Porsche Cayman 981 (3rd Generation) - The Ultimate Guide

The 981-generation Porsche Cayman was designed under the direction of Michael Mauer, Porsche’s Head of Design since 2004. His team refined the Cayman’s look with inspiration from the 991-generation 911 and 918 Spyder, giving it sharper proportions, more pronounced side intakes, and a sleeker, more modern profile compared to the earlier 987 Cayman.

The Porsche Cayman 981 generation was produced from 2013 through 2016, before it was succeeded by the 718 Cayman (982) in 2017.

See our Porsche 981 Cayman Buyer's Guide for lots more information.

The Porsche Cayman 981 (2013–2016) has become one of the most desirable modern mid-engine sports cars, and its pricing reflects that demand. On average, values across all trims hover around $71,000, though there is a wide spread depending on model, condition, and mileage. At the entry level, base 981 Caymans typically trade between $35,000 and $45,000, making them an appealing way into Porsche ownership without breaking the bank. Moving up to the Cayman S, buyers can expect to pay closer to $50,000, with particularly clean or well-optioned cars commanding more.

The Cayman GTS is the sweet spot for many enthusiasts, blending performance and daily usability, and those cars now sit firmly in the $60,000 to $80,000 range. At the very top of the market is the Cayman GT4, a track-focused variant that has become a modern classic. These models frequently sell for $90,000 or more, with exceptional examples pushing well into six figures. Even rarer still, the GT4 Clubsport editions can reach astonishing numbers, with the highest-recorded sale hitting $168,000.

In the broader used market, real-world listings confirm these trends. Bring a Trailer auctions, for example, show Cayman S models selling anywhere from the high-$40,000s to the mid-$50,000s, though outliers exist, such as a rougher 2014 example going for just $17,500. Dealer platforms like Carvana and Edmunds list well-kept Cayman S and base models in the $45,000 to $55,000 range, while GTS models stretch higher, and GT4s easily top $100,000.

Enthusiasts point out that the 981 generation has been holding its value strongly, especially for manual-transmission cars, which remain highly sought after. Porsche sports car pricing in general has been resilient, and the Cayman 981 is no exception. For buyers, this means that while entry-level examples are still attainable, special trims like the GTS and GT4 have moved firmly into collectible territory.

Yes—the Porsche Cayman 981 is absolutely still fast and fun to drive today, even by modern standards. When it launched in 2013, the 981 generation was praised for its sharper handling, improved chassis rigidity, and more refined engines compared to the earlier 987. The base Cayman produced around 275 horsepower, while the S made 325 hp, the GTS bumped that to 340 hp, and the GT4 topped the range at 385 hp. With 0–60 mph times ranging from just over 5 seconds in the base model to about 4.2 seconds in the GT4, the 981 still delivers performance that feels genuinely quick, even compared to today’s turbocharged sports cars.

What makes the 981 especially fun isn’t just the straight-line speed, but the balance of its mid-engine layout and steering feel. Many enthusiasts and journalists argue that this generation represents the sweet spot before Porsche switched the Cayman/Boxster lineup to four-cylinder turbo engines in the 718. The naturally aspirated flat-six engines of the 981 offer instant throttle response, a broad powerband, and a soundtrack that adds a lot to the driving experience. The car’s low center of gravity, precise manual gearbox (or quick-shifting PDK), and playful chassis make it equally at home carving mountain roads, tracking a racing circuit, or serving as a daily driver.

Even a decade later, the 981 Cayman feels modern inside, with supportive seats, a solid driving position, and tech that—while not as advanced as newer Porsches—remains perfectly usable. Its lighter weight compared to current models also means it feels more agile and connected. For a driver used to today’s cars, the 981 may not have the raw speed of something like a new 911 or the explosive torque of an EV, but it still delivers the kind of analog, engaging sports car experience that’s getting harder to fi

No. Unlike the 987 generation Cayman there was no mid-cycle update for the 981 generation because it was a short lived car. Porsche did add the GTS trim in for the 2014 model year and then added the Cayman GT4 for 2015.

The leap from the 987 Cayman (2006–2012) to the 981 Cayman (2013–2016) was one of the most dramatic in the model’s history, both in terms of design and driving experience.

The 987 Cayman had a more compact, rounded look with softer lines, while the 981 ushered in a wider, lower, and more athletic stance. The 981 borrowed heavily from contemporary Porsche icons—the 991-generation 911 and the 918 Spyder—with sharper bodywork, more sculpted side intakes, a longer wheelbase, and shorter overhangs. Inside, the difference was just as striking. The 981’s cabin adopted Porsche’s modern “rising center console” design, with higher-quality materials and a more upscale feel compared to the simpler, somewhat dated interior of the 987.

