The days of the gas-powered 718 may be numbered, but let’s get this out of the way. It still remains a phenomenal performance machine out of the box. Whether you’re eyeing the Cayman coupe or the Boxster drop-top, you’re looking at a mid-engine sports car available with either manual or the neck-snapping PDK automatic that is practically begging to be unleashed on a winding coastal road. Now, some folks might scoff at the base model’s 2.0-liter turbo-four, but trust me, that little engine punches above its weight. But if you’re a certified horsepower fiend, the S and GTS trims with their 2.5-liter turbo units will have you grinning like a loon.

We’ve all fawned over the mid-engine magic of the 718, but let’s be honest, the RS models are the king of the hill. This is a Porsche that punches above its weight, literally and figuratively. Now, for those who crave a truly epic driving experience, the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six in the GT4 RS is pure sonic bliss. But I had a thought. Which model in the extensive 718 lineup offers the best power-to-weight ratio? To find out, I did some number crunching, and here’s what I found.

Porsche 718 With The Best Power-To-Weight Ratio

As you can see from the above table, it’s the 718 Spyder RS that comes out on top, with the Cayman GT4 RS coming runner-up. Here’s the deal. The Spyder RS’s GT3 derived naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six packs 493 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque, and that’s without the benefit of a turbocharger, with the rev-limiter at 9,000 rpm. As for the soundtrack? Ditch the tunes, because the naturally aspirated engine is a symphony all its own. It’s a visceral experience that reminds you why we fell in love with cars in the first place. No manual here I’m afraid. The RS Spyder is PDK only, but the 7-speed box which sends power exclusively to the rear wheels, is one of the best in the business.

But the real magic lies in the weight, or should I say, the lack of it. Porsche went on a serious diet with this beast, shaving off pounds with carbon fiber wherever possible. The cabin features bucket seats with carbon-fiber reinforced wheels, and no shortage of Alcantara, which Porsche calls RaceTex. The result? A curb weight of just 3,214 pounds. Let’s do some quick math: that translates to an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 0.1532. This thing gets to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds, and the top speed is rated at 191 mph. You can equip the car with the optional ($12,570) Weissach Package to save more weight, with even more extensive use of carbon fiber. You need to select this package if you wish to include the optional lightweight 20-inch forged magnesium wheels ($15,640).

The engineers at Weissach haven’t forgotten about the finer things. Sitting 1.2 inches lower than the standard 718 Boxster, the suspension is a masterpiece of balance, delivering a comfortable and sharp ride. Let’s just say it’s a little more forgiving than the Cayman GT4 RS if you wish also to use this thing on the road, thanks to reduced spring and damper rates. PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) is standard on the 718 Spyder RS. Throw the car into a corner, and it should respond with pinpoint accuracy, owing to the PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring) mechanical limited-slip differential, giving you a direct line of communication with the road.

The Spyder RS Is The Ultimate Expression Of The 718

At the end of the day, the 718 Spyder RS is an experience and the kind of car that begs to be pushed, and that thrives, be it on challenging backroads and mountain passes. It’s a convertible that won’t leave you yearning for a roof– the open-air element just adds to the exhilarating rush. Having said that, putting the roof up in a 718 Spyder is no easy task. You have been warned. The reason for this complex manual soft-top roof mechanism is that it pays dividends in weight savings, coming in at just 40 pounds.

But apart from the fiddly roof, if you’re after a drop-top that redefines performance and makes every drive an unforgettable adventure and want to brag about owing the 718 with the best power-to-weight ratio at your next local Cars&Coffee, the 718 Spyder RS is the undisputed champion. The highly desirable and rare 718 Spyder RS retails for $164,200, which is significantly more than the base 718, which starts at just $72,800, but the Spyder RS is the ultimate expression of the 718 format and is essentially twice the car. Now, unless you know someone who can pull some strings in getting an allocation for you, good luck finding one though, let alone for sticker. On the bright side, it does have the potential to hold its value given its rarity.

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