With two fewer cylinders (and an additional turbocharger) Porsche re-makes the Cayman in a very stealthy fashion. Tom Voelk reviews the Porsche Cayman S model
After seeing this video I don't know if I'd spend more than double on the 911. 718 is plenty of car and at $82,000 fully loaded a good value in that category.
Honest review! I love when you mention some obstacles you have to over come & slight issues you come across on your videos. It adds a personal touch that makes your videos enjoyable to watch.
Just discovered your channel via this review. I love your review style. I like that your presentation doesn't come off as a fact sheet about the car, but there is enough statistical information without becoming overwhelming. Keep it up!
Why does everyone hate on it? If a Cayman or Boxster is slightly different than 911 everyone goes apeshit ballistic. This is actually a car I consider buying in a 5 years after letting depreciation do its trick. And, I love Boxer engines and this is one hell of a powerful 4 Cylinder. 200-300 horsepower just from the engine. The car is also stunning. Why ask for more? After letting an $84k (the one I like after customizing) 718 depreciate, you can get an amazing car for the value. Sure, you may love your BRZ or WRX, but this is a completely different car.
Interesting comment about depreciation since I usually use that tactic. I was shopping for a '14 or '15 Cayman S to replace my '06 for about 6 months. Finally concluded that given the performance upgrade to the base it was now comparable to the previous S. It turned out that a new base is only going to cost about 5-10k more than a 2-3 year old used S. The new one is on order and arrives in the fall.
I loooove the fact that the base is now not "underpowered" as people used to say when it had 245/201, 265/221, and 275/213 hp/ftlbs of torque on previous models. I always felt that was enough, and allowed you to really drive the car in more gears than you would on the S model. But, I'm curious to know if having more torque (and power) has somehow made it "less" fun to drive because you don't have to shift as much? If you know what I mean. I have a 100 hp 73 ftlbs torque motorcycle that is more fun to ride on the streets than my 193 hp 83 ft lbs torque motorcycle because I have to work harder to ride it, but working harder makes it so much more gratifying.
A 718 Cayman S/GTS will be in my future. It's an amazing everyday sports car, even at $80k. Compared to the competition, it's worth every penny because of it's stellar performance, exceptional quality and unexpected practicality. As usual, well done Porsche.
I agree with you Tom. Having also driven supercars an a previous generation Cayman GTS & 911 GTS, If money was not a factor, I would also be very likely to get a 718 Cayman S.
RS that means you clearly did not drive those cars lol. You are telling me if you had infinite money (since u said if money is not a factor), you would buy a 718S over those two? Just the previous Cayman GTS is already same performance with much more soul and emotions. And there's tons of much expensive cars that are better. You clearly did not drive any of those cars...unless you meant the opposite of what you said. Where if money IS A FACTOR, then the 718 is a possible buy
RS I think it would be a tad stressful driving a super car as a daily driver. I thought about it. I decided on the Cayman S maybe a super car as a second car.
Very nice video. I ordered a 2018 718 Cayman Base - don't need the S (or certainly GTS) nor would notice the difference probably unless driven side-by-side. Paid $63.7K for nav/upgraded 18" wheels/entry & drive/blind spot monitor/heated multifunction steering wheel. Nearly everyone seems obsessed with predessor's motor noise - few say, but I will - that it's one of the most premium looks I've seen. I had a 1987 Datsun 280Z, and although much inferior in every way, also was a similar-shaped and beautiful sports car. One other thing, it does not have the style-changing planned obsolescence as with so many 5-year cycle current vehicles, which I truly appreciate. It'll look as good and current 10 years from now style-wise, inside & out.
Good review as always Tom! I hope that the NY Times will provide you more other ride brands. IMHO, you're the best in practical everyday review - interior space, tp trunk test and the like - esp. for those who have family.
