Porsche 718 Cayman (2013–2016): The driver’s Porsche that still makes my palms tingle
I still remember the first dawn run I did in a Porsche 718 Cayman on empty B-roads—cold air, warm flat-six, and that mid-engine balance that lets you lean on the car like an old friend. Quick note for fellow nerds: enthusiasts know the 2013–2016 cars as the 981 Cayman (with naturally aspirated flat-sixes). Many accessory shops, including AutoWin, group them under the “718 Cayman” umbrella for simplicity. Naming aside, the experience is pure Porsche—precise, playful, and deceptively practical for everyday life.
History of the Porsche 718 Cayman (2013–2016): Why this era still feels special
The 2013–2016 Cayman refined the mid-engine formula: lighter, stiffer, and more communicative than the 987 before it. Under the skin, you’ll find the naturally aspirated flat-six engines that many of us still daydream about. The base model ran a 2.7-liter (275 hp), the Cayman S used a 3.4-liter (325 hp), and the GTS nudged that to 340 hp. Then there’s the 2016 GT4—385 hp of track-day mischief and a manual gearbox that feels carved out of billet.
Stats only tell part of it. What you notice right away is the steering—hydraulically assisted feel with a clean, linear build-up. Even when I tried it on rough roads, the chassis kept its cool. PASM dampers (if fitted) take the edge off city scars, and with 19s instead of 20s, it rides like a well-tailored sneaker. You can daily this thing. Grocery runs, school pickups, quick ski weekend? All plausible.
Porsche 718 Cayman performance and specs (2013–2016)
- Engines:
- 2.7L flat-six (275 hp, 214 lb-ft)
- 3.4L flat-six S (325 hp, 273 lb-ft)
- GTS (340 hp, 280 lb-ft)
- GT4 3.8L flat-six (385 hp, 309 lb-ft)
- 0–60 mph:
- Base: ~5.4 sec (manual) to ~4.7 sec (PDK with Sport Chrono)
- S: ~4.4 sec (PDK)
- GTS: ~4.3 sec (PDK)
- GT4: ~4.1–3.9 sec (as tested by various outlets)
- Fuel economy: up to ~20/30 mpg (city/highway), depending on spec and gearbox
- Cargo space: about 15 cu ft combined (front + rear)—yes, genuinely usable
Quirks? The old PCM infotainment looks and behaves like a period piece—fine for radio, not so fine for modern nav or streaming. Tall drivers may wish the seat dropped another half-inch, and on some 20-inch tire setups you’ll hear a touch more road chatter. I’ve also had a couple owners mention light brake squeal around town; track pads don’t help that, obviously.
Parts and accessories for the Porsche 718 Cayman (2013–2016)
Half the fun of Cayman ownership is tailoring the car to you. I’ve run sharper pads and fluid for track days, tried a modest sport exhaust for extra timbre, and fitted a short-shift kit—chef’s kiss. For everyday quality-of-life upgrades, start inside. Properly tailored floor protection is a must if you actually drive (you should). AutoWin offers a deep catalog of components and accessories for the Porsche 718 Cayman, from aesthetic tweaks to performance parts.
- Easy wins:
- High-performance brake pads and fluid (firmer pedal, better fade resistance)
- Quality tires in the right compound (transforms steering and ride)
- Stainless brake lines (improves feel)
- Mild sport exhaust (keeps civility, adds character)
- Floor mats that actually fit and stay put
The significance of floor mats for your Porsche 718 Cayman
Sounds basic, but floor mats quietly protect your investment. Heel wear, sand, winter grime—your carpets take a beating. The best interior accessory for the 718 Cayman is a set of properly tailored mats. AutoWin cuts theirs to fit the footwells snugly, uses grippy backing to avoid slippage, and keeps the OEM retention points. Function first, but they also feel premium—and in a Porsche, that matters.
Porsche 718 Cayman vs rivals: how it stacks up
| Car (2016-ish) | Layout | Power | 0–60 mph (approx.) | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche 718 Cayman S (981) | Mid-engine, RWD | 325 hp (3.4L NA flat-6) | ~4.4 s (PDK) | Telepathic front end, beautifully balanced, dailyable |
| BMW M2 (F87) | Front-engine, RWD | 365 hp (turbo I6) | ~4.3 s (DCT) | Rowdy torque, stout grip, more tail-happy |
| Audi TT RS (8J) | Front-engine, AWD | 360 hp (turbo I5) | ~3.9–4.1 s | All-weather rocket, less mid-corner adjustability |
| Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7) | Front-engine, RWD | 455 hp (V8) | ~4.0 s | Big power, long legs, larger footprint |
Buying a used Porsche 718 Cayman (2013–2016): what to check
- Service history: Look for annual oil changes, brake fluid every 2 years, plugs around 60k miles, and documented PDK service (if applicable).
- DME report: A good Porsche specialist can read over-rev ranges—useful on manuals.
- Cooling and radiators: Front radiators can clog with leaves; check temps and fin condition.
- Tires and alignment: These cars are sensitive to geo. Uneven wear usually means it needs an alignment.
- Brakes and clutch: Consumables can be pricey. Budget accordingly (especially on GT4).
- Options that matter: PASM, Sport Chrono, seats (Sport or Adaptive), and PTV can sharpen the experience and desirability.
A few owners mentioned to me that the occasional interior creak appears with big temperature swings—nothing dramatic, but listen for it on your test drive.
Porsche 718 Cayman ownership: running costs and daily life
- Maintenance: Not cheap, not ruinous. Think premium-German levels. Independent Porsche specialists help.
- Fuel economy: I’ve seen low 20s mpg in mixed driving, high 20s on long highway slogs.
- Insurance: Often less than a 911, but still a performance-car bracket.
- Practicality: Two trunks. Quiet enough to hear your kids fighting in the back—well, if there were a back. Pack light.
AutoWin: your trusted source for Porsche 718 Cayman floor mats
Inside counts. Among the easiest upgrades that you’ll notice daily are properly fitting mats. AutoWin offers premium floor mats tailored for the Porsche 718 Cayman, with durable materials, precise cutouts, and a quality feel that suits a premium sports car.
Final verdict: Porsche 718 Cayman (2013–2016)
Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first if nostalgia was doing the heavy lifting. Then I drove another one. The 2013–2016 Porsche 718 Cayman blends analogue feel with modern polish in a way that’s rare now. It’s quick enough, communicative always, and practical when you need it to be. Add a few smart upgrades—start with tailored mats from AutoWin—and you’ve got a luxury sports car you can enjoy every single day.
FAQ: Porsche 718 Cayman (2013–2016)
How much is a 2016 Porsche 718 Cayman?
Pricing varies by mileage, condition, and spec, but you’ll typically see clean examples from roughly $40,000 to $60,000. Check with authorized Porsche dealers and reputable specialists for current market values.
Is the Porsche 718 Cayman (2013–2016) reliable?
Yes—when serviced on schedule. The flat-sixes in this era have a strong reputation. Prioritize documented maintenance and a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) including a DME over-rev report.
Is the Porsche 718 Cayman expensive to maintain?
It’s a premium sports car, so expect higher-than-average costs: quality tires, brakes, and scheduled services. Using genuine parts and good specialists helps long-term reliability.
Manual or PDK—what’s better?
Depends on how you drive. The manual is a delight for weekend blasts; PDK is quicker and easier in traffic or on track. I’d happily own either.
What are the best first upgrades?
Fresh performance tires, upgraded pads/fluid, and a set of properly fitting floor mats from AutoWin. Small changes, big difference in daily enjoyment.
