The Porsche 718 Cayman T is a slightly revised version of the entry-level 718 Cayman which means that it takes the regular 718 Cayman and adds additional special touches onto it to make it a more driver-friendly package. This means that the regular 718 and the 718 T are almost identical. So, Is Porsche 718 Cayman T a good car?
We have already talked about the regular 718 Cayman and said that it is indeed a really good car which means that the 718 Cayman T is also a good car. It may not have the most exciting Cayman engine out there, but no one can deny the performance it offers. The Cayman T also looks a bit better than the regular entry-level Cayman.
The biggest difference between the two is in the driving department because the Cayman T truly does feel more special to drive. It offers a slightly revised suspension and lower ride height which enables to explore the limits of traction a bit more. Reliability is decent, but there are some issues worth talking about.
The 718 T model is around $6,000 more expensive than the regular 718 T because it basically adds a few additional options to the regular 718. This means that values of these are as strong as with the regular 718. Practicality is as good as it can be with a car of this size thanks to two cargo spaces, but the interior room is limited to say the least.
Porsche 718 Cayman T – The powertrain
The Porsche 718 Cayman T gets the entry-level 2.0L boxer 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 299hp and 280lb-ft of torque. Even though this may seem a bit too weak for a Porsche, it still manages to reach 60mph from a standstill in 4.8 seconds which is about 0.2 seconds faster than the regular 718 Cayman.
The 718 Cayman T is available with two gearbox options, a 7-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox or a manual 6-speed box depending on what you value more, speed, or driver involvement. The 718 Cayman T is also strictly a RWD car as is the case with all other 718 models.
Thanks to a smaller engine, the 718 Cayman T can return around 30MPG combined which is a fairly decent number for a Porsche 2-seater sports car. The top speed is rated for 171mph which is also not something you’d necessarily expect from a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine.
Porsche 718 Cayman T – Design and chassis
Only a true Porsche enthusiast will be able to tell the difference between the regular 718 and the 718 T simply by looking at them. Granted, people who buy these cars are well versed in all the intricacies of individual models. The T gets special badges, optional stickers, and optional wheel choices which do make it stand out.
The biggest difference between the regular 718 Cayman and the 718 Cayman T is in the driving experience as the 718 T is lower to the ground and because it gets Porsche’s PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) straight from the factory. The rear wheels are also wider which gives the 718 T a wider stance and better cornering abilities.
Porsche 718 Cayman T – Reliability and common issues
When it comes to reliability, the 718 Cayman T is virtually identical to the regular 718 Cayman which means that it is decently reliable if kept in optimal condition. These cars do cost more money to maintain than many other cars from this segment, but that comes with the territory as the Porsche badge carries additional weight in other places.
The most common 718 Cayman T issues are related to the engine, the transmission, the A/C system, the fuel system, and the airbags.
Porsche 718 Cayman T – Value and practicality
The Porsche 718 Cayman T starts at around $67,000 which is about $6,000 more when compared to the regular 718 Cayman. Given the fact that both of these retain value really well, it does make sense to invest in one over some other competitors which do cost less but also don’t retain nearly as much value over the years.
Practicality-wise, the 718 Cayman T is as good as it can be considering the car’s size. It comes with both a front and back trunk space and some space behind the seats. The interior space is a bit limited for taller drivers, but average-size drivers should have no problems getting comfortable in the interior of the 718 Cayman T.
FAQ Section
Should I buy the Porsche 718 Cayman T?
If you are interested in buying the Cayman and you consider yourself to be a true petrolhead, it makes sense to upgrade to the 718 Cayman T because it truly does offer a more engaging driving experience. On the other hand, if you just want a Cayman and you don’t care about the intricacies, you are going to be more than satisfied with the regular Cayman.
The Cayman T is more or less a regular Cayman with a few selected optional features which make the car feel more engaging to drive. All in all, the 718 T is fun to drive, and it makes sense to buy one if that is your cup of tea.
Is Porsche Cayman a poor man’s 911?
No, the Porsche Cayman is a separate model that shares little to no resemblance to the 911 except that both of them are Porches. For starters, the 911 is strictly a rear-engine mounted car while the Cayman is strictly a mid-engine mounted car.
Secondly, the Cayman is smaller, has a shorter wheelbase, and weighs considerably less than the 911. It drives completely differently and many people even believe that the Cayman drives way better than the 911 because of the mid-engine configuration which ensures balance.
Is Porsche Cayman the same as the Porsche Boxster?
Yes, the Porsche Cayman is pretty much a Porsche Boxster with a hardtop roof. There aren’t any differences between the two when it comes to the powertrain, the suspension, and many other vital components.
It must be said that the Cayman is offered as the GT4 RS which is the most powerful and most expensive 718 model ever while the Boxster Spyder (the most expensive Boxster model) is nowhere near as fast nor expensive as the Cayman GT4 RS.
