Buying a Porsche 718 Cayman (982): How to Pick the Right One

The 982-generation Cayman spans turbocharged four-cylinder coupes and a 9,000-rpm flat-six GT car. Here is how the range breaks down, and what to check before you commit.

The 982-generation Porsche 718 Cayman, built from 2016 to 2025, is really several cars wearing one body. At one end sits a 300 PS (296 hp) coupe with a turbocharged 2.0-litre flat-four; at the other, the GT4 RS with 500 PS (493 hp) from a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six^[1]. Choosing well means deciding what you want the car to be before you start shopping.

Know the range

The lineup splits into two families. Base and S cars use turbocharged flat-fours — 2.0 litres in the base car, 2.5 litres in the S and GTS^[1]. Above them, the GTS 4.0, GT4, and GT4 RS run a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six^[1]. Across the generation Porsche offered the Cayman S, T, GTS, GTS 4.0, GT4, and GT4 RS^[1]. Performance spreads to match: 0–60 mph takes 4.9 seconds in a base manual and 3.2 seconds in a GT4 RS, with top speeds running from 171 mph to 196 mph^[1]. Torque ranges from 280 lb-ft in the base car to 332 lb-ft in the GT4 RS^[1].

Spec matters

Every 982 Cayman is mid-engine and rear-wheel drive, offered with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK dual-clutch^[1]. Neither gearbox is the wrong answer, but the market treats them differently — manual GT cars in particular tend to draw the most attention, so decide early which side of that line you sit on. The four-cylinder cars are the value play; the flat-six models carry the emotional weight and, generally, the stronger demand.

Before you commit

• Service history first. A complete, stamped record from Porsche or a recognised specialist is worth paying for.
• Pre-purchase inspection. Have a marque specialist put the car on a lift and pull the over-rev report before money moves.
• Track use. GT4 and GT4 RS examples often see circuit work. That is not a fault, but it should be documented and priced accordingly.
• Options and originality. Buckets, ceramics, and factory colours move these cars; verify options against the build sheet.

Start with the full Porsche 718 Cayman database page for the complete specification picture, then compare real cars in our live 718 Cayman inventory. Buy the best-documented example of the exact variant you want — with a range this broad, precision beats compromise.