Porsche 718 Boxster trim comparison

2025 Porsche 718 Boxster S vs Spyder RS

The 718 Boxster S starts at $86,900 while the Spyder RS is $164,200. That $77,300 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.

The short answer

This trim jump changes the engine from 2.5L flat 4 Turbo to 4.0L flat 6. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.

If you would notice the 4.0L flat 6 every week, the Spyder RS makes sense. If not, the S is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.

Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The Spyder RS adds about $1361/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $81,660 more overall with interest. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.

$77,300
Price Gap
+143 HP
HP Diff
+6 MPG
MPG Diff
Trim navigation

Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.

Compare another trim against Spyder RS Spyder RS stays locked on this side. Pick a different trim for the other slot without leaving the exact head-to-head route.
Compare another trim against S S stays locked on this side. Use this row to test the next trim up or down while keeping the exact pair page intact.
GTS 4.0 Spyder RS
Lower-price trim
Starts at $86,900
VS
Higher-price trim
Starts at $164,200
Smart Buy: S
Marginal Upgrade: Spyder RS

Who notices the difference

The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.

When both feel the same

The S and Spyder RS are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 7-speed automated manual transmission.

The upgrade math

You are paying $77,300 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $15,460 per change.

Key Differences at a Glance

This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.

MSRP
$86,900
vs
$164,200
Engine
2.5L flat 4 Turbo
vs
4.0L flat 6
Horsepower
350 hp
vs
493 hp
Fuel Economy
22 MPG combined
vs
16 MPG combined
All-weather floor mats for the 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster Check prices on Amazon (paid link)

Every Difference, Side by Side

This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 6 specification differences, 1 shared.

Engine Biggest
S2.5L flat 4 Turbo
Spyder RS4.0L flat 6
Fuel Economy
S22 MPG combined
Spyder RS16 MPG combined
Curb Weight
S3,148 lbs
Spyder RS3,214 lbs

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.

Spec S Spyder RS
Pricing
MSRP$86,900$164,200
Powertrain
Engine2.5L flat 4 Turbo4.0L flat 6
Horsepower350 hp493 hp
Torque309 lb-ft331 lb-ft
Transmission7-speed automated manual7-speed automated manual
DrivetrainRWDRWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG1914
Highway MPG2519
Combined MPG2216
Fuel Tank16.9 gal16.9 gal
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,148 lbs3,214 lbs
Wheelbase97.4"97.7"
Length172.4"173.9"
Width70.9"71.7"
Height50.0"49.3"
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper4yr/50k4yr/50k
Powertrain4yr/50k4yr/50k
Corrosion12yr/unlimited12yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance4yr/50k4yr/50k

Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.

2025 Porsche 718 Boxster S vs Spyder RS Questions Shoppers Ask

Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Porsche 718 Boxster lineup, the Porsche brand hub, the Sports Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.

How much more does the 2025 718 Boxster Spyder RS cost than the S?

The Spyder RS starts at $164,200 compared to $86,900 for the S. That is a $77,300 difference, or approximately $1361/month more on a 60-month loan.

Do the 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster S and Spyder RS have the same engine?

No. The S uses a 2.5L flat 4 Turbo (350 hp, 309 lb-ft), while the Spyder RS has the 4.0L flat 6 (493 hp, 331 lb-ft). That is 143 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 7-speed automated manual.

Do the 2025 718 Boxster S and Spyder RS have the same drivetrain?

Yes. Both come with RWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.

What warranty does the 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster come with?

All 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster trims, including both the S and Spyder RS, come with Porsche's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.

Is the 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder RS worth $77,300 more than the S?

The $77,300 buys the 4.0L flat 6. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the S does the same job for less.

Which 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster trim gets better fuel economy, the S or the Spyder RS?

The S is the more efficient of the two at 22 combined MPG, versus 16 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.

Breaking Down the $77,300 Gap

Same drivetrain, $77,300 more. The 718 Boxster Spyder RS adds minor equipment upgrades over the S, but the core driving experience is identical.

How the S and Spyder RS Feel Different

Engine is where these two diverge most: 2.5L flat 4 Turbo in the S, 4.0L flat 6 in the Spyder RS. That means 143 more horsepower and 22 more lb-ft of torque. A significant jump that changes the driving experience. In return, expect about 6 fewer combined MPG.

Fuel Economy Comparison

The 718 Boxster S gets 6 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $716 per year or $3,580 over five years of ownership.

The Short Version

The 718 Boxster Spyder RS costs $77,300 more than the S (about $1,361/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 5 meaningful changes at $15,460 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.

Trim-Matched Accessories

These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.

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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Porsche or any dealership.

Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.

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Official Sources & Methodology