Acceleration

Base w/Sport Pkg., manual	S w/navigation, manual	Class Average
7	9	8.1

Only manual-transmission Caymans have been made available for test so far. They have smooth, ready power for any situation. S models have noticeably more muscle. The transmission has smooth shift and clutch action.

Fuel Economy

Base w/Sport Pkg., manual	S w/navigation, manual	Class Average
6	5	4.2

In Consumer Guide testing, a base Cayman averaged 22.9 mpg. Test S models averaged 20.2-22.8 mpg. All require premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Base w/Sport Pkg., manual	S w/navigation, manual	Class Average
2	3	4.4

Firm and controlled. Tire choice has a big impact on ride quality. With the 18-inch tires, Cayman traverses bumps, cracks, and patchy pavement with little undue harshness. The 19s available with the Sport Package are firmer still. The Sport mode available with Porsche's Active Suspension Management makes the ride harsh over all but the smoothest pavement. No opportunity to test models with 17-inch tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/Sport Pkg., manual	S w/navigation, manual	Class Average
10	10	8.7

Responsive and invigorating. Steering feel is natural and precise. Balance is outstanding, and grip in turns is tenacious. Braking is strong and confidence inspiring. Active Suspension Management is more of a detriment to ride quality than a boon to handling prowess. We wouldn't recommend it.

Quietness

Base w/Sport Pkg., manual	S w/navigation, manual	Class Average
4	4	4.2

The engine's location behind the seats means more mechanical ruckus than in front-engine designs, but race-car engine note delights most testers. Road noise is well-managed, considering the available wide, low-profile tires. Wind rush is unobjectionable.

Controls

Base w/Sport Pkg., manual	S w/navigation, manual	Class Average
5	4	5.6

Racy design puts the tachometer appropriately dead ahead on the instrument panel. It houses digital road-speed readout to supplement the analog speedometer. Control layout is logical, but the audio and climate systems are governed by too many undersized, look-alike buttons. The available navigation system brings more small, fussy buttons; even worse, it absorbs and complicates audio adjustments.

Details

Base w/Sport Pkg., manual	S w/navigation, manual	Class Average
8	8	6.9

Rich-feeling, carefully assembled cabin materials enhance the sophisticated ambiance. Keep in mind that Porsche charges extra for amenities some rivals include as standard, including full leather upholstery and power seats.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/Sport Pkg., manual	S w/navigation, manual	Class Average
4	4	5.8

Cayman's low-slung cockpit is roomy enough for six-footers. The seats are exceptionally supportive during aggressive cornering, but they lack long-distance lumbar firmness. Visibility fore and aft is excellent, but the view to the rear corners is compromised by excessively thick roof pillars. Entry and exit demand some flexibility.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/Sport Pkg., manual	S w/navigation, manual	Class Average
0	0	.7

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

Base w/Sport Pkg., manual	S w/navigation, manual	Class Average
3	3	2.6

Careful packing takes good advantage of cargo bays front and rear for more luggage-carrying possibilities than in many two-seaters. Note that Cayman does without a spare tire, supplying instead an emergency inflation kit. In-cabin storage space is limited overall, but Porsche includes some handy bins in the door armrests.

Value within Class

Base w/Sport Pkg., manual	S w/navigation, manual	Class Average
7	6	5.3

Some less-expensive sports cars challenge Cayman on a fun-per-dollar basis, and some like-priced competitors deliver more outright power. Few, however, match this Recommended pick's range of strengths: road manners and mechanical sophistication to satisfy the most discriminating driver, a good dose of everyday usability, and the cachet of the Porsche name. Prices quickly escalate with options, so seek a modestly equipped model for best dollar value.

Total Score

Base w/Sport Pkg., manual	S w/navigation, manual	Class Average
56	56	56.5

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		39
Average Score		56
High Score		65