German_Saint

comparing the specs-
Porsche Spyder
Length 173.4 in
Width (without mirrors) 70.9 in
Height 49.7 in
Wheelbase 97.4 in
Curb weight 2,899 lbs
3.8l - 375 hp/309 lb-ft

Audi R8 V10 Spyder
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length: 174.6 in
Width: 75.0 in Height: 49.0 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 3900 lb
DISPLACEMENT:
318 cu in, 5204 cc
Power: 525 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 391 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Zero to 60 mph: 3.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.9 sec
Top speed (drag limited): 195 mph


It's interesting to me to see the wheelbase to be 1.2 inches longer on the R8, but the wheelbase is 6.9 inches longer. 4.1 inches wider.

What do you make of this? More stability for the R8 and quicker turn-in for the Porsche?

I haven't pushed the R8 like I have a Boxster S, but I will say it has the same type of pivot point balanced.. sometimes I feel like I can feel its weight over the nose and wanting to push a bit although with more throttle seems to resolve the feeling. Being that the Porsche has the 3.8 l engine that is very nice and is more competitive.

The power the Audi is really simply amazing reving to 8,000 it really screams 26% more lb ft. It is pulling very strong. I'd only pick the manual in the audi.

BTW the R8 V8 and the Porsche Spyder. I'd go Porsche

BTW the R8 V10 & the Porsche SPyder. I'd go Audi.

Anyone drive both?

Phil G.

My brother has a 2015 R8 V8 with 6MT. He loves it - a great car. Audi does not make the R8 with a manual any longer. And for now, only available with a V10.

mile2424

Eduardo would be best to comment on this as he has had both cars....maybe he will chime in.

EdwinL

I've had a R8 V8 manual and didn't really like it because it didn't give me the feeling I was driving a sports car. In actual fact I found the overall drive to be quite boring and not engaging. To be honest I find my M3 more engaging and fun to drive but then I'm bias. After the R8 I don't want another four wheel drive sports car. I bought it back then was because I liked the design and the mid engine layout. Now that I no longer have a mid engined car I'm patiently waiting for my Boxster Spyder to arrive in April. It's still a long ways away but I think the wait will be well worth it. BTW, I'm very envious for those of you in the US that get to demo the Spyder. Up here there's a waiting list and Vancouver is only going to get five units.

I want to take this opportunity to wish all my fellow Rennlisters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Archimedes

Apple, meet Orange.

Dr.Bill

Well, both are convertibles.
That's where the similarities end.
One is a heavy, all-wheel-drive touring car. The other is a sports car.
Both are nice cars - depends on what you want.

skiahh

Let's get real here. The Boxster Spyder is just that; a souped up Boxster. The Porsche Spyder specs are:

Engine layout: Mid-engine
Design and cylinders: 8
Displacement: 4.6 liters
Power
129 hp (Front Axle Electric Motor)
156 hp (Rear Axle Electric Motor)
608 hp (Combustion Engine)
887 hp (Parallel Full Hybrid)
(at 8600 rpm (Combustion Engine))
Max. torque (lb.-ft.): 398 lb.-ft. (Combustion Engine) / 944 lb.-ft. (Parallel Full Hybrid)
[at rpm
6600 rpm (Combustion Engine)
800 - 5000 rpm (Parallel Full Hybrid)]
Length: 182.8 in
Width (w/ mirrors folded): 76.4 in
Height: 45.9 in
Drag coefficient (Cd): 0.35
Wheelbase: 107.5 in
Curb Weight: 3692 lbs
Top Track Speed: 214 mph (Parallel Full Hybrid) / 93 mph (Electric)
0 - 60 mph: 2.5 s (Parallel Full Hybrid) / 5.8 s (Electric)
1/4 mile: 10.0 s

Compared to:
Audi R8 V10 Spyder
Wheelbase: 104.3 in
Length: 174.6 in
Width: 75.0 in Height: 49.0 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 3900 lb
DISPLACEMENT:
318 cu in, 5204 cc
Power: 525 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Torque: 391 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Zero to 60 mph: 3.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.9 sec
Top speed (drag limited): 195 mph

But (staying real, still) the Audi Spyder isn't in the same class as the Porsche Spyder, so there's not really a direct comparison between either the Boxster Spyder and Audi or 918 Spyder and Audi.

Underblu

Yeah let's get real here. You say Boxster like its a bad thing. I think the Boxster is the best production non MT car Porsche has put out in the past 20 years albeit perpetually underpowered so not to make the 911 numbers look bad.