Under the skin, the 981 was a technical overhaul. It rode on a new, lighter yet more rigid chassis with a wider track, which gave it better balance and improved ride comfort. The steering transitioned from hydraulic in the 987 to electric power assistance in the 981—a point of debate among purists, though Porsche’s calibration kept it highly praised. Engines were carried over in displacement (2.7 L and 3.4 L flat-sixes), but they were reworked for more power and efficiency, with direct injection and improved responsiveness. Performance gains were clear: the base 981 Cayman pushed 275 hp compared to the 987.2’s 265 hp, and the Cayman S climbed to 325 hp versus 320 hp in the earlier car.

From behind the wheel, the 981 felt more planted, modern, and refined, while still delivering the playful mid-engine character that made the Cayman beloved. The 987 is often described as more raw and mechanical, particularly the earlier 987.1 with its hydraulic steering and slightly less polished dynamics. In contrast, the 981 represents the Cayman’s maturation—faster, more comfortable, and with styling that aligned it firmly with Porsche’s halo cars of the era.

The jump from the 981 Cayman (2013–2016) to the 982 Porsche 718 Cayman (2017–present) marked one of the biggest philosophical shifts in the model’s history. While the 981 carried the tradition of naturally aspirated flat-six engines, the 718 introduced smaller turbocharged flat-fours across most of the range, changing both the performance delivery and the character of the car.

In terms of styling, the 982 sharpened and modernized the 981’s already aggressive look. The headlights were redesigned with a more angular profile and four-point LED running lights, while the taillights became slimmer and more sculpted, emphasizing horizontal lines. The side intakes also grew larger and more pronounced. Inside, the cabin layout remained very similar to the 981, but Porsche upgraded the tech, introducing the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with improved connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and higher-quality displays.

The most controversial change was under the hood. The base 718 Cayman received a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four producing 300 hp, while the Cayman S got a 2.5-liter turbo-four with 350 hp. On paper, both outperformed their 981 predecessors, with quicker acceleration and more torque (especially at low rpm). However, many enthusiasts and journalists lamented the loss of the flat-six soundtrack and character, describing the turbo-four’s sound as less emotional. Porsche later responded to this criticism by reintroducing naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines in the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, GT4, and GT4 RS, which restored some of the magic and made those trims highly sought after.

Driving-wise, the 982 feels more modern, with even sharper handling, improved chassis balance, and stronger brakes. The additional torque from turbocharging makes it feel faster in everyday driving, while the 981’s naturally aspirated engines reward high revs and feel more traditional. The steering, suspension tuning, and overall dynamics remain world-class in both, but the 981 is often regarded as the more “pure” driver’s car, while the 982 emphasizes efficiency, broader performance, and updated tech.

The Porsche Cayman 981 (2013–2016) offered a range of performance depending on the trim, but all versions were quick enough to feel like true sports cars.

Cayman (Base, 2.7L flat-six, 275 hp, 213 lb-ft): 0–60 mph in about 5.4 seconds with the manual, or 5.1 seconds with PDK. Top speed was around 165 mph.

Cayman S (3.4L flat-six, 325 hp, 273 lb-ft): 0–60 mph in about 4.7 seconds with manual, or 4.4 seconds with PDK. Top speed reached 175 mph.

Cayman GTS (3.4L flat-six, 340 hp, 280 lb-ft): 0–60 mph in 4.5 seconds with manual, or 4.3 seconds with PDK. Top speed was 177 mph.

Cayman GT4 (3.8L flat-six, 385 hp, 309 lb-ft, manual only): 0–60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 183 mph.

While not as brutally fast as a 911 Turbo or modern supercars, the 981 Cayman’s strength was always in its balance, mid-engine dynamics, and driver engagement, rather than sheer numbers. The GT4 especially was praised for delivering track-ready performance in a more compact, agile package.

It really depends on what you’re looking for—but many enthusiasts point to the later years, particularly 2015 and 2016, as the sweet spot.

The early 2013 cars introduced the generation and are great buys, but as with many new launches, later production years benefited from refinements and expanded model choices. By 2014, Porsche added the Cayman GTS, which quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its higher-output 3.4-liter flat-six, sportier suspension tuning, and extra standard equipment. In 2015, Porsche raised the bar again with the Cayman GT4, which brought the 3.8-liter 911 Carrera S engine, track-focused suspension, and aggressive aero—widely considered one of the best driver’s cars of its era.

For buyers seeking the most engaging and collectible 981, the 2015–2016 Cayman GT4 stands at the top of the list. If you want the perfect blend of performance, value, and usability, the 2014–2016 Cayman GTS is often seen as the sweet spot, delivering six-cylinder character and sharper dynamics without the GT4’s hardcore compromises. For those prioritizing affordability and simplicity, even a 2013 or 2014 base or S model is still a fantastic sports car, but the later years tend to hold slightly more appeal thanks to added trims and refinements.

In short: 2015–2016 are the standout years, with the GT4 for maximum performance and future collectability, and the GTS for the best all-around blend of fun, speed, and everyday usability.