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Porsche 718 vs 911: Key Differences, Specs & Buying Guide for Georgia Drivers
Looking for a Porsche that’s both thrilling and tailored to your lifestyle? You’re not alone—many drivers face the same decision when choosing between the mid-engine Porsche 718 and the iconic Porsche 911.
Here’s the bottom line:
Choosing between a Porsche 718 vs. 911 comes down to your priorities—choose the 718 for raw, mid-engine precision and value, or go with the 911 for grand-touring comfort, everyday usability, and flagship-level performance.
At Porsche Atlanta Northwest, our team has helped hundreds of Georgia drivers—from Marietta to Alpharetta—find the perfect fit based on how and where they drive. With years of Porsche expertise and hands-on model knowledge, we’re here to guide your decision with clarity and confidence.
In this complete breakdown, we’ll walk you through the key specs, real-world performance, interior design, and what each car is built to do best. Whether you're carving up winding backroads or looking for a confident daily driver with supercar acceleration, this guide gives you everything you need to compare smart—and drive off happy.
Summary:
- Porsche 718 models (Cayman and Boxster) offer mid-engine balance, lightweight agility, and accessible pricing, ideal for purists and weekend thrill-seekers.
- Porsche 911 models deliver rear-engine stability, everyday comfort, and a wide powertrain range—including a new hybrid—making them versatile icons.
- Your choice between Porsche 718 vs 911 hinges on whether you prioritize precision driving and value or daily livability and all-weather performance.
Comparison Highlights: Lincoln Corsair vs Lincoln Nautilus
- –127 lbs lighter chassis in the 718 Cayman. Delivers sharper turn-in, better road feel, and more confidence through curves vs. the heavier 911.
- +147 more horsepower in the 911 Turbo S. Top-tier 911s boast up to 640 hp, leaving the 718’s 493 hp max far behind.
- +2 additional seats in the Porsche 911. Its 2+2 layout adds practicality for kids, small luggage, or extra gear—not available in any 718 variant.
- +1.1 seconds quicker 0–60 mph with 911 Carrera 4. All-wheel drive traction gets you to 60 in 3.4 sec vs. 4.5 sec in the base 718 Cayman PDK.
- +3 convertible options in the 911 lineup. Choose from Coupe, Cabriolet, or Targa—more flexibility than the 718’s Cayman/Boxster body styles.
- +51 liters more usable cargo space in the 718. Dual trunk design gives the 718 a total of 405 liters vs. the 911’s 396 liters (with seats folded).
- +3 mpg better fuel economy in the 718 Cayman. The base model earns up to 24 mpg combined vs. 21 mpg in a base 911 Carrera—ideal for long drives.
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Feature Breakdown
Porsche 718 vs 911: Performance and Driving Experience
| Feature | Porsche 718 | Porsche 911 | Dealership Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Placement | Mid-engine | Rear-engine | 718 offers razor-sharp handling; 911 excels in traction and stability. |
| Horsepower Range | 300–493 hp | 388–640 hp | The 911 offers a wider range of high-output trims. |
| Quickest 0–60 Time | 3.8 sec (GT4 RS) | 2.6 sec (Turbo S) | Both feel fast, but the 911 delivers jaw-dropping launch control. |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed manual or PDK | 8-speed PDK or manual (on select trims) | Manual lovers enjoy both lines; PDK suits commuters and track days. |
| Suspension Feel | Taut, direct | Adaptive, smoother | 911 is better for daily use and long drives; 718 is more playful. |
| Real-World MPG (Base Auto) | 24 mpg | 21 mpg | Fuel efficiency makes 718 a better option for regular drives. |
The difference between the Porsche 718 and 911 is immediately felt behind the wheel. While both deliver spine-tingling acceleration and precise dynamics, they offer two distinct personalities. The 718 rewards driver finesse, thriving on lightness, balance, and feedback, while the 911 delivers elite-level performance with composure, brute power, and next-gen hybrid enhancements.
