Skip advert
Advertisement

Porsche 911 Cabriolet vs Audi R8 Spyder

Is the new Porsche 911 Cabriolet the best drop-top supercar? We find out as it meets the Audi R8 Spyder

Porsche 911 Cabriolet vs Audi R8 Spyder

The 911 Cabriolet has been a fixture in the Porsche line-up for nearly 30 years. With its blend of wind-in-the-hair thrills, strong performance and sharp handling, it’s proven a massive hit.

So Porsche hasn’t messed with the winning formula for the latest 991 version. The evolutionary looks, rear-mounted flat-six engine and practical four-seater cabin will be familiar to owners of the old car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

However, under the skin there’s a stiffer chassis for even more engaging handling, plus the same choice of powerful and efficient 3.4 and 3.8-litre engines that feature in the brilliant coupe version.

Going head-to-head with the new 911 is one of the most exciting soft-tops in the business: the Audi R8 Spyder. With jaw-dropping looks, a rumbling V8 and grippy four-wheel-drive chassis, the mid-engined car is a tough rival. So will the Porsche be sunning itself at the top of the podium?

Verdict

It took Porsche 20 years to chop the roof off the 911, but ever since the first drop-top arrived in 1982, the Cabriolet has been a firm fixture in the line-up. And the new car is the finest yet. Smarter looking, sharper to drive and more refined than ever, it’s a hugely desirable soft-top.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

911

2024 Porsche

911

9,700 milesManualPetrol3.0L

Cash £104,900
View 911
911

2024 Porsche

911

8,934 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L

Cash £87,000
View 911
911

2024 Porsche

911

34,863 milesManualPetrol3.0L

Cash £89,000
View 911
911

2024 Porsche

911

21,446 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L

Cash £104,500
View 911

But then so is the Audi R8, with its supercar looks, thunderous V8 engine and all-wheel-drive poise. However, the Porsche is more agile and has a more spacious and modern cabin. Plus, its hood is better looking and folds more quickly, while refinement when it’s down is noticeably better than the Audi’s. The 911 is also cheaper, cleaner and more fuel efficient than the R8, while small rear seats and a deep nose boot add a dash of practicality.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Both cars are style statements, but the subtle Porsche won’t appeal to attention seekers as much as the glitzy R8. Yet with its taut fabric hood and classy roof-down profile, it’s the best-looking 911 Cabriolet yet. More importantly, it demands hardly any compromises over the talented coupe on comfort, refinement or dynamics.

Yes, you get an amazing sense of occasion every time you climb behind the wheel of the R8 Spyder. But even Porsche purists will like the latest 911 Cabriolet, and it wins this test.

Winner
Porsche 911
★★★★★

Drive the all-new 911 Cabriolet and Porsche’s legendary attention to detail is clear to see. The sleek hood looks superb and isolates road noise really well when in place, plus it folds quickly and the clever automatic wind deflector keeps wind buffeting to a minimum. The cabin is superb, and in nearly every situation the open-topped 911’s ride comfort and handling are a match for the coupe’s.

2nd
Audi R8
★★★★

The tactile open-gate manual gearbox, tuneful V8 and reassurance of quattro all-wheel drive help make the R8 Spyder a special car. The stunning looks attract attention and the cabin still feels special. But if you want an automated gearshift, the R tronic transmission is outdated. Plus, the Audi isn’t as strong as the 911 dynamically, and is less efficient and pricier.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Porsche 911

Porsche 911

RRP £79,252Used from £87,000
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £10,499
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,568 off RRP*Used from £12,800
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,161 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

New Aston Martin Vanquish Volante review: stunning GT just got even better
Aston Martin Vanquish Volante - front

New Aston Martin Vanquish Volante review: stunning GT just got even better

Road tests
22 Jul 2025
Used MINI Convertible (Mk3, 2014-2024) buyer’s guide: cheap fun in the sun
Used MINI Convertible Mk3 - front

Used MINI Convertible (Mk3, 2014-2024) buyer’s guide: cheap fun in the sun

Used car tests
6 Jul 2025
New Aston Martin Vanquish 2025 review: a proper British bruiser
Aston Martin Vanquish - front tracking

New Aston Martin Vanquish 2025 review: a proper British bruiser

Road tests
11 Apr 2025

Most Popular

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details
Range Rover Velar EV - front (watermarked)

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details

JLR is getting ready to unveil a mid-size electric Range Rover to end its four-year new model drought, and our exclusive images preview how it could l…
News
10 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

The Honda Civic was already a great car, but updates for 2025 have elevated it even higher
Road tests
11 Sep 2025
New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - front tracking

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch

The hottest front-wheel-drive Golf has sharpened up its act in Mk8.5 form, but it's not as fun as we'd like it to be
Road tests
11 Sep 2025