I was watching this thinking wow gorgeous scenery and nice drone shots. Interesting to see you pull the veil back at the end! Interesting touch. Thanks.
i hope you guys that don’t believe the average salary is 300k realize people with that money have higher bills such as more expensive mortgage if they have a nice house, private school if they have kids, bills for utilities in a larger house, more expensive HOA if in nicer neighborhood(mostly applies to west coast planned communities) and other things of that sort
Great video about a great car. I was lucky to test a few of the older Caymans and Boxsters, the used values from 2006 remain stubbornly high, post 2009 cars have great residuals.
I just picked up my 2018 Cayman on Monday. This is my 6th Porsche. It is baseline with the only option being the Apple Play interface and has a manual transmission (I like rowing the gears). This thing is a real blast to drive - and with the A-P interface and SIRI, it's like a rolling entertainment center! :-) I can tell SIRI to do everything she normally does - but through the car. I love little cars, and I could have bought a 911 but just loved my 2008 Cayman so much that I went with a new one. At $56K out-the-door (for the car, not all the other stuff like license and taxes). I think it is well-worth it!
i drive a 991.1 and i love it, the sound is amazing, that being said, i'm one year in, and most of the time I don't really hear the sound, i'm wondering if maybe living with the 718 after a while the sound will just not be noticed as much. I can tell you that I wish my 911 had more torque something this car doesn't seem to have a problem with. Def want to test drive it...Porsche made the base cayman with manual at 55,000 with a 0-60 in 4.5 so its sort of affordable...
Sadly, especially people with lots of new-money burning holes in their pockets, they will tend to lean towards the iconic 911, because they want to be seen in one, not because they appreciate or understand the Cayman's superior architecture over the rear-engined 911.
Just putting high wall tires on it would likely improve the feel. It would likely be the 1st thing I would do if I got one. The car is enough bling without needing huge rims and having the brakes showing. I would take the better ride for sure.
I went to the dealer to order the new Cayanne, i did order it, then they let me drive this car for fun, i did not want to get out of it, i fell in love with it and cancelled my plans to order a 911 and got this one instead, so went to buy one car i ended up buying 2, only Porsche can make you do that, but i got 2 top of the range Porsches instead of one 911, can't complain.
Hey Tom (or anyone else for that matter). Economics grad here. I was just curious as to where you got the figure for 300k being the average income of a Cayman driver. Would love to see other vehicles if they were listed. Thank you (and anyone else) who might have a link. Great video as always. A hidden RU-vid gem in this channel.
xItsmeFirex if that's the case, how can someone spend 2/3 of their annual income on a car? Remember, Porsche is a luxury brand. Few people save up such a huge portion of their income to buy something unnecessary.
KidsToys&Stories you can get a used cayman for like 20k less then what it cost new. Also people who buy porsches dont actually buy them most of the time. They lease them or will buy them and then sell them in 2-3 years. Nobody actually wants to buy an expensive german car because they depreicate heavily and the maintenance costs too much after warranty ends.
Expendable income is very subjective, making 150k in IT in California when you have 100k in student loans and a massive rent bill every month is like making 50k in Chicago with no student loans, and in both cases those people are basically broke most of the time.
If you're trying to sell this off to a significant other, tell them that in 2017 Porsche ranked 2nd under JD power's list of vehicle dependability, between Lexus and the oh so magnificent TOYOTA. Yeah. Tell em Porsche is more dependable than a Toyota and keep it at that! ;)
Keep up the good work! I've come to the conclusion that if you can't afford it new you shouldn't buy it used. I had one of my dream cars for a few years M3 Convertible and the maintenance alone was just unreasonable. Headlight replacement was over a grand, brakes were over a grand (each axle), oil changes $240 started doing them myself still $120 for parts alone. I'd love a CPO Porsche but will probably have to end up with a Mustang GT or similar.
My friend called his experience with his BMW "the thousand dollar club". Every time he brought it in it cost him that much. He switched to a Cadillac coupe.
My favorite car that is (in preowned form) a possibility after the kids college is paid for. I've seen a few of the current model on the road and that presence you speak of is pronounced. If you ever make it to northern california I know some pretty fun back roads for you to "test" on. Weather is perfect 300+ days a year.
