The Porsche Boxster has ruled the luxury convertible segment since it's debut shook the world in 1996. Since then, Porsche's top-selling roadster has had very few rivals and dominated the mid-priced roadster segment. That is until some folks in England released a similarly priced convertible in 2013.

The original Jaguar F-Type looks as timeless as it had during its introduction. It was so good that the remodel eight years later had made hardly any aesthetic changes. Most of us still prefer the former model. Not to mention the sound and performance that came along with the F-Type.

Jaguar has entered the arena to compete against the iconic Porsche Boxster, but does the F-Type bring enough to the table to knock off the ultimate luxury convertible?

The 718 Boxster, Twenty Years of Porsche Perfection

Launched in 1996, the Porsche Boxster was the first street-legal roadster since the Porsche 914 from the mid-70’s. It was heavily modeled after the upcoming 996-generation of the 911 and carried a 2.5-liter flat-6 boxer engine and steadily grew throughout the next few years. Although they have since been riddled with mechanical issues, the biggest boom in sales for the Boxster was from its launch in 1996 until the Cayman’s release in 2003.

A grey 2004 Porsche Boxster stands parked on a road.
Via: Porsche Club of America

The 718 Boxster came along for the 2017 model year, repping the “718” badge as a tribute to it’s open roof racers from the late 50s and early 60s. Along with the new name came new engines, but instead of the traditional naturally-aspirated flat-6, Porsche fitted the current generation of Boxster with a turbocharged flat-4, causing a minor riot amongst enthusiasts, however, a flat-6 is still available in the 718 Boxster Spyder and GTS 4.0.

2021 porsche 718 boxster s
via Porsche

To celebrate 25 years of the company's second most iconic vehicle, Porsche will be releasing a special 25-year anniversary edition, which comes with gold wheels, gold accents along with the intakes, and Porsche’s 4.0-liter flat-6.

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The Revised 2021 Jaguar F-Type Convertible

Jaguar had made a concept car roadster in 2000 to compete with the Porsche Boxster, but it wasn’t until 2013 that the F-Type made its debut.. Born from the spirit of the E-Type, the Jaguar F-Type is a worthy interpretation of one of the best-looking vehicles of all time. Not only is it visually appealing; turn the ignition, and more senses begin to tingle.

The engine purrs like a Jaguar should, deeply with a hint of danger. And that it was, the initial F-Type R was a rear-wheel-drive 550 hp tail-happy deathbed, so much so that they almost immediately gave power to all four wheels to keep it on the pavement.

2016 jaguar f-type r convertible
via bringatrailer.com

After six years of minimal changes, Jaguar was forced into giving their gem a refresh. The new remodel for the 2021 Jaguar F-Type does very little to change the underpinnings of the previous generation, but the V8 versions updated their suspension components for a smoother and more refined ride.

The result is a muted version of its former self. Most of its maturity is due to the grownups behind driving regulations telling them to quiet down and be mindful of other people. The front fascia is less sculpted and deep and has smoother lines to meet safety standards, and the exhaust isn’t quite in your face as it had been before.

2021 Jaguar F-Type Convertible Red
via Jaguar

However, with maturity comes a bit more class. Ian Callum’s design blends more into that of an Aston Martin, a more advanced interior, and the performance is more balanced and refined. Still making the Jaguar F-Type one of the best luxury vehicles for its price point.

Boxster vs. F-Type: Trim & Engine Availability

Both the Jaguar F-type and Porsche Boxster are available in a four cylinder or six cylinder option, but only the Jaguar can be optioned with a V8. Each has similarly priced ranges, the base price Boxster being around $62,600 and the entry price for a Jaguar is only $1,000 less.

Another key deciding factor would be whether or not you were looking to get a manual. The new Jaguar F-type will only be available in the 8-speed automatic, whereas each of the Boxsters can be had with either the PDK or 6-speed manual.

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2021 Porsche 718 Boxster Breakdown

The current Porsche 718 Boxster is available in five different trim levels for the 2021 model year, including the 25-year anniversary edition. The entry-level Boxster is priced around $62,600, a GTS 4.0 starts right around $90,000, and the special 25 Year Edition comes at a premium of $100,100.

porsche 718 boxster coast
via Porsche

Porsche is naturally top-notch in everything they do. The seats are low and comfortable with a comfortable driving position. The materials throughout the cabin are all high-quality and don’t feel cheap. Storage is minimal, however, and neither of the trunks are large enough to fit a golf bag.

The Porsche’s center console keeps it classic with hard buttons and a sunken 7.0-inch screen. The infotainment is a bit dated and new for 2021 is Apple CarPlay, but there is still no Android Auto. That matters little, though, to those who have all focused on the large center RPM gauge and road ahead.

2021 porsche boxster/cayman interior
via Porsche

The base model Boxster and stripped-down Boxster T are fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-4 that makes 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Even for the base models, the Boxster will hit 0-60 mph in an impressive 4.9 seconds.

Upgrade to the Boxster S, and you will get there a half a second quicker with Porsche’s turbocharged 2.5-liter that makes 350-hp and 309-lb/ft of torque.

2021 Porsche 718 boxster convertible city
via Porsche

If you long for a signature flat-6 from your Porsche roadster, the Boxster GTS 4.0 and 25 Years Edition have a nurtured 4.0-liter pulled from the Porsche 911, making 394 hp and hitting 60 mph from a standstill in 4.3 seconds and topping out at 182 mph.

2021 Jaguar F-type Convertible Breakdown

For the 2021 model year, Jaguar are offering 4 trim levels to their newly designed F-type, including the remodel’s “First Edition” that is only available in the Inline-4. Prices for the new Jaguar F-type start from $64,700, and the top trim starts at over $105,000.

2021-Jaguar-F-Type-Convertible-Road.
via Jaguar

New to the refreshed interior is a large 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster and a bigger 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment in the center console. The F-type supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Jaguar will now be offering over-the-air updates to keep the system current, much like a Tesla.

2021-Jaguar-F-TYPE interior
via Jaguar

The new 2021 F-Type carries over the excellent driving position, and the materials are of proper quality. The higher you go in the trims of the sporty Jaguar, the better material options you’ll get. Trunk space is also abysmal for the F-type, and it also lacks a frunk, unlike the Boxster.

The base F-Type and First Edition also have a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, making 296 hp to the rear wheels and hitting 60 seconds in 5.4 seconds.

2021 Jaguar F-Type Convertible Yellow Parked
via Jaguar

New to the F-Type lineup naming scheme is the F-Type R-Dynamic, which essentially replaces the previous “F-Type S” model. It carries a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that makes 380 hp to all four wheels. 0-60 is cut down to 4.9 seconds, and top speed is 171 mph.

Perhaps the biggest advantage Jaguar holds over the Boxster is the optional V8. A Porsche experience is nice, but so is the sound of 8-cylinders. The Jaguar F-Type R (yes, the naming is confusing) has a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 and makes 575 hp. The AWD convertible can go 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, and the top speed is pushed to 186 mph.

Conclusion

It’s hard to go wrong on either of these luxury convertibles. Both offer exceptional value for the price, particularly on the used market. Jaguars haven’t built their reputation on long-term reliability, and an early generation Boxster can also cost more in repairs than it’s worth.

Porsche-Boxster-vs-Jaguar-F-Type-01
via AutoGuide

If you are looking to buy something new, then the decision is likely based on taste. A Porsche Boxster is a practical answer if you’re looking for a traditional, quality roadster. Yet the Jaguar might be appealing if you want to make a little more noise, get a little rowdy, and stand out a little more than ‘just another Porsche.’

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