The Real Reason Why You Pay A Premium For The Spyder Over A Standard Boxster

The 718 Spyder RS engine comes from the 911 GT3

In terms of performance, the Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 is the closest Boxster model to the 718 Spyder RS. Both versions of the mid-engine Porsche feature a 4.0-liter, naturally-aspirated, flat-six engine, but that’s where the similarities end. The flat-six in the Boxster GTS is based on the 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six unit found in any 911, from 991.2 and newer... without the turbochargers, obviously.

Meanwhile, the 4.0-liter flat-six found in the 718 Spyder RS comes directly from the Porsche 911 GT3. The same engine can also be found in the Porsche 718 GT4 RS which makes identical power to the 718 Spyder RS. The Boxster GTS engine is a lower-revving unit. The only advantage of the Boxster is that it offers a six-speed manual while the 718 Spyder RS is PDK-only. It seems Porsche is steadily dropping the manual transmission from its most high-performance models.

Superior power-to-weight ratio and track-focused aerodynamics

The benefits of going for a 718 Spyder RS over the Boxster GTS go beyond Porsche’s iconic boxer engine and its capabilities. The Spyder RS features a new cowl, similar to what you would find on any Porsche 911 Speedster model. A more aggressive front apron also ensures better downforce compared to the 718 Boster GTS. More importantly, the Spyder RS lacks a retractable roof, which is one of the reasons why convertible models weigh more than the coupes.

At 3,108 pounds, the Porsche 718 Spyder RS is the most lightweight, road-going 718 you can get. That said, the 982 Boxster GTS isn’t that much heavier, tipping the scales at 3,163 pounds. Features like Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) come standard on both cars, although the springs are a bit softer compared to the foxed-head 718 Cayman GT4 RS.

Rarity and collectability

Like all generations of the Porsche 911 Speedster, you are getting something special by opting for the 718 Spyder RS compared to most other 718 models. All Spyder models of Porsche’s mid-engine sports car are limited-edition models. Unlike the 718 Spyder, the 718 Boxster GTS will not have a production cap, meaning the number of produced cars depends entirely on consumer demand.

The 982 Spyder came out for the 2020 model year and according to sources, between 7,500 and 7,995 Porsche 982 Spyders were produced. Those numbers, however, do not account for the 718 Spyder RS, which came out in 2023, and is even more exclusive. Porsche sports cars are known for retaining their value extremely well. While this is most true for the 911, it goes for any special-edition Porsche sports car. While the 982 Spyder RS is fresh off the assembly line, it has all the ingredients to be a proper collector’s car for those looking for something different than a 911.