C8 Corvette vs Porsche Cayman - Best mid-engine? - Everyday Driver TV Season 8 

I have a 718 Cayman, and my buddy has a C8 Z51 with magnaride. We swapped cars one day, and I was blown away by the power and the incredible ride quality of the C8. He was absolutely flabbergasted at the steering feel and nimbleness of my Cayman. At the end of the day, they're both incredible cars, especially for the money. Granted, my Cayman has a manual..... And to me that makes all the difference in the world lol

I think that a Cayman GTS or S with the 6 Cylinder engine would have been a better comparison to the Corvette C8 Z51

Oh yes, the mythical $60k C8... you should mention the markups so that C8 is actually $90k.

I love how everyone says the C8 starts at 60k, when we all know not a single one has sold for that.

As a Car Lover watching these 2 drive these cars with such a back drop is so cinematic. I feel like a kid watching SpeedRacer ;)

Had the cayman and now the C8….well the C8 wins for me…hate to say this because I love Porsche over GM by 99%

718 turbo is the most underrated sports car ever. I drove one from L.B. to Phoenix in 4hrs, and it was one of the most fun drives Ive ever had. Great car that made it all the way to Tomopah on one tank of gas.

For a car guy it's hard to look at the c8 and not just think wow, that's a corvette? that's an $80k car..they are just stunning, and look and perform like 200k supercars. I am blessed with the ability to like something from every maker, i don't pick sides, i love me a Porsche, the 718 is unreal, but for 70-80k i'm taking the vette.

As an owner of a C8 who absolutely loves the car, I understand your pick. But if something goes wrong with the Porsche, I bet you it will cost more to fix than the C8........ Love the content guys - Thanks !!!!!!!

Epic scenery, makes me want to go visit the states again. Roads look good. Todd and Paul were awesome as always. Keep it up guys. Big love from UK.

Great cars. If given the choice: Base Cayman vs. Base C8, I'd choose the C8. Cayman GT4 vs. C8, I'd choose the GT4. Cayman GT4 RS vs C8 Z06, I'd choose the Z06.

Great review, great cars, beautiful scenery, awesome video! I love watching these videos for their excellent production quality, even though I couldn't afford either of these cars!

Why do car reviewers so rarely mention the Targa Top feature of the C8 Corvette? Taking the top off transforms the car and offers an experience you can't get with a regular coupe.

Both cars are outstanding. I first purchased a new 2014 Cayman 275 hp, 6cyl. PDK trans and still have it. H.P. is great, but 99%+ of the time you don't need it. With Porsche is pure German QUALITY engineering and the handling is beyond an adjective I can think of now. I'm so glad GM saw the light going to mid engine. Eventually they will perfect it. To date, I've only done routine maintence (8 years now) and I do perfer the Caman over the 911.

I would love the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0. Naturally aspirated 4.0 liter flat 6 with 6 speed manual. That is the perfect combination right there!

As I am 6'3" I beg to differ with you. I drove all the way from Athens, Ga to Hilton Head Porsche to buy a Cayman, just like this one. Same gorgeous color!! However, on the test drive, I could not find one comfortable position to drive this car. Therefore, I bought another 911. Love a 911 for comfort!!

Did anyone else start looking for a coyote chasing a roadrunner in this environment? Just beautiful

I'm sorry, you guys are in dreamland. I love Porsche, and I respect the lightness of the Cayman/Boxster and I like turbo engines too - but - you're telling me you would take a 4 cylinder base engine, lackluster exhaust note on a 6 year old platform over a car with a sub 3 second 0-60, awesome exhaust note and styling (admittedly subjective) on a brand new platform? You just get so much more car with the C8 (like a removable roof). You would be absolutely nuts to take the Cayman in this comparison - that base engine is simply not enough. I do give props to Porsche for offering the manual though.

I love both of these cars and am a huge Porsche fan. However, despite being more nimble and refined, the turbo 4 is a huge turnoff for me. If I wanted a turbo 4, I’d buy a sti or golf r. The v8 has a sound and feel that can’t be matched by the tiny turbo. If it were the soulful screaming Porsche flat six, way better comparison for me.

I have a 718 Boxster. On balance nothing compares. Handling, storage, fuel economy and sheer fun in a car you can take on long road trips is amazing.

