Best Porsche Cayman Model Years & Variants Ever Produced

What Makes It Special

The 981 GT4 was a landmark moment for the brand because it was the first time the prestigious Porsche Motorsport division—the same team responsible for the GT3—was allowed to touch the Cayman. To make it a reality, they borrowed the 3.8-liter flat-six from the 911 Carrera S and the front suspension architecture from the 991.1 GT3. The result was a car that felt significantly more substantial and "planted" than any Cayman that had come before it.

Crucially, Porsche offered the original GT4 exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. This was a direct love letter to enthusiasts who felt that modern sports cars were becoming too digital and detached. The mechanical gear shift, combined with a heavy clutch and perfectly placed pedals for heel-toe downshifts, made every journey a rewarding physical event. It remains one of the most tactile manual gearboxes ever placed in a mid-engine car.

The 981 GT4 is also arguably the most beautiful Cayman ever designed. Its proportions are muscle-bound and aggressive, featuring a fixed rear wing and a functional front splitter that provides actual downforce. Because it was the first of its kind and offered in limited numbers, it has maintained a cult-like status. It represents a rare "no compromise" era where driver engagement was prioritized over Nürburgring lap times.

Today, the 981 GT4 is firmly established as a modern classic, with strong collector demand and enduring enthusiast credibility.

What Makes It Special

The Cayman R is essentially the "911 R" of the Cayman lineage, born during an era when Porsche was still perfecting the balance between analog feel and modern speed. To create the R, engineers didn't just add power; they obsessively shaved weight. By stripping 121 lbs through the use of aluminum doors, lightweight bucket seats, and the removal of the radio and air conditioning, Porsche created a car that feels incredibly "small" and alert around the driver.

The 987.2 platform is particularly beloved because it represents the pinnacle of Porsche’s hydraulic steering era. Unlike the electric steering in newer models, the Cayman R’s wheel provides a granular, telepathic level of feedback from the front tires. When combined with a 20mm lower ride height and a standard mechanical locking rear differential, the R becomes an extension of the driver’s nervous system, rewarding precise inputs with immediate, unfiltered rotation.

Visually, the Cayman R is a standout, particularly in its signature Peridot Metallic green paint. It sits on lightweight 19-inch wheels borrowed from the Boxster Spyder and features fixed rear spoilers and retro side decals. It is a car that values the quality of the drive over raw performance stats, making it a blue-chip collectible that captures the spirit of the legendary 1967 911 R.

What Makes It Special

After the initial 718 models launched with turbocharged four-cylinders, Porsche brought back the flat-six for the GTS 4.0.

This car is essentially a "de-tuned" GT4, offering the same 4.0L engine but in a package that is more comfortable for daily use. It retains a more subtle look without the big wings of the GT cars.

It comes standard with almost every performance option, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and a Sport Exhaust.

It is widely considered the "Goldilocks" of the modern range—fast enough to thrill, but refined enough to drive across the country.

While electric steering is more filtered than earlier generations, the performance, balance, and refinement are exceptional. The GTS 4.0 feels special at any speed and remains one of the most rewarding modern sports cars available today.

What Makes It Special

The 987.2 Cayman S brought major reliability upgrades while retaining hydraulic steering and naturally aspirated character. It’s robust, engaging, and still feels properly analog.

These cars represent tremendous value today, delivering a true Porsche driving experience without modern complexity or collector pricing.

For many, this is the smartest “classic-feeling” Cayman. Anybody that drives the 987.2 Cayman S loves its combination of reliability, feel, and value.

Porsche addressed early engine concerns while retaining hydraulic steering and naturally aspirated character—making these cars some of the best long-term ownership propositions in the Cayman lineup.

They feel compact, mechanical, and deeply engaging, especially compared to modern sports cars. For many enthusiasts, this generation offers the best balance between old-school driving purity and modern dependability.

What Makes It Special

While the GT4 RS grabs the headlines, the "standard" 718 GT4 is often the better purchase for the dedicated enthusiast. It is one of the last high-performance Porsches available with a manual transmission, and it features a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that builds power with surgical precision. Unlike the RS, which is optimized for maximum track speed, the standard GT4 is designed for maximum driver involvement.

