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2008 Porsche Cayman Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Porsche Cayman Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Porsche Cayman Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Porsche Cayman Review
The 2008 Porsche Cayman is largely unchanged. These two-seat midengine coupes share their basic designs with Porsche's Boxster convertible. Like the Boxster, Cayman has front and rear cargo compartments and horizontally opposed 6-cylinder engines. Base and S trim levels are available. Base models have 245 hp from their 2.7-liter 6-cylinder. S versions have 295 hp from a 3.4-liter engine. Manual or automatic transmission is offered. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that offer head and torso protection. Options include a navigation system and Porsche's Sport Chrono Package with a dashboard stopwatch and sensors that modify throttle, traction, and suspension systems to suit racetrack-type driving. Also optional is Porsche's Active Suspension Management with normal and sport settings.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
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2008 Porsche Cayman Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Ride |
| Brake performance | Entry/exit |
| Steering/handling | Cargo room |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
In Consumer Guide testing, a base Cayman averaged 22.9 mpg. Test S models averaged 20.5-22.8 mpg. All require premium-grade gas.
| 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 20.5-22.8 mpg. All require premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Rich-feeling, carefully assembled cabin materials enhance the sophisticated ambiance, but Porsche charges extra for amenities some rivals include as standard, including full leather upholstery and power seats.
| Base w/Sport Pkg., manual | S w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Rich-feeling, carefully assembled cabin materials enhance the sophisticated ambiance, but Porsche charges extra for amenities some rivals include as standard, including full leather upholstery and power seats.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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 demands some flexibility.
| 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 demands some flexibility.
Room/Comfort (rear)
(No rear seating.)
| Base w/Sport Pkg., manual | S w/navigation, manual | Class Average |
| 0 | 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
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. Little in-cabin storage space.
| 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. Little in-cabin storage space.
Value within Class
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.
| 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 |
| 55 | 55 | 56.5 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 39 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 65 |
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2008 Porsche Cayman Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 2-door coupe | $49,400 | $43,075 | $860 |
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| S 2-door coupe | $59,100 | $51,567 | $860 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.7-liter 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, bucket seats w/power recliners, center console, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, trip computer, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, heated washer nozzles, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear spoiler, 205/55ZR17 front tires, 235/50ZR17 rear tires, alloy wheels.
S adds to Base:
Powertrain
3.4-liter 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Upgraded sound system, variable-intermittent wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
235/40ZR18 front tires, 265/40ZR18 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Pkg.
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||
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Base
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$1,990
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$1,692
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S
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$2,190
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$1,862
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Heated seats, upgraded sound system (Base), Bose sound system (S), rain-sensing wipers, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, floormats, wheel caps.
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Preferred Pkg. w/Tiptronic
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Base
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$4,890
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$4,157
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S
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$4,995
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$4,246
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Preferred Pkg. and 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
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Preferred Plus Pkg.
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S
|
$4,995
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$4,246
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Preferred Pkg. plus power seats, CD changer, bi-xenon headlights.
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Preferred Plus Pkg. w/Tiptronic
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S
|
$7,995
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$6,796
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Preferred Plus Pkg. plus 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual shift capability.
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Sport Pkg.
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Base
|
$2,680
|
$2,278
|
|
6-speed manual transmission, Porsche Active Suspension Management.
|
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Sport Chrono Pkg.
|
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Base, S
|
$960
|
$816
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Analog and digital chronometer; sport button to modify throttle, traction, and suspension systems.
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Powertrain |
||
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5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
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Base, S
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$3,210
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$2,729
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|
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Safety |
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Ceramic-composite brakes
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S
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$8,150
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$6,928
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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Base, S
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$530
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$451
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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Base, S
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$3,110
|
$2,644
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Automatic climate control
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Base, S
|
$550
|
$468
|
|
Leather upholstery
|
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Base, S
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$2,095
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$1,781
|
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Power seats
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Base, S
|
$1,550
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$1,318
|
|
Includes driver-seat memory and lumbar adjustment.
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Adaptive sport seats
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Base, S
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$2,695
|
$2,291
|
|
Includes adjustable side bolsters, power seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors).
|
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Heated seats
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Base, S
|
$500
|
$425
|
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6-disc CD changer
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Base, S
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$650
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$553
|
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Bose sound system
|
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Base
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$1,665
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$1,415
|
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S
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$950
|
$808
|
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Automatic day/night rearview mirror
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Base, S
|
$690
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$587
|
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Includes rain-sensing wipers.
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Rear wiper
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Base, S
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$360
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$306
|
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Floormats
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Base, S
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$90
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$77
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Bi-xenon headlights
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Base, S
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$1,090
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$927
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Includes washers.
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Special paint
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Base, S
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$690
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$587
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Porsche Active Suspension Management
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Base, S
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$1,990
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$1,692
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18-inch alloy wheels
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Base
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$1,235
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$1,050
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Includes 235/40ZR18 front tires, 265/40ZR18 rear tires.
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19-inch alloy wheels
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S
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$1,550
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$1,318
|
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Base
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$2,785
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$2,367
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|
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||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Porsche Cayman Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Porsche Cayman 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 95.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 172.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2954 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | -- |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc H6 | dohc H6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.7 /164 | 3.4 /207 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 245 @ 6400 | 295 @ 6250 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 201 @ 4600 | 251 @ 4400 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 20/29 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | 19/28 | 18/26 |
| 5-speed automatic | 19/26 | 18/25 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Porsche Cayman 2-door coupe |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 10/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Porsche Cayman Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Porsche Cayman Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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