Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2015 Porsche BOXSTER VS 2015 Lexus IS Near Phoenix, AZ

The Boxster Auto offers optional Porsche Active Safe, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The IS C doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

Both the Boxster and the IS C have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The Boxster’s corrosion warranty is 4 years longer than the IS C’s (10 vs. 6 years).

The battery on the Boxster is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures which can degrade battery life. By keeping the Boxster’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The IS C’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Boxster first among compact premium sporty cars in their 2013 Initial Quality Study. The IS C isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2014 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Lexus vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 18 more problems per 100 vehicles, Lexus is ranked third.

The Boxster has more powerful engines than the IS C:

As tested in Road & Track the Boxster S is faster than the IS 350 C (automatics tested):

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Boxster lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The IS C doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Boxster gets better fuel mileage than the IS C:

Regenerative brakes improve the Boxster’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The IS C doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Boxster’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. (Start/Stop isn’t accounted in present EPA fuel mileage tests.) The IS C doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

For better stopping power the Boxster’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the IS C:

The Boxster offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The IS C doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

The Boxster stops much shorter than the IS C:

For better traction, the Boxster has larger tires than the IS C (F:235/45R18 & R:265/45R18 vs. F:225/45R17 & R:245/45R17). The Boxster’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the IS C (F:235/45R18 & R:265/45R18 vs. F:225/40R18 & R:255/40R18).

The Boxster’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the IS C’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Boxster has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the IS C. The Boxster’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels optional on the IS C.

The Boxster offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The IS C’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Boxster S handles at .99 G’s, while the IS 350 C pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Boxster S goes through Road & Track’s slalom 4.9 MPH faster than the IS 350 C (69.4 vs. 64.5 MPH).

The Boxster S executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.1 seconds quicker than the IS 350 C (24.6 seconds @ .81 average G’s vs. 26.7 seconds @ .71 average G’s).

The Porsche Boxster may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 850 to 900 pounds less than the Lexus IS C.

The Boxster is 10.3 inches shorter than the IS C, making the Boxster easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Boxster w/Sport Chrono has an electronically controlled liquid-filled front engine mount and conventional liquid-filled engine mounts (standard liquid front mount on other versions of the Boxster). A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The IS C uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The Boxster has a much larger trunk than the IS C with its top down (9.9 vs. 2.4 cubic feet).

The Boxster’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The IS C does not have an oil pressure gauge.

If the windows are left down on the Boxster the driver can raise them all using the key in the outside lock cylinder; on a hot day the driver can lower the windows. The driver of the IS C can only raise the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

In case of a sudden change of weather, the Boxster has a standard remote convertible top which can be raised from a distance to protect the interior of the vehicle from damage. The IS C doesn’t offer a remote top, so the driver will have to run to the car, get in, turn the ignition on and raise the top to prevent the interior from being damaged.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Boxster to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The IS C doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Consumer Reports rated the Boxster’s headlight performance “Fair,” a higher rating than the IS C’s headlights, which were rated “Poor.”

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors available for the Boxster detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The IS C doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Boxster offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The IS C doesn’t offer cornering lights.

On extremely cold Winter days, the Boxster’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The IS C doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Porsche Boxster and the Lexus IS C, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Boxster first among compact premium sporty cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The IS C isn’t in the top three.

The Boxster was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 9 of the last 9 years. The IS C has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The Boxster was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 10 of the last 14 years. The IS C has never been an “All Star.”