2017 Porsche 718 Cayman S review

Corrections: The engine has a single turbo, not twin turbochargers and the seats are the Sport Plus variant, not the standard ones as the host states in the clip
Driving a mid-engined, turbocharged Porsche sports car is definitely an event, and the 718 Cayman S doesn’t fail to deliver, in fact it’s better than you initially think it’s going to be.
Host: Andrei Nedelea
Camera operator & video editor: Iulian Dnistran
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[@prodbyFderrick]

4 cylinder or not, the size of this car and the over all concept and design of it is awesome.

[@BlackBirds93]

You may be a small channel but I went through 200 videos trying to find a good review on this Cayman 718 and nobody had angles like you did, nobody does cinematography like you

[@Circa49]

One of the best car-review I have ever watched. Before I never heard about DriveMag. Well done. Especially the quality of the camera.

[@PunisherOfDeath101]

You did a very good job on the review. Better in ever aspect then the big channels with the exception of a track test. Well done.

[@michaelpersiano6957]

The car is a corner-devouring, jet-engine propelled beast of a machine. Porsche has produced one phenomenal machine that incorporates the best from its stable of cars. The aggressive sounding, throaty exhaust let you (and those around you know) there is something under the sleek design, and that something propels you from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds (Car & Driver instrumentation testing). It achieves a top speed of 186 mph (Automobile Magazine-Autobahn speed test), and it is easily put to the test on a highway or snaking back road. This power is EASILY accessible, unlike the predecessor, that required you to ring its neck or beat the horse to death to achieve top acceleration in each gear. Honest Porsche dealers will tell you this is THE car to buy in the current Porsche line up, and that it will outperform most of the 911s. If you opt to hop into this rocket, you need to seriously consider purchasing the S variant, PDK, PASM, the lowered chassis, 20" turbo wheels, sport chrono, and sport exhaust. This will run you close to $100,000 US and includes a 6% tax. This car was selected as the 2017 World Performance Car of the Year over the Audi R8 and the McLaren 570S. I have driven Corvettes, all the muscles, Aston Martin, Ferrari, the RCF, and of course, Porsche. This may be the best mid-engine car in the world at this juncture in time. Oh, the sound thing. It sounds awesome, and the sound will vary based on if you are in normal, sport or sport plus--it just does not sound like the predecessor, and few if any other cars in the world sounded like that. Is the flat four a step in the right direction? The performance from this car is amazing, and its handling has been taken to a new level with the integration of the 911 turbo 10% plus steering and the Carrera brakes. You can certainly spend more on Porsche's, but this is one remarkable machine for the money.

[@nls8520]

Well said Michael, I embrace the changes made and it is refreshing to hear someone sing the 718 praises rather than condemn the sound change as their sole criteria for disliking the experience.

[@marcopaterlini2397]

I'm a lucky owner of this car. She runs like a rocket

[@limenghean]

Not to mention just how beautiful it is. Best looking car Porsche has made imo

[@stefankoch9379]

Bought a 2015 981 Cayman S in January and boy am I glad. I have a '69 911E which I've had for 35 years and was looking for another Porsche as a "driver". The 718 is a nice car but I wouldn't trade it for my Cayman S, the 718's exhaust note is awful. It's sounds like magnified flatulence, Porsche will rue the day they went to a 4cylinder motor. They're running all manner of deals on new Caymans as they are sittingbringatrailer.com/listing/2004-porsche-911-gt3-3/ on dealer lots collecting dust

[@bryanfle]

I just finished my first track day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in my 718 Cayman 2.0L manual. I was blown away. It is so much better than the previous S models! It just sounds different. But it is better in every way. Except sound. But passing 981's on the track makes up for it!

[@mikewellington2738]

A beautiful review! Nice work!

[@GT86crazy]

Very well done review. Look forwards to more of your videos in the future.

[@69FOSTER]

I like that this is a candid and honest review of the Cayman.

[@deanboshoff6849]

This car looks fantastic in that shade of blue.

[@dana.4263]

I have a 2018 718 S in the same colour, love it!

[@waytoohrtlss]

Great review ! Can’t wait to pick mine up.

[@eugenehvorostyanov2409]

Beautiful review. Thanks.

[@hypnotechno]

Excellent review. This reviewer has excellent English, better than many native speaker reviewers. And he doesn't try and let his ego steel the show.

[@jamesk3889]

Great review straight to the point with enough witty banter to keep it interesting. Consider me a fan and a new subscriber. Thank you.

[@OneTireFire]

Thanks, check out my personal YT channel where I just posted the first of what I hope will be many video reviews!

[@akarshgowda4639]

This is one beautiful video!

