Buy the 718 Boxster if open-air driving is the reason you want a mid-engine Porsche. Choose the 718 Cayman if you prefer a permanent roof and need the greater rear luggage volume reported for the coupe. In Porsche’s 2025 U.S. base-model listings, the two cars have the same 300 horsepower, 4.7-second 0–60 mph time and 171-mph maximum track speed (with summer tires), so the decision is primarily about body style, cargo use, trim and price—not a basic performance advantage.
The 2025 U.S. starting MSRP is $75,400 for the Cayman and $77,600 for the Boxster. Those are manufacturer list prices before options, taxes, title, registration, delivery/processing/handling, dealer charges and any applicable tariffs; the selling dealer sets the actual transaction price.
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What separates the 718 Cayman from the 718 Boxster?
They are two body styles of the same 718 mid-engine, two-seat sports-car family. The 718 Cayman is a fixed-roof coupe. The 718 Boxster is an open-top convertible; Porsche describes “Boxster” as the name used for its 718 Cabriolet. Their shared layout and model range make like-for-like comparisons possible, but the roof changes how each car fits daily life.
Choose the Cayman for a permanent roof
A fixed roof gives the Cayman its coupe form and creates a larger enclosed rear luggage area. The roof is always in place, so there is no decision about when to open it and no convertible mechanism to operate. The available evidence does not establish a difference in noise insulation, roof durability, theft resistance or structural rigidity, so those should be judged from the exact car and a drive rather than assumed from the body style.
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Choose the Boxster for open-air driving
The Boxster’s defining feature is its retractable soft top. It delivers the open-top experience while retaining the 718’s two-seat, mid-engine configuration. The trade-off is a smaller rear luggage compartment than the Cayman’s in the dealer-published figures below. Roof operating speeds, weather sealing, maintenance cost or long-term soft-top durability are not established by the cited information; verify those points for the model year you are considering.
2025 base-model specifications at a glance
The following figures combine Porsche’s 2025 U.S. model listings with a Porsche dealer comparison. Performance figures are for the listed base versions; dimensions and cargo figures are dealer-published and should be checked against official technical data for a specific model year and trim.
| Specification | 2025 718 Cayman | 2025 718 Boxster | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body style | Fixed-roof coupe | Open-top convertible | The roof experience is the primary distinction. |
| Engine displacement (base model) | 2.0 liters | 2.0 liters | Car and Driver’s 2025 comparison tool lists the same displacement. |
| Power (base model) | 300 hp | 300 hp | Headline output is equal in the cited base versions. |
| Torque (base model) | 280 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft | The dealer comparison and Car and Driver list the same torque. |
| 0–60 mph (base model) | 4.7 seconds | 4.7 seconds | Porsche’s listing; compare transmission and test conditions on any specific car. |
| Maximum track speed | 171 mph | 171 mph | Porsche’s listed figure with summer tires; it is not a public-road recommendation. |
| Front luggage volume | 5.3 cu ft | 5.3 cu ft | Equal in the dealer-published comparison. |
| Rear luggage volume | 9.7 cu ft | 4.4 cu ft | The Cayman has 5.3 cu ft more rear cargo volume in that comparison. |
| Overall length | 172.4 in | 172.4 in | Same dealer-published length. |
| Wheelbase | 97.4 in | 97.4 in | Same dealer-published wheelbase. |
| Height | 51.0 in | 50.4 in | The Boxster is listed 0.6 inch lower. |
These numbers describe the cited base cars, not every 718. An S, GTS 4.0, GT4 RS or Spyder RS can have different equipment, engine specifications, acceleration and pricing. Always match a specification to the exact trim, transmission, options and model year.
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For the 2025 U.S. base Cayman and Boxster, the listed headline performance is the same: 300 hp, 280 lb-ft, 4.7 seconds to 60 mph and a 171-mph maximum track speed with summer tires. That means a buyer should not select the base coupe expecting it to be officially quicker than the base convertible, or vice versa.
Why the trim matters more than the roof
Porsche’s 2025 U.S. page also lists Style Edition, S and GTS 4.0 versions for both body styles. The listed S variants produce 350 hp and reach 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The GTS 4.0 variants are listed at 394 hp and 3.8 seconds to 60 mph with Sport Chrono. Those figures are manufacturer listings for the named versions; they should not be applied to a base car.
