Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs BMW M3 Touring
Compare the Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs BMW M3 Touring. The BMW M3 Touring is £45,000 cheaper. The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is 0.2s quicker to 60mph. The BMW M3 Touring 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 BMW M3 Touring is priced from £85,000, powered by a 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6, producing 503 hp, with 650 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.6s, a top speed of 180 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 BMW M3 Touring offers a 500-litre boot, folding rear seats, runs on petrol, returns around 26 mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the BMW M3 Touring is £45,000 cheaper than its rival, the BMW M3 Touring costs less in annual maintenance (£1,400 versus £1,200), the BMW M3 Touring is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £70 for the Porsche 718 Spyder RS and £75 for the BMW M3 Touring.
Driving Character: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs BMW M3 Touring
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 M3 Touring masterfully combines S58-powered fury with practical estate packaging. Its AWD system, featuring a dedicated 2WD mode, allows it to put down its immense 650Nm of torque with relentless efficiency in any weather. Despite weighing over 4,000 lbs, the chassis control is immense, with adaptive damping that keeps body roll impressively contained. The steering is quick and accurate, though it prioritises stability at high speeds over the fine-grained feedback of lighter machines. It is arguably the most versatile performance vehicle in the current market, bridging the gap between a family hauler and a track-ready super-saloon.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 94 against 82. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: GT4 RS power in an open-top body - visceral and track-honed. For the BMW M3 Touring: The M3's engagement in a genuinely practical estate body. In outright terms it is 493 hp against 503 — a 10 hp gap — and the Porsche 718 Spyder RS reaches 60 mph 0.2s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs BMW M3 Touring
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.
Inside, the cabin is dominated by a modern, tech-rich dashboard that includes the impressive curved display interface. While the interior is packed with high-end carbon fibre and robust leather, some buttons and plastics feel inherited from the standard 3-Series, which may underwhelm at this price point. The M-specific seats are supportive and offer excellent adjustability for long journeys. Space is the defining trait, with a generous rear seat providing genuine comfort for adults, complemented by a versatile, user-friendly load area that expands into a cavernous 1,510 litres with the seats folded down.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the BMW M3 Touring takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 52 against 82. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit. For the BMW M3 Touring: Spacious, well-finished cabin with proper 4-adult seating.
Daily Usability: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs BMW M3 Touring
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.
This is a remarkably practical performance car, boasting a 500-litre boot that easily swallows bulky cargo, making the school run or holiday trips effortless. The inclusion of M xDrive provides the confidence to use the car year-round, regardless of road conditions. In Comfort mode, the suspension is compliant enough to mask its heavy weight, although the low-profile tyres can still transmit significant impact shocks from sharp potholes. Parking requires extra care due to the extended estate body, but the rear-view cameras and sensors mitigate the challenges of manoeuvring such a long, wide vehicle in confined spaces.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the BMW M3 Touring takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 38 against 90. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Usable but clearly built for spirited driving over commuting. For the BMW M3 Touring: Genuinely does everything - family estate space with supercar-baiting pace. that means 125 litres of boot space against 500, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 718 Spyder RS, and everyday running costs that favour the BMW M3 Touring at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche 718 Spyder RS vs BMW M3 Touring
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 the first factory-produced M3 estate, this model enjoys exceptionally strong residual values and high demand from enthusiasts. The service network is extensive, and standard BMW warranty terms provide peace of mind for the first three years. Maintenance costs are higher than standard models, especially when considering the rapid wear on high-performance tyres and the complex braking systems. However, the prestige and versatility of the package make these costs easier to justify. It is a car that thrives on daily use, provided the owner is prepared for the inevitable premium associated with running an elite performance machine.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 76. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Mechanically simple, Porsche-grade reliability. For the BMW M3 Touring: Backed by strong BMW ownership/reliability reputation. On the wallet the two diverge at £140,000 versus £85,000 — a £55,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,400 against £1,200, and warranty cover of 4yr / 50k mi versus 3yr / unlimited mi.