The 718 GT4 features a level of high-speed stability that is almost unnerving. Thanks to a massive rear diffuser and a functional aero-kit, the car produces significant downforce, allowing it to stay glued to the road at speeds where other sports cars start to feel light. The suspension uses GT3-derived components that are adjustable, meaning you can dial in the car specifically for your favorite local track or mountain pass.

Buying a 718 GT4 is a "no-excuses" decision. It is the definitive modern track car that retains a factory warranty and everyday reliability. As the Cayman transitions to an electric future, these final, high-output gasoline models will be remembered as the pinnacle of the mid-engine GT line. It is a blue-chip asset that you can enjoy every weekend without worrying about the reliability issues of an older classic.

What Makes It Special

The 981 generation is widely considered the best all-around Cayman Porsche has ever produced. These years combine naturally aspirated flat-six engines with hydraulic steering and a perfectly sorted mid-engine chassis. Power delivery is linear, the sound is unmistakably Porsche, and the steering provides genuine feedback rarely found in modern sports cars.

Beyond the driving experience, the 981 benefits from a major leap in interior quality and overall refinement compared to earlier Caymans. It feels modern and premium without sacrificing the mechanical connection enthusiasts value. This balance makes the 981 just as enjoyable on a daily commute as it is on a winding back road.

For most buyers and enthusiasts, any 981 Cayman from 2014–2016 is a no-regrets purchase, offering one of the most complete sports-car experiences Porsche has ever delivered.

What Makes It Special

The 987.2 generation is often considered the smartest value play in the Cayman world. These years introduced direct-fuel-injection flat-six engines that addressed reliability concerns present in earlier cars, making them among the most robust early Caymans.

They retain hydraulic steering and a compact, analog driving feel while benefiting from improved interiors, stronger engines, and better overall build quality. For many enthusiasts, the 987.2 hits a perfect middle ground between old-school engagement and modern dependability.

As prices of later naturally aspirated Caymans continue to rise, the 987.2 years are increasingly viewed as undervalued gems.

What Makes It Special

The Porsche 718 Cayman reached its most complete and buyer-friendly form between 2021 and 2024, not because of a single standout model, but because of the breadth and cohesion of the entire range. By this point, Porsche had fully refined the 718 platform—dialing in chassis tuning, reliability, and usability—while offering a lineup that catered to a wide spectrum of buyers, from daily drivers to hardcore track enthusiasts.

At the foundation, the standard Cayman and Cayman S deliver exceptional balance, precision, and everyday livability. The lineup truly comes into focus with the Cayman GTS 4.0, which restored a naturally aspirated flat-six to the range and became the emotional centerpiece of the 718 era. It combines modern refinement with old-school engine character, offering a level of sound, response, and involvement that resonates deeply with enthusiasts.

At the top end, Porsche’s GT models—the GT4 and GT4 RS—demonstrate just how far the Cayman platform can be pushed. These cars deliver true motorsport-grade performance while remaining road legal, reinforcing the Cayman’s reputation as one of the most dynamically capable chassis Porsche has ever built. Crucially, their existence elevates the entire range, underscoring the platform’s depth and engineering integrity.

Taken as a whole, the 2021–2024 718 Cayman lineup stands out as the most capable, versatile, and complete modern Cayman generation. Whether a buyer prioritizes daily usability, weekend enjoyment, or track performance, there is a Cayman variant perfectly suited to the task. Few sports-car ranges—at any price point—offer this level of consistency and competence across every trim level.

What Makes It Special

For decades, Porsche carefully guarded its brand hierarchy, ensuring the Cayman never outshone the flagship 911. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the moment those gloves came off. By shoehorning the 9,000 RPM, naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six from the 911 GT3 into the mid-engine chassis, Porsche created a sensory experience that many argue is more visceral than the GT3 itself. It isn't just a car; it is a mechanical declaration of what the mid-engine platform is truly capable of when unrestricted.

