Innovative and interesting engineering philosophies are prominent in the lightweight convertible segment, with entry-level roadsters centered on driver involvement, and high-output sports cars for serious performance. 2025 Mazda MX-5 Sport vs. 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 Because these rival sales are so close, the match up can be incredibly close to the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Sport vs. 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. Two of these cars are two seaters and petrol powered, but they’re also worlds apart in the sports car market.
Analyzing the specs of each side-by-side you see the two manufacturers approach the traditional open-top formula is remarkably dissimilar. Factory specs and testing data confirm significant differences across the board in engine horsepower, acceleration, top speed, fuel economy, cargo capacity, weight, braking, and purchase price. Comparing the specs of the two next to each other illustrates the MX-5’s emphasis on light weight and reasonable performance while the Boxster GTS 4.0 retains high-rev flat-six power coupled to one a choice in hardware to propel it to vastly superior outright performance.
1. Starting Purchase Price and Value Proposition
The other thing to note that makes these two cars quite different is the price. 2025 Mazda MX-5 Sport has an MSRP of $28,550 which makes this the cheapest of any of the choices for a RWD petrol powered open top sports car. The starting MSRP of the 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is $91,700 which is a difference of $63,150 between these two roadsters. That cost can be increased further as you add options as the seven speed PDK dual clutch automatic transmission is $3,730 and the Premium package is $3,500 bringing the as tested price for the Porsche to more than $110,540.
Starting Price Differences:
- MX-5 starts at $28,550
- Boxster starts at $91,700
- Price gap reaches $63,150
- PDK costs additional $3,730
- As-tested prices exceed $110,540
The wide gap in pricing speaks volumes about the different types of cars they are building. The MX-5 is on a mission to make entry into RWD convertibles easier and less expensive while the Boxster GTS 4.0 is filling the performance inventory of a significantly more expensive group. Buying a Porsche PDK adds an additional $3,730 and the $3,500 Premium package pushes as-tested pricing above $110,540. This gap will be relevant when comparing the cars on the basis of performance, content, technical complexity and price.
2. Powertrain Architecture and Output Figures
In the nuts and bolts, the two roadsters are providing that most thoroughgoing of opposites: one has a very different engine. Getting under the hood of a Mazda MX-5 Sport gives 181horsepower and 213Nm torque to the nimble 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine of this two-seater is from what would seem, if car manufacturers would be able to do so without getting into trouble, typical Mazda style. The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is powered by a 4.0-liter 4-plane naturally aspirated flat-six that produces to 220 hp (394hp (400 hp version)) and 420Nm torque direct injection of gasoline, aluminum material and a red engine of 8,000 rpm provides up to 219 horsepower compared to MX-5.
Engine Output Comparison:
- MX-5 makes 181 horsepower
- Mazda produces 213 Nm
- Porsche makes up to 400
- Boxster produces 420 Nm
- Porsche gains 219 horsepower
The two convertibles have very different powertrain designs. Mazda uses a naturally aspirated four-cylinder focused on lightweight, responsive driving, while Porsche uses a larger naturally aspirated flat-six with much higher output. The Porsche’s aluminum construction, direct fuel injection, and 7,800-rpm limit support its high-performance character. Its 219-horsepower advantage is especially notable because both engines are naturally aspirated, with Porsche achieving greater output through larger displacement and a high-revving flat-six rather than turbocharging.
3. Straight-Line Acceleration and Speed Benchmarks
That variation in output reflects out to straightspeed for the two. The 6.5 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph) and 219 km/h (136 mph) top end of the Mazda MX-5 Sport was acceptably challenging to getting around and performance driving. The four seconds and 293 km/h (182 mph) top end of the Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, on the other hand, is nearly 50 per cent quicker to 100 km/h (62 mph), 3.4 seconds to 60 mph (97 km/h), and 11.7 seconds and 119 mph (192 km/h) in the quarter-miler.
Acceleration And Speed Figures:
- MX-5 reaches 100 km/h
- Mazda needs 6.5 seconds
- Porsche needs only 4.0
- Boxster reaches 293 km/h
- PDK reaches 60 mph
The straight-line figures highlight the different performance levels of these roadsters. The Mazda MX-5 reaches 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, offering useful acceleration without focusing on outright speed. The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 achieves 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and a 293-km/h top speed, while a PDK-equipped version has recorded 0–60 mph in 3.4 seconds and the quarter-mile in 11.7 seconds at 119 mph. These results show how the Porsche’s larger engine and higher output deliver stronger acceleration and greater top speed, while the MX-5 focuses on accessible roadster performance.
4. Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Consumption Metrics
Efficiency Another area where the two roadsters differ is in fuel efficiency. The Mazda MX-5 Sport runs 7.5 L/100km and 172 g/km CO2 emissions, with a 45-litre tank that serves the car well for a drive around town as well as long-haul trips. The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 boasts an energy use of 10.0 L/100km and 228 g/km CO2 emissions. Its EPA rating is 21 mpg combined, 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, but it achieves approximately 23 mpg in testing, and Porsche offers a larger 64-litre fuel tank to power the Boxster.