As someone who driven both (owned 981 GTS also), driven new GT4/GTS 4.0.......I can say C8 is a car that gives performance/money ratio (In US only in MSRP)....... But the car I always wanted back to driving it again is Porsche Cayman, I never get bored from it (even the fact that I driven GTS for 6 years and done over 45K miles)....... Car is more than a V8 and 0-60 and Cayman is just like that....... I will say this: you won't understand what I say until you own Porsche, cause they don't make sense on paper but realty is there's a reason why price is high, cause Porsche develops their sports car 2 years straight on Nurburging testing it over and over again! That's costly since each years costs millions of dollars development time

I have a 718s with sports exhaust and I don't get the hate. Down low it's like a rumbly v8 and up top it has kind of a 918 note. Its efficient, very powerful and pretty revvy for a turbo.

I think the Cayman is a better design in and out- simple and elegant. The Corvette is too visually busy.

simply the most thorough and well presented driving videos extant. Thanks!

I loved the 981 Cayman GTS around the track (recall on the 981 Cayman and Boxster by the way) and I've heard nothing but great things about 718's platform but I don't want the turbo 4 I want the flat 6, now I just need to make enough money to buy once. The C8 Corvette is great, I've driven many corvettes and the C8 is just amazing and I can't wait for it's 5.5L flat plane crank V8 with 617hp to come out as that will make it special.

I'm glad you both went with your heart and chose the car you genuinely felt was better, even though there must have been pressure to choose the C8 even if it was not quite as good, due to the power, newness, American made, Porsche fatigue, any number of reasons. Ultimately there is a reason Porsche is so well regarded. Great video, keep it up!

Beautiful shots and insights as always!

As the owner of a 987.2 6 spd Cayman, which I love, more power is always welcome IMO. Great episode guys!

One of the best things about this channel is trying to figure out where your driving the cars. Valley of fire?

I got a 65K Manual C7 Grand Sport over a 718 and couldn't be happier. The 718 felt underpowered, and the GTS wasn't worth the extra 10K IMO. That being said, the Porsche was a nicer ride, was a bit comfier, and way more civil than my Vette. Can't go wrong with either but don't sleep on those C7s!

Thanks for the amazing filming and video footage! I'm a huge Porsche fan but I would have to go with the attention getting Vette.

Really well done, loved the creative landscape shots!!

Light weight fixes everything, especially when driving a sports car. If Porsche can make a car that weighs as much as a 4c or Exige/Elise, it will be the best sports car.

I have a 718 Boxster and any time a car enthusiast rides with me they're shocked at how it handles and drives.

I don't subscribe to a lot of channels. But after 5 videos I am a fan. Thank you gentleman for producing such wonderful content.

Honestly, I'd like a revisit of this with current market prices on both. What do the trims look like when they're matched on price once the markups are applied?

I've got an allocation for a 2022 base Cayman. Delivery in January. I wanted the experience of a Porsche.

Speaking as an ex owner. Both cars don't sound great (stock, in cabin) unless you're into low tones (which OFC many of us are, I'm not). 981 cayman had such a high pitched, high strung glorious tone. That's why so many want to go back. Yes yes 718 still a great car objectively, but emotionally speaking it doesnt hit the spot once you've expeirence the previous cayman

Pure pleasure to watch. Great job!

Love the show guys ... Never miss an episode

Great Video Guys. Love your channel. I had the same trouble choosing my next car. It was between the C8 and the 718 GT4. ADM on both cars. 25k for the C8 and 10k for the GT4 here in so cal. It came down to quality of the build, driveablity and not to mention resell. Here in so cal where I live You'll see 5 or 6 new C8 everyday but I yet to see a GT4 on the road. I went with a 2021 Guards Red GT4 a little more money but I couldn't be happier with my choice.

Great comparison here and it really looks like you guys struggled with a winner. As much pride as we all have for the 'Vette the Porsche is a more driver-centric choice. As an Abarth 500 owner I always appreciate smaller and lighter, luxury to me is control and feel because I would gladly drive an F1 car to work if I could. I have to hand it to GM though, they know their customer so well and people like me usually don't choose the Corvette, that car is not made for us. They designed it specifically for it's previous clients but gave it a mid-engine layout because it was the logical next step, there was no where else to go with a front engine. They wanted to broaden their customer base to exotic buyers and they succeeded. Now, bring on the Z06 and change the minds of people like myself and prove to the world that American manufacturers are of equal value to Europe.

