Compare the2024 MINI Cooper ConvertibleVS 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster

The Cooper Convertible has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Cooper Convertible’s lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The Cooper Convertible’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the Cooper Convertible and the 718 Boxster 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 front parking sensors.

MINI pays for scheduled maintenance on the Cooper Convertible for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Porsche pays for maintenance for the 718 Boxster (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

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 Cooper Convertible’s reliability 20 points higher than the 718 Boxster.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cooper Convertible first among compact sporty cars in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The 718 Boxster was rated third in its category.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that MINI vehicles are more reliable than Porsche vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks MINI third in overall reliability. Porsche is ranked 8th.

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

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the MINI Cooper Convertible higher (7 out of 10) than the Porsche 718 Boxster (1 to 5). This means the Cooper Convertible produces up to 47 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 718 Boxster every 15,000 miles.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the 718 Boxster.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the Cooper Convertible can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For better maneuverability, the Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is .7 feet tighter than the 718 Boxster’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.1 feet). The Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the 718 Spyder RS’ (35.4 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The Cooper Convertible is 1 foot, 8.2 inches shorter than the 718 Boxster, making the Cooper Convertible easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Cooper Convertible is quieter than the 718 Boxster S:

The Cooper Convertible has standard seating for 4 passengers; the 718 Boxster can only carry 2.

The Cooper Convertible has 27 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 718 Boxster (76 vs. 49).

The Cooper Convertible Iconic has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Cooper Convertible’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children in the rear seat from operating them, but the driver can still raise and lower all of them with the lock engaged. Porsche does not offer a locking feature on the 718 Boxster’s standard power windows.

If the windows are left open on the Cooper Convertible the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the 718 Boxster can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Cooper Convertible has standard Comfort Access that allows you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Porsche Entry and Drive costs extra on the 718 Boxster.

The Cooper Convertible’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The 718 Boxster’s cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Cooper Convertible to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The Cooper Convertible’s LED headlights produce a white, bright light using less electricity than the 718 Boxster’s standard 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.

The Cooper Convertible’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The 718 Boxster’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the MINI Cooper Iconic has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Cooper Convertible Iconic’s Automatic Parking Assistant can parallel park by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The MINI Cooper comes in coupe, convertible and four door hatchback bodystyles; the Porsche 718 isn’t available as a four door.

Insurance will cost less for the Cooper Convertible owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Cooper Convertible will cost $2470 to $7585 less than the 718 Boxster over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the MINI Cooper Convertible will be $29544 to $45410 less than for the Porsche 718 Boxster.

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

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cooper Convertible first among compact sporty cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The 718 Boxster isn’t in the top three in its category.