Porsche 718 Exhaust: AWE SwitchPath vs Borla Compared

The Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman turned the sports-car world on its head when Porsche swapped the beloved naturally aspirated flat-six for a turbocharged flat-four in 2017 – and the one complaint that trailed every 718 review was the muted exhaust note. A Porsche 718 exhaust upgrade is the single most effective way to fix that, unlocking the deeper, harder-edged voice the 2.0L (300 hp) and 2.5L (350–365 hp) turbo engines keep hidden behind the factory muffler. At NLP Performance in Tampa, FL, the three cat-back systems our 718 owners ask about most are the AWE Tuning SwitchPath, the AWE Track Edition, and the Borla S-Type. This head-to-head compares sound, weight, power, fitment, and price so you buy the right one the first time.

Why the 718's Turbo-Four Needs an Exhaust Upgrade

The 982-generation Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman (2017 and newer) run turbocharged boxer-four engines: a 2.0L making 300 hp and 280 lb-ft in the base car, and a 2.5L making 350 hp and 309 lb-ft in the S, rising to 365 hp and 317 lb-ft in the 2.5L GTS. Those numbers are quick – a PDK-equipped 718 S hits 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds – but the turbocharger muffles the intake and exhaust pulses that made the old flat-six sing. A cat-back exhaust removes the restrictive factory rear muffler section, opens up the mid-range rasp, and shaves weight behind the rear axle where it matters most for handling.

The move from the 981-generation flat-six to the 982 turbo-four was the most divisive change in modern Porsche history. Buyers loved the extra low-end torque – the 2.5L's 309 lb-ft arrives at just 1,900 rpm versus the old 3.4L needing 4,500 – but the muffled, industrial exhaust note left many owners cold. That is exactly why an exhaust is the number-one modification 718 owners make: it is the single change that most directly addresses the car's biggest criticism, and it does so without touching the engine or ECU. A quality cat-back gives the flat-four a harder, more purposeful voice and lets the turbocharger's flutter and overrun crackles come through.

All three systems in this guide are 100% bolt-on cat-back kits: they mount from the factory catalytic converters back, so they are emissions-friendly, require no tune, and reuse the OEM hangers. That keeps installation to roughly two hours on a lift and preserves your factory warranty on the engine and driveline. The differences come down to how each system controls sound, how much weight it saves, and what it costs.

AWE SwitchPath vs Track Edition vs Borla: Quick Comparison

Here is how the three most popular Porsche 718 cat-back exhausts stack up at a glance. All three are built from T304 or T-304 stainless steel and deliver the same peak power potential; the real decision is sound control versus price.

1. AWE Tuning SwitchPath Exhaust – Best Overall

The AWE Tuning SwitchPath is the most versatile Porsche 718 exhaust because it gives you two exhausts in one. The driver's side runs a tuned muffler for a refined tone, while the passenger side is a valved straight section wired into the factory Porsche Sport Exhaust (PSE) button. Close the valve for a drone-free cruise; open it for an unfiltered, crackle-heavy straight-through note. AWE dyno-verifies max gains of 9.5 hp at 7,200 rpm and 6 lb-ft of torque from 4,370 rpm, and the system is 2.5 lb lighter than stock.

2. AWE Tuning Track Edition Exhaust – Loudest & Lightest

If you do not have factory PSE, or you simply want the most aggressive Porsche 718 exhaust AWE builds, the Track Edition is the answer. It runs straight-through pipes on both banks for a completely unfiltered note, and because it deletes the most muffler material it saves 10.5 lb over stock – the biggest weight reduction of any system here. Power gains mirror the SwitchPath at 9.5 hp and 6 lb-ft, and it fits both PSE and non-PSE cars.

3. Borla S-Type Cat-Back – Best Value

The Borla S-Type cat-back (part 140817) is the value champion of Porsche 718 exhausts, coming in under $1,700 while still delivering Borla's signature aggressive tone. It is built from T-304 stainless with 2.25-inch mandrel-bent tubing, a dual center rear exit, and single 4-inch polished round tips. Borla backs it with a No-Drone guarantee and a Million-Mile Warranty, and it fits 2017 and newer 718 Boxster and Cayman models with the 2.0L or 2.5L turbo-four.

Sound, Drone & Daily Drivability

Sound is the reason most owners buy a Porsche 718 exhaust, and each system delivers it differently. The AWE SwitchPath is the only one with true dual personalities: with the PSE valve closed it is barely louder than stock and completely drone-free, then the factory Sport Exhaust button opens the valve for a hard-edged, crackling wide-open note. The Track Edition is straight-through on both banks, so it is always the loudest and rawest – superb on a canyon run, but it can introduce mild resonance at 2,000–2,500 rpm on the highway. The Borla S-Type lands between the two: consistently aggressive with the confidence of Borla's No-Drone guarantee, but without an adjustable mode.

Installation, Fitment & the PSE Requirement

All three kits are direct bolt-on cat-back systems that install in roughly two hours on a lift using the factory hangers – no cutting, welding, or tune required. In our Tampa shop, the single most important fitment check is the Porsche Sport Exhaust (PSE) option. The AWE SwitchPath (PSE Only) taps into the factory PSE valve wiring, so your car must have PSE from the factory for the switchable feature to function. If your 718 does not have PSE, choose the AWE Track Edition or the Borla S-Type, both of which fit PSE and non-PSE cars. Always confirm your exact year, model, and PSE status before ordering; our team can verify fitment against your VIN.

Because these are cat-back systems that retain the factory catalytic converters, they are 50-state emissions-friendly and will not trigger a check-engine light. That also means they preserve your Porsche factory powertrain warranty, unlike downpipe or catless setups.

Which Porsche 718 Exhaust Should You Buy?

Choose the AWE Tuning SwitchPath if your 718 has factory PSE and you want one exhaust that behaves for the commute and screams on demand – it is the best all-round pick despite the $3,075.00 price. Choose the AWE Track Edition if you want the loudest, lightest system or your car lacks PSE. Choose the Borla S-Type if you want a proven, warranty-backed aggressive tone for the lowest price. Any of the three transforms the character of the turbo-four far more than the modest 9.5 hp on paper suggests.

One more consideration before you order: tip finish and resale. Both AWE systems let you spec Chrome Silver, Diamond Black, or carbon-fiber 102mm tips to match your 718's wheels and trim, while the Borla ships with fixed 4-inch polished round tips. Because all three are fully reversible bolt-on kits that keep the OEM catalytic converters, your factory exhaust can be reinstalled in an afternoon if you sell the car – a real advantage on a collectible sports car like the 718 Cayman GTS. If you are still unsure which system fits your exact 2017 to 2025 model year, trim, and PSE configuration, our Tampa team will confirm compatibility against your VIN before you buy.