2008 Porsche Cayman S



cayman S What is it?
The quickest and most powerful non-911 Porsche coupe, with 295bhp and 251lb ft of torque wrapped up in an attractive package weighing just 1340kg.

Is it any good?
Yes, very. The Cayman is a sensational piece of kit and ticks just about every box when it comes to delivering the kind of driving thrills you’d want – and expect – from something wearing the Porsche crest. The interior has never looked better, the seats are supremely comfortable and deliver superb lateral support as well as ample long distance comfort. The steering is beautifully weighted and communicative, delivering masses of feel through the perfectly-sized steering wheel, while the gearshift is just about one of the best we’ve ever come across – short, positive and immensely satisfying to use. The engine delivers its 295bhp without any fuss through six perfectly judged ratios and it’s both flexible, with a strong midrange and keen to rev, delivering a - slightly muted - nape-prickling howl as you chase the redline. The ride is firm without being uncomfortable, though over anything but the smoothest tarmac, the PASM feels too stiff.

One of these or a used 911?
That’s a tough one to answer. Do you want the image and additional grunt of the bigger 911 or do you value the Cayman’s nimble chassis and diminutive dimensions? The Cayman S is all the Porsche you could ever need but a 911 is all the Porsche you could ever want and it’s for that reason that we’d be opt for the used 911 – it’s just too good to say no.

Should you buy one?
It certainly makes a very compelling case for itself. It costs a little more than a Boxster, but unless you really want a soft-top then you won’t be looking for one of those anyway, and it’s quite a lot less than a 911 without being that much slower. It’s fast, thrilling to drive and looks good - a combination that’s hard to beat.

We like:
Handling, performance, steering feel, gear change etc


We don’t like:
Named after a member of the alligator family


Verdict:
The perfect Porsche? Just maybe...

Specification
Cayman S
Engine: 3387cc, flat-six water-cooled
Max Power: 295hp @ 6250rpm
Max Torque: 250lb ft @ 4400-6000rpm
Weight: 1340kg
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Max Speed: 171mph
0-62mph: 5.4 seconds
Price: £45,280


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