What is the difference between the 911 and the 718?
3 Answers
The 911 is Porsche's most iconic sports car series, while the 718 serves as Porsche's entry-level sports car. Here are the detailed comparisons between the two models: 1. The former features a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, whereas the latter adopts a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration: This difference in powertrain layout results in some distinct visual characteristics. 2. Both cars share strikingly similar overall visual aesthetics: The most noticeable differences lie in their headlight and taillight designs. To preserve its classic heritage, the 911 maintains circular headlights, giving each model unique front-end styling. The rear designs of both vehicles showcase significant improvements over their predecessors, with the 911 featuring downward-slanting light eyebrows and the 718 sporting upward-angled ones, creating clear differentiation at the rear. 3. The Porsche 911 utilizes a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, while the Porsche 718 employs a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup: This distinction is visually identifiable through the 718's side air vents for engine cooling, which the 911 lacks. The Porsche 718 offers two powertrain options: a 2.0T producing 250 horsepower and a 2.5T delivering 350 horsepower, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in 5.6 and 4.4 seconds respectively. In contrast, the Porsche 911 comes with three engine choices: 3.0T, 3.8T, and 4.0L, with its fastest GT variant accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds.
I've driven these two cars countless times, and the difference between the 911 and 718 is huge, from engine layout to driving feel—they're completely different. The 911 features the classic rear-engine layout, with a six-cylinder engine that roars powerfully, offering rock-solid stability at high speeds and handling that's heavier but full of confidence. The 718 usually adopts a mid-engine design, like the Boxster and Cayman, with a four-cylinder engine that's lighter and more agile, making it nimble on mountain curves and easier for daily commuting and parking. The 911 offers optional all-wheel drive for better stability off-road or in rain and snow, while the 718 is mostly rear-wheel drive, delivering purer driving pleasure. In terms of power, the 911 starts at over 380 horsepower, while the entry-level 718 has around 300. Maintenance-wise, 911 parts are much more expensive, while the 718 is relatively more affordable, making it suitable for beginners. In short, the 911 is a legendary sports car, while the 718 is more of an entry-level option with great value—the driving experience gap is significant.
As a Porsche fan, I think the main differences between the 911 and 718 lie in practicality and positioning. The 911 is larger overall, offering optional rear seats for family trips, though the trunk space isn't huge. The 718 is more compact with no rear seats, featuring two storage compartments (front and rear) that are sufficient for short shopping trips but require packing light for long journeys. The 718 has slightly better fuel efficiency, making it more economical for city driving. The high-performance versions of the 911 guzzle more fuel and require premium-grade gasoline. In terms of sound, the 911's six-cylinder engine delivers a deep, thunderous roar that's incredibly thrilling, while the 718's four-cylinder was initially criticized for being monotonous but has improved significantly with newer tuning. The price gap is notable—the 718 starts in the 300,000s and has a more active used market, while the 911 starts at 500,000-600,000 and holds its value well even secondhand. The 718 is better suited for younger drivers as a daily car that's not too taxing, whereas the 911 exudes strong presence but feels cumbersome in urban traffic. Each has its pros and cons.