Guys, you're killing it. Great comparo!!!

Man you guys do a great job. Thanks for the journey, the deep thoughts and we'll spoken opinions on each of these amazing cars. Also for the light comedy with the wildlife haha! It makes for a well rounded and enjoyable video that makes you anticipate the next one. Bravo again gents.

Absolutely loved this comparison.

A manual GT4. It's not in the same class but that car is sexy AF

Great video! You guys are terrific!

I went from a manual 987 Cayman to a Z51 C8. It was actually the EverydayDriver C7 vs. C8 episode that convinced me I had to get a C8! Initially I wanted a 718 GTS but my build was $109k vs $86k for the loaded 3LT. Just couldn't justify the price difference and turbos or not, no way was I going to buy a 4 cyl. I miss the 3rd pedal at times but no regrets on my decision.

Great video, but I would have went with a lightly spec Cayman S to compare it with. Great content as always though!

17:32 I think that Bighorn Sheep may have been my spirit animal. I have the same tan lines.

We have a 718 boxster. Incredible car. May be a 4 banger, but it sounds great and has the perfect amount of power and handling.

A nose-to-nose comparison between arch-rival sports cars with similar pricing and mission statements is as much a test of the insights of the journalists as it is of the cars. And these guys pull it off without feeling the need to show us how clever they are. Thanks for this! Comparing each contender's ability to carry out both performance and daily driver functions, they call it like they see it, stating forthrightly where one dominated. Other testers tend to agree with these guys that the Cayman is the best mid-engine sports car on today's market. I prefer its restrained styling, its fingertip road feel, and its cushy ergonomics to the Vette's boy-racer styling, somewhat numb controls, poor exterior visibility, and cramped interior. For my tastes it is too "look at me" flash. The Vette's supercar pretensions make a manual transmission redundant, but the Cayman was ordained by the gods to have a manual. From what I'm reading here, a manual Cayman could well be the best all-round sports car (NOT exotic) at any price. And as for the Vette, its owner base will love it. The new model continues to be America's take on the sports car -- big, bold, and fast -- and its designers seem to have succeeded in transforming it to mid-engine configuration, upping its performance with plenty in reserve for faster versions to come along, while keeping its fantastic value for the dollar. I can see future versions of this Vette going after the GT3 and other exotics, its price rising accordingly, while the Cayman gets detail refinements only, as befitting its is status as Porsche's, and maybe the industry's, benchmark sports car.

The Corvette has had to come from some much further. It had to recreate itself to become the new C8. In doing so it elevated itself to a new level of performance and image. Just for that I have to choose the Corvette. Oh yes and plus it is a naturally asperated engine. Beast performance without a turbo charger. 2 thumbs up Chevrolet !!

I just saw chevydude selling a 2021 2LT C8 with the Z51 package for $109,985. That’s GTS 4.0 money, closing in on GT4 money. Great content, keep the comparisons coming!!!

Great video, guys!

Very helpful vid while doing my covid sports car shopping. I am taking my time to make the right decision this time around.

Thank you for making this obvious comparison. People cross shop these cars and a lot of people don't make comparison videos with them.

I would not buy a 718 Cayman with the 4 cylinder engine but a Cayman GT4 or the last generation Cayman S in a heartbeat.

Paul impersonating the Cayman at 7:11 was just hilariously precise! I'm laughing HARD at it! Genius!

I love two things: seeing my “backyard desert” in these films, and the fact that you always tell us what it’s like to be tall in these cars. I’m 6’4”, and not all cars fit me !

Own both of these cars.... the C8 is superior in every aspect!

Sold my C8. Great car but just something I can’t explain…..I didn’t LOVE it Porsche is a bucket list for me and when the market becomes more favorable I’ll pull the trigger. Probably the 911.

Can't get a manual w/ the C8 = fail. Was for me. Went w/ the Cayman S. Got it today. C8 waterfall controls = silly. Love the fact you guys make me feel I get it, I mean you guys are the pros.Mine came in just over (as of 2024) the C8 - I could have got the C8 for actually a decent bit less, but I couldn't see it. Sure, the volumous brute power is great, but it's how that power is wrapped and applied on the tarmac which didn't win for me.

Best commentary I've heard from you guys so far.

