F80 vs Porsche 718 Cayman?

[fanofbmwe46]

Found a great deal on a super low mileage 2019 Cayman in a nice color combo with a few interior goodies and 20" wheels. 6spd manual of course. It's a few hours away from me but thinking about going out to test drive it.

Anyone here have experience with the 718 Cayman (non-S)? How does it compare to the F80/82? I just sold my F80 for a couple reasons related to some issues it was having and immediately have to bug for another sports car. I'm a spirited weekend fair weather driver. Not taking anything to the track. It's a 3rd car to just have fun with.. want something pretty close in power and handling to the F80 although I never really pushed it to 10/10 limits.

[D_SheerDrivingPleasure]

the base 718 is very nice/livable but I'd be left craving the n/a flat 6 engine...not that the F8x sounds any better.

Porsche still makes the best manual transmission so bonus points if this car has 3 pedals.

lots if good reviews out there. I watched this one recently.

[irunalot]

I rented a base 718 Cayman while I was out looking at Condos in another city. I had it for 5 days and enjoyed it. I obviously have no ownership experience, but from a driving standpoint I enjoyed it more than my F80. Much better suspension than a stock F80 and the steering was also miles better. What I did not like was the turbo 4, but I do not like turbo engines even the S55 to be honest. I did have an overall sportier feel than the F80 but a sorted F80 is a faster car. The 718 also felt a bit more solid with no interior rattles and fit and finish was above the BMW. This was a base model so there was a lot of plastic which I hate, but it was a higher quality than what I have seen in base M3s. Some of the center console buttons did feel a bit cheap to the touch and the touch screen is a bit dated but I could live with them. Porsche engineers a good car.

For around town driving I prefer the Porsche as it’s a true sports car, unless you need a back seat which I don’t. If you are not expecting face melting speed and race car cornering than it’s a good choice.

[gatorfast]

I went from an F80 to a 718 Cayman and couldn't be happier.

To state the obvious - the F80 is a much more powerful car. You will not get that same pin you to the back of your seat feeling in the 718. That said, the base 718 has plenty of power for a light car and endless grip. The power curve is much closer to a NA engine as it makes more power and pulls hard to red line compared to the F80s big midrange torque surge. For street driving I find the power level perfect.

Overall driving feel is really what sets the 718 apart. Its a legit sports car. Low to the ground, 2 seats, engine behind you. The 6mt is fantastic, a nice click click shifting between gears (compared to the more rubbery feel of the BMW). Handling is just sublime, there is seemingly no corner you can take too fast. Fit and finish for Porsche are top notch and of course the Cayman is one sexy car. Its the perfect second/weekend car but could easily be driven daily if you desired.

[fanofbmwe46]

Love the feedback. Thank you everyone!

[Equilibrandt]

Also just for fun - there're a few companies out there that make some really nice GT4-looking parts for the base 718s.

Techart: https://www.techart.de/en/models/box...chart-for-718/

[gatorfast]

Some pics of my 718 to help you on your journey

[MineralWhiteF80]

I went from an F80 to deciding to order a 718 Cayman S manual, but after the 718 lease was up, I decided to buy an F82 DCT…. 🧐 The Cayman and M4 are totally different cars, both are amazing and it's almost like comparing apples to oranges in a way. The Cayman is by far a better 'drivers car' and makes the M4 feel like a bigger gran touring road car. The Cayman was surprisingly a great streetable daily driver with great suspension as long as you didnt need to carry any cargo. I think the size of the BMW interior and layout of controls/buttons/infotainment was much better for an everyday fun street car. The 6 speed manual in the 718 is sooo good that it makes me not ever want to own another manual trans car other than a Porsche. I thought the 4 cylinder turbo in the Cayman was pretty good and actually sounded good except for idle, where it sounded like an old air cooled VW hippie bus. I absolutely miss the Cayman but am happy that I went back to an M4 for the type of driving I do. My ideal garage is my M4, my Jeep, and either a 982 Cayman GT4 or 991 GT3. 🤤

[fanofbmwe46]

Originally Posted by MineralWhiteF80

I went from an F80 to deciding to order a 718 Cayman S manual, but after the 718 lease was up, I decided to buy an F82 DCT…. 🧐 The Cayman and M4 are totally different cars, both are amazing and it's almost like comparing apples to oranges in a way. The Cayman is by far a better 'drivers car' and makes the M4 feel like a bigger gran touring road car. The Cayman was surprisingly a great streetable daily driver with great suspension as long as you didnt need to carry any cargo. I think the size of the BMW interior and layout of controls/buttons/infotainment was much better for an everyday fun street car. The 6 speed manual in the 718 is sooo good that it makes me not ever want to own another manual trans car other than a Porsche. I thought the 4 cylinder turbo in the Cayman was pretty good and actually sounded good except for idle, where it sounded like an old air cooled VW hippie bus. I absolutely miss the Cayman but am happy that I went back to an M4 for the type of driving I do. My ideal garage is my M4, my Jeep, and either a 982 Cayman GT4 or 991 GT3. 🤤

Nice! I have a Jeep as well. My wife and I both work from home 90% of the time but our daily drivers are a 2021 X5 Hybrid and a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The third car is just my weekend fun car when I need to go run an errand and take the long long long way to get there and back. I'm starting to think the Cayman 718 would really be a great option. I have never owned a mid engine car.

