While you can’t go wrong with the Porsche 911 or 718, you may want to know the one that suits your interests, preferences, or driving style.
The 911 has been around for some time, and most avid car enthusiasts know how good it is.
But how does it compare to the newer Porsche 718? What are the key differences between the two? Which is the better car?
Keep reading to find out!
Engine Specification and Performance
Porsche has been renowned for making high-performance cars with exceptional handling and balance throughout its history.
And none more than the Porsche 911 that debuted in 1963 and is now a standard of what the company stands for.
Then you may wonder how the 718 compares to the 911 regarding their drivetrains, powertrains, and performance. Let’s dive in deeper!
Porsche 718
Porsche has several drivetrain and powertrain options on the 718 at your disposal.
The recent Porsche 718 Cayman sports car is available in six trims: the base 718 Cayman, 718 Cayman T, 718 Cayman S, Cayman GTS 4.0, 718 Cayman GT4, and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS.
All the models are rear-wheel-drive and, with the exception of the GT4 RS, come with a standard six-speed manual transmission.
On the other hand, the new GT4 RS has a standard dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission which is optional on the other models.
Furthermore, the base 718 Boxster and Cayman models have a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged horizontally opposed engine with direct fuel injection.
The powerful engine develops 220kW or 300 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and a maximum torque of 380Nm.
Additionally, you’ll have an option to pair the powertrain with a Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission to achieve a 0-to-100 km/h in under 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 275 km/h.
The higher-level Cayman S models have a 2.5-liter engine capable of generating 350 horsepower or 275kW at 6,500 RPM and a maximum 420Nm of torque.
With this powerful setup plus PDK and Launch Control technology, the car achieves a 0-to-100 km/h in around 4.2 seconds.
A third available engine is the 4.0-liter six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine found in the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 and the Cayman GTS 4.0.
The engine is a true performer, generating 400 horsepower or 294kW of power at 7,000 RPM. It also has a maximum torque of 420Nm, which goes up to 430Nm with the addition of PDK.
And adding the Launch Control boosts the car’s response, and its speed maxes out at 288km/h. Pairing the engine with a 6-speed manual transmission boosts its top speed to 293km/h.
Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is a benchmark sports car due to its well-designed and executed twin-turbo flat-six engines.
Mounted in its rear, the twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six cylinder engine delivers 379 horsepower in the base Carrera, 443 horsepower in the S model, and 473 in the GTS model.
The Porsche 911 twin-turbo engines have exceptional power, unbelievable response, and a broad torque plateau across all speeds.
Additionally, while all models come with a standard 8-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) automatic transmission, you’ll have an option to go with a silkier seven-speed manual transmission on the S and GTS models.
The Coupe and Cabriolet models also come standard with a rear-wheel drive with an optional all-wheel drive. On the other hand, the Targa models are exclusively all-wheel drive.
In terms of performance, the 3.0-liter engine Carrera has a top speed of 293km/h, an acceleration of 0-to-60mph in 4.0 seconds, and an even better acceleration with the Sport Chrono Package.
The higher-level 911 Targa 4 GTS has a higher 480 horsepower, a maximum speed of 307 km/h, and a 0-to-60 mph acceleration in 3.3 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package and PDK.
Fuel Economy Figures
Sports cars generally have average to below average fuel economies due to their bigger engines and performance tuning.
Therefore, most will usually have fuel economy figures that resemble those from full-size vans and sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
More specifically, the base 718 Cayman model achieves an average of 21 mpg in the city and close to 27 mpg on the highway. In comparison, the 911 Carrera S has an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
Let’s take a closer look at how these models compare.
Porsche 718
If you need a fuel-efficient Porsche 718 model, the 4.0-liter 6-cylinder Porsche 718 Boxter GTS suits you perfectly.
When paired with an automatic transmission, the model has a 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and a combined 24 mpg.
Let’s look at how the different configurations compare.
- 2.0-liter 4-cylinder manual transmission: 20 mpg city/ 26 mpg highway/ 22 mpg combined.
- 2.0-liter 4-cylinder automatic transmission: 21 mpg city/ 27 mpg highway/ 24 mpg combined.
- 4.0-liter 6-cylinder manual transmission: 17 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway/ 19 mpg combined.
- 4.0-liter 6-cylinder automatic transmission: 19 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway/ 21 mpg combined.
Porsche 911
If you’re thinking about excellent Porsche 911 fuel economy, your safest bet is the 911 Carrera S featuring a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and manual 7-speed transmission.
With this configuration, you’ll get a better 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and a combined 21 mpg.
Here’s how the other drivetrain and powertrain options compare.
- 3.0-liter 6-cylinder automatic transmission: 18 mpg city/ 24 mpg highway/ 20 mpg combined.
- 3.0-liter 6-cylinder manual transmission: 17 mpg city/ 22 mpg highway/ 19 mpg combined.
- 3.7-liter 6-cylinder automatic transmission: 15 mpg city/ 20 mpg highway/ 17 mpg combined.
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price Differences
Buying a suitable sports car can be daunting, especially when you have many available options at your disposal.
And when comparing the 718 to the 911, it’s evident that the latter is generally higher-priced.
Let’s look at how they compare.
Porsche 718
- Base 718 Cayman: $61,850
- T: $70,950
- S: $73,850
- GTS 4.0: $88,750
- GT4: $102,550
- GT4 RS: $143,050
Porsche 911
- Carrera coupe: $102,550
- Carrera S coupe: $118,450
- Targa: $122,650
- Carrera 4S coupe: $125,750
- Carrera S cabriolet: $131,250
- Carrera GTS: $138,050
- Carrera 4S cabriolet: $138,050
- Carrera GTS cabriolet: $145,350
- Carrera 4 GTS: $145,350
- Carrera GTS coupe: $150,850
- Targa GTS: $158,150
- Edition 50 Years Porsche Design: $185,150
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Generally, both models feature the affluent Porsche interiors that ooze comfort, luxury, ease of access, and durability.
Porsche 718
In the 718, the driving seat is well set, giving you an ideal driving position that allows you to see the road, tachometer, and the whole dashboard without straining.
You’ll also have excellent visibility with few blind spots, even though you’ll still require a rearview camera while backing up.
Technology-wise, the 718 is still lagging, and you’ll spend some time getting to know the myriad options available.
Additionally, you’ll get a compact front trunk that compliments the rear cargo area.
Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 has legendary status amongst sports car lovers due to its performance, handling, and interiors.
It has more available cabin space and equipment than the 718, in addition to two extra emergency seats.
Its interior tech is more sophisticated and yet easier to understand.
Also, its low-slung driver position is fantastic even for taller and bigger drivers, as the steering wheel has a broad range of adjustments.
However, the only downside with the 911 is the tiny back seats which struggle to fit in any adult as they’re so constricted to be efficient rather than spacious.
The Takeaway Between the Porsche 718 vs. 911
The 718 Cayman and the 911 Carrera models are excellent cars you can go with.
They are easily customizable, have a ton of powertrain and drivetrain options, and have excellent handling.
More specifically, if you need a cheaper, more fuel-efficient car, go with the 718 models.
However, if you desire a premium driving feel, incredible performance, and better interiors, go with the 911. It’s costlier but be sure you’re getting a good-value pick with the 911!
