How the Porsche 718 Spyder RS builds on the legacy of the 986 Boxster
Few automotive matchups capture the spirit of Porsche like a side-by-side drive between the 986 Boxster and the 718 Spyder RS. Born decades apart but bound by a shared soul, these two convertibles represent different eras of Porsche engineering with one common goal—pure driving pleasure. While the 986 Boxster brought mid-engine dynamics to a new generation of enthusiasts in the late ’90s, the 718 Spyder RS redefines what a roadster can do today. Interested in learning more? Stop by Porsche Colorado Springs in Colorado Springs, CO, to explore both icons and how they’ve shaped the Porsche brand’s open-road legacy.
How the Porsche 718 Spyder RS Builds on the Legacy of the 986 Boxster
Witnessing the Porsche 986 Boxster and 718 Spyder RS conquer the same stretch of winding asphalt is more than a visual delight—it’s a living timeline of the Porsche brand’s relentless pursuit of driving perfection. The original 986 Boxster debuted in 1996 as a bold statement: Porsche vehicle’s performance was no longer limited to the 911. With its mid-engine layout, lightweight body, and open-top design, the Boxster provided a balanced, driver-focused experience at a more accessible price point. It quickly earned its reputation as a modern classic, playful, agile, and undeniably Porsche.
Fast forward nearly three decades and the 718 Spyder RS takes that foundational blueprint and turns the volume way up. Packing a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine lifted from the 911 GT3, the Spyder RS is a purist’s dream.
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What truly bridges the generations is the driving experience. The 986 Boxster offers an analog charm that’s increasingly rare today. Every input is raw and mechanical, from its hydraulic steering to its tactile manual gearbox. There are no drive modes or flashy tech gimmicks, just you, the road, and a perfectly balanced chassis.
In contrast, the 718 Spyder RS is precision weaponry. Every component has been optimized for track-worthy performance, from adaptive suspension to carbon fiber bucket seats. Still, the experience is visceral. It doesn’t isolate the driver from the road; it amplifies every curve and elevation change, building on what made the 986 special while adding a modern layer of responsiveness.
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Design evolution also plays a key role in connecting the two. The 986’s styling was clean, simple, and unmistakably Porsche. Its oval headlights and smooth, rounded lines made it stand out in an era of aggressive designs. The 718 Spyder RS, on the other hand, is sculpted with purpose. Aerodynamic elements like the front splitter, large rear diffuser, and ducktail-style spoiler give it a motorsport edge, yet the lineage is clear, low-slung, mid-engined, and ready to devour the road.
Ultimately, the 718 Spyder RS doesn’t just pay tribute to the 986 Boxster—it evolves its essence. It captures the same sense of freedom and performance that made the Boxster a hit while injecting it with the DNA of the Porsche brand’s most potent machines. Together on the open road, these two icons show how far Porsche has come without losing sight of what matters most: the joy of driving.
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Visit Porsche Colorado Springs for More on the 986 Boxster and 718 Spyder RS
Whether you’re a longtime Porsche enthusiast or new to the brand, there’s nothing like experiencing these two roadsters firsthand. At Porsche Colorado Springs in Colorado Springs, CO, our knowledgeable team is here to help you explore the details.