I agree on what you said about the sound of the four cylinder 718 compared to the six cylinder 981 or 987 generations, a lot of people are not too happy about it. That was one of the main reasons for me why I went with a 2011 Boxster Spyder that is not only about 170 lbs lighter than the standard Boxster, the cooler roof, mine is a manual, is very rare (less than 2,000 units built worldwide) but also has the glorious 3.4 liter six with 320hp. Still - the C8 is a gorgeous car!

Good video guys! I love my C8, but I value your opinions! I grew up with corvettes and muscle cars, so that 6.2 speaks to my soul. I also like to hit the track and the corvette is sublime there (in track alignment and a brake pad change). Its my working mans supercar and im sorry but, youll have to pry it from my cold dead hands!

Great episode! this show ROCKS!

Great video guys, what action camera did you use in the cockpit

I just had an epiphany. The reason some car enthusiasts think power is what makes a sports car has to do with geography. A lot of American car enthusiasts don't live on the west coast or in the Rockies, where a curvy back road is easily accessible. So for them, the way a sports car gives thrills is 90% acceleration: big boulevards or massive 6 lane highways, or from light to light. The torque and sounds and being the big guy on the road are what wins. I get it. But for Paul and Todd (and myself), a lightweight lower power car gives much more thrills when you exchange power for tossable handling and high grip around slow corners. Revving out a 300hp car is a thrill. If you've never experienced that, then the idea that a 450hp Corvette is worse than a 300hp 4cyl Porsche sounds absurd. But trust me, it isn't. It all depends on where and how you drive. (That said Porsches are not a great value when new. You are paying about 20k just for the prestige. Sucks, but that's how it is)

What’s the name of those roads and where was that filmed?!

This is sooo good! Huge help to make a decision

I have a 2021 base Boxster 718 with the four things I didn’t see on the Cayman as shown. Correct me if I’m wrong, but the Cayman tested didn’t have manual, PASM, Torque Vectoring, or the Sport Chrono package. All of these on my 718 make it that much more a drivers car. It is a great pleasure to drive, especially on curves in Sport + mode with the dampers tightened. If you guys get a chance, test the 718 with these engineering goodies. Also, you can build a base like I have with these options for

After listening to this review it sounds like you have stock in Porsche. I can understand you might not have the space you need being over 6 foot tall. Not having the manual transmission is definitely a game changer for alot of people. As far as your opinion of the car having to much power, I can't agree! Before going out to Ron Fellows performance driving school I might have agreed with you, but now I believe you are always looking for more performance in a supercar! The c8 has alot more performance to offer than the Porsche! It has alot more space for trips and every day driving. You don't need too order alot of options to give it more performance, just the z51 and magnetic ride control!

Gotta go Corvette all the way!!

What a breakthrough. For 40 years you were allowed to compare a European car that costs twice as much as an American car. First unbiased comparison i have seen.

These guys do the best reviews hands down.

Should have compared the Cayman GTS 4.0. C8? C YA!!

Owning my C8 has been such a satisfying experience. It is a stunning car to look at. It handles like a dream and is fun as heck to drive. You want to pass someone? It is done. There is no discussion, resistance is futile.

Great vid! I am a long time Porsche devotee, but love my C8 HTC. I was offered a straight trade for a 2022 911 (due to silly C8 markups) and I turned it down. I will have 992, and a Cayman at one point but I can’t swap the C8, it’s just too fun and rewarding.

Thanks for the video. I will buy the C8 convertible....not a close call.

That opening side by side on the road even further reaffirms my choice of a 718. The C8 looks huge next to it. Granted, I prefer small cars. So highly biased in that regard.

I don't care how good the driving dynamics in the Cayman are, I refuse to buy a car at that price range with a 4 cylinder.

1. Love love love the scenery, cinematography, commentary and editing! Super job guys! 2. Finally! You drive a white Porsche! 🙂 you are now allowed to park in my all white cars driveway! 🤣 3. I like the exhaust sound of the Cayman better than my 95 993 but love my 993 body curves better. #Porsche please bring back the big body curves! #I like big body curves and I can not lie! 4. I must drive those fantastic roads soon! 5. Agree it's a tough choice between the two but I'd choose the Cayman's curves over the hard edges of the Corvette but respect people who like the Corvette as it is a very cool looking car. 6. Thanks for all the hard work you put into this video! Watching It was the highlight of my evening! Cheers! 👍😎👍

Paul and Todd. You make me happier and happier about my recent 987.2 6spd CS purchase

Great video, but I wonder why not compare the cayman s or even the gts? Also no mention of the tech that comes on the c8 vs cayman... really c8 is superior in the tech and creature comforts I believe and that is a factor. Both fantastic cars, keep the great content coming.

