Everything you need to know about the Porsche 718 Cayman

• Is the Porsche 718 Cayman a good car? 
• Who is the Porsche Cayman a good car for?
• Is the Porsche Cayman a good first car?
• Is the Porsche Cayman a good family car?
• Is there a Hybrid Porsche Cayman?
• What’s it like to drive? 
• Reviewer’s opinion
• What does it look like?
• What is the Porsche Cayman like inside? 
• Tech features
• Price and specs
• Which is the cheapest Porsche Cayman?
• How much does it cost?
• Similar Cars to the Porsche Cayman

Porsche's entry-level coupe offers you a lot of car for not too much money. Find out more about this stylish weekend weapon that doubles rather nicely as a daily driver too.

In this article:

Is the Porsche 718 Cayman a good car? 

The Porsche Cayman was first introduced in 2005 as a cost-effective alternative to the 911 coupe to help make entry into the brand a little easier. Based on the Porsche Boxter platform, the Cayman has enjoyed much success as a more affordable sports car that is backed by the firm’s lauded engineering and build quality. Since 2016, the model line is known as the 718 Cayman.

Who is the Porsche Cayman a good car for?

The Cayman is ideal for the driving enthusiast that is looking for a sports car that won’t break the bank. The Cayman is a reliable, daily-driveable sports car that is best suited to an individual that will use it as a second car or one that is yet to start a family. It’s great for those with children that have moved out of the house too!

Is the Porsche Cayman a good first car?

We wouldn’t recommend the Cayman as a first car, whether you’re an experienced driver or not. Inexperienced drivers will struggle with the low seating position and dimensions of the Cayman while more experienced hands may find it impractical with its two-seat configuration and limited storage space.

Is the Porsche Cayman a good family car?

No, the Cayman is not suitable for families and only has two seats and limited storage space. The boot upfront (the Cayman is rear-mid engined) offers 150-litres of space and at the rear, the area behind the engine and parcel shelf on top gives you 270-litres. This also only applies to non-RS models as the rear wing hinders access to the rear in those.

Is there a Hybrid Porsche Cayman?

There is no hybrid Porsche Cayman. The first two generations of Cayman were available only with flat-six engines measuring in at 2.7, 2.9, 3.2, 3.4 or 3.8-litres and a 2.5 and 2.0-litre flat-four turbo was introduced in the 718 Cayman range. These engines are no longer available in the 718 and instead, Porsche listened to the customer and now only offers the 4.0-litre flat-six in naturally aspirated form.

View the latest used Porsche Cayman for sale in South Africa

What’s it like to drive? 

Reviewer’s opinion

“The mid-mounted 4.0-litre naturally aspirated engine in the GT4 is not related to the motorsport-derived unit in the 911 GT models but is a development of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre engine seen in various 911 models. The new engine produces 309 kW and 420 Nm and has a redline pegged at 8 000 r/min. For those chasing the raspy metallic screech of a GT3, you may be disappointed in the GT4.

That doesn’t mean that the GT4 isn’t aurally pleasing though, it still sounds incredible while providing an instant throttle response and a large lump of low-down torque. Just make sure that you always switch the active exhaust button on to get the full-fat flat-six wail.”

– Sean Nurse, AutoTrader

What does it look like?

Exterior

Interior

What is the Porsche Cayman like inside? 

The interior of the 718 Cayman is a sporty place to spend some time. It presents a clean, uncluttered cabin with quality trimmings and a minimalist design. You’ll get a driver-orientated instrument binnacle with a large, centrally-mounted tachometer and displays on either side. A high ‘transmission tunnel’ rests between the two occupants presenting either a 6-speed manual shifter or a lever for actuating the PDK dual-clutch gearbox.

Style

The Cayman echoes the styling of the mid-engined 718 Boxer and retains the unmistakeable Porsche design language that the firm has become known for. Rounded front and rear overhangs make the Cayman seem a little softer than your regular 911 models with a fastback rear deck resting over the engine compartment. Aggressive side airvents let everyone know that the Cayman is all about being sporty.

Tech features

• Sports Seats Plus with electric 18-way adjustment
• Porsche Communication Management (PCM)
• PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management)
• Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical limited slip differential
• Porsche Stability Management (PSM)

Price and specs

Which is the cheapest Porsche Cayman?

Currently, the cheapest Porsche 718 Cayman is the GTS 4.0 model which retails for R1 530 000 before options.

Search the latest New and Used Porsche Cayman deals in South Africa

How much does it cost?

*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.

Competitors

Similar Cars to the Porsche Cayman

Toyota Supra

BMW 2 Series

Lexus RC F

Chad LückhoffWith over 18 years of motorsport commentary and a passion for 90s Japanese Sports Cars, Chad Lückhoff is happiest when surrounded by drift cars and smoking tyres. His experience as the Technical Editor of the country’s top tuning magazine means that it’s the nuts and bolts of motoring that tickles his fancy. As comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind it, he’ll take you behind the wheel with his video reviews, written recounts, and invoking photography. One of the first to join the AutoTrader fray, Chad has been living his passion at AutoTrader for over 7-years.View News & Reviews

Keyword: Everything you need to know about the Porsche 718 Cayman