Porsche 718 Cayman
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a sports car that delivers pure driving excitement without compromise? The Porsche 718 Cayman might be exactly what you’re after. This mid-engine sports coupe represents everything great about Porsche’s engineering philosophy, wrapped in a sleek two-door package that’s built for those who prioritize driving enjoyment above all else. It’s the car for enthusiasts who want genuine sports car performance with the reliability and refinement that comes with the Porsche badge.

From the moment you see it, the 718 Cayman commands attention. Its low-slung silhouette and aggressive stance give it a presence that rivals like the Audi TT or BMW Z4 simply can’t match. The mid-engine layout creates perfect proportions, with short overhangs and muscular haunches that hint at the performance potential within. But it’s when you get behind the wheel that the real magic happens. The cabin feels purpose-built around the driver, with everything positioned exactly where you need it for serious driving.

Driving the 718 Cayman is an experience that few cars can replicate. The mid-engine configuration provides exceptional balance and handling precision that makes every corner a joy to navigate. Whether you’re tackling country lanes or enjoying a track day, this is a car that rewards skilled driving while remaining surprisingly usable for everyday journeys. While it commands a premium price compared to some alternatives, you’re investing in one of the finest sports car packages available, with Porsche’s renowned build quality and engineering excellence evident in every detail.

How Does the Porsche 718 Cayman Drive?

The Porsche 718 Cayman is engineered to deliver genuine sports car performance with characteristic Porsche precision. The range kicks off with the base model featuring a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine producing around 300 horsepower, providing spirited acceleration that gets you from 0-60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. For those wanting more punch, the 718 Cayman S steps up with a 2.5-litre turbo boxer delivering 350 horsepower, cutting that sprint time to an impressive 4.4 seconds. The range-topping GTS 4.0 returns to naturally aspirated glory with a 4.0-litre flat-six engine producing 400 horsepower, offering the most characterful soundtrack and thrilling performance.

What truly sets the 718 Cayman apart is its sublime chassis dynamics. The mid-engine layout creates near-perfect weight distribution, resulting in handling that’s both precise and predictable. The steering is beautifully weighted and communicative, giving you complete confidence to explore the car’s considerable limits. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between sports car agility and everyday comfort, soaking up road imperfections while maintaining tight body control through corners. This is a sports coupe that feels alive and engaging, whether you’re enjoying a spirited drive or simply commuting to work.

Inside the Porsche 718 Cayman: Comfort & Features

Step inside the 718 Cayman and you’re greeted by a cabin that perfectly balances sports car focus with premium comfort. The interior design is distinctly Porsche, with clean lines and high-quality materials throughout. The dashboard features the signature five-gauge cluster, with the tachometer taking centre stage as befits a proper sports car. The infotainment system is modern and responsive, with Apple CarPlay integration allowing seamless smartphone connectivity. Build quality is exceptional, with every surface feeling solid and well-crafted.

The driving position is spot-on, with supportive sports seats that hold you securely during enthusiastic driving while remaining comfortable on longer journeys. The low-slung seating position and excellent visibility create an immediate connection between driver and machine. Cabin refinement is impressive for a sports car, with good sound insulation keeping wind and road noise at bay during cruising. While space is naturally limited by the two-seat configuration, there’s adequate room for most adults, and the overall ambiance feels special every time you get behind the wheel.

The Porsche 718 Cayman stands as one of the finest sports cars you can buy, delivering driving dynamics that justify its premium positioning. The mid-engine layout creates handling characteristics that are simply sublime, offering precision and balance that make every drive memorable. The build quality is exceptional, and the range of engines caters to different preferences, from the efficient base turbo to the characterful naturally aspirated GTS. The main trade-offs are the higher running costs and limited practicality compared to more conventional cars. The turbocharged engines, while powerful, lack some of the character of the previous naturally aspirated units, though the GTS 4.0 addresses this beautifully. This is a car for serious driving enthusiasts who prioritize engagement and quality over outright practicality. If you’re looking for one of the best handling cars available and can accept the premium ownership costs, the 718 Cayman is exceptionally rewarding.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Porsche 718 Cayman?

As a premium sports car, the Porsche 718 Cayman comes with running costs that reflect its performance credentials, but they’re reasonable considering what you get. Fuel economy ranges from around 28-32 mpg depending on the engine and how enthusiastically you drive, which is respectable for a genuine sports car. Insurance costs will be higher than mainstream cars due to the performance and prestige factor, typically falling into higher insurance groups. The initial purchase price is significant, starting from around £45,000 for a used base model.

The key consideration is the premium ownership experience you’re buying into. Porsche’s reputation for reliability has improved dramatically over recent years, and the 718 Cayman benefits from this enhanced dependability. Servicing costs at Porsche centres reflect the premium nature of the brand, but many owners find the peace of mind and expertise worthwhile. When it comes to depreciation, Porsches generally hold their value better than many luxury sports cars, particularly the more desirable GTS variants. Car finance options can make ownership more accessible, spreading the cost over manageable monthly payments.

Is the Porsche 718 Cayman Practical for Everyday Use?

For a mid-engine sports car, the Porsche 718 Cayman offers surprising practicality. The front boot provides 150 litres of storage space, while the rear compartment adds another 125 litres, giving you a total of 275 litres for luggage and shopping. This split storage arrangement works well for most everyday needs, easily accommodating a weekend away or weekly grocery shop. The cabin features useful storage areas including door pockets and a central compartment for smaller items.

Where the 718 Cayman shows its sports car nature is in passenger accommodation. This is strictly a two-seater, so it’s not suitable for families or those who regularly carry rear passengers. However, for couples or individuals, it offers an engaging driving experience that few cars can match. The car’s compact dimensions make it easy to manoeuvre and park in tight urban spaces, while the excellent build quality means it’s perfectly capable of serving as a daily driver. Compared to other used Porsche cars, the 718 Cayman strikes an excellent balance between pure sports car excitement and real-world usability.

The Porsche 718 Cayman represents the pinnacle of mid-engine sports car engineering, combining exceptional handling dynamics with the build quality and prestige that comes with the Porsche badge. It successfully packages genuine sports car performance into a surprisingly usable daily package, making it ideal for enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on driving excitement. The range of engines offers something for everyone, from the efficient base model to the thrilling GTS 4.0.

You choose the 718 Cayman because you want one of the best-handling cars available, wrapped in timeless styling and backed by Porsche’s engineering excellence. While it demands premium running costs and limits you to two seats, the rewards are immense for driving enthusiasts. This is a sports car that delivers on every promise, making ordinary journeys feel special while providing the capability to excel on track days. If you’re seeking the ultimate sports car experience with the reliability to use every day, the 718 Cayman should top your list, especially with flexible car finance options available to make ownership more accessible.