[Humdizzle]

Originally Posted by MineralWhiteF80

The 6 speed manual in the 718 is sooo good that it makes me not ever want to own another manual trans car other than a Porsche.

completely agree. i bought my f80 because it was the only manual car in the segment. But after getting a porsche... the f80s manual seems very disconnected and rubbery. clutch engagement is also not as precise.

i'll probably sell it for something dct/auto next year.

[ash4390]

I went from an F82 (and F80 prior) to a 718 GTS (6 speed) for a few months.

Night and day difference in all manners. Fit and finish (full leather dash and alcantara interior with the GTS package) was worlds above the BMW. No squeaks or rattles whatsoever. As other have mentioned, the infotainment is dated - but i use CarPlay anyways so makes no difference.

Both my F8X were DCT, but I've driven manual versions before and again... they do not compare in any shape, way, or form aside from have 6 forward gears and 1 reverse.

Driving dynamics it'll blow the F8X out of the water. Not to say that the F8X isn't good, it's just not 3000lbs and mid engine. At the end of the day, they're (heavily) tarted up 3 series and it shows eventually.

Power... this is a toughy. F8x is for sure faster, but the 718 (GTS anyways) never felt lacking. Gobs of torque from the engine compared to the 3.4 H-6 makes it really easy to drive around town, and surprisingly quick coming out of corners. I had mine tuned with the APR stage 1 (~415bhp) and it was nutty quick. MUCH quicker than my ZCP F82, but bordering on too much power for the 265 rear tires... got very squirrely.

Sound wise they're about the same when stock. Both don't sound good. F8X will sound better with an EL exhaust, and there's just no exhaust that sounds good on the Flat 4 that doesn't sound like a Subaru STI to me.

If I had to do it all again, I'd go with the 718 in a heartbeat. One of those cars that you just want to drive for the sake of driving.

[fanofbmwe46]

Originally Posted by ash4390

I went from an F82 (and F80 prior) to a 718 GTS (6 speed) for a few months.

Night and day difference in all manners. Fit and finish (full leather dash and alcantara interior with the GTS package) was worlds above the BMW. No squeaks or rattles whatsoever. As other have mentioned, the infotainment is dated - but i use CarPlay anyways so makes no difference.

Both my F8X were DCT, but I've driven manual versions before and again... they do not compare in any shape, way, or form aside from have 6 forward gears and 1 reverse.

Driving dynamics it'll blow the F8X out of the water. Not to say that the F8X isn't good, it's just not 3000lbs and mid engine. At the end of the day, they're (heavily) tarted up 3 series and it shows eventually.

Power... this is a toughy. F8x is for sure faster, but the 718 (GTS anyways) never felt lacking. Gobs of torque from the engine compared to the 3.4 H-6 makes it really easy to drive around town, and surprisingly quick coming out of corners. I had mine tuned with the APR stage 1 (~415bhp) and it was nutty quick. MUCH quicker than my ZCP F82, but bordering on too much power for the 265 rear tires... got very squirrely.

Sound wise they're about the same when stock. Both don't sound good. F8X will sound better with an EL exhaust, and there's just no exhaust that sounds good on the Flat 4 that doesn't sound like a Subaru STI to me.

If I had to do it all again, I'd go with the 718 in a heartbeat. One of those cars that you just want to drive for the sake of driving.

Thanks for the review. Cayman GTS surely takes the cake but it's also way more expensive. Do you think I would be satisfied with a base 718 Cayman… for occasional fair weather weekend street driving? Looking for great performance in long twisty open roads in rural/suburban Ohio.

[ash4390]

Originally Posted by fanofbmwe46

Thanks for the review. Cayman GTS surely takes the cake but it's also way more expensive. Do you think I would be satisfied with a base 718 Cayman… for occasional fair weather weekend street driving? Looking for great performance in long twisty open roads in rural/suburban Ohio.

I think a base Cayman will offer that and a lot more. It's only down 65hp, but the not much off the low end torque which is where I found the biggest difference from it's predecessor (I test drove a 2015 S, and immediately bought an F82 after).

If anything, for $1000 you can slap on an APR Stage 1 (350hp/303tq) when you get "bored".

I did a few mountain runs here in Vancouver - about 4 hours up our Highway 99 through Whistler, Duffy Lake, and up to Lilloet and the car just ate up corners and twisties.

What other option are specced on it (seats specifically)?

