however, in case of a sudden change of weather, the 718 Boxster has a standard remote convertible roof that can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. The Camaro doesn’t offer a remote closing roof, 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.

The 718 Boxster has a standard locking fuel door with a remote release located convenient to the driver. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank. The Camaro doesn’t offer a locking fuel door.

The 718 Boxster’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Camaro’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The 718 Boxster’s standard high intensity discharge (HID) headlights provide a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using less power than the Camaro’s standard halogen headlights. HID units last two to six times longer than halogen. The 718 Boxster’s optional LED headlights produce a white, bright light using less electricity than the Camaro’s optional 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.

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 Camaro doesn’t offer headlight washers.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the 718 Boxster detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Camaro doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the 718 Boxster has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Camaro doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The 718 Boxster’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Heated mirrors cost extra on the Camaro and aren’t offered on the Camaro LS/LT1.

The 718 Boxster has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the Camaro.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the 718 Boxster (except Manual) offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Camaro doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

Economic Advantages

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 Camaro only retains 44.16% to 52.71%.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Porsche 718 Boxster, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Chevrolet Camaro isn't recommended.

Motor Trend performed a comparison test in its April 2017 issue and they ranked the Porsche 718 Boxster S two places higher than the Chevrolet Camaro LT Coupe.

The 718 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 18 of the last 19 years. The Camaro hasn’t been picked since 2018.

The 718 Boxster was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 10 of the last 23 years. The Camaro hasn’t been picked since 2013.