Porsche 2013 Panamera GTS 970.1 vs Porsche 718 Boxster GTS: which is truly faster?

Off the line, the 718 Boxster GTS hits 100 km/h in 4.47 s versus 4.48 s for the 2013 Panamera GTS. The 0.01 s gap is negligible: both vehicles are neck and neck.

At 200 metres, the 718 Boxster GTS is doing 155 km/h against 147 km/h for the 2013 Panamera GTS. The gap is 0.12 s. The gap widens compared to the 0-100.

At 400 metres standing start, the 718 Boxster GTS crosses the line in 12.32 s versus 12.69 s. The 0.37 s gap represents roughly 19 m of track - two to three car lengths.

Past 400 metres, the 718 Boxster GTS continues to build its lead. At 600 metres, it runs at 217 km/h versus 205 km/h. At 1,000 metres, the 718 Boxster GTS finishes in 21.96 s versus 22.94 s, with a 0.98 s lead. Both vehicles have similar top speeds (280 vs 290 km/h), preventing any comeback.

The 2013 Panamera GTS features all-wheel drive (AWD) against the 718 Boxster GTS’s RWD. At low speeds (0-30, 0-50, 0-80 km/h), AWD doubles the driven contact area: all four wheels transmit torque to the road, virtually eliminating wheelspin at launch. This traction advantage is decisive in the range where the motor delivers peak torque, before power and aerodynamics take over.

Both rivals share the same electronic speed cap: the 2013 Panamera GTS and the 718 Boxster GTS are governed to 288 km/h. At that speed, standard-fit tyres approach their safety threshold - an industrial ceiling common to most electric vehicles in this segment. Neither car shows its true aerodynamic potential in this duel.

With two combustion powertrains, the difference comes down to power-to-weight ratio (4.49 kg/hp vs 3.77 kg/hp) and transmission (Automatic vs Manual).

In European road use (130 km/h max), both vehicles reach the legal speed limit in under 6.84 seconds. The 0.01 s difference in 0 to 100 km/h is mostly felt in motorway merging and overtaking.