Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Audi RS6 Avant
Compare the Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Audi RS6 Avant. The Audi RS6 Avant is £22,000 cheaper. The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The Audi RS6 Avant is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
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 0-60 mph in 3.4s, a top speed of 196 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Audi RS6 Avant is priced from £108,000, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 591 hp, with 800 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5s, a top speed of 190 mph, sent to the road via all-wheel drive.
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 4yr / 50k mi warranty. The Audi RS6 Avant offers a 565-litre boot, folding rear seats, runs on petrol, returns around 24 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Audi RS6 Avant is £22,000 cheaper than its rival, the Audi RS6 Avant costs less in annual maintenance (£1,400 versus £1,100), the Audi RS6 Avant is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £70 for the Porsche 718 Spyder RS and £90 for the Audi RS6 Avant.
Driving Character: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Audi RS6 Avant
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.
The RS6 Avant is the definitive super-estate, wielding a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 that delivers 591 hp with crushing authority. Its Quattro system and all-wheel steering work in tandem to shrink the car’s perceived size, allowing it to navigate complex B-roads with surprising ease. The power delivery is immediate, bolstered by mild-hybrid assistance that masks any hint of lag. It is a master of cross-country velocity, offering a level of grip and composure that remains unmatched in the sector. While the 4575 lbs mass is present, the chassis balance is so well-sorted that it never feels overwhelmed or ponderous.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 94 against 75. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: GT4 RS power in an open-top body - visceral and track-honed. For the Audi RS6 Avant: Composed, quattro-assured pace rather than outright playfulness. In outright terms it is 493 hp against 591 — a 98 hp gap — and the Porsche 718 Spyder RS reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Audi RS6 Avant
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.
The cabin is a sanctuary of technology and luxury, defined by the high-definition Virtual Cockpit Plus and exquisitely finished Valcona leather. Every surface speaks to Audi's commitment to quality, with supportive sports seats that hold the driver firmly during high-speed cornering. The interior design is sophisticated, blending sharp, angular lines with an understated elegance. Despite being a tech-forward environment, the ergonomics remain intuitive, ensuring that even complex adjustments are simple to perform. It is a space designed for long journeys, offering a sense of calm and control, even when the engine is under full load.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS6 Avant takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 52 against 85. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit. For the Audi RS6 Avant: Spacious, airy, premium cabin with excellent tech.
Daily Usability: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Audi RS6 Avant
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.
Practically, the RS6 Avant is unrivalled as a high-performance family carrier. With 565 litres of boot space, which expands significantly when the seats are folded, it is ready for almost any task. The air suspension is a revelation, offering a plush, compliant ride for family trips while firming up instantly for spirited driving. Its wide body can be a liability in tight car parks, making the camera system a mandatory tool for urban navigation. However, the sheer ease with which it traverses miles in total comfort makes it an exceptional candidate for a single-car garage.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS6 Avant takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 38 against 92. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Usable but clearly built for spirited driving over commuting. For the Audi RS6 Avant: Genuinely does everything — family transport, luggage and supercar-embarrassing pace. that means 125 litres of boot space against 565, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 718 Spyder RS, and everyday running costs that favour the Audi RS6 Avant at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Audi RS6 Avant
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.
Owning an RS6 Avant is an investment in unparalleled capability, though one must account for the significant running costs. With 24 mpg fuel economy and the wear associated with moving such high performance, it is not a cheap car to run. However, the Audi dealer network is top-tier, and the vehicle enjoys strong residual values, with enthusiasts constantly hunting for well-maintained examples. The annual maintenance costs are predictable for the segment, and the car's widespread support ensures longevity. For those who can stomach the fuel and service bills, it offers a level of excellence that is difficult to replicate.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 72. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Mechanically simple, Porsche-grade reliability. For the Audi RS6 Avant: Widely reported as a genuine daily joy to own. On the wallet the two diverge at £140,000 versus £108,000 — a £32,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,400 against £1,100, and warranty cover of 4yr / 50k mi versus 3yr / unlimited mi.