Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Audi RS7
Compare the Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Audi RS7. The Audi RS7 is £25,000 cheaper. The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The Audi RS7 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 RS7 is priced from £105,000, 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 RS7 offers a 535-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 RS7 is £25,000 cheaper than its rival, the Audi RS7 costs less in annual maintenance (£1,400 versus £1,200), the Audi RS7 is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £70 for the Porsche 718 Spyder RS and £90 for the Audi RS7.
Driving Character: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Audi RS7
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 RS7 occupies a unique space, marrying the brutal acceleration of a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with the visual drama of a low-slung, sweeping Sportback. With 591 hp and the advanced Quattro system, it delivers devastating straight-line performance that feels relentless and almost telepathic. All-wheel steering is standard, giving this imposing car an agility that defies its substantial weight in the corners. It is a machine designed for covering vast distances at high speed with effortless ease, providing a level of poise that turns even the most demanding road into a manageable ribbon of asphalt.
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 RS7: Effortless, quattro-assured pace in a genuinely luxurious package. 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 RS7
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 interior is a high-luxury environment, mirroring the technical sophistication of the RS6 but packaged within a more dramatic, coupe-like frame. The Virtual Cockpit Plus provides clear, customisable readouts, while the cabin's materials—ranging from carbon fibre to Valcona leather—exude a premium, tactile quality. Because of the raked roofline, the rear cabin feels more intimate than in the Avant version, sacrificing headroom for a more sporting aesthetic. It is undeniably a driver’s cabin, where every control feels weighted, precise, and purposefully placed to enhance the feeling of being in something truly exclusive.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS7 takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 52 against 88. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit. For the Audi RS7: Spacious, premium cabin with excellent tech and comfort.
Daily Usability: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Audi RS7
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.
While the RS7 is undoubtedly a performance vehicle, its Sportback design offers a practical twist. The 535L boot is more than sufficient for typical weekend trips, and the lift-back opening makes loading gear straightforward. Urban use requires awareness; its significant width and low stance mean care is needed in narrow parking structures, though the array of sensors and cameras makes it doable. In Comfort mode, the air suspension does a commendable job of masking road surface harshness, ensuring that urban traffic or motorway cruising is conducted with a sense of refined, whisper-quiet calm.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Audi RS7 takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 38 against 82. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Usable but clearly built for spirited driving over commuting. For the Audi RS7: A genuine luxury daily driver with supercar-embarrassing pace. that means 125 litres of boot space against 535, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 718 Spyder RS, and everyday running costs that favour the Audi RS7 at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs Audi RS7
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.
As a flagship performance model, the RS7 commands a premium in terms of running costs. Fuel consumption is consistent with a high-output V8, and the long-term maintenance requires a dedicated budget for tyres, brakes, and scheduled service checks. Audi’s dealer network ensures that this level of care is easily accessible, and the car's desirable styling keeps residual values firm amongst performance-oriented buyers. It is a car that demands a commitment to its upkeep, but in exchange, it offers an ownership experience defined by style, speed, and the confidence that comes with a top-tier automotive engineering product.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 75. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Mechanically simple, Porsche-grade reliability. For the Audi RS7: Strong owner-reported reliability (4.7/5 per KBB after 50k miles). On the wallet the two diverge at £140,000 versus £105,000 — a £35,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,400 against £1,200, and warranty cover of 4yr / 50k mi versus 3yr / unlimited mi.