The page separately shows the high-performance Cayman GT4 RS and the Boxster-family Spyder RS. Their existence does not make every Cayman or Boxster an equivalent track model. If you are comparing one of these special variants, use its dedicated equipment and performance data rather than the base-model table.
Compare like for like
A meaningful performance comparison uses the same engine family, trim, transmission and tire specification. A heavily optioned car can also have a different measured result from a lightly equipped example. Porsche’s 4.7-second and 171-mph base figures should therefore be treated as listed reference points, not a guarantee for every vehicle or driving condition.
Practicality: how much luggage space do you really get?
Both cars have a front luggage compartment rated at 5.3 cubic feet in the dealer comparison. The difference is behind the passenger compartment: the Cayman is listed with 9.7 cubic feet of rear luggage volume, while the Boxster is listed with 4.4 cubic feet.
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What the Cayman’s rear space changes
The Cayman’s additional 5.3 cubic feet of reported rear capacity can make it easier to carry larger or more rigid items, subject to the compartment’s shape and the vehicle’s loading limits. It is the more practical choice if you routinely pack equipment that benefits from a fixed enclosed rear area or if you want maximum cargo flexibility from this two-seat format.
How to evaluate the Boxster’s storage
The Boxster still offers both front and rear luggage areas, but the cited rear figure is less than half the Cayman’s. Measure the bags, helmets, camera cases or other items you actually carry rather than relying only on a cubic-foot total. The dealer figures are not a substitute for checking opening dimensions and shape on the exact car.
Price: what the 2025 U.S. list figures show
Porsche’s current U.S. page displays 2025 gasoline models. The figures below are starting MSRPs, not dealer quotes or guaranteed inventory prices.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems| 2025 U.S. trim | 718 Cayman starting MSRP | 718 Boxster starting MSRP | Boxster premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $75,400 | $77,600 | $2,200 |
| Style Edition | $82,100 | $84,200 | $2,100 |
| S | $87,900 | $90,000 | $2,100 |
| GTS 4.0 | $103,300 | $105,500 | $2,200 |
The Boxster’s listed starting price is higher in every row shown. Porsche states that the prices exclude options, taxes, title, registration, delivery/processing/handling, dealer charges and potential tariffs, and that the dealer sets the actual selling price. A build sheet can move the final number substantially, so compare two configured cars rather than comparing only the headline MSRP.
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How to make a fair price comparison
- Select the same model year and trim level for both body styles.
- Use the same transmission and match material equipment, wheel and tire choices, driver-assistance features and interior options as closely as possible.
- Request written quotes that separate vehicle price, destination or processing charges, taxes, registration and dealer-installed items.
- Check whether the quoted car is physically available, incoming or a factory order; an advertised starting price does not establish inventory.
- Compare financing or leasing terms independently from the vehicle price so a monthly payment does not hide a different down payment, term or mileage allowance.
Which trim should you consider?
The body-style decision comes first, but the trim determines much of the car’s character and budget. The following overview uses only the variants and manufacturer-listed figures established for the 2025 U.S. range.
Base Cayman or Boxster
The base cars are the clearest apples-to-apples comparison: both are listed with a 2.0-liter engine, 300 hp, 280 lb-ft and a 4.7-second 0–60-mph time. Pick the Cayman when the permanent roof and larger reported rear luggage area outweigh the open-air experience. Pick the Boxster when lowering the roof is central to how you plan to drive.
Style Edition
Style Edition models are listed at $82,100 for the Cayman and $84,200 for the Boxster in the cited U.S. snapshot. No separate power or acceleration figure is provided for this edition, so do not assume it changes the base performance numbers without checking the vehicle specification.
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S
The S versions are listed at 350 hp and 4.2 seconds to 60 mph. They suit a buyer who wants a clear performance step above the base car while retaining the Cayman-or-Boxster body-style choice. Confirm the exact transmission, tires and options on the car you are evaluating.
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GTS 4.0
The GTS 4.0 versions are listed at 394 hp and 3.8 seconds to 60 mph with Sport Chrono. Their starting prices are above $100,000 before options, so compare the complete equipment list and intended use rather than paying solely for a performance number.
