2014 Porsche Boxster GTS vs. its rivals

There aren’t too many two-seat roadsters that will compete directly with the new Porsche Boxster GTS.

Indeed, just three offerings from BMW, Lotus and Mercedes-Benz match the GTS closely in terms of price and performance. Even so each has a unique powertrain arrangement, a factor that contributes to four very different driving experiences.

This particular market segment could gain a further two contenders in the future, though. The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is going into production next year, while an open-top RS version of the recently-revealed third-generation Audi TT is expected at some point.

Manufacturer	Porsche	BMW	Lotus	Mercedes-Benz
Model	Boxster GTS	Z4 sDrive35iS	Exige S Roadster	SLK 55 AMG
OTR price	£52,879*	£45,935	£53,850	£55,335
Engine	3.4 litre F6; mid-mounted	3.0 litre I6 twin-turbo; front-mounted	3.5 litre V6 supercharged; mid-mounted	5.5 litre V8; front-mounted
Power	335 bhp (250 kW / 340 PS)	335 bhp (250 kW / 340 PS)	345 bhp (258 kW / 350 PS)	415 bhp (310 kW / 421 PS)
Torque	380 Nm (280 lb/ft)	450 Nm (332 lb/ft)	400 Nm (295 lb/ft)	540 Nm (398 lb/ft)
Transmission	6-speed manual	7-speed DCT**	6-speed manual	7-speed auto**
0-62 mph (100 km/h)	5.0 secs	4.8 secs	4.0 secs	4.6 secs
Top speed	174 mph (281 km/h)	155 mph (250 km/h)^	145 mph (233 km/h)^	155 mph (250 km/h)^
Combined cycle	31.4 mpg (9.0 l/100km)	31.0 mpg (9.1 l/100km)	28.0 mpg (10.1 l/100km)	33.6 mpg (8.4 l/100km)
CO2 emissions	211 g/km	211 g/km	236 g/km	195 g/km
* £55,230 with the PDK dual-clutch transmission.
** Manual gearbox not available.
^ Electronically limited.

Related posts:
2014 Porsche Boxster GTS and Cayman GTS
Exige S Roadster specs and prices
2012 SLK 55 AMG