Porsche 718 Spyder vs Audi RS6 Avant
Compare the Porsche 718 Spyder vs Audi RS6 Avant. The Porsche 718 Spyder is £36,000 cheaper. The Audi RS6 Avant is 0.5s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 718 Spyder is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Porsche 718 Spyder is priced from £80,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 414 hp, with 420 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4s, a top speed of 187 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 offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 25 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 Porsche 718 Spyder is £36,000 cheaper than its rival, the Audi RS6 Avant costs less in annual maintenance (£1,200 versus £1,100), the Porsche 718 Spyder is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £70 for the Porsche 718 Spyder and £90 for the Audi RS6 Avant.
Driving Character: Porsche 718 Spyder vs Audi RS6 Avant
The Porsche 718 Spyder offers a purist’s approach to roadster dynamics, retaining the naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six and a manual gearbox for maximum engagement. The mid-engine layout provides exceptional balance, allowing the driver to feel every nuance through the steering wheel. Its handling is defined by a lightness of touch that differentiates it from the heavier convertible segments, making it exceptionally agile on winding backroads. While it shares much with the GT4, the open-top configuration adds an extra layer of sensory connection, making it an incredibly visceral and rewarding machine for the true enthusiast.
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 takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 88 against 75. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder: Naturally-aspirated flat-six purity in an open-top mid-engined chassis. For the Audi RS6 Avant: Composed, quattro-assured pace rather than outright playfulness. In outright terms it is 414 hp against 591 — a 177 hp gap — and the Audi RS6 Avant reaches 60 mph 0.5s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 718 Spyder vs Audi RS6 Avant
The cabin remains strictly driver-focused, with Alcantara accents on the contact points and a simplified dashboard layout that emphasises function over technology. Lightweight door pulls and minimal luxuries maintain the stripped-back, enthusiast spirit of the Spyder. Because of the manual roof mechanism, interior storage is at a premium, and the cabin environment can be quite noisy when the top is up. The seats are excellent for long-distance support, but the overall feeling is one of purposeful simplicity, catering to those who prefer the tactile interaction of a pure sports car over digital sophistication.
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, 62 against 85. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder: Motorsport-flavoured cabin with genuine everyday livability. For the Audi RS6 Avant: Spacious, airy, premium cabin with excellent tech.
Daily Usability: Porsche 718 Spyder vs Audi RS6 Avant
As the lightest member of the 718 family, the Spyder is remarkably nimble in urban settings, though the manual roof operation requires significant effort and patience compared to power-operated rivals. The dual trunks—front and rear—provide decent storage for a weekend getaway, which remains its primary use case. The ride is firm, though manageable, and it lacks the daily convenience of power-folding roof mechanisms, reinforcing its role as a machine to be driven intentionally. It is not an ideal city car, but for the enthusiast driver, it offers the perfect balance of roadster freedom and mid-engine practicality.
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, 65 against 92. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder: Surprisingly civil for an open-top track-focused Porsche. For the Audi RS6 Avant: Genuinely does everything — family transport, luggage and supercar-embarrassing pace. that means 150 litres of boot space against 565, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 718 Spyder, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 718 Spyder at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche 718 Spyder vs Audi RS6 Avant
As the final naturally aspirated flat-six Boxster variant, the 718 Spyder holds a special place in the Porsche hierarchy, which has helped sustain strong residual values. Ownership is backed by the comprehensive Porsche dealer network, ensuring that maintenance is straightforward and well-documented. Parts and support for the 718 platform remain easy to obtain, though the limited production run means that Spyder-specific aesthetic components may become increasingly difficult to replace over time. It is a reliable, high-value ownership proposition that rewards careful maintenance and consistent usage throughout the warmer months of the year.
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 takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 72. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Spyder: 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 £80,000 versus £108,000 — a £28,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,200 against £1,100, and warranty cover of 4yr / 50k mi versus 3yr / unlimited mi.