In our garage today, two mid-engine open-top Porsches stand side by side.

One is my longtime companion, a 981 Boxster GTS that I’ve been driving since new for nearly 10 years, now with over 63,000 kilometers on the clock. The other is the latest marvel, the 718 Spyder RS, delivered just this past June. The 981’s naturally aspirated flat-six delivers a sensual soundtrack, while the Spyder RS houses the heart of a GT3 midship. Alternating between these two cars with completely different characters has revealed their unique charms and truths in vivid detail. Today, I want to share an honest, experience-based comparison of these two models—something many Porsche enthusiasts and prospective owners will find invaluable.

The 981 Boxster GTS holds a special place in my heart.

It strikes the perfect balance of power, lightness, and compact size. Above all, its engine sound—an exhilarating tone impossible to replicate in today’s era—continues to captivate me. On the other hand, the 718 Spyder RS is a one-of-a-kind machine, packing a GT3 engine in the middle and delivering that thrill in open air. Though I’ve only had it for three months, I’ve already covered 4,000 kilometers and glimpsed its staggering potential. Today, I’ll share real impressions felt firsthand, beyond what any spec sheet can convey.

Surprising Winner in Everyday Porsche Ownership

Let’s start with the most familiar setting: city driving.

In stop-and-go traffic or cruising at 20 to 40 km/h, which car is more comfortable and enjoyable? Many might expect the milder 981 Boxster GTS to take the crown. However, the truth is that the 718 Spyder RS offers a more comfortable and fun daily drive. This was a revelation even for me.

The key lies in the gear ratios. The Spyder RS’s PDK transmission is astonishingly close-ratio, allowing the engine to rev freely even at city speeds. From low revs, the intake behind your back emits an intoxicating “koooo” sound, responding instantly to throttle inputs.

In contrast, my 981 GTS (manual) has slightly taller gears. Even with the sport exhaust on, the exhaust note is subdued at low revs, and inside the cabin, gear whine and mechanical noises create a somewhat muffled soundscape. The exhilaration of “being in a Porsche” is undeniably stronger in the Spyder RS.

Ride comfort also surprised me. The Spyder RS’s suspension is firm but not harsh; it absorbs bumps with remarkable suppleness despite its short travel. This taut ride suits my taste perfectly. The 981’s softer setup is also excellent, but when it comes to the direct, connected feeling of “controlling a sports car” in urban settings, the Spyder RS clearly has the edge. If you crave extraordinary thrills in everyday driving, the Spyder RS is the ultimate choice.

Winding Roads: Each Car’s Blissful Domain

Leaving the city noise behind, we head to the winding roads.

This is where both cars truly shine. Which is better? Honestly, the answer is “even”. But the nature of their enjoyment couldn’t be more different. The 981 Boxster GTS seduces with its “beautiful voice”, while the 718 Spyder RS shakes your soul with its “roar”. Your choice depends on your mood.

The 981’s signature is its exhaust note.

Holding 3,000 to 5,000 rpm through second and third gears on corners delivers pure bliss. The crystal-clear tone never grows tiresome, and the burbling on throttle lift is downright sensual. Its handling is milder than the Spyder RS, which is a plus—it makes the car’s behavior easier to read and rewards driver skill honestly. There’s a large human element, allowing you to fully enjoy the joy of communicating with the car.

Meanwhile, the 718 Spyder RS is pure aggression.

Its high-rev sound is nothing short of “brutal”. The GT3 engine’s heartbeat and intake/exhaust noise right behind the driver create an explosive soundscape that even surprises the driver. This interior roar is a different beast from the 981’s exterior volume. Gear ratios matter here too: at 5,000 rpm in third gear, the 981 hits 115 km/h, while the Spyder RS is around 90 km/h. This difference is crucial on Japan’s narrow, twisty mountain roads—known as “narrow, hard-to-drive roads” or “酷道 (koku-dō)”—where you want to keep the engine singing. When you’re in the mood to push hard, the Spyder RS’s steering wheel is where you want to be.

Long-Distance Touring and Highway Realities

Long-distance tours of 300 to sometimes over 500 kilometers often involve extended highway driving.

Here, the differences between the two become clear. In terms of comfort and, above all, enjoyment, I must give the edge to the 718 Spyder RS on the highway. This was another unexpected discovery before purchase.

The biggest factor is the difference in wind turbulence during open-top driving. While the 981 can also be driven with the roof down at highway speeds, it suffers from strong wind buffeting directly from behind, which can be annoying. The Spyder RS, however, manages airflow so that the wind feels like a gentle caress all over your body, making open-air motoring at high speeds a pure pleasure.

Moreover, overtaking acceleration from 80 or 100 km/h is the Spyder RS’s domain.

The intake sound explodes the moment you floor the throttle, and the acceleration G-force feels like a kick in the back, turning mere travel time into top-tier entertainment. Even at Japanese highway speeds, you can enjoy this thrill cruising in seventh gear. To hear similar sounds in the 981, you’d have to reach unrealistically high speeds. This difference comes down to gear ratios and the Spyder RS’s design philosophy that actively channels sound into the cabin. The Spyder RS transforms the journey itself into an unforgettable experience.

Summary: Unexpected Versatility, No Regrets Either Way

Having compared these cars across various scenarios, one thing is clear: both are truly outstanding vehicles.

If I owned only one, I’d be perfectly content and enjoying the best Porsche ownership experience possible. It’s only by owning both and comparing daily that I’ve noticed subtle yet decisive differences. So if you’re considering either model, rest assured your choice will be rewarding.

One last thing I want to share: before getting the Spyder RS, I imagined that such a high-spec car would have a much narrower window for fully enjoying its performance—only on circuits or very open winding roads. But the reality was completely the opposite. From city driving fun to highway exhilaration and winding road thrills, I even feel the Spyder RS offers a broader range of enjoyable situations than the 981.

The latest Porsche GT models showcase astonishing versatility, brilliantly balancing high performance with everyday driving pleasure—a true technological masterpiece. The 981 GTS, with its naturally aspirated flat-six’s sensual sound, will remain a timeless masterpiece I cherish forever. Meanwhile, the Spyder RS is my ultimate partner, turning every road into the perfect stage. I look forward to savoring the happiness of having these two incredible cars in my garage for years to come.