"Coming to the C8, I thought...with all of it's compromises and all of it's flaws...This can't possibly be a good car" Huh?? What are all these compromises and flaws you are referring to? Or better yet, what have you been smoking, Paul!??

I was looking to purchase something fun, and it was down to these two cars. It was a hard decision, as both are great cars! I chose the Cayman! It has more of a "fun factor" to it! Not near the power of the Corvette, but the ride and handling are amazing!

Are the GT1 seats more comfortable for daily driving than the GT2 seats assuming they are both in a 2LT? I'm considering the LT3 but I can't choose GT1 seats and if they are more comfortable that's more important to me.

That "special" feeling is where I get hung up. I've driven both of these, and the sound of the 4 banger leaves a lot to be desired, while that chunky V8 sounds real nice. But more than that, or maybe because of that, you just FEEL like you're driving something special, a super car when you drive the C8. When you drive the 718 I feel like I'm just driving a new & more refined version of my 987. It doesn't make you feel special, they're a dime a dozen where I live, they go entirely unnoticed, including by the driver (until you get to the twisties, that is). I think I'd go with the C8 between these 2, and that's b/c I don't live in the twisties, I daily drive my car and only go to the twisties like once a month or so. If I'm spending 80k, I want to spend 80k on a car that puts a smile on my face every time I start it up, that turns heads, and makes me feel like I'm driving something special. I don't want to spend 80k for the once a month I hit up the twisties, and get stuck with an 80k daily driver with kinda stiff suspension the other 29 days of the month. So that's where I get hung up, I feel like I'm spending it all on a daily driver and that I'm making a compromise. And with the front-lift in the vette, I'm able to get into my driveway FULLY PERPENDICULAR (no angle at all), meanwhile I need HARD angle on any Cayman to not tap the bumper, so from that perspective the C8 almost feels more usable in daily life, especially when you combine it with the mag ride. So in summary, the vette has nicer suspension on imperfect roads, more ground clearance with the front-lift, better infotainment, makes you smile more when you hit the 'GO' pedal, is significantly faster, depreciates less, is more reliable, and gives you a feeling that you're driving something special. The Cayman gives you faster turn-in, better road feel, and a manual transmission. And as much as I love manuals, that nor the other 2 things are enough to pull me to the other camp on this one. I will be replacing my 987 with something, and as much as I absolutely loved the Porsche experience (I def. see where Paul is coming from because the same sorta happened to me when I bought my Cayman), I believe it'll be replaced with a C8.

Funny how it essentially just comes down to whether you prefer power or handling/feel. You didn't really mention the main demographics tho - the cars are largely designed around their buyers, if you think about it.

I understand your reasoning for picking the cayman is the manual transmission. I wish the corvette had a manual transmission.

The inclusion of the Cayman guarantees we get “Giddy Paul”!!! He’s turned up to 11 on this one. Good stuff!

Cayman is pure and beautiful and way better than that tacky looking Corvette

I treat the Cayman/Boxster as the next step up from a MX5. If you like driving on tight twisty roads, you likely wouldn't even consider the Corvette. Its too big and powerful. More of a muscle car.

Great review. I like these guys.

This is so much fun, and also comparing to The Straight Pipes that picked the Corvette over the Boxster GTS 4.0 in their testing. I'm in Europe and over here the price parity is between the Z51 with mag ride or the GTS 4.0. The 4 cyl 718 Cayman with a manual gearbox is HALF the price of the C8 Z51 with mag ride, which is the only version being imported. The Boxster even less.

I own a 991 Carrera and I would probably take the C8. I know I would never ever make the effort to wake up early on Sunday to go out and interact with another 4 cyl turbo.

how does going from front engine to mid engine make it any more of a better comparison to the cayman than the REAR engine 911? Like even before the change the better comparison was the cayman.

Next test on same road: Dodge Ram, Bighorn Edition. Just kidding. Nice comparison! Keep up the great work.

The C8 is an IMSA racer against 911s and every other super car…and kicks arse!