2012 Porsche 718 Boxster

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Rating8.1

Ranked #4 in 

Compact Convertible
Write Review
$48,100 - $65,200
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Athletic looks and gorgeous cabin layout

Limited trunk space

New Black Edition trim

Quick functioning top

Pricey available features and packages

Impressive throttle response

Rivals are less thirsty

Specs & Features

$61,800

price

320 hp @ 7200 rpm

horsepower

266 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

torque

6-Speed Manual

transmission

3.4L 6cyl RWD 6M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2012 Porsche Boxster is a compact convertible offered in 4 trims, starting off at a base MSRP of $48,100. For that price, it mainly competes with the BMW Z4 Convertible, the Audi TTS Convertible, and the Mercedes Benz SLK-Class Convertible. Between 3 trims, the Boxster offers 2 powertrains. The base engine is a 2.9L Flat-6 engine capable of making 255 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. If more power is required, there is also a 3.4L Flat-6 engine that makes 310 horsepower and 320 horsepower depending on the trim level. Both engines are mated to either a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 7-speed PDK transmission. The Boxster reaches 60 mph from zero in 5.5 seconds on its base engine, which gets pumped up to 5.0 seconds and 4.6 seconds with the 3.4L flat-6 engine’s lower and higher output respectively. Depending on the powertrain, the Boxster can manage a combined fuel economy between 21 and 23 mpg. While we’re on the topic of choices, the 15 striking color choices are given just on the base trim.

Buying Advice

The trim selection not only comes down to features but also to the engine. We suggest getting the S trim with the 3.4L Flat-6 engine’s lower output. In options, you can select the heated front and rear seats, a heating steering wheel, park assist system, Bose surround sound system , and more.

Trims

    Base
    $48,100 onwards
    • 21-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels
    • LED headlights and taillamps
    • Panoramic roof with tilt-and-slide front panel
    S
    $58,600 onwards
    • 18-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    S Black Edition
    $65,200 onwards
    • 19-inch black aluminum Wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • Front automatic air conditioning
    • Leather/Leatherette Seat trim
    • Navigation system
    • Power Convertible top
    • Rain sensing windsheild wiper

Compare to similar cars

Price

$48,100- $65,200

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.07

Horsepower

320 hp @ 7200 rpm

Torque

273 lb.-ft. @ 4750 rpm

Capacity

4

Read Review

$48,650- $64,200

Gasoline

7.89

240 hp @ 5000 rpm

260 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

2

Read Review

$60,100- $68,750

Gasoline

8.24

414 hp @ 8300 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

4

Read Review

$42,500- $54,800

Gasoline

8.04

201 hp @ 5500 rpm

229 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

2

Read Review

$103,650- $140,440

Gasoline

7.4

382 hp @ 6000 rpm

391 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm

2

Read Review

2012 Porsche 718 Boxster vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    5.2 sec--
    4.5 sec13.9 sec165 mph
    2012 BMW M3

    Ranked #2

    5.1 sec13.4 sec155 mph
    2012 BMW Z4

    Ranked #4

    5.5 sec14.0 sec130 mph
    6.5 sec14.8 sec170 mph

    2012 Porsche 718 Boxster vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      20 mpg27 mpg22 mpg16.9 gal.321.1/456.3 mi.
      2012 BMW Z4

      Ranked #1

      22 mpg34 mpg27 mpg14.5 gal.319/493 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18.5 gal.407/592 mi.
      14 mpg22 mpg17 mpg21.1 gal.295.4/464.2 mi.
      2012 BMW M3

      Ranked #5

      13 mpg20 mpg16 mpg16.6 gal.215.8/332 mi.

      2012 Porsche 718 Boxster vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        172.1 in.70.9 in.50.9 in.5 in.95.1 in.
        2012 BMW M3

        Ranked #1

        181.7 in.71 in.54.8 in.4 in.108.7 in.

        2012 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 63

        Ranked #2

        180.8 in.81.5 in.51.1 in.4 in.100.8 in.
        180.4 in.71.7 in.51.1 in.4 in.100.8 in.
        2012 BMW Z4

        Ranked #5

        167 in.70.5 in.50.8 in.5.1 in.98.3 in.
        162.8 in.71.5 in.51.2 in.4 in.95.7 in.

        2012 Porsche 718 Boxster vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          5.3 cu.ft.88.5 cu.ft.9.9 cu.ft.
          2012 BMW Z4

          Ranked #1

          8 cu.ft.164.4 cu.ft.8 cu.ft.
          2012 BMW M3

          Ranked #2

          9 cu.ft.103.3 cu.ft.68.5 cu.ft.
          10.1 cu.ft.49 cu.ft.10.1 cu.ft.
          10.2 cu.ft.50 cu.ft.10.2 cu.ft.

          2012 Porsche 718 Boxster vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            11.6 cu.ft.5.3 cu.ft.9.9 cu.ft.
            2012 BMW M3

            Ranked #2

            68.5 cu.ft.9 cu.ft.68.5 cu.ft.
            2012 BMW Z4

            Ranked #3

            150 cu.ft.8 cu.ft.8 cu.ft.
            59.7 cu.ft.10.1 cu.ft.10.1 cu.ft.
            10.2 cu.ft.10.2 cu.ft.10.2 cu.ft.

            2012 Porsche 718 Boxster vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              661 lbs.2943 lbs.
              540 lbs.4200 lbs.
              2012 BMW M3

              Ranked #1

              882 lbs.4145 lbs.
              705 lbs.3308 lbs.
              2012 BMW Z4

              Ranked #1

              562 lbs.3307 lbs.

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              MPG Combined : 22 mpg

              0-60 : 5.2 sec

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