8 Series vs 718 Boxster
Rivals in the sports car class rarely match spec for spec, and the 8 Series and the 718 Boxster are no exception. Scoring each area separately, the 8 Series comes out on top 4 times out of 4. Its lead is sharpest in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance 8 Series wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 8 Series wins
- Space & Practicality 8 Series wins
- Off-road & Towing 8 Series wins
- Engine & Performance3.7
- Fuel Economy & Range4.1
- 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 8 Series has room for 4 seats
Not a close call. The 8 Series lists 4 seats and the 718 Boxster lists 2 seats. That’s a substantial gap. The 8 Series has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
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The 8 Series has 88 lb-ft more torque
Among all the differences on this page, 368 lb-ft against 280 lb-ft is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the 8 Series. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The 8 Series has 35 hp more power
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the 8 Series leads with 335 hp to 300 hp. The 8 Series’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The 8 Series has better fuel economy
Only a little separates them: 24 mpg on the 8 Series, 22 mpg on the 718 Boxster. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
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The 8 Series has better highway fuel economy
The 718 Boxster gives up a lot on fuel economy (highway): 25 mpg, compared with 29 mpg on the 8 Series. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
8 Series leads
The 718 Boxster has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the 8 Series pulls well ahead. The 8 Series has the edge with 88 lb-ft more torque. The 8 Series’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing. Net result: the 8 Series leads this part of the comparison.
Torque
8 Series: 368 lb-ft 718 Boxster: 280 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Total system output
8 Series: 335 hp 718 Boxster: 300 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
8 Series leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the 8 Series. Choose the 8 Series and you get better fuel economy. The 8 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the 8 Series is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (combined)
8 Series: 24 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)
8 Series: 29 mpg 718 Boxster: 25 mpg Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Space & Practicality
8 Series leads
The 8 Series clearly takes the space & practicality round. The 8 Series scores with room for 4 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. If space & practicality is your priority, the 8 Series is the car to pick.
Seats
8 Series: 4 seats 718 Boxster: 2 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
8 Series leads
If you’re keeping score, the off-road & towing point goes narrowly to the 8 Series. The 8 Series takes this one with available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. In short, the 8 Series is the better-equipped car for off-road & towing.
AWD / 4WD available
8 Series: yes 718 Boxster: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 8 Series | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 2.0L turbo flat-4 |
| Total system output | 335 hp (winner) | 300 hp |
| Torque | 368 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 | 8 Series | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg (winner) | 20 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 8 Series | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats (winner) | 2 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 8 Series | 718 Boxster |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 8 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 8 Series if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (368 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (335 hp vs 300 hp)
- you want better combined fuel economy (24 mpg vs 22 mpg)
Choose the 718 Boxster if…
- you already know your way around Porsche’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the 8 Series or the 718 Boxster?
On the specs compared here, the 8 Series makes more sense for most buyers; the 718 Boxster doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
BMW makes the 8 Series, Porsche makes the 718 Boxster, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. The biggest reason I lean toward the 8 Series is simple: it has room for 4 seats. There’s more, too: the 8 Series offers 88 lb-ft more torque.
I think of the 8 Series as the one for engine & performance and the 718 Boxster as the one for the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the 8 Series.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.