The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is a 2-seater sports car with an iconic Porsche flat 6-cylinder 4.0L engine. The GTS 4.0 differs from lower-end 718 models because they rely on a relatively basic 4-cylinder which doesn’t perform as well as the 6-cylinder engine does, nor do they do so in an exciting manner. So, is Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 a good car?
The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is a really good car, and it might as well be the true sweet spot of the 718 range. The reason why is simple, it is the cheapest, yet decently equipped 718 model with a flat 6-cylinder engine which is more or less a necessity if you want to experience what a real Cayman can do.
The GTS 4.0 differs from regular 718 Caymans by being slightly lowered with a few sporty design touches inside and out. Besides the engine, the biggest differences between entry-level 718s and the Cayman GTS are in the driving department because the GTS 4.0 is a much better handling car.
Reliability is decent, but there are some issues worth talking about. The values of these are fairly static which means that depreciation is not as exaggerated as with other cars from this segment. Practicality is as good as it can be for a car of this size.
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 – The powertrain
The GTS 4.0 gets a 4.0L flat 6-cylinder Boxer engine which puts out 400hp and 309lb-ft of torque. This engine is naturally aspirated which means that it does not come with any sort of forced induction. This results in a linear power band, a high-revving engine, and a glorious flat 6-cylinder sound that is iconic for the 911 and Cayman/Boxster lineup.
The GTS is available as either a short-throw Porsche manual with three pedals or a PDK dual-clutch seven-speed transmission. All 718 models including the GTS 4.0 are rear-wheel-driven and the engine is placed in the middle of the car behind the seats which gives the 718 lineup a really balanced weight distribution.
The GTS 4.0 returns around 22MPG combined with is almost 10MPG less than the most efficient 718 models, but the GTS 4.0 powertrain is likely the best one you can buy in the entire 718 lineup because you get the most for your money.
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 – Design and chassis
The GTS 4.0 differs from a regular 718 Cayman with a few more focused design touches such as larger intakes, a lower ride height, better wheels, larger brakes, and a few GTS badges here and there. It is difficult to tell apart a well-equipped regular 718 from a GTS, but if you are a Porsche fan, you will be able to tell the difference easily.
The 4.0 GTS drives a lot more focused than the entry-level Cayman and Cayman T models because it gets stiffer chassis and the car stays incredibly flat during cornering. The suspension is stiff, but it is not punishing. All in all, the GTS drives amazingly, both on track and on-road.
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 – Reliability and common issues
When it comes to reliability, the GTS 4.0 is in line with other 6-cylinder 718 models. These are more expensive to maintain than entry-level 718s, but you do get more for your money. The most common GTS 4.0 issues are related to the engine which had lots of trouble with connecting rods and high levels of oil consumption.
Other GTS 4.0 issues are related to the A/C system, the transmission, and the equipment. If you maintain the car adequately, it is likely going to last a long time as all the vital components are known to be able to withstand stress really well.
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 – Value and practicality
The 718 GTS 4.0 costs $88,150 without any options which is a lot more than the $60,500 entry-level Cayman or the $70,000 or so Cayman T model. The Cayman S costs around $72,500 which is also far from the GTS. However, the GTS retains its value better than any of these thanks to the 4.0L flat 6-cylinder engine.
Practicality is compromised, but that is the case with all 718 models. You only get 2 seats which are limited in space and there really isn’t all that much interior room to play with. The GTS also gets two storage spaces which do help it a little bit.
FAQ Section
Is the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 worth it?
If you are the type of guy who values driver involvement above luxury, space, and practicality, you will like the GTS 4.0. However, if you are a guy who loves Porsches, especially those with flat 6-cylinder engines, you are likely going to love the GTS 4.0 Cayman.
The reason why is simple. It gets the 4.0L engine and the overall size and weight of the 718 lineup is perfect. A mid-engine layout also means that the car’s balance and weight distribution are on point which further makes the car an extremely enjoyable experience.
Is Porsche Cayman good for tall people?
If you are of average size, you will have no problems getting comfortable in the 718. However, if you are tall and if you have long legs, you might struggle in the 718. It’s more an issue of lack of legroom than it is a lack of headroom. If you do the right adjustments, you might just be able to squeeze drivers taller than 6’2’’ inches.
The Boxster 718 is even more compromised due to a slightly lower roofline. Of course, you can solve that by taking the roof off which gives you endless headroom, but the legroom is the pressing issue here as well.
Is the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 a fast car?
The 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 can do 0-60mph in just 4.3 seconds which is really fast. The top speed is rated at 182mph which is really really fast. An 11.8-second quarter-mile is nothing to be ashamed of as many supercars with more than 500-600hp fall in the same category as the GTS 4.0.
As such, we can wholeheartedly say that the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is a really fast car.