In the twisty backroads around North Georgia, the 718 feels like an extension of your body—agile, tossable, and intuitive. Meanwhile, the 911’s adaptive systems and explosive mid-range torque make it just as quick through curves, but with a more planted, confident feel—especially on high-speed sweepers. Whether you're attacking the Tail of the Dragon or cruising out past Lake Lanier, each Porsche offers a unique flavor of speed that reflects its engine placement and engineering legacy.
Interior Features, Comfort, and Everyday Usability
| Feature | Porsche 718 | Porsche 911 | Dealership Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 2 seats | 2+2 (foldable rear) | 911 adds flexibility for kids or extra cargo. |
| Cabin Design | Driver-focused, minimalist | Modern, digital, luxurious | 718 leans analog; 911 blends tech with heritage feel. |
| Infotainment | 10.9" touchscreen w/ wireless CarPlay/Android Auto | Same + Spotify/video streaming | Both use PCM, but 911 adds more native app features. |
| Seat Options | Sport seats standard | Adaptive sport seats w/ memory & ventilation available | 911 offers more comfort customizations. |
| Cargo Space | 405L (frunk + rear) | 396L (frunk + rear seats folded) | 718 technically carries more, but 911 layout is more flexible. |
| Cabin Noise | Engine-focused, raw | Quieter, better insulated | 718 allows more sound into the cabin; 911 isolates it better. |
When comparing Porsche 718 vs 911 interiors, the differences go beyond layout. The 718 cabin is designed for focused driving, offering simplicity and analog charm, while the 911 brings in luxury-grade refinement, cutting-edge tech, and surprising utility for a sports car. Every trim feels premium, but the 911’s extra space, seating flexibility, and digital conveniences make it far more accommodating for long commutes or all-season use.
In daily life around metro Atlanta, the 911 feels more adaptable—rear seats double as cargo space, and features like ventilated 18-way seats, ionized air filtration, and Burmester 3D audio enhance every ride. The 718 is more minimalist, but still cleverly laid out, with excellent ergonomics and plenty of cabin storage. For drivers who split time between weekday errands and weekend escapes into the Georgia mountains, the 911 simply does more without sacrificing excitement.
Design, Layout, and Model Identity
| Feature | Porsche 718 | Porsche 911 | Dealership Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chassis Layout | Mid-engine | Rear-engine | 718 = pure balance; 911 = legendary traction and unique feel. |
| Body Styles | Coupe (Cayman), Convertible (Boxster) | Coupe, Cabriolet, Targa | 911 offers more body style options for more lifestyles. |
| Design Language | Compact, aggressive | Sleek, iconic, muscular | 911 design evolves, 718 feels lightweight and sharp. |
| Size & Proportions | Shorter, lower, lighter | Longer wheelbase, wider track | 911 has more road presence; 718 is easier to park/handle. |
| Brand Position | Entry-level sports car | Flagship performance icon | 718 gets you into Porsche DNA; 911 is the brand statement. |
| Trim Personality | Focused, track-ready | Versatile, tech-forward | 718 GT trims are raw; 911 GTS/Turbo feel like refined missiles. |
From across the parking lot, it’s clear: the Porsche 911 is a design icon, while the 718 has a leaner, more modern edge. Both are unmistakably Porsche, but their proportions, lines, and visual presence reflect their performance goals. The 718's mid-engine balance shapes its shorter overhangs and planted stance, while the 911’s longer tail and timeless roofline signal its evolution from a legend.
For style-conscious buyers in Alpharetta, Roswell, or Sandy Springs, the 911 offers more variety—from the open-air Targa to the sleek Cabriolet. The 718, meanwhile, appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate purposeful aesthetics and a closer connection to classic motorsport design. If you’re after a statement piece with emotional heritage, go 911; if you’re drawn to raw form-follows-function design, the 718 delivers in spades.
