Porsche 718 Boxster review - was swapping two cylinders for a turbo a good idea? - Performance and 0-60

Let’s get one thing straight, this test is all about the engine, it’s contentiousness has been a topic of pretty intense discussion with different people having different, and usually strong, opinions about the effect the new flat-four engine has had on the Boxster as a package. 

Looking at it completely objectively, the performance of both 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre engines is above and beyond what the former naturally aspirated flat-sixes could manage, but the upgrade in power only tells half the story. The growth in torque is what’s most apparent, and while peak power of both engines is hit at a high 6500rpm, peak torque is available at just 1950rpm, speaking volumes as to how the new engines feel on the road.

Performance is incredibly strong, in part helped by the relatively lithe kerb weight, giving the 718 Boxster the sort of in-gear punch the old cars could only dream of. The respective performance figures reflect this as the standard Boxster will hit 62mph in just 5.1 seconds (4.9 with PDK), while the S will complete the same feat in just 4.6 (4.4 PDK). Sport Chrono equipped cars drop these figures by a further 0.2 of a second for PDK cars thanks to an included launch function.