2020 Porsche 718 Spyder Review: Flirting With Perfection

The return of a large-capacity, naturally aspirated Porsche flat-six to the 718 Cayman GT4 seemed to be a recipe that could hardly be bettered, but with its roof chopped off to hear that engine sing even more loudly, the new 718 Spyder might just be even more desirable. Like the Cayman GT4, the 718 Spyder uses a 4.0-liter six-pot developing 414 horsepower and, with its six-speed manual gearbox, it has exactly the same 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.2 seconds - no doubt due to the fact that Porsche has managed to limit the Spyder's weight penalty to a mere seven pounds. Like the Cayman GT4, handling is phenomenal, with a purity to the Spyder's responses that can't be matched by the likes of the Audi TT RS. Plus, the Spyder's rear streamliners give it an entirely different persona that is reminiscent of last year's 911 Speedster, and that can only be a good thing. Add in the fact that the 718 Spyder is cheaper than the Cayman GT4, and it becomes an irresistible package. If you never drive any other car for the rest of your life but this one, you'll be happy.

What's the Price of the 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder?

The 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder carries an MSRP of $96,300, a price that is exclusive of taxes, licensing, registration, and a delivery/processing fee of $1,350. Although this represents a saving of $2,900 over the Cayman GT4, the 718 Spyder's price can balloon just as quickly once a few options get added. By adding just a few extras, the price can surpass $120,000.

2020 718 Spyder Exterior

Dimensions

2020 718 Spyder Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Porsche being Porsche, there are zero dynamic sacrifices to make if you choose the 718 Spyder over the hard-top Cayman GT4. The Spyder is just as talented and one of, if not the best, drop-top to drive. The electric steering is a brilliant piece of engineering, combining ideal weighting with plenty of feedback, and being sharp without ever feeling twitchy. The mechanically locking rear differential aids overall stability, and together with abundant grip, the 718 Spyder can be driven at extremely high speeds, the only deterrents to even faster progress being your nerve and the law. Of course, with the roof down, the scream from the six-pot is amplified and it's an intoxicating sound that renders the audio system almost pointless. The absence of a million driving modes only adds to the enjoyment of the Spyder; there is a Sport mode for the chassis but unless you're on a track, it's not necessary as it unsettles the ride quality, which in default mode is compliant enough to live with every day. Along with an effective braking system, Porsche has ticked every box and has ended up with a car that is the antithesis of most modern sports cars, which are overly sanitized. By contrast, the electronics that are in place in the Spyder seem to have only been added once the chassis was tuned to perfection. It's a breathtaking achievement.

2020 718 Spyder Interior

2020 718 Spyder Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder A Good car?

The 718 Spyder feels like Porsche at its best. While models like the Cayenne SUV and Panamera full-size luxury sedan are hugely accomplished vehicles, this is still first and foremost a maker of enjoyable sports cars, and the 718 Spyder is the perfect embodiment of that. Every aspect that matters to the driver - the engine, the handling, the gearbox, and even the driving position - has been beautifully engineered and thought out. With the roof down, the fun factor is elevated by another few notches over the Cayman GT4. It's not only via the oily bits that the 718 Spyder excites, though, because it is a prettier and more distinctive design than every other member of the 718 family. For far less money, the Audi TT RS and BMW Z4 are even quicker in a straight line and are equipped with more comforts than the Porsche. But as special as these two cars are, a five-minute drive is all it takes to establish the Spyder as the most exhilarating of the bunch.

What Porsche 718 Spyder Model Should I Buy?

Porsche purposefully kept the 718 Spyder simple in the interests of weight-saving, so it seems counterproductive to overload it with optional extras. We would, however, equip ours with heated seats, Apple CarPlay, and the heated steering wheel, features that make this convertible more satisfying on a daily basis.

2020 Porsche 718 Spyder Comparisons

2020 Porsche 718 Spyder vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

Also a new addition to the 718 range, the Cayman GT4 is essentially the hard-top version of the 718 Spyder. A negligible seven-pound difference in weight between the two, along with the same 414-hp engine, means that there is no difference in terms of acceleration off the mark. With its lightweight roof, the 718 Spyder is an even more arresting looker than the GT4, although that also means that the GT4 is a bit quieter at higher speeds. Another advantage in the GT4's favor is a larger rear luggage area. Both are a riot to drive, with the responsive flat-six blending perfectly with the precise steering and the crisp manual gearbox. They're also similarly specified. With its lower price and more seductive styling, we'd choose the 718 Spyder, but you can't make a bad decision between these two exemplary sports cars.

2020 Porsche 718 Spyder vs Porsche 911 Carrera

The all-new, 992-generation of the iconic 911 is finally here. As it always has, the latest version further moves the goalposts forward in its uncanny ability to combine an immersive driving experience with day-to-day livability. For nearly the same price as the 718 Spider, the base 911 Carrera will get you a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 379 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint of 3.8 seconds, making it quicker than the lighter 718 Spyder. Inside, the new 911 is a lot more modern than the 718 Spyder, with better materials and a slicker infotainment system. It also has access to more technologies, like lane keep assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive cruise control. If you want the best all-round sports car, the Porsche 911 has more bases covered, but if you want a second car that is reserved as a weekend toy, the 718 Spyder takes it.