Price, Value, and Ownership Costs
| Feature | Porsche 718 | Porsche 911 | Dealership Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $76,895 | $120,100 | 718 offers a more accessible entry to Porsche ownership. |
| High-End MSRP | ~$160,000 (GT4 RS) | $260,800+ (Turbo S Cabriolet) | Upper trims of both can reach supercar territory. |
| Fuel Economy (Base Auto) | 24 mpg combined | 21 mpg combined | Long-term fuel savings favor the 718. |
| Insurance Costs | Lower | Higher | 911’s higher value and output usually raise premiums. |
| Maintenance & Tires | Smaller tires, less frequent service | Larger brakes/tires = higher running cost | Track use makes a difference—both are reliable under normal use. |
| Resale Value | Strong | Excellent | 911s often appreciate or hold value better long-term. |
At first glance, the price difference in the Porsche 718 vs 911 comparison is significant—but the real question is how each model holds its value and fits into your long-term plans. The 718 offers impressive performance per dollar, especially in S or GTS trims, while the 911 justifies its price with advanced tech, stronger resale, and daily versatility. Ownership experience and cost of running are key factors, especially for Atlanta-area drivers using their Porsche often.
Where the 718 shines is in lower tire costs, better fuel efficiency, and leaner maintenance schedules. The 911 counters with long-lasting components, higher-quality finishes, and a resale curve that’s famously stable—especially for special trims like the GTS or Turbo. For buyers thinking five years down the road, both offer strong financial footing, but the 911 has the edge in long-term desirability and retained value.
Porsche Sports Cars in Focus: Form, Function, and Driving Identity
Every Porsche is built to perform—but it also has to stir the soul before you even turn the key. From the compact sharpness of the 718 to the muscular grace of the 911, each sports car makes a statement that speaks to who you are as a driver.
Below, we highlight the unique visual identity of each model to help you picture which one fits your lifestyle across Marietta, Roswell, and the greater Atlanta area.
Porsche 718 Highlights: Purpose-Built with a Mid-Engine Edge
The 718 Cayman and Boxster show off crisp proportions, short overhangs, and a road-hugging stance that hint at their mid-engine agility. Aerodynamic sculpting and available lightweight packages give it a focused, almost minimalist look that resonates with enthusiasts. Step inside and you’ll find a cockpit built around the driver, with just enough luxury to feel premium—never excessive.
Porsche 911 Highlights: Heritage Lines, Modern Presence
The 911’s shape is instantly recognizable—sleek, stretched, and timeless, with subtle changes that refine rather than reinvent. Whether you choose the Coupe, Cabriolet, or Targa, you get signature rear fender flares, wide hips, and a graceful roofline that turn heads from Alpharetta to Buckhead. The cabin design pairs digital innovation with traditional Porsche craftsmanship, offering a perfect blend of luxury and sport.
Porsche 718 vs 911: Frequently Asked Questions for Georgia Drivers
Not sure which Porsche model fits your driving style, lifestyle, or long-term goals? These are the most common questions we hear from buyers in Marietta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and beyond.
Is the Porsche 911 worth the price over a 718?
Which Porsche handles better: the 718 or the 911?
Can the Porsche 911 be used as a daily driver in Atlanta traffic?
Which Porsche is better for weekend mountain drives in North Georgia?
What are the biggest ownership cost differences between the 718 and 911?
Is there a big difference in tech and interior features?
Can I test drive both models at your Marietta location?
A Final Word: Which Porsche Is Right for You?
Choosing between the Porsche 718 and 911 depends on how you plan to drive—and how you want to feel while doing it. The 718 offers unmatched mid-engine handling and lower entry pricing, ideal for tight mountain roads and weekend getaways. The 911 brings more power, more tech, and true everyday comfort, making it the ultimate all-rounder for drivers who want everything in one car.
Both models are available to explore, build, and test drive right here in Marietta. Visit us at Porsche Atlanta Northwest to compare trims in person, speak with Porsche Certified experts, and take the next step toward your dream sports car. Whether you’re leaning toward the sharp, visceral appeal of the 718 or the luxurious versatility of the 911, we’ll help you find the Porsche that fits your roads, your rhythm, and your life.