2013 Porsche Cayman

The entry-level Porsche Cayman uses a rear-mounted flat-six, quad-cam engine. The Cayman has a 2.7 litre version with a total output of 275hp, offered with a choice of six-speed manual or a seven-speed PDK twin-clutch. Zero to 60mph is dispatched in 5.4 seconds, cars equipped with the optional PDK gearbox see a slightly quicker 5.3 second time. The gain is reversed when it comes to top speed with the manual managing 165mph against the PDK’s 164mph.

Talking about the manual and PDK gearbox, we had the chance to try both during our stay in Scotland. In the latest generation Porsche 911 the difference between the PDK and 7-speed manual gearbox is quite significant in favour of the PDK in terms of performance and desirability. In the Cayman however the difference between the manual gearbox and PDK is smaller and mostly comes down to personal preference. In our case we prefer the Cayman with a manual gearbox.

Certainly, the Cayman may be too singularly focused for many drivers (not to mention expensive). As such, there are many choices among sports cars in this range likely to tug on your heart strings. Choices like the Boxster, BMW Z4, BMW M3, Chevrolet Corvette and Lotus Exige all cater to different sports car tastes. If you've got the cash, there is also the always classic, always excellent 911. However, if you're most interested in the best-handling, most forgiving and most involving Porsche, you may find the 2010 Porsche Cayman to be an even more excellent, soon-to-be classic.

Engine layout Mid-engine
Number of cylinders 6
Displacement 2.7 l
Power 275 hp
@ rpm 7400 rpm
Torque 213 lb.-ft.
Compression ratio 12.5 : 1
Transmission Manual Porsche Doppelkupplung
Manual Gearbox 6-speed with dual-mass flywheel and self-adjusting clutch -
Tiptronic S
 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung
Performance Manual Porsche Doppelkupplung
Top Track Speed 165 mph 164 mph
0 - 60 mph 5.4 sec (5.1 sec in Sport Plus mode)
MSRP
$ 52,600.00

EPA-estimated fuel economy is quite good for a sports car. A Cayman with the manual will return 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 combined, while the PDK improves that to 20/29/24. The Cayman S with a manual is estimated to achieve 19/26/22, and PDK improves mileage to 20/29/23.