Compare the2024 Porsche 718 BoxsterVS 2024 MINI Cooper Convertible

The 718 Boxster’s optional blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The Cooper Convertible doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

Both the 718 Boxster and the Cooper Convertible 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 crash mitigating brakes.

There are over 84 percent more Porsche dealers than there are MINI dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the 718 Boxster’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than MINI vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche above average in initial quality. With 12 more problems per 100 vehicles, MINI is rated lower.

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 MINI 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, MINI is rated lower.

The 718 Boxster has more powerful engines than the Cooper Convertible:

As tested in Car and Driver the Porsche 718 Boxster turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Cooper Convertible S 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder (manual transmissions tested):

As tested in Car and Driver the Porsche 718 Boxster turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the MINI Cooper Convertible turbo 3 cyl. (automatics tested):

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

The 718 Boxster’s standard fuel tank has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Cooper Convertible (14.2 vs. 11.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The 718 Boxster’s optional fuel tank has 5.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Cooper Convertible (16.9 vs. 11.6 gallons).

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

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 on the Cooper Convertible are solid, not vented.

The 718 Boxster Spyder RS 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 Cooper Convertible doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The 718 Boxster stops much shorter than the Cooper Convertible:

For better traction, the 718 Boxster has larger standard tires than the Cooper Convertible (F:235/45R18 & R:265/45R18 vs. 195/55R16). The 718 Spyder RS’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Cooper Convertible (F:245/35R20 & R:295/30R20 vs. 205/40R18).

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 Cooper Convertible’s standard 55 series tires. The 718 Spyder RS’ 245/35R20 front and 295/30R20 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the Cooper Convertible’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 718 Boxster has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Cooper Convertible. The 718 Boxster’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the Cooper Convertible.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the 718 Boxster is 1.3 inches wider in the front and 1.7 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Cooper Convertible.

The 718 Boxster’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (45.5% to 54.5%) than the Cooper Convertible’s (61.9% to 38.1%). This gives the 718 Boxster more stable handling and braking.

The 718 Boxster handles at 1.06 G’s, while the Cooper Convertible pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The design of the Porsche 718 Boxster amounts to more than styling. The 718 Boxster offers aerodynamic coefficients of drag from .31 to .34 Cd (depending on bodystyle and options). That is lower than the Cooper Convertible (.36 to .37) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the 718 Boxster get better fuel mileage.

The 718 Boxster has 1.6 inches more front legroom and .5 inches more front shoulder room than the Cooper Convertible.

The 718 Boxster has a much larger trunk with its top down than the Cooper Convertible with its top down (9.6 vs. 5.7 cubic feet). The 718 Boxster has a much larger trunk than the Cooper Convertible with its top up (9.6 vs. 7.6 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 Cooper Convertible doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its tailgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The engine in the 718 Boxster is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Cooper Convertible. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Porsche service is better than MINI. J.D. Power ranks Porsche third in service department satisfaction. With a 6% lower rating, MINI is ranked fourth.

When three different drivers share the 718 Boxster, the optional memory system makes it convenient for all three. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle and climate settings. The Cooper Convertible doesn’t offer a memory system.

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 Cooper Convertible 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 Cooper Convertible does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The 718 Boxster’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch. The Cooper Convertible has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

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 Cooper Convertible doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Cooper Convertible’s optional cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The 718 Boxster’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

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 Cooper Convertible doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

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

The 718 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024 and 18 more times in the last 20 years. The Cooper Convertible has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.