Porsche Spyder RS or GT3: Choosing Between the Ultimate Open-Top and Track Weapon
The choice between a Porsche 718 Spyder RS and a 911 GT3 isn’t about which is faster on paper—it’s about which experience you want to feel in your bones.
Both are masters of German engineering. Both share the same legendary heart: a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter Flat-Six Engine that screams to 9,000 rpm. But these two Porsches are very different animals. Choosing between them comes down to one question: do you want the roof to disappear with the sky, or do you want a fixed-roof track weapon with a motorsport pedigree?
Let’s break down the engineering, the experience, and the real-world feel of these two incredible machines.
TL;DR
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS and 911 GT3 share the same high-revving 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine and PDK transmission. The Spyder RS is a lightweight, open-top mid-engine roadster that prioritizes sensory thrill and driving pleasure with the wind in your hair . The 911 GT3 is a rear-engine track-focused coupe with a slightly more powerful engine, a more aggressive chassis setup, and an available manual transmission . The Spyder RS is lighter, the GT3 is more powerful, and the right choice depends on whether you prioritize open-air exhilaration or ultimate track performance.
Key Takeaways
- Shared Heart: Both cars use a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six that revs to 9,000 rpm, derived from Porsche’s motorsport program .
- Different Souls: The Spyder RS is a mid-engine open-top roadster focused on pure, unfiltered driving pleasure, while the 911 GT3 is a rear-engine coupe designed for track dominance.
- Power and Weight: The GT3 produces 502 hp, while the Spyder RS makes 493 hp. However, the Spyder RS weighs 1,410 kg, making it lighter than the GT3 .
- Transmission Choices: The Spyder RS is PDK-only. The GT3 offers both a lightning-fast PDK and a purist-friendly six-speed manual .
- The Open-Air Experience: The Spyder RS uses a manually operated lightweight soft-top that weighs just 18.3 kg, designed to maximize engine sound and sensory connection .
The Common Heart: A Motorsport Masterpiece
Before we dive into the differences, let’s appreciate what both cars share: a truly special engine. This 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six is a masterpiece of refined power and motorsport heritage. It’s derived from the engine used in the 911 GT3 Cup race car, and it shows .
Here’s what makes this engine so incredible:
- High-Revving Nature: It delivers maximum power at 8,400 rpm and screams all the way to a glorious 9,000 rpm redline .
- Individual Throttle Bodies: Each cylinder has its own throttle body, ensuring instant, razor-sharp throttle response. When you press the pedal, the engine responds immediately .
- Motorsport Tech: It features titanium connecting rods, dry-sump lubrication, and rigid valve drive systems—all technologies borrowed directly from racing. The dry-sump lubrication ensures proper oil supply even during high-speed cornering .
Both cars will pin you back in your seat, hitting 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds . But from there, the experience diverges dramatically.
The 718 Spyder RS: Sensory Overload in the Open Air
Now, this is where Porsche engineering really stands out. The 718 Spyder RS is the ultimate expression of the Boxster lineage, and it’s designed for one thing: maximum driving pleasure .
The Open-Top Experience
When you remove the roof, you remove a barrier between you and the world. The Spyder RS’s lightweight manual top is a purist’s dream. It weighs just 18.3 kg—16.5 kg less than a standard Boxster’s power roof—and consists of a sun sail and a weather deflector . You can even drive with just the sun sail in place up to 124 mph, feeling the wind while being protected from the sun .
The sound is what truly sets the Spyder RS apart. The two air intakes are positioned just behind the headrests . When the roof is off, the engine’s induction roar and the exhaust note from the lightweight stainless steel system fill the cabin directly. There is no sound deadening to muffle the experience. You’re not just hearing the engine; you’re living with it .
Chassis Tuned for the Open Road
While the Spyder RS shares its suspension hardware with the Cayman GT4 RS, it’s tuned differently. The spring and damper rates are softer to provide a more relaxed and compliant ride suited for open-top motoring . It still features Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and a limited-slip differential for sharp, neutral handling .
The Weight Advantage
At 1,410 kg, the Spyder RS is impressively light—actually 5 kg lighter than the hard-top Cayman GT4 RS . This weight advantage, combined with its mid-engine layout and open-top design, gives it a unique agility and responsiveness.