GT4 RS and Spyder RS
Porsche also lists the Cayman GT4 RS and the Boxster-family Spyder RS. They occupy a different high-performance position from the base, Style Edition, S and GTS 4.0 cars. The supplied data does not provide a matched specification or price table for these variants; use Porsche’s model-specific information before making a comparison.
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Choose the Cayman when these needs dominate
- You want a fixed hardtop rather than a convertible roof.
- You will use the rear luggage area frequently and value the dealer-reported 9.7-cu-ft capacity.
- You prefer the coupe body without needing open-air driving.
- You are comparing base cars and want the lower listed starting MSRP.
Choose the Boxster when these needs dominate
- Open-top driving is the main reason you are buying a 718.
- You accept the dealer-reported 4.4-cu-ft rear luggage volume in exchange for the convertible layout.
- You are comfortable paying the listed premium for the equivalent 2025 trim.
- You will choose based on roof experience first because the base performance figures are matched.
When neither body style is the obvious answer
If your priority is a particular engine, equipment package or high-performance variant, start with that specification and then choose the roof. If your priorities are reliability, service cost, insurance, depreciation or all-weather comfort, the supplied comparison does not establish a winner. Those questions require separate evidence for the exact model year and ownership situation.
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Buying a used 718 Cayman or Boxster
The 2025 prices above apply to new U.S. gasoline models and should not be used as a used-car valuation. For a pre-owned car, condition and documentation can matter more than the original body-style price gap.
Documents to request
- Complete service and repair records, including dates and mileage.
- The vehicle identification number and a history report from a reputable provider.
- Evidence of accident repairs, paintwork or track use if disclosed by the seller.
- Confirmation of installed options, engine variant, transmission and model year.
- Records for tires, brakes and other consumable replacements.
Inspection steps
- Arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection with a technician experienced with the 718 platform.
- Verify that the cold start, warning lights, fluid condition and diagnostic scan are consistent with the seller’s description.
- Inspect both luggage compartments, seals, glass, body panels and underbody areas for damage or water intrusion.
- On a Boxster, operate the roof through its normal cycle and inspect the fabric, windows, seals and mechanism; the supplied comparison does not quantify future soft-top costs, so condition must be judged on the individual car.
- Compare the inspection report with the purchase contract and obtain written commitments for any promised repairs.
No comparative reliability, repair-cost or lifecycle-cost conclusion is established by the available material. Treat a used Cayman and used Boxster as separate condition evaluations, not as automatically interchangeable cars.
Common comparison mistakes
- Assuming the coupe is faster: the cited 2025 base figures are identical.
- Comparing different trims: an S or GTS 4.0 cannot be used to represent a base car.
- Using one price as a transaction promise: the displayed MSRPs exclude several charges and dealers set selling prices.
- Ignoring cargo shape: cubic-foot totals do not tell you whether your actual luggage will fit.
- Projecting base specifications onto special models: GT4 RS and Spyder RS require their own data.
- Assuming ownership costs from the roof alone: service, insurance, weather comfort and depreciation are not settled by this comparison.
- Forgetting market and model year: the cited figures are a 2025 U.S. snapshot; availability and local pricing can differ later or outside the United States.
A simple test-drive and quote checklist
- Write down the exact model year, body style, trim, engine designation, transmission and options before driving.
- Drive the Cayman and Boxster back to back, using the same route and conditions where possible.
- Operate the Boxster roof and assess whether the open-air experience is worth the cargo trade-off to you.
- Load the bags or equipment you actually use into both luggage areas.
- Ask the dealer for a written, itemized out-the-door quote.
- For a used car, complete the independent inspection before negotiating the final price.
- Recheck the specification sheet and contract so the vehicle delivered matches the vehicle evaluated.
Verdict
The 718 Cayman is the rational choice for a fixed roof, the larger reported rear luggage compartment and the lower 2025 U.S. starting MSRP. The 718 Boxster is the emotional choice for open-air driving, with the same listed base-model power and acceleration but a smaller rear luggage area and a $2,200 higher starting MSRP in the base trim. There is no universal winner: choose the roof you will use, then compare the exact trim, equipment, quote and vehicle condition.
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