The engineering of the GT4 RS is a masterclass in motorsport technology transfer. To accommodate the high-revving engine, Porsche replaced the rear side windows with carbon-fiber air intakes. This places the induction roar directly behind the driver's head, creating an acoustic environment so intense that it physically vibrates the cabin at the limit. Every component, from the rose-jointed suspension to the massive swan-neck rear wing, is designed to translate track-focused aggression into road-legal dominance.

Driving the RS is a disorienting, high-speed affair that demands total focus. The lightning-fast 7-speed PDK is the only transmission available, tuned with shorter gear ratios to ensure the engine stays in its screaming powerband. While it lacks the "purity" of a manual, it replaces it with a level of clinical, race-car precision that effectively redefined the ceiling for the compact sports car segment. It is widely considered the greatest internal combustion Cayman that will ever be built.

What Makes It Special

While the "S" models often steal the spotlight with their higher horsepower figures, the 987.1 Base Cayman is increasingly recognized by enthusiasts as a "Must Buy" for its mechanical simplicity and high-revving charm. Introduced for the 2007 model year (a year after the initial Cayman S launch), the base model was designed to be more accessible, but it accidentally became one of the most reliable and "pure" driving experiences in the modern Porsche catalog. Because it has less power than its siblings, the driver is forced to work the 2.7-liter engine harder, resulting in a more engaging experience where you can actually use 100% of the car’s capability on public roads.

The 2.7-liter flat-six is the unsung hero of this generation. Unlike the larger 3.4-liter engines in the Cayman S, which were more susceptible to bore scoring, the 2.7-liter unit is remarkably robust and free from many of the "boogeyman" issues that haunt other water-cooled Porsches of this era. It features a smaller bore and a lighter crankshaft, giving it a free-revving, zingy character that feels closer to a vintage racing engine than a heavy touring car. It encourages the driver to stay high in the rev range, rewarding smooth inputs and momentum-based driving.

From a value perspective, the 987.1 Base is the definitive entry point into Porsche ownership. It offers the exact same mid-engine chassis balance as the GT models, meaning you get the same telepathic hydraulic steering and 50/50 weight distribution for a fraction of the cost of a 911. It is a car that teaches you to be a better driver because it rewards momentum; it doesn't mask mistakes with overwhelming torque. For those looking for a weekend toy that captures the analog soul of Porsche’s heritage without the high-stakes maintenance of a supercar, the Base 987.1 is the smartest money on the market.

What Makes It Special

The Cayman S Sport was a "farewell" special edition built to mark the end of the first-generation (987.1) production run. Limited to exactly 700 units worldwide, it was essentially a "best-of" compilation of the Porsche parts bin. It was modeled aesthetically after the 997.1 GT3 RS, arriving in vibrant colors like Orange and Viper Green with black "Cayman S" decals running along the doors.

Mechanically, the S Sport was sharpened with a modest power bump via a unique twin-chamber sport exhaust and revised engine mapping. It came standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which lowered the car and allowed it to handle with more precision than the standard "S." Every unit was fitted with an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, reinforcing its status as a more driver-focused special edition.

Today, the S Sport is a rare sight at car shows and is highly prized by collectors for its scarcity and its "old-school" hydraulic steering feel. It represents the ultimate version of the original Cayman design before the 987.2 facelift moved toward a more refined, less raw character. It is a colorful, high-character moment in Porsche history that proved the Cayman could carry the "Sport" moniker with legitimate prestige.

What Makes It Special

The 2012 Cayman S Black Edition is one of the rarest 987-generation Caymans ever produced, with a strictly limited run of only 500 units worldwide. While it may look like a standard Cayman S with a monochrome paint job, its true value lies under the rear decklid. It is powered by the exact same 330-horsepower engine found in the hardcore, lightweight Cayman R. This makes it the most powerful non-R Cayman of its generation, offering a significant performance bump over the standard S model while retaining all the luxury amenities that the R stripped away for weight savings.