[@lipinglin1994]

There is nothing wrong with making a car better fuel efficient yet more faster than before. Shrinking down the engine by turbocharging is just one way of creating a magical machine like this. In the future, I believe that hybrid system will take over most cars like this. With a small battery, it is suffice enough for the car to crank out more power faster.

[@zaheer4024]

0:25 - 0:30 = winning shots of the Cayman!

[@Neil2022]

What a great review.

[@igorstefanovski7131]

Very nice presentation! I don´t mind the error. It is mentioned with "Corrections"!! Keep on the good work. P.S. Subscribed :)

[@larsmartin9946]

yep! great review - really like your down to earth approach. looking forward to following you! thanks For the future I'd like a review of the new Audi RS3 sedan and you get to pick the color ;-)

[@OneTireFire]

Thanks, check out my personal YT channel where I just posted the first of what I hope will be many video reviews!

[@wisruteb]

Honest and down to earth review!

[@OneTireFire]

Thanks, check out my personal YT channel where I just posted the first of what I hope will be many video reviews!

[@whiskey4609]

damn great angles on the car thank you for not just showing us the driver and actually show us the car. porsche should pay you for this video lol

[@perkinsvic]

Great review man!

[@OneTireFire]

Thanks, check out my personal YT channel where I just posted the first of what I hope will be many video reviews!

[@theyruinedyoutubeagain]

Amazing spec. The gray blue and black sports design wheels are a perfect match in my book. (I like boring cars though hehe) Wish I could afford this soon enough, before Porsche will stick an electric engine on everything. Great review by the way ;) edit: my bad, those are actually the "20-Inch Carrera Sport Wheels"

[@oskar009]

Looks fantastic! 👏🏽

[@mortracer]

Perfect, love 4s and want this for me next car 👍

[@nilsbuer]

Very nice review.

[@dragoshsd]

What part of Romania is this filmed in? where are these roads? Especially the ones at the beginnin.

[@jasonwang5255]

awesome review! subscribed! name of outro music please?

[@neilkayton]

great reviewer. 10/10

[@Mr_GMS]

awesome review +1

[@KrisBurch1]

I owm one of these. They are AMAZING. Best car I've ever purchased. Best suspension, seats and dannng it gets you places fast

[@billymania11]

How much boost pressure is going into that little motor?

[@jldp24]

They jaw droppers in person..made me stare for a good minute..seeing one the other day..looks special

[@kabob21]

I really wish mine came with those cloth center sport plus seats but I bought it used and the previous owner spec'ed the 14-way leather. No Sport Chrono either but I do have PASM thank goodness.

[@eddiegray793]

Is the 4 cylinder lighter than the 6 cylinder

[@jimettamarna417]

Greetings from the US. Great review! Where did you film this? The mountains are beautiful. Are those the Carpathians?

[@DriveMagCars]

Thank you. You have a good eye. Yes, these are the Carpathians.

[@arthurberner2023]

Jim Ettamarna Romanian plates on this car

[@marksummers463]

Looks like N. Georgia (in the US).

[@verde629]

What exterior color is that ?

[@hasanal-habbobi4018]

This one looks better but old one sounds much better.

[@ThePilotGear]

I understand why they'd want to offer a turbo flat-4 instead of their heavier thirstier flat-6...but they should have offered it, even just as a special order. They make more than enough profit per car sold to keep it in the loop. Every bit of your senses should be stroked during the best driving experience of your life; touches, sounds, smells... Porsche's flat-6 completed that perfectly. This flat-4, although better than others, is a definite compromise. Most Porsche buyers probably won't mind since the Porsche brand name is more than ever a status symbol, but for some, they still manufacture some of the world's best driver's cars. That naturally aspirated flat-6 needs to find its way back into the current Cayman.

[@mykevenable8180]

Good job !!

[@ZDY66666]

Mmmm idk. I feel like this is kinda biased. I had a serious debate between a 718 Cayman S (all performance options) and a 981 Cayman GTS. The naturally aspirated engine just sounded godly compared to the mule in the Cayman S. As fast as the speedo tells me (which isn't that big of a deal unless you are competitively engaged in tracking or Motorsport), there was literally no incentive to go fast. I'd didn't feel fast. It didn't give me any emotions of being fast. The GTS on the other hand gave me a howl when I'm reviving high and going fast. Idk why people would say the 718 is "bad" because it isn't. But I also do not see why anyone would even say it's better than the 981 caymans. If half a second really matters that much to you then idk what to say (just those few words was more than a second...do u really care that much? Let's hope our women aren't this way eh?) . Needless to say I went with the 981 GTS, I had the debate for so long, until the dealer finally let me test drive the GTS, and it instantly blew the 718 away, took it home on the day of after half a year of constantly test driving 718 and 911 base.

