The Porsche 718 Boxster, alongside its hardtop sibling, the Cayman, has evolved into a performance powerhouse in the Porsche lineup over the past two decades. Even with the base 2.0-liter 300-horsepower turbo Boxer-four engine (which sounds similar to a Subaru Boxer four, in my opinion), the 718 not only offers performance that’s useable on a day-to-day basis but also has enough potential to carve corners with precision.

However, the real reason why the 718 stands out in Porsche’s lineup is because it’s solely a rear-wheel drive model. Throughout its lifespan, Porsche didn’t offer the Boxster or the Cayman with an all-wheel drive setup. It’s not that Porsche doesn’t care about all-wheel-drive sports cars because the 911 has both RWD and AWD trims for its Carrera models. Do you need all-wheel drive in a lightweight sports car or is RWD enough for the Boxster/Cayman?

There’s a reason why even racing cars drive the rear wheels only

The Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman are purist sports cars designed to deliver a true Porsche driving experience without draining your pocket (unless you choose the GT4 models). Their rear-wheel drive configuration plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.

RWD prioritizes agility and a direct connection between the driver and the road, allowing for precise control and a playful character. By sending power exclusively to the rear wheels, the front wheels are freed up to focus solely on steering, resulting in sharper turn-in and more responsive handling.

The 718’s mid-engine layout further enhances its dynamic prowess. Positioning the engine behind the driver but in front of the rear axle creates an optimal weight distribution, resulting in a balanced chassis that should feel incredibly planted and predictable through corners. This centralized mass minimizes inertia during quick direction changes, which allows the Boxster/Cayman to rotate effortlessly around its center of gravity.

An AWD Boxster/Cayman defeats the purpose

Incorporating all-wheel drive into the Boxster’s mid-engine design is quite an effort, and honestly, it will destroy the purpose of being a cheap Porsche sports car. It would require additional components like a front driveshaft and a center differential, adding weight, complexity and cost.

This extra weight would not only compromise the 718’s nimble character but also detract from its overall performance, particularly in terms of acceleration (decrease in power because of drivetrain loss) and fuel efficiency (the current base 718 Boxster/Cayman is EPA rated at 20/25/22 in city/highway/combined).

While AWD offers benefits in terms of traction and all-weather capabilities, these attributes are less of a priority in lightweight sports cars like the 718. These vehicles are typically designed for spirited driving on dry roads and optimal weather conditions, where the responsiveness and agility of RWD truly shine.

If you’re looking for AWD Porsches, then you’d have to consider the Macan, which is a compact crossover, and does come with standard all-wheel drive. Or else you have to spend more. If you do, there are many options, such as the standard Cayenne, 911 Carrera 4, and the Taycan 4S.

Future Boxsters/Caymans could come with AWD

The fifth-generation Boxster/Cayman is around the clock and it’s going to be electric. With electric powertrains, incorporating an AWD setup isn’t as complicated as an ICE vehicle - just adding an e-motor in the front axle does the job. So, the upcoming 718 successor could potentially offer both RWD and AWD. It’s sad that the 718, being one of the lightest Porsches, is going electric, and the increase in weight will be substantial, thanks to a battery pack under the floor.

With the lightweight factor gone, adding another e-motor in the front axle wouldn’t really matter at the end. On the positive side, the next Boxster/Cayman will be easier to drive in rainy or snowy conditions where you need the extra grip.

GALLERY