4 Series vs 718 Boxster
Few matchups in the sports car class come up as often as the 4 Series against the 718 Boxster. If you only read one line, make it this: the 4 Series takes 3 of 4 compared areas, and the fuel economy & range gap is the one to look at first.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 718 Boxster wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 4 Series wins
- Space & Practicality 4 Series wins
- Off-road & Towing 4 Series wins
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Engine & Performance2.5
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The 4 Series has room for 4 seats
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 4 seats for the 4 Series versus 2 seats for the 718 Boxster. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The 4 Series has better fuel economy
The 718 Boxster lists 22 mpg; the 4 Series comes in at 31 mpg. That’s not a rounding error. The 4 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
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The 718 Boxster has 45 hp more power
At 300 hp versus 255 hp, this is a decisive lead for the 718 Boxster, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
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The 4 Series has better highway fuel economy
If fuel economy (highway) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the 4 Series leads clearly with 36 mpg to the 718 Boxster’s 25 mpg. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
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The 4 Series has better city fuel economy
The numbers aren’t close. The 4 Series lists 28 mpg for fuel economy (city), while the 718 Boxster lists 20 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
718 Boxster leads
No contest in engine & performance: the 718 Boxster is the stronger of the two. The 718 Boxster takes this one with 45 hp more power. The 718 Boxster’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. On the 4 Series, you get 15 lb-ft more torque. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the 718 Boxster is the safer choice.
Total system output
4 Series: 255 hp 718 Boxster: 300 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
4 Series: 295 lb-ft 718 Boxster: 280 lb-ft The 4 Series’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
4 Series leads
The 4 Series dominates the fuel economy & range section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. Choose the 4 Series and you get better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the 4 Series.
Fuel economy (combined)
4 Series: 31 mpg 718 Boxster: 22 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (highway)
4 Series: 36 mpg 718 Boxster: 25 mpg The 4 Series uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
4 Series leads
Look at the space & practicality table and one name keeps coming out on top: the 4 Series. The 4 Series steps ahead thanks to room for 4 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. Bottom line for space & practicality: the 4 Series has the edge.
Seats
4 Series: 4 seats 718 Boxster: 2 seats The 4 Series has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
Off-road & Towing
4 Series leads
In the off-road & towing category, the 4 Series is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. The 4 Series adds available all-wheel drive. The 4 Series offers all-wheel drive; the 718 Boxster doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. Prioritize off-road & towing, and the 4 Series is where you should land.
AWD / 4WD available
4 Series: yes 718 Boxster: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the 4 Series and the 718 Boxster each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 4 Series | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo flat-4 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 300 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual (7-speed PDK optional) |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 4 Series | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 4 Series | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats (winner) | 2 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 4 Series | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 4 Series | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 4 Series if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (31 mpg vs 22 mpg combined)
- you cover long highway distances (36 mpg vs 25 mpg on the highway)
- you want better city fuel economy (28 mpg vs 20 mpg)
Choose the 718 Boxster if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (300 hp vs 255 hp)
- you prefer staying with Porsche
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 4 Series or the 718 Boxster?
We’d point most buyers to the 4 Series. The main exception is if you know that 45 hp more power would make a real difference in your routine.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the 4 Series and the 718 Boxster. For me, the deciding factor is that only the 4 Series gives you room for 4 seats. I’d also count better fuel economy in the 4 Series’s favor. To be fair, the 718 Boxster has 45 hp more power, and that’s not nothing.
The 4 Series makes sense for anyone who values fuel economy & range; the 718 Boxster for anyone who values engine & performance.
My pick: the 4 Series, though I’d happily point you to the 718 Boxster if having 45 hp more power matters more to you than the rest.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.