So I'll take the Boxster derived 981 Spyder over an overweight computerized Audi R8 convertible any day of the week. The Spyder is more nimble and responsive and at 2900 lbs a pure sports car. Any car approaching 4000 lbs sounds like a Bently to me. I mean what the hell is that.

Not only is the performance package of the Spyder far more compelling but looks wise the car is equal to the pretty R8 convertible.

Even if they were the same pice I'd still buy the 981 Spyder, the 30k+ savings is a bonus afaic.

skiahh

Oh, hell no... I bought a Boxster S. I love the car. I might have considered the Spyder if it didn't have a manual top (if I want a manual top, I'll go buy another Wrangler!), though I like the looks of the non-Spyder body better, personally.

The thread started out by comparing the Porsche Spyder to the Audy Spyder. The Porsche Spyder is the 918. The Boxster Spyder is, well, a Boxster Spyder. I've never driven the R8 (any version) so can't comment on how it compares to any Porsche. But knowing how my Boxster drives... add the 3.8l power boost and I can't imagine the R8 would lure me away from this platform. Now, if I had a spare million sitting around....

Looks wise, I like the R8. Some days more than others. But I like the Porsche lines better. Even the Panamera! But top down, I like the Boxster best of all, with the 911 Targa running a close second.

I'm not saying "just" a Boxster in any negative way at all. In fact, I'd put the Boxster Spyder against the Audi Spyder any day... and like you, take the Boxster.

bhoov14

I've had both cars, a 2010 R8 V10 and the Boxster Spyder (987)
I liked each car for different reasons, but this is comparing apples and oranges. The feel of the gated shifter, responsiveness/power of the V10, and the design of the R8 made this a true supercar that you could drive daily. Did not like the amount of attention that it brought however, also was a bit heavy and a bit too predictable with the electronics and lack of steering feel.
The Boxster Spyder was one of the most fun sports cars that I have owned. Very nimble, loved the steering feel, just lacked power and refinement (which was never the goal of this car) of the R8. Not a suoercar, but more fun to drive in my opinion because I felt very connected to the car. In the end, it's all about personal choice and budget, I'm fortunate to have had both cars.

s2ktaxi

I think you're referring to the 918 Spyder when the OP was referring to a 981 Spyder, as were others on the thread so far.

martinmp42

IMHO for anyone who would not consider Spyder because of inconveniences of the roof, this car simply is not for them. In fact, the roof should be even more complicated that what it is now. This is really what makes Spyder a "Spyder".

Underblu

This makes absolutely no sense to me. What makes the Spyder A Spyder is a cumbersome roof system. Are you kidding me? A complicated roof is poor engineering and in absolutely no way adds to the car. Even true exotic weekend rides like the Ferrari have high levels of comfort and convenience. An arcane roof system has no place in a modern Sportscar anymore than carboraters or an unresponsive defrost system.

Wanting what the Spyder offers looks and performance wise with an automatic roof makes absolute sense. While I did not let the current gen roof deter me from ordering one, if Porsche used the previous 987 Spyder roof or made it any more complicated I would have passed.

Maybe those that use their Porsche's as Sunday drives think an oddball roof system is cool, not me. My Porsche's have never been diaper washed garage queens taken out on the Weekend. The Gen 1 Spyder and its insipid afaic roof system prevented it from being a reasonable daily driver. Thankfully the current gen Spyder is less cumbersome. If I wanted a low mileage Sunday driver I would've bought a Ferrari. The Porsche is a true great sport cars that you can drive everyday and that's it's point for me and many others.

martinmp42

You see this exactly what I mean. It is about becoming more involved with your car than just pushing a button. Again, everyone has his own idea of involvement. I rather have the roof the way that just it is. It is what makes it different from the rest. I do not expect for every one to agree with me, but it is what makes Spyder even more special IMO.

German_Saint

I must say the Audi holds its weight very well and doesn't feel as heavy as the curb weight is noted.

I sold my R8 - pending with a GMG race exhaust for $112k. mint condition - 4,800 miles. I had another offer before I got my GT3 at $118k so it was a good buy for the future owner.. I purchased it right last dec. and will be out a few dollars on taxes, and a clear bra.


+1 nice. Yes the car gets lots of attention and the gated shifter is amazing with the V10. Although it isn't as raw as say a CGT -I took care of as a Porsche Sales Professional when I got out of college.


I like the 3.8L that has been needed for a very long time in these cars. Power to weight ratio.

I thought with my car getting near the range of a New Boxster Spyder (what I meant to compare with in the first place- not thinking there was the 918 Spyder as well). Worth a talk-

Between the 2 I'm going to take my car for 112k -extended warranty will be cheaper to own for 3 yrs than a new boxster imo. On to the GT3 and starting my own dealership.