
The differences between Porsche 911 and 718 are in appearance, luggage compartment location, and driving method. The following are specific explanations of the above differences: Different appearance: The 718 has a side air vent for ventilation and heat dissipation on the side, while the 911 does not. This is because the 718 has a mid-engine layout and requires heat dissipation, whereas the 911 has a rear-engine layout and does not need side air vents for heat dissipation. Different luggage compartment locations: The 911 has only one luggage compartment, located at the front of the car, while the 718 has two luggage compartments, both at the front and rear of the car. Different driving methods: The 718 is mid-engine rear-wheel drive, meaning the engine is in the middle and the rear wheels are driven, while the 911 is rear-engine rear-wheel drive, meaning the engine is at the rear and the rear wheels are driven.

The 911 and 718 feel like two completely different worlds to drive. With the 911's engine at the rear, it's like running with a backpack on—pushing the car forward feels incredibly stable, and high-speed cornering rarely leads to oversteer. The 718, on the other hand, has its engine tucked behind the seats, giving it an almost perfect weight distribution. The steering is razor-sharp, making it ideal for carving up mountain roads. The 911 can still squeeze two kids in the back, while the 718 is essentially a two-seater. Currently, the 718 lineup exclusively uses 2.0T or 2.5T four-cylinder engines, whereas the 911 starts with a 3.0T six-cylinder—step on the gas, and the difference in engine roar is night and day. That said, the 718 is nearly half the price and has significantly lower maintenance costs. Latest news suggests the 718 will get a pure electric version next year, but the 911 will keep its combustion engine for a few more years.

Last year I tried my bestie's 718 Boxster - with the soft-top down, the whole city felt like a runway. The 911 has sharper rooflines and its door closing sound is more substantial. The 718's steering wheel is delightfully light, making parking garage maneuvers effortless, while the 911's heavier steering feels more masculine. The 718's fuel consumption surprised me - around 8L/100km on highways, whereas the 911 drinks at least 10L. The 718's dual trunks (front and rear) offer more practical storage than the 911's frunk. Currently, the base 718 starts at 600k+ RMB barebones, while the cheapest 911 begins at 1.2 million - that's a downpayment difference for a small apartment.

Last week at the track day, I drove both cars. The 718 with its mid-engine felt like it was glued to the road in hairpin turns, while the 911's tail would slide slightly outward, making it more challenging to handle. The 718's stock brakes started to fade after just two laps, whereas the 911's cooling system was noticeably superior. The 718 has great tuning potential—just a simple ECU flash can easily add 50 horsepower, while modifying the 911 is significantly more expensive. The 718's clutch is about one-third lighter than the 911's, making it much easier on the legs in traffic. The 718's body is 20 cm shorter than the 911's, making parallel parking in tight neighborhoods a breeze. The 718's front trunk can fit two carry-on suitcases, but the 911's rear trunk opening is particularly narrow.

In repair shops, a common issue with the 911 is oil leaks due to aging cooler seals, while the 718's frequent problem is the air conditioning compressor prone to failure. Replacing a run-flat tire for the 911 costs 3800, while the 718 is 700 cheaper. The 911's intake grille easily traps small stones, and the 718's engine cooling vents need regular leaf cleaning. The 911's headlight cleaning system costs over 30,000, whereas the 718 lacks this feature, making it more worry-free. The 718 requires only 6.5 liters of oil for a full fill, while the 911 needs 8 liters. The 718 can pass over speed bumps with its raised chassis, but the 911 must move slowly.


