Audi TT RS vs Porsche 718 Boxster S: 2016 twin test

It’s been an unsettled year in many ways, with political shake-ups on both sides of the Atlantic, and in the automotive world there have been a few shocks, too.

In the open-top sports car sector, the status quo could potentially be shattered with the arrival of the Audi TT RS Roadster. Noise is a crucial part of any two-seater convertible’s appeal, and with the roof down in the TT your ears will be treated to a rich five-cylinder soundtrack.

Previously, the Porsche Boxster has always been the king of the convertible crop, with a beautifully responsive and glorious-sounding flat-six cylinder engine. However, Porsche updated its roadster earlier this year – and the car has already come in for some criticism.

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It's now called the 718 Boxster S, and the flat six engine of its predecessor is no more, replaced by a flat-four turbo that’s more powerful, but arguably also less characterful. To find out just how far the playing field has been levelled, we’re putting these German sports cars head-to-head. Can the TT RS topple the 718 Boxster S and succeed where the less powerful TT S failed against the standard Boxster? Or is the beautiful chassis balance enough to help the Porsche overcome that controversial engine and take road test victory?

Head-to-head

Audi TT RS

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The RS is the flagship of the TT range, and this £53,550 Roadster version is also the priciest model in the compact sports car line-up. But it boasts junior supercar pace, so even at this level, it could well be something of a bargain. We find out whether the performance matches the price.

Used - available now

2020 Volkswagen

Tiguan

85,489 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £13,475

View Tiguan

2020 Suzuki

Swift Sport

26,673 milesManualPetrol1.4L

Cash £13,689

View Swift Sport

2025 BMW

iX

20,968 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £32,300

View iX

2025 Toyota

Yaris Cross

18,539 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £21,780

View Yaris Cross

Tester's notes: Once, 395bhp in a TT would have seemed ludicrous, but the four-wheel-drive system gives a sure-footed feel. It doesn’t have the Boxster’s adjustability, but it delivers R8 acceleration for less than half the price.

Porsche 718 Boxster S

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As part of the updates to the Boxster and Cayman range, Porsche flipped its pricing structure, so the convertible is now the more expensive model. The 718 Boxster S we test here in manual guise costs £51,105 – not far off the TT RS Roadster. So which is the better sports car?

Tester's notes: As effective as the 718 Boxster’s engine is, there’s no getting away from the drone it makes. If you’re a fan of the previous model, you might find this the disappointment of an otherwise sublime sports car package.

Verdict

First place: Porsche 718 Boxster S

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It’s not as powerful or as fast in a straight line, but the Porsche still offers eye-widening performance – plus its brilliantly involving chassis, gearbox and steering are more than enough to cement its place as the convertible king. It will also be cheaper to buy and run, while its twin-boot arrangement offers just as much practicality as the larger TT.

Second place: Audi TT RS

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The TT RS is a stunning effort from Audi, owing to that brilliant engine. It serves up genuine supercar pace in a compact and less pricey package that’s perfectly usable. The trouble is, while it’s nicely built and better equipped than the Boxster, it doesn’t deliver its rival’s thrills or precision, and these are the things that count most in a sports car.

Other options for similar money

New: Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Price: £59,505Engine: 1.75-litre 4cyl, 237bhp

With its carbon-fibre chassis, junior supercar looks and mid-engined layout, the 4C Spider matches the Boxster for theatre. But the engine is less inspiring, the steering twitchy and the cabin not as refined. It’s also a lot pricier.

Used: Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster

Price: £49,995Engine: 4.3-litre V8, 380bhp

A used Aston Vantage puts the TT and 718 in the shade with its glorious 4.3-litre V8. It’s not the best sports car to drive, but it still looks great today. Around £50,000 will get you a 20,000-mile 2009 example.

Figures