The Porsche 718 Boxster S is a 2-seater compact sports car made for those who want to feel the wind in their hair without paying high-end Porsche money. The 718 Boxster S gets a mid-spec 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 350hp that is only available with the Cayman S and the Boxster S models. So, is Porsche 718 Boxster S a good car?
Yes, the Porsche 718 Boxster S is a good car for those who want a compact 2-seater sports car with a soft-top roof. It may not be the best car for taller drivers as the interior space of the Boxster S is limited to say the least. The engine is strong, efficient, and really fitting for the car’s chassis and size.
The design of the 718 Boxster S is slightly more beautiful than the entry-level 718 Boxster model. The interior is starting to show its age a little bit but is packed with high-quality materials. The Boxster S drives in a really focused manner, but the ride is not punishing as with higher-end flat 6-cylinder Boxster and Cayman models.
When it comes to reliability, the 718 Boxster is decent, but there are some issues worth talking about. The values of these are strong as they manage to retain value really well. Practicality is as good as it can be for a car of this size which means that it gets two separate storage spaces.
Porsche 718 Boxster S – The powertrain
The 718 Boxster S is powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 350hp and 309lb-ft of torque. This is enough to propel the Boxster S from 0-60mph in about 4.5 seconds and the top speed is rated at 177mph. These numbers are fairly potent for a car that is only powered by a 4-cylinder engine.
The car is also available with either a manual short-throw gearbox or a 7-speed Porsche PDK dual-clutch. All 718 models are strictly rear-wheel-drive. When it comes to efficiency, the 718 Boxster S can return around 30MPG combined which is also a great number for a car that can do 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds.
All in all, the 718 Boxster S powertrain may not be the most exciting powertrain you can buy, but it certainly does the trick when it comes to acceleration and top speed.
Porsche 718 Boxster S – Design and chassis
The Porsche 718 Boxster S looks slightly different from the entry-level Boxster because it rides lower, gets better-looking wheels, and has a few design upgrades here and there. The interior of the Boxster S is packed with high-quality materials such as leather, aluminum, Alcantara, or even carbon fiber if you are willing to pay for it.
The suspension and chassis tuning of the 718 Boxster S is comfortable, yet stiff enough for the car not to lean into corners. The mid-engine layout certainly helps with the weight balance as the Boxster S handles really well. All in all, the Boxster S drives better than the regular Boxster, but not as well as the Boxster Spyder or the Boxster GTS.
Porsche 718 Boxster S – Reliability and common issues
When it comes to reliability, the 718 Boxster S is decent, but you need to maintain it adequately. This comes as no surprise as all Porsche models are designed this way. Porsche spare parts cost considerably more than other cars, but they offer a 50% longer serviceable lifetime than in most cars out there.
The most common 718 Boxster S issues are related to the turbocharger, the transmission, the equipment, overheating, and the A/C system.
Porsche 718 Boxster S – Value and practicality
The Porsche 718 Boxster S starts at $74,600 which is about $12,000 more than the entry-level 718 Boxster. The $12,000 difference is what you pay for a better engine upgrade, but only if you are really into performance driving. Either way, the 718 S retains value well on the second-hand market which means that it makes sense to buy one if you are into these types of cars.
Practicality is as good as it can be for a car of this size. This means that the car gets two separate storage spaces both front and back. The interior seating space is relatively compact which means that taller drivers are likely going to struggle for space.
FAQ Section
Should I buy a Porsche 718 Boxster S?
If you are interested in compact 2-seater sports car convertibles, you are likely going to enjoy the 718 Boxster S. Most people are immediately drawn to it thanks to the premium Porsche badge. The 718 Boxster S drives really nicely as it handles well and it is also a really good cruiser car.
On the other hand, if you deem the 718 Boxster S to be too cramped, you are not going to enjoy it one bit. Furthermore, the 718 Boxster S is a strict 2-door 2-seater car which means that you can’t use it for everything. If you own multiple cars, the 718 Boxster S is a good addition, but if only own one, it better not be the 718 Boxster S.
Is the Porsche 718 Boxster S safe?
When you look at the size of the 718 Boxster S, you probably think that it is not the safest car you can buy because it is so small and so light. However, you’d be pleased to know that the 718 Boxster S has a stellar 5-star safety rating in virtually all categories.
However, you still need to be aware that it is a compact lightweight car and that it is not going to withstand as much abuse as a larger SUV could.
Is the Porsche 718 Boxster S a sports car?
The Porsche 718 Boxster S is a sports car and no one can say anything different. It is true that a soft-top is not the best option for a performance car, but the Boxster line bridges the gap between lightweight sports cars and comfortable cruisers.
As such, the 718 can hold its own on a racetrack while also making you feel like a million bucks while cruising down a coastal road.
