Compare the2025 Porsche 718 BoxsterVS 2025 BMW 4 Series Convertible

Both the 718 Boxster and the 4 Series 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, available crash mitigating brakes and blind spot warning systems.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche above average in initial quality. With 34 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 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 15 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, BMW is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Porsche 1 place higher in reliability than BMW.

The 718 Boxster has more powerful engines than the 4 Series Convertible:

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the 718 Boxster lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The 4 Series 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 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The 718 Boxster’s optional fuel tank has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the 4 Series Convertible (16.9 vs. 15.6 gallons).

The 718 Boxster offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 4 Series Convertible 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 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer an SMG.

For better stopping power the 718 Spyder RS CCB’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the 4 Series Convertible:

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 4 Series Convertible doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better traction, the 718 Boxster has larger standard tires than the 4 Series Convertible (F:235/45R18 & R:265/45R18 vs. 225/45R18). The 718 Spyder RS’ tires are larger than the largest tires available on the 4 Series Convertible (F:245/35R20 & R:295/30R20 vs. F:225/40R19 & R:255/35R19).

The 718 Spyder RS’ 245/35R20 front and 295/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 4 Series Convertible’s optional 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 718 Boxster offers optional 20-inch wheels. The 4 Series Convertible’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

For better maneuverability, the 718 Boxster’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible’s (36.1 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The 718 Spyder RS’ turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the 4 Series Convertible xDrive’s (37.4 feet vs. 39.4 feet).

The Porsche 718 Boxster may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1000 to 1050 pounds less than the BMW 4 Series Convertible.

The 718 Boxster is 1 foot, 3.5 inches shorter than the 4 Series Convertible, 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 second in service department satisfaction. With a 32% lower rating, BMW is ranked 13th.

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 4 Series 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 4 Series Convertible 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 4 Series Convertible 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 $3785 less than the 4 Series Convertible 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 60.93% to 67.6% of its original price after five years, while the 4 Series Convertible only retains 50.81% to 52.62%.

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

The 718 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2025 and 19 more times in the last 20 years. The 4 Series Convertible has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.