If you’re in the market for a used two-seat luxury roadster with a focus on performance, the Porsche Boxster is hard to beat in its segment. For the 2013 model year, the Boxster entered its third generation, boasting a thorough redesign. It looks sharper with a more cab-forward appearance and improved interior comfort than before. It is also wider, longer, lighter (55 to 80 pounds), more powerful, and more fuel-efficient than the previous models.
It’s hard to believe, but in 2021, Porsche’s little 2-door turned 25 years old, and to celebrate, the Stuttgart automaker released the Boxster 25 Years Edition based on the 393-hp GTS 4.0 Boxster with extra throwback features.
Boxster S Gains a Powerful 3.4L Engine, Manual Transmission, and Impressive Horsepower
Porsche offers the 2013 Boxster in two trim levels: Base and S. While the entry-level Boxster gets a 2.7L flat-6 engine generating 265 horsepower, the Boxster S uses a bigger 3.4L flat-6 creating 315 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The power goes to the rear wheels only through a 6-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission is optional.
It’s a car that rewards finesse more than aggression; surgical in its handling, if a bit clinical in personality.
The 2013 Boxster S is quick, no doubt, but it’s more about balance and precision than brute speed. The 3.4L flat-six builds power smoothly, though it lacks the raw punch of Porsche’s bigger siblings. The mid-engine layout keeps it incredibly composed through corners, with steering that feels alive in your hands, something you don’t get much of anymore.
The ride borders on firm, especially over uneven pavement, reminding you this is a focused sports car, not a weekend cruiser. The manual gearbox is still the more involving choice, but the dual-clutch PDK suits daily use better, snapping through gears effortlessly. It’s a car that rewards finesse more than aggression; surgical in its handling, if a bit clinical in personality.
For the Boxster S, EPA claims 20/28/23 city/highway/combined with the manual and 21/30/24 with the seven-speed transmission (also known as PDK). Porsche ensures the 2013 Boxster’s safety through antilock disc brakes, stability and traction management, dual thorax and head side-impact airbags, and rollover safety hoops above the headrests.
19-inch Wheels, Bi-Xenon Headlights, and Red-Painted Brake Calipers
Apart from a power-operated soft top, cruise control, six-way adjustable seats, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, the Boxster S features 19-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlights, and red-painted brake calipers.
If that’s not enough, you can opt for the Convenience Package, adding heated seats, a dual-zone automatic climate control, or the Premium Package for adaptive headlights, 10-way-adjustable power sport seats, etc., or the Infotainment Package for a navigation system, a seven-speaker sound system, and more.
For improved performance, we recommend the Sport Chrono Package, which offers dynamic transmission mounts, a lap timer, driver-adjustable chassis settings, and launch control (available for PDK).
2013 Porsche Boxster S Specs and Gallery:
- Type of Vehicle: 2-seat, mid-engine, wheel-drive sports car
- Engine: 3.4-litre horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Horsepower: 315-hp at 6,700 rpm
- Torque: 266 lb.ft at 4,400 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Brakes: ventilated disc brakes front/rear. ABS with brake assist, electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
- Tires: 235/35ZR20 front, 265/35ZR20 rear
- Fuel Rating (L/100 km): 10.5 city, 7.2 highway (premium unleaded)
- 0 – 100 kph: 5.1 seconds
- 0 – 160 kph: 11 seconds
- Wheelbase: 2,475 mm
- Luggage compartment volume: 280 litres (150 l front / 130 l rear)