[@kickyadick]

ZDY well said. To me, 718 cayman makes a bit sense for performance. But the boxter with a 4 cylinder is just plain meaningless to me.

[@ashleyjames308]

Well you got that wrong big time! I’ve upgraded and it’s one hell of an upgrade, the 718 is a far better car.

[@rossyannis3000]

Great choice! I test drove both 718 and 981 and couldn't wait to return the keys of the 718, so utterly underwhelmed was I by the lawnmower sound of the engine/exhaust. I had the ecu of the 981 3.4l remapped to 364hp, 420Nm, 0-100km/h 3.89sec.... plenty fast, hair trigger throttle response, pulls like the clappers from 3000rpm to redline and sounds magnificent. Porsche, sadly made a wrong turn with the 718. If you haven't driven the 981s, with sports exhaust, you are missi g one of the most enthralling driving experiences...sure, the 718 is sharper, but it's a horrible sounding car.

[@xqurzx6180]

Nice editing

[@randallsguaranteedsold6361]

Nice review...What are the specs on those tires?

[@DriveMagCars]

Pirelli P Zero 235/35 size on 20-inch rims.

[@ovidiupopa1567]

Not bad, keep it up ! ^_^

[@alleks3181]

Very very good !

[@tariqshek8567]

александр румянцев will

[@billlump3792]

that spec is perfect.

[@utubejoe11]

"I'd buy the self shifter...you dont want to hear the engine " . Sounds like you were Porsche's target buyer for thus car.

[@gsthree9534]

utubejoe11 completely agree. What an idiot.

[@andy9953]

Song @0:22 ?

[@jarykroon5308]

my 5-year goal

[@aviator-kn8zq]

2 more years :)

[@jarykroon5308]

@@aviator-kn8zq I will buy a 911 before summer :)

[@majed2488]

@@jarykroon5308 update? Im buying mind next week was a 10 year goal

[@jarykroon5308]

@@majed2488 niceeeee Well done!! I am now owner of 3 companies. Still investing a lot and driving a very nice BMW 3 series. Porsche next year, but Panamera. haha

[@majed2488]

@@jarykroon5308 Well done sir thanks for the update, unfortunately the showroom I was going to buy it from added some fees not discussed in the deal so I will take my business elsewhere. Its a pretty rare car to find where im from unforunately

[@cars4us217]

Is this recorded on Sljeme? Medvednica"

[@DriveMagCars]

Nope. It's in Romania

[@thetoptoss8048]

Changing exughast could stop popping and that would sound so nice.

[@Encourageable]

It is intentionally made to pop

[@hcooC]

Good review - thanks. Yeah, you can't beat the n/a flat six of the earlier generations. A 986 3.2L S with a sports exhaust still has the best sound and with the top down [Boxster] you can't beat the experience and feeling. They're so cheap now - I would say you just have to find one and drive it before investing in anything 718...

[@rossyannis3000]

Had the ecu of my 981 Cayman S remapped to 364hp, 420Nm 0-100km/h 3.89sec. Hair-trigger throttle response, pulls like the clappers from 3000rpm to redline, with the legendary flat 6 wail. An awesome driving experience a turbo 4 cannot match...

[@Quebster]

If sound is all you want, sure. Some of us favor performance over sound

[@RaGeAlucard]

These are not the standard seats! that´s the sport seats +.

[@DriveMagCars]

Yes, you are right. We added the correction to the video's description! Thanks for spotting the mistake and posting!

[@rambow70]

Is the PDK even in this car light years ahead of manuals? Is it foolish now days to want the manual option?

[@DriveMagCars]

Well, you expect the manual gearbox to be good and enhance the enthusiast appeal of the car, but realistically, its gears are a bit too long and it makes the car slower. I never thought I'd ever say it, but I think the automatic is the better choice here - please don't throw tomatoes at me :) AN

[@rambow70]

Good because I was going to throw moldy bread!

[@nvl2691]

You said twin turbo while it is a single variable geometry turbo

[@OneTireFire]

Yes, you are right, I got caught up in the moment and got my facts wrong. Sorry about that!

[@kashifsalman1792]

which country is this

[@DriveMagCars]

It is the glorious country of Romania!

[@jonesaaron62]

Best thing I've ever bought

[@YannDarwin]

Aaron Jones me too

[@101ktm]

Me 3

[@joshsan32]

You all 3 own one? How is it? How's the MPG and does it break any necks when you drive it? I'm thinking of getting this car.