The 911 GT3: The Track-Focused Icon
The 911 GT3 is a different kind of animal. It’s a rear-engine coupe that has spent decades refining its track-focused DNA. It’s the choice for drivers who want a car that feels at home on a race track .
Power and Downforce
The GT3’s engine produces 502 hp—slightly more than the Spyder RS . This extra power, combined with its aerodynamic package, gives it a slight edge in top speed (311 km/h vs. 308 km/h) and high-speed stability . The large rear wing and front spoiler generate significant downforce, keeping the car planted at high speeds .
The Manual Transmission Option
This is a key differentiator for driving purists. The GT3 offers a choice: a seven-speed PDK for the fastest lap times, or a six-speed manual transmission for the most engaging driving experience . The manual shaves 17 kg off the car’s weight and provides a direct, mechanical connection that many enthusiasts crave .
A More Focused Chassis
The GT3’s chassis is designed for ultimate precision on the track. It sits lower, has stiffer springs and dampers than the Spyder RS, and features an eight-percent shorter final-drive ratio for greater agility and faster acceleration in every gear . The suspension can be adjusted for camber, toe, and anti-roll bar stiffness, allowing owners to dial in the perfect track setup .
Spyder RS vs. GT3: The Decision
So, how do you choose? It’s about the experience you’re looking for.
| Model | Vehicle Type | Engine | Power | Transmission | Key Feature | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 718 Spyder RS | Mid-Engine Roadster | 4.0L Flat-Six | 493 hp | 7-Speed PDK | Open-Top, Lightweight, Sound Experience | ~$162,150 |
| 911 GT3 | Rear-Engine Coupe | 4.0L Flat-Six | 502 hp | 6-Speed Manual or 7-Speed PDK | Track-Focused, Downforce, Manual Option | ~$182,900 |
Prices are approximate US MSRP at launch and may vary.
A Final Thought
The Spyder RS represents the pinnacle of the 718 lineup and offers a driving experience that some argue can rival or even surpass the 911 . “The 718 Spyder RS raises driving pleasure to a new level for open-top cars,” says Andreas Preuninger, Head of GT Cars. “The combination of our unmistakable GT3 engine, the close-ratio transmission, compact dimensions, low weight, road-optimised racing suspension and maximum openness offers an extremely compelling and unfiltered driving experience” .
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine is in the Porsche 718 Spyder RS?
The 718 Spyder RS uses a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine derived from the 911 GT3, producing 493 hp and revving to 9,000 rpm .
Does the 718 Spyder RS have the GT3 engine?
Yes, the Spyder RS uses the same high-revving 4.0-liter flat-six engine as the 911 GT3, making it the ultimate Boxster .
Is the 718 Spyder RS faster than the 911 GT3?
On paper, the GT3 has slightly more power (502 hp vs. 493 hp) and a higher top speed. However, the Spyder RS is lighter, and both share the same 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds .
Does the 718 Spyder RS come in manual?
No, the 718 Spyder RS is only available with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission. A manual transmission does not fit with the mid-engine layout .
Is the 718 Spyder RS lighter than the 911 GT3?
Yes, the 718 Spyder RS weighs 1,410 kg, while the 911 GT3 weighs approximately 1,479 kg, giving the Spyder RS a slight weight advantage .
What is the Weissach Package on the Spyder RS?
The Weissach Package adds lightweight components like forged magnesium wheels, titanium exhaust tailpipes, and additional carbon fiber elements, further reducing weight and enhancing performance .
Can you drive the 718 Spyder RS in the rain?
Yes, the Spyder RS comes with a weather deflector that, when installed with the side windows up, provides effective protection against rain .
Conclusion: The Ultimate Choice
Both the Porsche 718 Spyder RS and the 911 GT3 are masterpieces of precision performance. They share a phenomenal engine and embody the spirit of motorsport. The Spyder RS is for the driver who craves sensory connection—the feel of the wind, the unadulterated scream of the engine, and the freedom of an open road. The GT3 is for the track-day warrior who wants ultimate performance, downforce, and the traditional thrills of a rear-engine Porsche with the option of a manual gearbox.
Which one calls to you? Would you choose the open-air symphony of the Spyder RS, or the track-focused precision of the GT3? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
References:
