Is the 718 four-wheel drive?

[OwenLee]

718 is not four-wheel drive. Here is some relevant knowledge about drive systems: 718 Drive System: All Porsche 718 models feature rear-wheel drive. Not all sports cars adopt four-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive vehicles, whether in terms of handling or acceleration performance, are superior to front-wheel drive vehicles. It can be understood that front-wheel drive "pulls" the car forward from the front, while rear-wheel drive "pushes" the car forward from the rear. Classification of Drive Systems: Automotive drive systems can be divided into three categories: front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive.

[Dora]

I've been studying the Porsche 718 series, which is not four-wheel drive but features a standard rear-wheel-drive setup. This includes the 718 Cayman and Boxster, both designed with pure rear-wheel drive to enhance driving pleasure. Porsche does offer AWD versions in other models, such as the 911 Carrera 4, but the 718 remains rear-wheel drive to control costs and weight, making the car lighter and more agile. When driving, the rear-wheel-drive handling feels particularly precise, especially in corners, where you can experience the rhythm of the rear wheels pushing the car. Many might mistakenly think it's four-wheel drive because Porsche offers all-wheel-drive options in other models, but the 718 focuses on its entry-level sports car positioning. In terms of daily maintenance, the rear-wheel-drive system simplifies the structure, making repairs easier and cheaper. In rainy or slippery conditions, rear-wheel drive requires extra caution, but modern electronic assistance systems help a lot. Overall, as a sports car, the 718's rear-wheel drive embodies Porsche's traditional spirit.

[CamilaFitz]

I drove the 718 Boxster for a while and confirmed it's not four-wheel drive—it's purely rear-wheel drive. The handling sensation is fantastic: the rear end slightly slides when cornering, providing direct feedback and a sense of unity between driver and car. Whether cruising on the highway or navigating mountain roads, the rear-wheel-drive design makes the car agile and responsive, accelerating quickly. This might mislead some into thinking it's AWD, but it's not—Porsche reserves AWD for its higher-end models. The benefits include balanced weight distribution, slightly better fuel efficiency, and greater maneuverability in the city. The only thing to watch out for is winter driving in snowy areas, where rear-wheel drive isn't as stable as AWD—I'd recommend using winter tires or avoiding icy roads. As for the experience, driving the convertible version at speed, with the engine roar paired with rear-wheel-drive dynamics, delivers unforgettable joy to the driver. This setup is practical enough for everyday use.

[SanHector]

The Porsche 718 is positioned in the market as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, with no all-wheel-drive option, unlike the 911 series, which offers AWD versions. This is part of the brand's strategy: the 718, as an entry-level sports car, sticks to rear-wheel drive to maintain affordability and lightweight design, appealing to budget-conscious sports car enthusiasts like myself. Among competing models, the Audi TT offers the quattro all-wheel-drive option, but the 718 opts for pure rear-wheel drive to emphasize driving purity. On the road, rear-wheel drive provides better balance, smoother acceleration, and more direct steering response, especially on mountain roads. Many might mistakenly believe rumors about it being all-wheel-drive, but actually driving it reveals the difference. Porsche's design simplifies the car's structure, resulting in lower maintenance costs and making it more suitable for daily driving. For those seeking the security of all-wheel drive, consumers would need to look at higher-tier Porsches or other brands.

[DelRosalie]

From a practical perspective, the 718 not being all-wheel drive (AWD) is actually more worry-free. As a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) car, its system is simpler with fewer potential failure points, resulting in lower repair costs and more reasonable insurance premiums. Daily driving is wallet-friendly thanks to its well-controlled fuel consumption. Whether in city traffic or on long-distance trips, the lightweight feel of RWD offers convenient handling. While extra caution for slippery conditions is needed in snow or ice, its stability is excellent in dry weather. Many might assume AWD is superior, but the 718’s RWD setup handles most scenarios just fine, with electronic aids compensating where needed. Tire wear is more even, and maintenance intervals are longer. Overall, the 718’s RWD design offers cost and reliability advantages, making it ideal for efficiency-focused owners like me for long-term use.