[@pl2996]

man the car and the scenery of the roads is just beautiful. This is Germany, correct?

[@DriveMagCars]

+P Lon Not exactly :) It's Romania

[@artagain8977]

You don't find rusted crumbling guardrails in Germany...

[@hanithj5892]

what colour it is?

[@heavyarmsofsteel]

Graphite blue

[@cayman2018]

I tried the PDK, but bought a manual. I felt so removed from the driving experience having a computer do everything for me. For me the PDK just removes too much of the tactile, and visceral enjoyment of controlling the engine RPMs and power yourself. I also felt at slower speeds around town the PDK was shifting too much. Yes, you could throw it in manual mode, but it's still not the same. It's too automated.

[@briansmith8390]

agree! PDK is fine in the 911, its 100% underwhelming in the Cayman.

[@mrpmj00]

I bought a red 2017 Corvette 1LT manual transmission with performance exhaust, black wheels, red calipers, red seats, carbon badge package. Why? Because base Porsche Cayman ride was too stiff for me, no targa top (I didn't want the convertible's expense and replacement in a few years), not as much acceleration for the same $55k price, too low ground clearance for everyday use on public roads and shopping centers. I have no plans to track it.

[@jasonwang5255]

please please please someone tell me what the outro music is i'll send you $20 through paypal!

[@DriveMagCars]

Keep your money :) Search KZbin's audio library for "Otis McDonald - Phife for life"

[@Darbytime]

I currently have a 2016 981. I got 40k miles and want to trade it in, but i dont have enough for a 911. I love the new 718 design! Why why the flat 4 why?!!?!?! It looks beatiful, even though the sound isnt there :(

[@ericocasio2877]

Alexander Michael Tough decision, im debating between a 2016 Cayman S or a 2017 718 cayman too. Did you end up trading yours in?

[@rossyannis3000]

I was in same situation 2.5 yrs ago. Test drove 718, impressive specs, sure but sound was unappealing... Very. Got low mileage 2014 981 Cayman s, put A$1900 Cobb Protune ecu remap. 364hp, 420Nm, 0-100km/h 3.89sec oh my god... all on a stock exhaust manifold, the most thrilling sports car driving experience imaginable for the money. Super sharp throttle response from standstill, pulls like the clappers to redline, utterly visceral driving every time. Sex on wheels! Do yourselves a favour and drive a NA flat 6 while they're still available if you class yourself a sports car driver

[@AS-hu2ek]

@@rossyannis3000 and still get smacked by a bone stock 718 s 🤣🤣🤣

[@rossyannis3000]

@@AS-hu2ek Haha, you haven't driven my Porsche lol... Your 718 Subaru is Porsche's experiment gone wrong, which explains why the 2020 718 is now a 4.0l flat 6.. Enjoy your expensive Subi.

[@ravorn9788]

Porsche 718 Cayman S or Bmw M2?

[@toxictouch6639]

"it's the best sounding subaru" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@bedlambikes]

That's a better car than a C7 Corvette with half the engine.....although that's not saying much.

[@Baerchenization]

Porsche built flat 4s before there was a Subaru company... but I understand that you teenagers get a giggle out of it :)

[@rambow70]

I don't think anyone who considers this Porsche thinks "hmmm should I get the Subaru instead?" ha

[@clu4u]

It’s not a twin turbo, single turbo 4 cylinder.

[@alexandroattanasio8866]

Hello everyone! who knows the name of this colour?

[@charlesrogers8420]

Needs a manual

[@dana.4263]

Emblem says 718….not 718 S…what’s up?

[@Encourageable]

It’s a configurable option

[@Baerchenization]

I don't see how what is essentially the same car, became "more usable".

[@BongWeasle]

The rear lights mist up.....Porsche say that’s ok and normal !

[@Glen-89]

you lost me at choosing paddle over manual

[@tatanan096]

Usually i would agree, but this would be a hard choice for me. Porsche´s DSGs are just tremendously great.

[@DriveMagCars]

Yep, evil PDKs are really good at tempting you to join the self-shifting dark side :)

[@heavyarmsofsteel]

Agreed. Why buy a Porsche if it is not manual? The driver should be fully involved with this car.

[@mica122213]

who likes like back end?

[@kenrossaukrsa]

You did not even Test the “S” model , The boot badges should say “718 S” on it

[@jochemr.a.bakker8048]

no, you can opt for 718 as a badge on the S

[@kenrossaukrsa]

@@jochemr.a.bakker8048 my brother has a S he was never told this, but he’s in a different country so you might be correct

[@zycazycazyca]

Hahaha! Porsche did really got tons of middle fingers since they pulled out that 4 pots machine😅

[@Nemoticon]

And yet Porsche still have the last laugh having produced another extremely well engineered car that sells like hot cakes. Most people bitching about the Turbo 4-pot probably don't even have a driver's license anyway.

