BMW M8 Competition Coupe vs Porsche 718 Spyder RS

Compare the BMW M8 Competition Coupe vs Porsche 718 Spyder RS. The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is £5,000 cheaper. The BMW M8 Competition Coupe is 0.2s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.

The BMW M8 Competition Coupe is priced from £135,000, powered by a 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 617 hp, with 750 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.2 s, a top speed of 155 mph (standard limiter), sent to the road via all-wheel drive. The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is priced from £140,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 493 hp, with 450 Nm of torque, reaching 0-62 mph in 3.4 s, a top speed of 191 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.

The BMW M8 Competition Coupe offers a 420-litre boot, folding rear seats, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty. The Porsche 718 Spyder RS offers a 125-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 3 years / unlimited miles (original UK new-car cover) warranty.

On cost of ownership, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is £5,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS costs less in annual maintenance (£1,500 versus £1,400), the BMW M8 Competition Coupe has 68 L fuel tank.

Driving Character: BMW M8 Competition Coupe vs Porsche 718 Spyder RS

The BMW M8 Competition defines the modern grand tourer, blending brutal 617hp twin-turbocharged V8 performance with a sophisticated M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. While it possesses the pace to dismantle almost any supercar, its 4,395lb mass remains a constant consideration, particularly through tighter, technical sequences where it lacks the nimble precision of a lighter M4. The adjustable rear-biased drivetrain allows for playful rotation, yet the chassis is primarily tuned for crushing vast distances with absolute composure. It is a formidable machine that prioritises stability and immense, exploitable torque over raw, stripped-back track feedback, representing the ultimate high-speed cruiser in the current M portfolio.

The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is defined by its mid-engine configuration and the installation of the 4.0L flat-six from the GT3. The chassis is a masterpiece of precision, featuring RS-specific suspension geometry that rewards technical accuracy. The steering feel is sharp and communicative, offering a visceral connection to the tarmac that few modern roadsters can replicate. While it is certainly capable on a track, the engine note and open-top architecture make it a raw experience on winding B-roads. The gearshifts are lightning fast, ensuring the powertrain remains at the heart of the driving sensation throughout every spirited corner.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the BMW M8 Competition Coupe — 617hp twin-turbo V8; M8 Competition the most powerful BMW ever in production; the Porsche 718 Spyder RS — 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six; open-top configuration amplifies mechanical engine and intake sounds. Characteristic of the BMW M8 Competition Coupe: M xDrive AWD with Sport mode rear-bias; fast yet planted in all conditions. For the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Balanced mid-engine layout; steering geometry provides agile turn-in response for spirited driving. In outright terms it is 617 hp against 493 — a 124 hp gap — and the BMW M8 Competition Coupe reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.

Interior & Cabin: BMW M8 Competition Coupe vs Porsche 718 Spyder RS

Stepping into the M8 Competition reveals a cabin dripping in premium Merino leather and intricate carbon fibre detailing, confirming its status as a pinnacle M product. The ergonomics are quintessential BMW, featuring an intuitive, M-specific digital interface that provides all critical telemetry without overwhelming the driver. While the materials and build quality are exemplary, the two-door layout compromises access, and the rear quarters remain strictly occasional seats despite the car's generous overall proportions. It strikes a successful balance between a focused, driver-centric cockpit and the luxurious, refined ambiance expected of a high-end grand tourer, successfully isolating occupants from the road's harsher realities.

Inside, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS prioritises weight saving over luxury. The carbon fibre bucket seats provide immense support, while the use of fabric door pulls and minimal sound insulation highlights its motorsport heritage. Build quality is characteristically high, though the cabin environment is undeniably sparse compared to a standard 718. The infotainment system is functional rather than flashy, providing necessary data without distracting from the task of driving. Despite the lack of plush padding, the driver-focused ergonomics remain impeccable, creating a purposeful space that reflects the uncompromising nature of the vehicle’s design philosophy.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the BMW M8 Competition Coupe — Premium GT cabin; finest materials in the M range outside of i8; the Porsche 718 Spyder RS — Focused instrument layout; high-quality material finishes maintain the premium feel of Porsche. Characteristic of the BMW M8 Competition Coupe: Active noise cancellation and heated everything; long-distance comfort excellent. For the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Supportive bucket seats; cabin architecture prioritises driver connectivity while top is retracted.

Daily Usability: BMW M8 Competition Coupe vs Porsche 718 Spyder RS

Despite its status as a performance powerhouse, the M8 Competition remains surprisingly liveable for daily duties. The 440-litre boot provides sufficient volume for weekend escapes, though the long doors and low seating position can hinder easy egress in tight urban car parks. Comfort mode successfully softens the adaptive suspension, making motorway slogs relatively effortless, while the all-wheel-drive system ensures the car remains secure in varied UK weather conditions. Its sheer width, however, requires constant vigilance in narrow city streets, as the low-profile rubber and stiff structural setup demand care when traversing speed bumps or uneven urban asphalt.

Daily utility is clearly secondary to performance in the Porsche 718 Spyder RS, yet it remains surprisingly manageable. The inclusion of a nose lift system as standard allows for navigation over urban speed bumps and steep inclines without damaging the front splitter. Storage is adequate for a weekend getaway, with both a front boot and a rear luggage compartment available for essential items. Ingress and egress require some physical agility due to the low-slung bucket seats and side sills, but for owners who accept the compromise of a manual roof operation, it serves as a usable roadster.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the BMW M8 Competition Coupe — 420L boot and 2+2 seating; among the most practical cars near this power level; the Porsche 718 Spyder RS — Front and rear storage; 125L cargo capacity remains usable for short-distance trips. Characteristic of the BMW M8 Competition Coupe: Comfort mode transforms the M8 for relaxed motorway use. For the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: 110 mm clearance provides adequate height; compact exterior dimensions aid navigating city streets. that means 420 litres of boot space against 125, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 718 Spyder RS.

Ownership: BMW M8 Competition Coupe vs Porsche 718 Spyder RS

Ownership of an M8 Competition is an exercise in managing significant operating costs, commensurate with its supercar-killing performance. The BMW dealer network offers comprehensive support, but prospective buyers should factor in the substantial expenses associated with premium tyres and high-performance brake components, which wear rapidly under enthusiastic use. While residuals have stabilised, the market for such a specific, high-output V8 GT remains relatively narrow. Annual maintenance costs are predictably high, though the car benefits from a robust community and global parts availability, ensuring that the heavy financial commitment yields a reliably formidable and well-documented performance machine.

Ownership of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is defined by its exclusivity and potential for appreciation. As a model with limited production, it sits in a secure position within the enthusiast market. While annual maintenance costs are high, the support provided by the Porsche Motorsport division offers peace of mind for specialized mechanical needs. Insurance premiums will be substantial, and the high purchase price requires careful consideration, but the prospect of long-term residual strength remains strong. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it represents a peak of internal combustion performance within the Porsche stable.

Head-to-head, the division is clear: the BMW M8 Competition Coupe — BMW reliability in a high-performance package; better durability track record than rivals; the Porsche 718 Spyder RS — Enthusiast collector market; naturally aspirated flat-six engines maintain strong value retention. Characteristic of the BMW M8 Competition Coupe: M8 Competition depreciation controlled; used market values solid. For the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Reliable dealer support network; scheduled maintenance remains manageable through official channels. On the wallet the two diverge at £135,000 versus £140,000 — a £5,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,500 against £1,400.

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