For the enthusiast who wants the performance of a track special but refuses to compromise on creature comforts, the Black Edition is the perfect solution. Unlike the Cayman R, which removed air conditioning, door handles, and cup holders to save weight, the Black Edition comes "fully loaded" from the factory. It includes the Infotainment and Convenience packages as standard, featuring a Bose surround-sound system, bi-xenon headlights, and the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. It effectively provides the "soul" of a Cayman R in a package that you can actually live with every day.

Visually, the Black Edition is defined by its "murdered-out" aesthetic. Every trim piece that is typically chrome or silver on a standard Cayman S—the side air intakes, exhaust tips, and headlight washers—is finished in high-gloss black. It also sits on the 19-inch lightweight wheels originally designed for the Boxster Spyder, which are the lightest 19-inch alloys in the Porsche catalog. Inside, the theme continues with black-faced gauges, black dashboard trim, and a "Limited Edition" plaque on the glovebox. It is a cohesive, factory-built special that feels significantly more exclusive than a standard production car.

What Makes It Special

The 981 GTS is widely considered the best-sounding "non-GT" Porsche ever produced. Porsche took the standard Cayman S engine and gave it a special tuning that allowed it to sing with a depth and character that is legendary in the Porsche community. It features a specialized sport exhaust system that produces a symphony of mechanical howls and dramatic "pops and crackles" on every downshift.

What makes the GTS the smartest buy is the equipment list. Porsche essentially took all of the most desirable performance options—the Sport Exhaust, PASM suspension, SportDesign front and rear bumpers, and Sport Chrono—and made them standard. This means that every GTS is "fully loaded" with the parts that enthusiasts want. Buying a GTS is much easier than hunting for a perfectly specced "S," and it holds a much higher percentage of its value over time.

Inside, the GTS is often finished in Alcantara with contrasting stitching, making it feel significantly more special than a standard model. It is the perfect choice for the driver who wants a car with "theatre"—a car that makes every trip to the grocery store feel like an event. It is the absolute peak of the 981 generation’s street-car capability.

What Makes It Special

The Porsche Cayman 981 represents the moment when Porsche’s mid-engine coupe reached its ideal form. Built from 2014 to 2016, the 981 Cayman sits at a perfect crossroads in Porsche history—modern enough to feel premium and refined, yet analog enough to deliver the steering feel, engine response, and driver connection enthusiasts crave. For many, this generation finally proved that the Cayman wasn’t just a “junior Porsche,” but one of the finest sports cars Porsche has ever produced.

At the heart of the 981’s appeal is its engine lineup. Every 981 Cayman came with a naturally aspirated flat-six, an increasingly rare trait even when the car was new. These engines are free-revving, linear, and emotionally engaging, delivering power in a way that rewards driver input rather than relying on turbocharged punch. The sound alone—especially above 5,000 rpm—is a defining characteristic that later turbocharged four-cylinder 718 models simply could not replicate.

Steering feel is another reason the 981 stands above all other Cayman generations. It was the last Cayman to use hydraulic power steering, providing rich feedback and precise communication from the front tires. Combined with the Cayman’s inherently balanced mid-engine layout, the result is a chassis that feels intuitive, confidence-inspiring, and deeply connected to the road. Few modern sports cars offer this level of steering purity, regardless of price.

The 981 also nails the balance between engagement and livability. Interior quality took a major step forward compared to the 987, with better materials, improved ergonomics, and a more modern layout—yet without the screen-heavy, software-driven feel of newer Porsches. It’s a car that feels special on a spirited back-road drive, but refined enough to enjoy every day.

Finally, the variants cement the 981’s legacy. The Cayman GTS delivers one of the best “do-everything” sports-car formulas Porsche has ever offered, while the 2016 Cayman GT4 has already achieved modern-classic status thanks to its GT-department tuning, manual gearbox, and Carrera-derived 3.8-liter engine. Together, these models give the 981 generation unmatched depth, desirability, and long-term enthusiast appeal.

In hindsight, the 981 Cayman represents a high-water mark—not just for the Cayman, but for modern Porsche sports cars as a whole. It combines sound, steering, balance, and build quality in a way that feels increasingly rare today, making it the generation many enthusiasts consider the best Cayman ever made.