[@stubones]

Yau Ming Chiang it's not the first 4 pot Porsche. There have been plenty of them. The time to question Porsche is if the 911 gets a 4 pot for the first time in decades!

[@elms350z]

"There is no longer any engine that you really really want to listen to. This new 4 pot, it sounds OK. Whoever says its sounds bad is just hateful. But it's not that good and you don't really want to hear it constantly, with the top down." I'm confused.

[@DriveMagCars]

That shows just how many conflicting thoughts this engine provokes :) - sometimes you think it sounds good and would like to hear more of it (mostly at or close to full chat), while other times (when you're just driving along) it's just a bit of a drone that's not very pleasant. But the performance is there all the time and it partly makes up for it.

[@JohnThePA]

I understand what he was saying... it doesn't sound bad it's alright. But it's not alright enough to warrant getting a Boxster to listen to the sound of the engine.

[@peten6445]

The cayman looks and feels great but the sound sucks.. I prefer 6 with turbos over 4 with turbos

[@tr0llface]

Not a twin turbo

[@erkanturan8668]

Ar fi fost mai bine să puneți subtitrarea româneşti

[@robymart]

3:24

[@1laimmiss]

Single turbo

[@kevinjarrells1525]

My son has a 18 cayman check it out @ kamrin jarrells

[@paulgroen2567]

Gt4cayman

[@marksummers463]

The exhaust note is a disaster. Also mid engine cars are a nightmare on wet roads even with stability control.

[@austinjpark1]

If the 4 was so good why did they come back with the 6 in the 2020 GTS? Think about it - that 4 sounds really bad.

[@markkoscar7869]

I feel the previous model was better ... better looking, nice chrome steering wheel and 6 cylinder .... the air vents also look a tad cheaper than the old model

[@prazzy4712]

limited lag is still lag

[@Wanderer25]

Yea sure, its a better car. But now it sounds like a turbocharged vacuum cleaner.

[@munte6288]

Esti roman nu englez :))

[@OneTireFire]

Frustrat much?

[@CARPSPUDPICKER]

Sounds like my tractor.

[@roomfactor]

Engine sound is always one of the most important aspects of a true sports car. I am afraid this car sounds bad! Nothing compare to its predecessor. It may be faster and more comfortable but in my opinion the 981 was fast enough and comfortable enough already. Besides who buys a sports car for low co2 emissions. You buy a sports car because it's fun! Sound is a huge part of experience!

[@landrewma1820]

roomfactor absolute last thing on my mind for a sports car. But I think you are right in the sense that many people care about the sound being "worse" when this car is better than previous years in all other ways. I'd take mine electric and quiet if I could.

[@nonsecular13]

meh my wrx sounds better lol

[@jonathan_careless]

718 Subaru

[@Baerchenization]

It doesn't become more original by repeating it all the time... btw, Porsche 356, 914... why do you think it is witty to go to Subaru?!

[@paulchen906]

What color is it?

[@sniper2606]

Too bad it sounds like shit

[@airval]

My gameboy from 1994 has a better sound

[@mortenberg2897]

If the new engine sound - and character - doesn't bother you, go buy a cheaper car because you are COMPLETELY missing the real appeal in a Porsche. Best regards A Porsche Cayman S owner form Denmark

[@papadetective3951]

Morten Berg I'm thinking of buying it for my first car do you recommend it ?

[@mortenberg2897]

Papa Detective to be honest - I think the Porsche is a bit much for a first car. If you don't have some experience it is simply too fast. You are clearly an enthusiast ( keep it up 👍), but start with something less powerfull. Besides, if a Porsche is your first car - where do you go from there? Allow yourself to have fun in a Miata or Toyota gt 86, and learn the ropes. Good luck my fellow petrolhead 😎

[@gsthree9534]

How is pulling a flappy paddle "rewarding"? Like changing the tv channel is rewarding. And yes it sounds like a bag of hateful shit. Put this dude back in prison. And who the hell buys a sports car for fuel efficiency?

[@jameswilkinson150]

Sorry man, I HATE that sound. Sounds like a fart in the bath.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Automatic Porsche = boring. Only a manual will do. You might as well get a Prius if you are going to drive an automatic.

[@OneTireFire]

It's a lightning-sharp dual-clutch that's very enjoyable to use in manual mode. Gives you the feeling of using a race car-like sequential box - sure, the manual is still the purist's choice, but the PDK is worth a try for any 718 buyer.