When it comes to choosing between Porsches, endless debates will ensue between hardcore fans of the brand. Both cars are similarly sized, but are very different from each other. Porsche is also an automaker who is meticulous about the details, becuase thats what set them apart.
We all know that the Porsche 911 has been around for just over 50 years and has since become an icon of design, but being the big brother doesn't mean "better". The smaller 718 Cayman comes with several features that make it the go-to model for many Porsche customers.
Being one of the most loved cars ever produced by the company, here's why the Porsche Cayman is a better deal than the 911.
The Cayman Handles Better Than A 911
We all know that the Cayman is the company's entry-level car. Understandably, should the Cayman be faster than a 911, there would be outrage amongst purists and within Porsche themselves, even for models that share similar engines. But what we also know is that the Porsche Cayman handles better than the 911.
The Cayman is widely considered one of the best track cars available in the market. Thanks to its mid-engine layout, its center of gravity is lower and close to the center of the car. Whereas the 911 having the engine behind the rear axle can make it difficult to drive for someoen with less experince. This feature means that the Cayman has better weight distribution than its big brother, which leads to better stability in corners, that is most notable on the race track.
Furthermore, the Cayman is lighter than the 911, even though they come in almost similar sizes. At 2,888 lbs with the six-speed manual, the base Porsche Cayman is 154 lbs lighter than the standard 911 with its seven-speed manual transmission. These fewer pounds give the Cayman a better power-to-weight ratio that helps improve acceleration and cornering abilities. The engine is under less stress, and it helps increase fuel efficiency too. (more on this later).
Porsche recently introduced the Cayman GT4 RS which uses the same engine as the latest 911 GT3 It is the most extreme version of the Cayman yet, but it may be the last of its kind. The next-generation Cayman range would likely switch over to electric.
The Cayman Is More Practical
Not everyone buys a Porsche to keep it in the garage. Most people buy these cars to use them as a daily-driver. With seating for two, the Cayman may not be the most family-oriented automobile on the market. However, Porsche has designed ists portscar it to be perfectly comfortable for every day use.
Furthermore, the 911 only gets a frunk and some space behind the seats as storage, the Cayman offers more luggage space that makes a big difference. The two trunks in the Cayman offers up to 14.3 cubic feet of luggage space. Although you won't be able to take hugely bulky, or long items with you, the Porsche Cayman has more total boot space than the 911 model which comes with 4.6 cubic-feet of luggage space.
The Cayman Is More Efficient And Fun To Drive
Whether you have a new or used Porsche, saving fuel may not be very high on your list of priorities. But with gas prices going up, one can't help but try and save every ounce of fuel where they can. The seemingly small tweaks to Cayman and its characteristics can deliver some good cost savings. Plus, it is better for the environment leaving a smaller carbon footprint.
Understandably, the lighter Cayman would offer better fuel economy than the 911. Porsche is renowned for being meticulous about the finest details when developing its cars. No wheel must be heavier than needed, reduceing unsprung mass. Not even a bolt passes through without scrutiny at Porsche. It is the small differences that make them better for the road.
The base Cayman has an EPA rating of 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. According to EPA estimates, the Cayman S would return 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the PDK-equipped 911 gets 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, while the Carrera S version manages 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
The Cayman Is A Better Deal
Being the baby sports car of the Porsche range, naturally, the Cayman would sit in a lower price range than the 911. Currently, a 718 Cayman Coupe carries an MSRP of $63,400. The range-topping GT4 RS model will set you back at least $150,000. Compared to the 911 range, the base Carerra retails for just over $100,000, but if it's the faster GT3 you're after, that will require an additional $62,000 on top. All the prices mentioned are before adding any optional equipment.
Sure you get more performance for the extra $36,600 for the base 911. But you can have nearly all the fun with the highly capable, and exciting 718 Cayman. Having said that, the GT4 RS and the 911 GT3 are priced not that far apart.
In our books, the Cayman looks like a bargain of the century in comparison to the 911. It offers all the fun, is more practical, and more efficient. This being the last generation of a thoroughbred Cayman could help the car hold its value as well. The next-generation sports car from Porsche in this range will go electric. However, if the Porsche Mission R Concept is anything to go by, we are already excited.