Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Porsche 718 Boxster
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Porsche 718 Boxster contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Porsche 718 Boxster.
When we compare the Mazda MX-5 Miata's and the Porsche 718 Boxster's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The Porsche 718 Boxster has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda MX-5 Miata's and the Porsche 718 Boxster's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a better car than the Porsche 718 Boxster.
Pricing: A used 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranges from $28,131 to $38,700 while a used 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster is priced between $88,242 to $249,994. For a new model, the Mazda MX-5 Miata's price is between $31,130 and $39,871, with the Porsche 718 Boxster priced between $89,775 and $223,843.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda MX-5 Miata loses 36.3 percent of its value and the Porsche 718 Boxster loses 29.7 percent of its value. This means the Porsche 718 Boxster retains 6.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s base engine makes 181 horsepower, and the Porsche 718 Boxster base engine makes 300 horsepower. The MX-5 Miata is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 405 miles. The 718 Boxster is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 358 miles. This gives the Mazda MX-5 Miata the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Porsche 718 Boxster. Both models use premium unleaded.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
31130 - 39871
Starting MSRP:
29830
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
35186
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
29830 - 42970
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
89775 - 223843
Starting MSRP:
74900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
90928
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
54500 - 150000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
33746
Price Range:
28131 - 38700
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
40382
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
33746 - 50310
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
172344
Price Range:
88242 - 249994
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
121269
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
60394 - 258844
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
10922
Depreciation %:
0.3661385
Resale Value $:
18908
Residual Value %:
0.6338615000000001
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Sports Cars)
0.33757779
Category Depreciation Range:
(Sports Cars)
0.24794219 - 0.47768027
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
22193
Depreciation %:
0.29629887
Resale Value $:
52707
Residual Value %:
0.70370113
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
0.27961642
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
0.17060832 - 0.55051463
Mazda MX-5 Miata Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.8 / 10
Reliability:
8.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Porsche 718 Boxster Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
9.2 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda MX-5 Miata
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
24.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
15.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
9.4 - 24.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.131
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Porsche 718 Boxster
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
20.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
13.0 - 29.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.703241207488077
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
4.0
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6 - 5.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.9975018544217242
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
3.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
0.9 - 7.2
Mazda MX-5 Miata Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
7 out of / 11Ranking
8 out of / 11Ranking
8 out of / 11Ranking
10 out of / 11Porsche 718 Boxster Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 23Ranking
4 out of / 12Ranking
5 out of / 38Ranking
6 out of / 38Ranking
8 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 23Ranking
23 out of / 38Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mazda MX-5 Miata Trim Levels
35th Anniversary Edition, Club, Grand Touring, Sport
Porsche 718 Boxster Trim Levels
Base, GTS 4.0, S, Spyder RS, Style Edition
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
151 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.077 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
280 foot-lbs @ 1950 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.097 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
309 / 405 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 25 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
286 / 358 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
52.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
4.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
Not yet available
Front Leg Room:
Not yet available
Front Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
9.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2366 lbs
Width:
68.3 inches
Height:
48.6 inches
Length:
154.1 inches
Wheelbase:
90.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3097 lbs
Width:
78.5 inches
Height:
50.4 inches
Length:
172.4 inches
Wheelbase:
97.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P195/50R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45ZR18
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Jet Black Metallic
Red
Carmine Red / Guards Red / Ruby Star Neo
Blue
Gentian Blue Metallic / Shark Blue
Gray
Agate Grey Metallic / Arctic Grey / Chalk / Ice Grey Metallic
Green
Aventurine Green Metallic / Vanadium Grey Metallic
Silver
GT Silver Metallic
White
White
Yellow
Racing Yellow
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black/Chalk
Gray
Agate Grey / Black/Chalk / Graphite Blue
Red
Black/Bordeaux Red / Bordeaux Red
