Name: Porsche Cayman Review
Item: Porsche Cayman
Author: Gumtree.com

Always fancied a Porsche but put off by the price? The Porsche Cayman used to seen in the shadow of the 911, but has since shaken off that tag to win recognition as one of the best sports cars out there. It’s still the most affordable model in the Porsche stable, slightly undercutting the Boxster. The combination of style, luxury, and an exhilarating drive is what makes Porsche such an evocative name. The Cayman offers access to that world to more people than any other model.

Check out the Porsche Cayman model page to learn more and explore available cars.

What we think about the Porsche Cayman

The Porsche Cayman is a whole heap of driving fun wrapped up in a luxurious package that fully lives up to its promise.

Pros

Amazing handling

Exciting engines

Chic interior

Cons

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Options are expensive

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Road noise on big wheels

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Four-cylinder engine lacks the roar of the six-cylinder

The Cayman made its debut in 2005, as an evolution of the Boxster with a roof on it. A facelift in 2009 reworked the car inside and out. New engines, gearbox and suspension came with bigger headlights and a smaller front grille. The second generation arrived in 2012, with a 2.7-litre engine in the standard trim and a 3.4-litre engine in the S trim. The third generation, the 718, launched in 2016 and caused a stir by dropping a couple of cylinders to just four. However, it was widely acknowledged to be a comprehensive upgrade on its predecessor. Recognising that many out there were still hankering after the six-cylinder engine, Porsche brought this back in the GT4 in 2019. The Cayman is available in four trim levels, from standard to GTS 4.0.

Driving performance of the Porsche Cayman

Our Driving Rating9 / 10

You’d expect the Cayman to be a hoot behind the wheel, and it doesn’t disappoint. The entry-level 2.0 delivers 296 bhp and can whizz you up to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. If the Cayman’s relative affordability isn’t the big draw for you, you could splash out on the GTS with its explosive 384 bhp six-cylinder engine, which also delivers a thrilling soundtrack. Steering is grippy, precise and perfectly weighted – ideal for throwing the car around corners. The mid-engined layout, with the motor sat between the driver and the rear wheels, makes it easier to handle than the 911 with its engine further back. When it comes to handling, the Cayman is streets ahead of rivals such as the BMW Z4, Audi TT and Jaguar F-Type.

Safety and reliability of the Porsche Cayman

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

Euro NCAP doesn’t test the Cayman due to its niche nature. Standard safety features include six airbags, electronic stability control and traction control. Adaptive cruise control is offered as a not-particularly cheap option. There are plenty of other safety features available too – ceramic brakes, for example – but they all cost extra.

Under the bonnet of the Porsche Cayman

Our Engine Rating9 / 10

The previous generation featured a 2.7-litre producing 271 bhp in the standard Cayman, with a 3.4-litre delivering 321 bhp in the Cayman S. The GT4 had a whopping 380 bhp 3.8-litre engine that was taken from the Porsche 911. It was built for the race track, and for the pure driving enthusiast it was the fullest expression of the Cayman. In the current generation, the Cayman and Cayman T come with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, while the S version steps up to a 2.5-litre. Porsche’s move from the naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine to the more economical flat-four-cylinder turbo was a natural response to increasing emissions regulations. The new engines brought improved performance, but drivers who absolutely need that authentic six-cylinder roar have the option of an older model, the modern GTS or the GT4.

What you'll find in the Porsche Cayman

Our Design Rating9 / 10

With its roof sloping down all the way to the back of the car, big wheel arches and low-slung body, the Cayman has an iconic look befitting the hardware that lies beneath that bodywork. It’s definitely a Porsche, yet you couldn’t mistake it for any other Porsche model, even its Boxster twin. The second generation introduced a more aggressive look, with sharper lines replacing some of the rounded edges, and a prominent ridge across the back end to house the electric spoiler.

Comfort and interiors in the Porsche Cayman

Our Comfort Rating8 / 10

While the Cayman’s designers were careful not to outdo the flagship 911, the interior of the Cayman has all you’d expect from a Porsche. Everything is covered in dense, soft-touch materials, and the buttons and switches feel solid and well-built. There are options for full leather seats, or faux suede or wood finishes. The cockpit also offers better visibility than many sports cars, and the well-positioned pedals and adjustable steering wheel mean you can make yourself properly comfortable.

What features you'll find in the Porsche Cayman

Our Features Rating7 / 10

There are all kinds of features available with the Cayman – the only gripe is many of them are expensive optional extras. Standard kit on the latest model includes two-zone climate control, heated front seats and auto-dimming mirrors. The 7.0-inch touchscreen is pretty crisp-looking, and if you’re an iPhone user you can mirror it to the screen using Apple CarPlay. The upgrade to the Bose sound system is well worth it, though some might balk at the price tag of the 12-speaker 821W Burmester system.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Porsche Cayman

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

Those four-cylinder engines might disappoint aficionados of engine noise, but they do keep emissions down, along with the cost at the pumps. Figures of 31.4 to 33.3 mpg for the basic 718 Cayman are pretty decent for a sports car, though the more powerful GTS and GT4 can only make the mid-twenties.

Running costs of the Porsche Cayman

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

The Cayman might be cheaper than other Porsches, but it’s still not cheap, and that means servicing and replacement parts aren’t either. Neither is insurance, with the various models sitting in groups 42 to 46. On the upside, the Cayman’s desirability means resale values are strong, with all variants holding at least half of their value after three years.

Our verdict of the Porsche Cayman

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Porsche Cayman is one of the best sports cars on UK roads – if not the best. It's a car you can use every day and enjoy to the max.

Porsche Cayman Review