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Porsche Boxster vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

How the Porsche Boxster stacks up against the Mazda MX-5 Miata - by Nigel Cooper, Topanga CA

2009 Porsche Boxster
Price Range: $46,600 - $56,700
2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Price Range: $21,750 - $28,250
Porsche Boxster vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata Review

Utility
Neither the Mazda nor the Porsche Boxster has a marked advantage in terms of seating capacity.

Performance
As far as horsepower, the Porsche Boxster packs quite a punch and will knock the Mazda MX-5 Miata down a few rungs. However, remember that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Dimensions
Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Porsche than the Mazda MX-5 Miata because of its larger tank. The Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Boxster compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is significantly cheaper to get to the dealership than the Porsche Boxster. Regarding MSRP, the Porsche Boxster costs tremendously more than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Handling
With its tighter turning circle, the Mazda is definitely more agile than the Boxster, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, remember that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The Porsche Boxster has a more sizeable engine than the Mazda. Note that smaller engines typically get better gas mileage, but smaller engines can be stressed more. Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the Porsche is substantially more powerful than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Comfort
Taller drivers will significantly enjoy the extra head room in the Porsche's front cabin compared to the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Overview
The basic warranty that comes with the MX-5 Miata isn't quite as generous as the Porsche Boxster's.

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