Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS vs Audi RS e-tron GT
Compare the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS vs Audi RS e-tron GT. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is £17,000 cheaper. The Audi RS e-tron GT is 0.3s quicker to 60mph. The Audi RS e-tron GT is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is priced from £115,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 493 hp, with 450 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.4s, a top speed of 196 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Audi RS e-tron GT is priced from £125,000, powered by a Dual Electric Motors, producing 637 hp, with 830 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.1s, a top speed of 155 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS offers a 125-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k mi warranty. The Audi RS e-tron GT offers a 405-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on electric, returns around 76 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is £17,000 cheaper than its rival, the Audi RS e-tron GT costs less in annual maintenance (£1,300 versus £1,000), the Audi RS e-tron GT is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £70 for the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS and £15 for the Audi RS e-tron GT.
Driving Character: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS vs Audi RS e-tron GT
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS represents the apex of the 718 platform, transplanting a 493hp naturally aspirated flat-six from the GT3 into a mid-engine chassis. The result is a machine with staggering agility and a turn-in response that makes even the standard GT4 feel soft. The chassis balance is dominated by rear-end grip and sharp, responsive steering that provides constant feedback. It is an extreme instrument, demanding a high level of expertise to truly extract its full potential. The power delivery is frenetic, culminating in a high-revving wail that defines the car's racing-inspired character.
The RS e-tron GT leverages 637 hp and instant electric torque to deliver breathtaking acceleration, pinning occupants to their seats with brutal efficiency. The low centre of gravity provided by the battery pack ensures the car remains impressively flat through corners, though the sheer weight of 5139 lbs is occasionally felt in tighter, technical transitions. It lacks the raw, emotive soundtrack of a combustion-engined rival, but compensates with a refined, futuristic chassis that makes covering ground effortless. The two-speed rear gearbox provides a unique mechanical feel, bridging the gap between electric immediacy and high-speed stability.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 96 against 78. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: GT3-derived engine in the lightest, most track-focused Cayman ever. For the Audi RS e-tron GT: Immense, silent electric acceleration with quattro-assured composure. In outright terms it is 493 hp against 637 — a 144 hp gap — and the Audi RS e-tron GT reaches 60 mph 0.3s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS vs Audi RS e-tron GT
The interior is a study in weight reduction, featuring CFRP door panels, lightweight door pulls, and carbon bucket seats that lock the driver in place. The presence of the standard roll bar behind the seats signals its intent, creating a sparse, motorsport-focused atmosphere. Sound deadening is intentionally minimal, allowing the mechanical symphony—and the roar of the intake located just behind the driver's head—to flood the cabin. It is not designed for luxury or comfort, but rather as an extension of the driving experience, prioritising tactical feedback and material efficiency above all else.
The interior is a high-tech sanctuary, dominated by a driver-focused dashboard and the crisp Audi Virtual Cockpit. Sustainable materials are used throughout, reflecting a modern approach to luxury without compromising on build quality or feel. The digital interfaces are intuitive, though the reliance on touch-sensitive controls for certain functions can be less tactile than physical buttons while on the move. Space is ample for four adults, and the dual-screen setup creates a sophisticated, connected environment that feels perfectly suited for a high-performance electric tourer. It is a cabin that successfully blends traditional Audi craftsmanship with progressive, forward-thinking technology.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS e-tron GT takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 50 against 86. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit. For the Audi RS e-tron GT: Premium, minimalist cabin with excellent tech integration.
Daily Usability: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS vs Audi RS e-tron GT
Daily utility is significantly compromised by the track-oriented nature of the GT4 RS. The suspension is exceptionally firm, making it punishing on all but the smoothest road surfaces, and the lack of sound insulation makes it unsuitable for long, tedious commutes. Despite this, the front and rear trunks remain available for storage, and the inclusion of a front-axle lift system helps navigate urban obstacles. While it is technically possible to drive to the track, the RS experience is best reserved for spirited road use or dedicated circuit days rather than routine errands.
Practicality is a strong suit for the RS e-tron GT, offering a 405L boot plus additional storage in the front trunk, making it an excellent daily prospect. The ride is firm in Dynamic mode but remains composed enough for long-distance cruising, absorbing motorway imperfections with ease. Charging is a simple affair, with fast-charging capabilities allowing for 80% replenishment in just over twenty minutes, significantly increasing the vehicle's real-world usability. It is a highly capable machine for routine errands and long-distance touring, provided the driver is aware of the low stance and the necessity of managing battery capacity on longer jaunts.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS e-tron GT takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 35 against 80. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Usable but clearly built for track days over commuting. For the Audi RS e-tron GT: Comfortable, quiet, effortless daily EV with real usability. that means 125 litres of boot space against 405, and everyday running costs that favour the Audi RS e-tron GT at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS vs Audi RS e-tron GT
Owning a 718 Cayman GT4 RS is a high-stakes proposition, with high purchase prices and significant service costs reflecting its status as a low-volume, specialised performance vehicle. Values have appreciated rapidly, as the model occupies a unique space in the modern Porsche lineup. Owners benefit from the comprehensive Porsche Motorsport support network, which is essential for managing RS-specific components that are more expensive and harder to source than standard parts. It is a collector's dream, provided the owner acknowledges the substantial overheads and the demanding nature of maintaining a high-performance track machine.
Ownership of this EV is relatively straightforward, as the simplicity of the electric drivetrain results in lower annual maintenance costs than its internal combustion rivals. The four-year, 50k mile warranty provides a solid foundation for peace of mind, though long-term battery health remains a key consideration for high-mileage users. The RS e-tron GT benefits from the extensive Audi dealer and charging network, making it one of the most accessible high-performance EVs on the market. While residual values for luxury EVs remain volatile, the model’s performance and build quality help maintain a solid market position among modern, tech-focused buyers.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS e-tron GT takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 82. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Mechanically simple, Porsche-grade reliability. For the Audi RS e-tron GT: Low running costs typical of an EV, strong warranty coverage. On the wallet the two diverge at £115,000 versus £125,000 — a £10,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,300 against £1,000.