[paul.teets3]

I had a 981 Cayman S with the flat6 motor and it was an amazing car. the sound was on another level with the sport exhaust. It wasn't as fast as the turbo motors in the newer one but the power was way more linear and sounded way better

[Humdizzle]

Originally Posted by fanofbmwe46

Thanks for the review. Cayman GTS surely takes the cake but it's also way more expensive. Do you think I would be satisfied with a base 718 Cayman… for occasional fair weather weekend street driving? Looking for great performance in long twisty open roads in rural/suburban Ohio.

i'd try to stay away from just looking at the prices. focus on what the car will be worth when you sell it. i know the market is a bit nutty right now but... in most cases the more expensive porsche will cost you the same amount or less than the bmw.

[uluwatu06]

I am currently with an F83 and looking at the 718 Cayman (S or non-S, either).

However, i dislike the idea of having to physically slot in the key to start the ignition + the analogue dash. I am quite interested in features/techs so i am not sure if purchasing the 718 Cayman is a good idea.

Yesterday, i sat in the Z4 M40i G29 and of course i do love the interior.

Is it still a good idea to purchase the 718 Cayman if my interests lie in features and techs of a car?

[Arcades]

Originally Posted by uluwatu06

I am currently with an F83 and looking at the 718 Cayman (S or non-S, either).

However, i dislike the idea of having to physically slot in the key to start the ignition + the analogue dash. I am quite interested in features/techs so i am not sure if purchasing the 718 Cayman is a good idea.

Yesterday, i sat in the Z4 M40i G29 and of course i do love the interior.

Is it still a good idea to purchase the 718 Cayman if my interests lie in features and techs of a car?

Then you already got your answer.

Current 718 cars are pure sports cars w/o distractions. If you like having tech and all that gizmo in front of you while you drive, this car isn't it.

All of your complaints are extremely minor in the grand scheme of things because tech is the one thing that ages the quickest. Z4 is no where close to as good of a car as a Cayman/Boxster. I'd personally take the Supra over the Z4 because Toyota engineers knows how to tune their cars correctly when given the right things to do it with.

Unless you drive a Cayman or Boxster, especially the cars with the Flat Six in it, it is an experience you will never get from a current BMW.

[Lauren8]

Two completely different animals here; 718 being mid-engine, while the M3/4 front engine.

[gatorfast]

Keyless start is an option called Entry and Drive. Sounds like the 718 you drive may not have had that option. With entry and drive there is a dummy key in the ignition that you turn while keeping your real key in your pocket.

Like others said though, if tech is a big consideration for you when buying a car then you should steer clear of the 718. It has adequate/basic tech but certainly nothing cutting edge. It's a pure drivers car.

[Ultimateone]

I had a 718 Cayman and it was one of the most boring cars Ive ever owned even with a tune to make it feel somewhat fast. SO much happier in my M3 nowadays.

[uluwatu06]

Thank you Arcades , Lauren8 & gatorfast for sharing your opinions on the above. And especially thankful for informing about the "Entry & Drive" feature of the Porsche. I will read up more about it.

And Ultimateone, care to share more?

[Arcades]

Originally Posted by uluwatu06

Thank you Arcades , Lauren8 & gatorfast for sharing your opinions on the above. And especially thankful for informing about the "Entry & Drive" feature of the Porsche. I will read up more about it.

And Ultimateone, care to share more?

There is literally no need.

A F8x car and a 718 car serve two different purposes.

One is a sedan, with two turbos and gives you full basically full torque at 2,600 RPMs. In earlier cars, it would give you 400+ lbs of full torque at 2,200 RPMs. Which makes the car into a tire killer among other hilarious meme inducing moments (aka crashing). The car is an instant gratification and barely makes you work for it. It also makes it close to impossible to drive it properly on the street because of the amount of power and torque it gives you.

The 718, the Turbo Fours (base, S and original GTS), the NA Flat Six (GTS 4.0, GT4, Spyder, GT4 RS) makes you work into the power band with a mid engine setup that is basically no where else aside from Porsche or Corvette. There is no instant gratification and unless you actually drive the darn thing, you will not be in its general power band. The power is usable on the street without you feeling like you are going to get a speeding ticket all the time.

I have owned a F82 and F80 basically from the start of production all the way to the end production and there is 0 doubt my Cayman is a better car. Even the basic Cayman, S or original GTS (that has the Flat Four) are great little cars that isn't as rough as my GT4. Like I said, if tech is something that is extremely important to you, then the current 718 isn't going to do it. These cars aren't designed for anything else but driving, there are no distractions. And aside from the GT4 and Spyder, all the rest of the lineup can be equipped with basically anything, including the Entry and Drive if that really does bother you, which it doesn't for me. I love turning my key. If you also care, 911s and 718s are dime a dozen.

I come from BMWs, I still love the brand but aside from the interior space, which I am not big on anymore, I am find the driving experience from BMW just severely lacking in comparison and I absolutely despise the early torque nonsense even more.