Tom always look forward to your reviews! Care to share your short list of cars with the rest of us? Curious what your thoughts are with as many great cars you get to drive. Thanks!
You know, I hesitate on that because cars are such a personal thing. But obviously I enjoy this car and the Macan (as long as we're on the subject of Porsche). I'm a fan of the BMW M235i too. The VW GTI and Mazda MX-5 Miata are tons of fun too. I could go on and on...
Yes. I am 6'2" and 185lbs and I have a 2014 981 Boxster and fit perfectly. I've done a couple 6 hour road trips between SF LA and didn't feel any more fatigued vs most other cars.
I bought a red 2017 Corvette 1LT manual transmission with performance exhaust, black wheels, red calipers, red seats, carbon badge package. Why? Because base Porsche Cayman ride was too stiff for me, no targa top (I didn't want the convertible's expense and replacement in a few years), not as much acceleration for the same $55k price, too low ground clearance for everyday use on public roads and shopping centers. I have no plans to track it.
Tom great discussion/review. What did you think of the exhaust sound or lack of it? Most reviewers have made a point of discussing this. I'm surprised you didn't mention it.
Do I like the sound of the outgoing car? You bet. I also like the sound of the 718. It has a very precision quality to it. But I didn't compare the two because, well, the old sound is gone. Period. If you really have to have it, you'll be buying a used Cayman. I prefer the driving dynamics of the 718 and I'm willing to give up a little sonic quality. Honestly, not buying this car simply because of the engine note is like kicking a supermodel out of bed for eating oatmeal raisin cookies instead of chocolate chip. Besides, if that's what stopping people from buying a car, the Mission E is doomed (and I suspect it's not).
Its a nice car but the acceleration is 0-60mph @ 4.4s? Its the same acceleration as Tesla MS 90D at much lower price. Note its not P90D or 100D or P100D.
Its pretty obvious by listening to the older 6 cylinder Cayman versus this new one. The old 6 cylinder sounds like a supercar and this new 4 cylinder turbo sounds like a tractor. There is no comparison at all.
There's a German car reviewer who had never driven a flat-6 Cayman and he didn't mind the sound of the 718 S. I think it's one of those deals where if you were aware of the past the flat-4 is horrible and, if you aren't, the sound is more or less acceptable.
I had a 2008 Cayman S, 2012 Cayman R then I upgraded myself to a 2015 911 three years ago that is 50% more expensive with just slightly better acceleration and top speed but sharp cornering is NOT much better than the mid engine design Cayman S. I just ordered a 2018 Cayman S with PDK, Sport Chrono package and 20 inches 911 wheel to replace the 2015 911. The new Cayman S with turbocharger can accelerate from 0 - 60 mph in 3.9 sec. or less that is faster than the 911 and once again 50% cheaper. BTW, I am making under US$300K a year!!
If you think about it who else would drop this much money when there are cars for way cheaper with the same performance numbers and even better brand new.
KpopNiDontStop I make a LOT less than $300 k a year and decided on Boxster simply because I did not see the same quality of manufacturing, quality of engineering and refined handling in other cars. I wonder where he took this $300 k from, I am suspicious , then how much an average owner of 911 or Panamera makes. Sounds to me like a made up number.
Chris Sorreda i never said it was a deal breaker or that it was bad, are you ok? you seem to have jumped to extreme conclusions. did my comment trigger you? +bigbitch 2755 stop stalking me, 8 months of this is just insane.
Great insightful Video ! the only thing missing from that Porsche is the fantastic 3.4 Litre flat 6 engine - sad. I made a DIY video review of my Cayman S 3.4 - it wont worry Grand Tour but hey, I enjoyed making it, check it out Tom!
if you make 300k/yr you could go for a 458 instead of 911. A GT4 cayman also need to cost 100k+ that is as much as a 911. Maybe cayman is a little bit slower than 911, but who cares? For me, a 0.5s delay in 0-62mph doesn't matter because I am not going to have a drag race with somebody, its just a daily drive sport car and it faster than most 4 doors cars. Think about ip6 and ip6s. Its true that 911 has a better engine, but they looked similar.