Efficiency And Consumption Data:
- MX-5 uses 7.5 L/100km
- Mazda emissions reach 172 g/km
- Boxster uses 10.0 L/100km
- Porsche emissions reach 228 g/km
- Boxster tank holds 64 liters
The consumption figures reflect the different demands of each powertrain. The Mazda MX-5’s naturally aspirated four-cylinder records 7.5 L/100km and 172 g/km of CO2 emissions, paired with a 45-liter fuel tank. The Porsche Boxster GTS 4.0 consumes 10.0 L/100km and produces 228 g/km of CO2, with EPA ratings of 21 mpg combined, 19 mpg city, and 24 mpg highway. Testing records about 23 mpg overall, while its larger 64-liter tank provides additional capacity. These differences highlight the operating trade-offs of the Porsche’s larger engine and higher output.
5. Luggage Cargo Capacity and Interior Practicality
Roominess, Utility and Cargo is somewhat more of a draw: the 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 carries 150 liters of combined cargo capacity (as a result of a 5-cubic-meter trunk for the front along with a 4-cubic-meter trunk within the rear), versus 130 liters of baggage room from the 2025 Mazda MX-5 Sport- a small but better 20 liters for the Porsche. The Boxster actually will come with an power-powered fabric roof that folds across the car or truck and retracts in roughly 10 seconds, although cargo space is not very generous and also the gizmo has some unusual pop-open cupholders in the dash.
Cargo And Practicality Figures:
- Boxster offers 150 liters
- MX-5 provides 130 liters
- Porsche gains 20 liters
- Front and rear trunks
- Roof operates in 10 seconds
The Porsche has a slight cargo advantage despite both being compact two-seat roadsters. The Boxster offers 150 liters of combined front and rear cargo space, compared with 130 liters in the MX-5, giving it a 20-liter advantage. Its powered fabric roof can also complete its operation in about 10 seconds, although cabin storage remains limited in both cars. The Boxster uses dashboard-mounted pop-out cupholders as one solution, while its overall packaging maintains the compact layout expected of a dedicated sports convertible.
6. Transmission Choices and Gearshift Dynamics
The choice of transmissions also influences the vehicles’ on-road personalities. The rear-drive Mazda MX-5 Sport is available with a low-friction, manual transmission that is sharp and engaging but doesn’t take a lot of your input. The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 comes with the choice of a standard six-speed manual or an $3,730 seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic. The manual makes the Boxster more intimate, the PDK more quick and predictive, and Porsche’s recorded 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds.
Transmission Characteristics:
- MX-5 uses manual transmission
- Porsche offers six-speed manual
- PDK costs additional $3,730
- PDK delivers rapid shifts
- Manual provides hands-on control
The two manufacturers take different approaches to driver involvement and shifting performance. The MX-5’s manual transmission complements its lightweight construction and naturally aspirated engine with direct mechanical feedback. Porsche offers a six-speed manual for traditional hands-on control or a seven-speed PDK focused on rapid gear changes and acceleration. The PDK helps the Boxster achieve a tested 0–60 mph time of 3.4 seconds, giving buyers a choice between manual engagement and fast automated shifting.
7. Exterior Dimensions, Ground Clearance, and Curb Weight
Size and weight have a tremendous impact on the qualities of each of these sports cars. The Mazda MX-5 Sport is 3,915 mm long with a turning circle of 9.4 meters, 140 mm of ground clearance, and a curb weight of 1,060 kg. The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is 4,391 mm long, or 476 mm longer than the MX-5, with a wheelbase of 97.4 inches, 10.9-meter turning circle, and 110 mm of ground clearance. It has a curb weight of 1,435 kg, or 375 kg more than the Mazda.
Size And Weight Comparison:
- MX-5 weighs 1,060 kg
- Boxster weighs 1,435 kg
- Porsche is 476mm longer
- Mazda has 140mm clearance
- Porsche has 110mm clearance
The dimensions highlight the different engineering approaches of these roadsters. The Mazda MX-5’s 3,915-mm length, 1,060-kg weight, 9.4-meter turning circle, and 140-mm ground clearance support its compact, lightweight design. The Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 is 476 mm longer at 4,391 mm, weighs 1,435 kg, has a 10.9-meter turning circle, and offers 110 mm of ground clearance. Its additional 375 kg reflects its larger 4.0-liter flat-six and dual luggage compartments, while the MX-5 relies more heavily on low weight and compact dimensions.
8. Braking Performance and Chassis Roadholding Capabilities
The stopping power and traction is provided by performance brakes and tyres, with 13.8-inch front and 13.0-inch rear vented, cross-drilled discs, and Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tyres (front 235/35ZR-20, rear 265/35ZR-20). Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 Carpage Digital 18 1/2 lbs of weight from 70 mph takes 145 feet (from 70 to 0). The Porsche 3,254 pounds 100 mph requires 294 feet (100-0 mph). The Strut suspension system and aluminum mid-engine placement contribute to an acceleration of 1.05 g for the 2 Ppod skidpad.
Braking And Chassis Figures:
- Front discs measure 13.8 inches
- Rear discs measure 13.0 inches
- Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires
- Stops from 70 mph
- Skidpad reaches 1.05 g
The Porsche’s brakes and tires on the other hand will also add to the constant performance of the car. The car features vented cross drilled brakes that are high volume as well as Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires at 235/35ZR-20 front and 265/35ZR-20 rear for supreme grip. In our testing, we found our 70 mph braking to be 145 feet and 294 feet at 100 mph. The mid-engine layout, strut suspension and the over 1g of lateral grip earned the Boxster a 1.05 g on the 300 foot skidpad which to us is impressive.
