14 Cool Alternatives to the 718 Porsche Boxster That Won’t Break the Bank

Porsche’s entry-level, mid-engined sports car is often referred to as a “poor man’s Porsche, but few cars can match the 718 Boxster’s driving dynamics.

Unfortunately, even the cheapest Porsche isn’t really cheap, especially if you’re on a strict budget.

We’ve created a list of 14 cool alternatives to the 718 Boxster. While they may not offer everything the Porsche has, you can get many of its best qualities for a fraction of the price.

Porsche 987 Cayman and Boxster — $20,000

Let’s start with the most obvious alternative to the latest Porsche Boxster: its predecessor, the 987 model Boxster and Cayman, which debuted in 2005.

Like the current 718 Boxster, these models have a mid-engine layout, giving them impeccable handling. Even the base model fitted with a 2.7-liter boxer unit packs a decent punch thanks to its 240-hp. Boxsters are available for as little as $15,000, while you can get a decent Cayman for around $20,000.

ND Mazda MX-5 Miata — $15,000

Performance-wise, the MX-5 Miata doesn’t stand a chance against the open-top Porsche. However, speed isn’t everything, and few cars can make a driving enthusiast smile like the Miata.

Its 2.0-liter Skyactiv engine pumps out between 158 and 181-hp, depending on the model year. Combined with one of the best chassis in the automotive world, the MX-5 Miata is a bargain sports car for those who prefer to drive rather than show off.

Fiat 124 Spider — $15,000

In 2016, Fiat introduced its new 124 Spider, built on the same platform and in the same factory as the latest Mazda MX-5 Miata. Instead of the Mazda’s 2.0-liter engine, Fiat decided to use its own turbocharged 1.4-liter, but it still packs a decent punch.

In the base model, the tiny engine delivers 138-hp, but if you opt for the Abarth version, you get a respectable 168 hp. It’s not a supercar slayer by any means, but on a tight and twisty road, the Fiat 124 Spider will deliver just as many smiles per mile as the 718 Boxster, and for a fraction of the cost.

BMW Z3 — $10,000

BMW sold the Z3 between 1996 and 2002, and it was a huge hit among performance car enthusiasts. The Z3 is a traditional sports car in every sense, with a front-mounted engine, manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and no roof — just like the original sports car definition.

We’d steer clear of the smaller engines, as those models are slightly underpowered — they do offer better handling, though. Opting for a 2.8-liter version gets you behind the wheel of a proper driver’s car with 190-hp, and you can buy one for under $10,000.

E85 BMW Z4 — $10,000

We get that the BMW Z3 isn’t for everyone. There are those who don’t like the styling, it can be a tight fit if you’re tall, and some just want a better and newer sports car.

Interestingly, the Z3’s replacement, the Z4, costs about the same, making it a real bargain. It has a more modern design and a better setup than its predecessor. If you buy one of the more powerful versions and spend some money on aftermarket parts, the old Z4 can be as great as a new Boxster.

2nd-Gen Audi TT — $15,000

Audi’s second-gen TT arrived in 2006 and remained on the market until 2014, so there are plenty of used cars to choose from. We recommend looking for a 3.2-liter or turbocharged 2.0-liter with Quattro AWD.

While those engines aren’t quite as powerful as the one in the Porsche, the Audi has the benefit of AWD, meaning it’ll grip and go on any road conditions. With some upgrades, standard mid-engined Porsches will be left eating dust.

R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG — $20,000

Mercedes-Benz launched the second generation Mercedes-Benz SLK two-seater roadster in 2004. There are no prizes for guessing that the SLK55 AMG was the high-performance version, packing a 5.4-liter V8 with 355-hp.

All its power was sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission, and the SLK55 AMG would scramble to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds. It also looked much more aggressive than the standard SLK models — even today, it wouldn’t look out of place when parked next to a 718 Boxster.

Toyota GT86 — $18,000

A Toyota with a 2.0-liter boxer engine hardly sounds like a match for a Porsche, and on paper, it seems out of its depth. However, get behind the wheel of a GT86, and we guarantee you’ll have a good time.

This 2+2 fastback coupé has rear-wheel-drive, a low center of gravity, and a near-perfect 53/47 front/rear weight balance, making it a proper driver’s car. If 200-hp isn’t enough, a huge selection of aftermarket parts caters to every possible need.

BMW 228i — $18,000

BMW’s little 228i is a proper performance car bargain, and since it’s also kind of a sleeper, most Boxster owners won’t even pay attention until they’re staring at your taillights.

The BMW 228i is often overlooked, which means it’s still possible to find them for reasonable money. With 240 horses, a six-speed manual, and a 0 to 60 mph time of just 5.1 seconds, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Nissan 370Z — $15,000

Nissan has now replaced the stylish 370Z with its new Z car, but it’s still a very competent sports coupe that can hold its own against more exotic models… like the Porsche Boxster 718.

With a lightweight construction, front-mid engine, manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive, this Nissan is a match made in heaven for driving enthusiasts. Seeing as the 370Z’s 3.7-liter V6 churns out north of 330-hp, it has no problems keeping up with the Porsche and its turbocharged flat-four.

Jaguar F-Type — $25,000

In 2014, Jaguar introduced the awesome F-Type two-seater sports car, considered a spiritual successor to the breathtakingly gorgeous E-Type.

While the F-Type could be ordered with a turbocharged four-cylinder unit, we’d prefer the supercharged V6 or V8 versions. With a budget of around $25,000, it’s possible to get behind the wheel of the V8 model, which sounds absolutely insane when it’s driven like it should be. While that kind of money will get you the 444-hp version, those with more cash to spend can get the 575-hp model.

Pontiac Solstice GXP — $13,000

There’s no denying that the Pontiac Solstice has its fair share of flaws, but it also gets most of the crucial things right. It’s affordable, looks cool, and the GXP trim even packs a very decent punch.

Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine pumps out 260 ponies, but more power can be attained with some quality tuning and aftermarket parts.

Toyota MR-2 Spyder — $12,000

We’ve seen people shoehorn a 3.5-liter V6 engine into the little MR-2 Spyder’s engine bay, but there’s no need to go that crazy in order to turn it into a real beast.

This is essentially a bargain-basement Lotus Elise with a spartan interior, virtually zero storage space, a well-sorted chassis, and a 1.8-liter producing 140-hp. While it won’t win any drag races, it can certainly keep up with more powerful machines on a twisty road. One relatively simple way to make it more powerful is by installing the 190-hp 1.8-liter from the Celica and its 6-speed transmission.

C6 Chevrolet Corvette — $20,000

Right now, the sixth-gen Corvette is one of the greatest bargains on the used car market. It looks modern and stylish but has a much lower price tag than the newer C7.

It’s possible to find them for as little as $15,000, but it’s probably a wiser move to spend a bit more on a cleaner example with lower mileage. As for power, even the base model C6 Corvette has a 6.2-liter V8 unit pumping out 430 American thoroughbreds, and with some performance parts, it’ll give supercar owners sleepless nights.