Is the Porsche Spyder RS the Best Daily Driver?

TL;DR

The Porsche Spyder RS, replacing the Audi RS7, offers a thrilling driving experience with its 4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine, producing 500hp. Despite its manual roof being cumbersome, the car's performance and sound make it a joy to drive. Its practicality is limited, but its exhilarating performance makes it a standout choice for enthusiasts.

Transcript

I've got a new daily driver which is replacing this Audi RS7 which I've had for quite a while now. It's actually very different to this RS7. See if you can guess what it is from this montage of clips. See that fly flew into my throat. I'm going to tell you exactly what car it is very shortly and give you a rundown on it. But before I do that, I wan... Read More

Key Insights

• The Audi RS7 features a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 630 horsepower and 850Nm of torque.
• The RS7 is praised for its aggressive looks and performance, including quattro all-wheel drive and launch control.
• The Porsche Spyder RS is powered by a 4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine, similar to the GT3.
• The Spyder RS's engine produces 500hp and 450Nm, sent to the rear wheels via a 7-speed PDK automatic gearbox.
• The manual roof of the Spyder RS is cumbersome, taking several minutes to operate.
• Despite the manual roof, the Spyder RS's driving experience is enhanced by its sound and engine responsiveness.
• The Spyder RS is more enjoyable on the road compared to the GT4 RS due to its softer spring rates and more compliant dampers.
• The Spyder RS lacks Android Auto, only supporting Apple CarPlay, which may be a drawback for Android users.

Questions & Answers

Q: What engine does the Audi RS7 have?

The Audi RS7 is equipped with a 4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 630 horsepower and 850Nm of torque. This engine, combined with the quattro all-wheel drive and launch control, allows the RS7 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.4 seconds, making it a powerful performance vehicle.

Q: How does the Porsche Spyder RS compare to the Audi RS7?

The Porsche Spyder RS, replacing the Audi RS7, offers a more engaging driving experience with its 4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine. While the RS7 is praised for its powerful V8 and all-wheel drive, the Spyder RS's engine sound and responsiveness provide a thrilling experience. However, the Spyder RS's manual roof and lack of Android Auto may be drawbacks.

Q: What are the key features of the Porsche Spyder RS?

The Porsche Spyder RS features a 4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine, producing 500hp and 450Nm of torque. It includes a 7-speed PDK automatic gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and a manual roof. The car is praised for its engine sound and performance, though the manual roof can be cumbersome to operate.

Q: How does the Spyder RS's roof mechanism work?

The Porsche Spyder RS features a manual roof mechanism that requires several steps to operate. Unlike the automated roof of a regular Boxster, the Spyder RS's roof takes several minutes to raise or lower, requiring the driver to pull off the road. Despite its complexity, the roof enhances the car's aesthetics when down.

Q: What is the fuel economy of the Porsche Spyder RS?

The Porsche Spyder RS has a fuel economy of approximately 20 MPG, which is reasonable given its performance capabilities. The car features a 64-liter fuel tank, which may result in frequent refueling due to its performance-oriented engine. Despite this, the Spyder RS offers an exhilarating driving experience.

Q: What are the drawbacks of the Porsche Spyder RS?

The Porsche Spyder RS has a few drawbacks, including its cumbersome manual roof mechanism and the lack of Android Auto, supporting only Apple CarPlay. Additionally, the car's infotainment system feels somewhat outdated, and the manual roof operation can be time-consuming compared to automated systems.

Q: How does the Spyder RS's driving experience compare to the GT4 RS?

The Porsche Spyder RS offers a more enjoyable driving experience on the road compared to the GT4 RS. It features softer spring rates and more compliant dampers, making it easier to live with. The Spyder RS's engine sound and responsiveness are highlights, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Q: What makes the Spyder RS's engine unique?

The Spyder RS is powered by a 4-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine, similar to the GT3. This engine provides a thrilling sound and performance, with individual throttle bodies enhancing responsiveness. The engine's placement and air intake design allow for a unique auditory experience, making it a standout feature of the Spyder RS.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Audi RS7, with its powerful V8 engine and quattro all-wheel drive, delivers consistent performance and aggressive aesthetics. However, its boot shape and touchscreen controls are less practical.

• The Porsche Spyder RS, replacing the RS7, offers a motorsport-derived engine with thrilling sound and performance. Despite its cumbersome manual roof, the Spyder RS is more enjoyable on the road than the GT4 RS.

• The Spyder RS lacks Android Auto, which may inconvenience Android users. However, its exhilarating driving experience, enhanced by its engine sound and responsiveness, makes it a standout choice for enthusiasts.