Porsche 718 Spyder RS costs, pros, cons, common fixes
Country of Manufacture
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is hand-built in Zuffenhausen, Germany, at Porsche’s factory on a lightweight aluminum-steel frame.
Quick Overview
The 718 Spyder RS is a two-seat roadster with a mid-mount “flat-six” engine, lightweight aluminum body panels, and carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) front fenders, hood, and rear decklid. It rides on RS-tuned suspension for a lowered stance, 20″ forged magnesium wheels, and a manually removable soft top. The interior is a spartan racing cockpit: carbon-fibre shell sport seats wrapped in Alcantara, an Alcantara steering wheel with a center marker, metal toggle switches, and an orange PASM dial.
Powertrain & Performance
| Engine | Power & Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top Speed |
|---|
| 4.0 L Flat-Six Boxer | 375 kW (510 hp) / 450 Nm | 3.4 s | 315 km/h |
A naturally aspirated 4.0 L flat-six from the 911 GT3 is mated to a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
Efficiency & Fuel Consumption
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|
| Combined WLTP Consumption | 12.8 L/100 km |
| CO₂ Emissions (combined) | 290 g/km |
Dimensions & Capacity
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|
| Length | 4,450 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,260 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,475 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1,415 kg |
| Cargo Volume | 150 L |
Trim & Pricing
| Model | Starting Price (€) |
|---|
| 718 Spyder RS | 162,000 |
(On-the-road estimate; VAT included, options and delivery fees excluded.)
Maintenance & First Services (Indicative Costs)
| Service | Avg. Cost (€) |
|---|
| Annual Service (15,000 km) | 700–900 |
| Biennial Service (30,000 km) | 1,200–1,500 |
| Front Brake Pads Replacement | 800–900 |
| Front Discs + Pads Replacement | 2,000–2,200 |
| Engine Oil Change | 300–350 |
| 12 V Battery Replacement | 250–300 |
| Tire Replacement (each) | 400–450 |
Pros
Thrilling aspirated engine: immediate throttle response and an unforgettable soundtrack
RS-tuned chassis: lowered suspension, low center of gravity, and razor-sharp handling
Lightweight construction: 1,415 kg curb weight for an exceptional power-to-weight ratio
Pure manual gearbox: engaging, analogue driving experience
Race-derived styling: premium materials and track-inspired details
Cons
Minimal comfort: very stiff suspension and a spartan cabin
Limited cargo: just 150 L of storage for short trips
Thirsty: 12.8 L/100 km demands high-octane fuel
High price: supercar territory with significant running costs
In Summary
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS is a track-bred roadster homologated for the street: delivering pure flat-six exhilaration, razor-sharp dynamics, and minimalist design. It’s perfect for enthusiasts seeking ultimate engagement, while accepting trade-offs in comfort, practicality, and operating costs.
Verdict — Porsche 718 Spyder RS (Model Year 2025)
Open-Top RS Sports Car · 4.0 L Naturally Aspirated Boxer Flat-6 · 368 kW (500 hp), 450 Nm · RWD · 7-Speed PDK Dual-Clutch · 0–100 km/h in 3.4 s · Top Speed 315 km/h · Curb Weight 1,375 kg · Ground Clearance 120 mm
The 2025 718 Spyder RS represents the pinnacle of Porsche’s open-air performance lineage. Its lightweight steel roll hoops and sculpted rear fenders accommodate the rear-mounted 4.0 L flat-6, producing 500 hp and 450 Nm, paired to an ultra-quick 7-speed PDK gearbox. The power-folding soft top stows in just 8 s at speeds up to 50 km/h. Staggered forged wheels—20″ up front and 21″ at the rear—with yellow brake calipers and a sport exhaust underscore its track-focused intent.
Inside, the “Pure Driver” cockpit strips away the extraneous: carbon-fiber shell bucket seats, a minimalist dash with a 7″ Porsche Communication Management (PCM) display, and a half-and-half analogue-digital gauge cluster. A GT-style steering wheel with integrated paddle shifters and launch-control button cements the direct connection between driver and machine. Despite its razor-sharp focus, the front 150 L and rear 125 L trunks handle weekend track-day essentials.
| Category | Strengths | Excels At | Limitations |
|---|
| Design & Presence | Sleek RS aero styling; rapid-deploy soft top | Dramatic track-day appeal | Very race-oriented look less discreet in town |
| Comfort & Ergonomics | Ultra-light CFRP shell seats; driver-centric | Engaging low-rider driving position | Spartan suspension harsh on poor roads |
| Performance & Dynamics | 500 hp NA flat-6; blistering acceleration | Lightning-fast PDK shifts with launch control | Extremely firm setup off the track |
| Tech & Connectivity | PCM with 7″ touchscreen and CarPlay | On-board telemetry and data logging | Basic nav; many options require upgrades |
| Safety & ADAS | Sport ABS & enhanced stability management | Precision braking; optional carbon-ceramic | Lacks advanced driver-assist systems |
| Practicality | Quick-remove hard top; rapid roof operation | Minimal yet functional storage | Very limited cargo (150 L + 125 L) |
| Running Costs | Porsche-level build quality | Durable under high-stress use | High maintenance and parts costs |
| Depreciation | Strong RS residual values | Highly sought after by collectors | Niche production, limited volumes |
Who It’s For
Drivers and enthusiasts seeking an uncompromising, road-legal track weapon with true RS performance, open-air exhilaration, and Porsche pedigree.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
If you need a more forgiving convertible or daily usability, consider the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, Mercedes-AMG SL 55, or BMW Z4 M40i.
Recommended Specification
Weissach Package with lightweight CFRP components, ultra-light alloy wheels, Sport Exhaust, PASM Sport suspension, carbon bucket seats, and Bose audio—for the purest RS open-top experience.
Porsche 718 Spyder RS costs, pros, cons, common fixes 
