Is the 718 Cayman T Porsche's best-kept sports car secret? *2024 review!*

[@richardraybould6928]

I love the "old school " controls and simplicity in the 718. Proper sports car.

[@jonfrench7133]

In love with the 718 platform, i think it’s the prettiest by far. In a GTS at the moment and but would be equally happy with the T. I’m learning slowly that the joy of driving comes from the feel and delicacy of the chassis plus a good heep of self restraint

[@paulmauserarchive2579]

I have a Cayman 718 T (PDK) MY2022, a great package, a pleasure to drive.

[@alanwayte432]

I went from a 992 back to a 2018 991.2 T manual in Yellow due to size and interior, I had a 718 S and was impressed

[@gileswardle76]

Have had my MY2021 718 Cayman T manual from new. It's my daily and I've done 43,000 glorious miles. Absolutely love it. Used to have Macan daily and a 997 as a weekender. Won't go back to that. Shame Porsche no longer sell this variant. It's a tremendous package. Practical, usable, agile, well built, capable and fun to drive.

[@1michaelricci]

Have a 2021 Cayman T 6 speed manual. Put on 55,600 miles since new. Can’t stop driving it! 🤣 I love the PCCBs and LSD options the dealer talked me into. The car definitely loves octane. I recommend 100 octane, it transforms the power deliver and pulls so much harder in Sports + with TC deactivated.

[@vonnie7713]

Just got my cayman T. Agreed it’s an amazing machine. For a new car it feels basic and driver focused which is what I like/want.

[@nomdeplume2724]

Great video Lee. As an old git… I thought my 2.5 Cayman GTS was kinda too fast..🥴 Never used sport mode, just didn’t seem to need to… I sold it due to illness… but I’m now recovered and back in a new base Cayman albeit PDK. Absolutely loving it and regularly in sport mode 🤓 For me, that bit less is that bit more💥 (Btw, don’t tell anyone but I’ve also had it doing 47mpg!😃)

[@amac8487]

I have a 2.5gts, and it’s a little rocket ship! It’s amazing what that 4cyl can do! I love it

[@carlfrederick8433]

47 mpg if fantastic!!! Is the MPG based on imperial gallons or US gallons and I assume it is cruising at highway speed? Thanks

[@nomdeplume2724]

@@carlfrederick8433 Imperial, dear fellow… Yes it was a steady cruise and I didn’t reset my average before I started… Of course, I’m looking for 50 mpg, but just haven’t had a chance have another go recently.

[@nomdeplume2724]

Sorry, “to” have another go recently…..

[@Nord_Mann]

I’d have one in a heartbeat. After the 992 came out in 2019, I’ve stopped looking at new 911’s and as far as I’m concerned, the 718 is the only sports car Porsche have been producing since the end of the 991 cars. The 992’s have evolved into plush grand tourers, quelled by electronics.

[@9WERKSTV]

I think I'm with you. It genuinely blew my mind: if this car had a 911 badge on the back, there'd be an overs market for one!

[@Nord_Mann]

@@9WERKSTVlike all the best considered Porsches of today, it’s those that were misunderstood, and possibly a sales flop when new that’s leading the classifieds today. Like the 3,2 CS, the 964RS and the Carrera GT, and currently the Carrera T is proof of. The Cayman T will surely also be a car bought cheap today, that will most likely appreciate quite nicely going forward.

[@MrGB1999]

You'd be far better with a later 997! :)

[@A_Lowly_Gentleman]

@@MrGB1999 you really wouldn’t 😂 why would you have ancient old 997 over a fair more special feeling 981/718 which wipes the floor with any 911 under a GTS/3

[@kklassen]

Love my base 2023 Cayman (including the sound with the Porche Sport Exhaust).

[@Askgeez]

I had a PDK one as a courtesy car when GT3 was in for service . I took it out on the local Ongar-O-Ring , and did indeed “wring its neck”. Driving it in 2nd / 3rd on paddles was indeed an enjoyable experience. Needs to be in mid/high end of revs to overcome that low down torque deficiency I found. I expect an aftermarket remap and exhaust would give a few gains perhaps ?? Probably a bit cheaper to insure / maintain too relative to a 911 . Nice review Lee 👍🏻

[@ibarragan]

Great work but you nailed it on the T being the most underrated modern Porsche. Every point was spot on. This is your Sistine Chapel. Bravo and thank you for covering something less obvious where everyone else is focused on the same thing and also for representing those of us that appreciate simpler, smaller more focused sportscars!! Thank you!

[@danfreeney7656]

Brilliant video Lee. Good to see you’re including the other models Porsche have to offer. I’d like to hear your views on the 718 GTS 4.0. Keep up the good work.

[@oliverthemog3525]

Great review! Just one point, there isn't PSE anymore on the 2.0 engine, regardless of trim. I believe this was since mid-2021 builds

[@Pags222]

To your point of the T pairing well with the 4 cylinder, I think Porsche should create an entry level "912" with the 2.0L Turbo 4. Give those of us who want a true lightweight "peasant spec" 911 the chance to own one.

[@roots4x]

That’s what the Cayman is. Porsche is simply marketing the 911 as the higher end less sporty car while the 718 is basically the same car with no back seats and the engine thus flipped to a more sporty position.

[@Pags222]

@@roots4x except the motor is mid-ship on the Cayman and rear on the 911 which ends up producing two totally different cars.

[@s10lucky]

Great review. Ive always scoffed at the idea of changing my 981S for a 4 cyl 718, but that has made me think to at least try one one day. Probably feels more nimble at at that money with 1850 miles on it it, its virtually new.

[@123antimiro]

I love my Cayman 718 T. I agree with everything you said.

[@anthonywong5329]

More than happy with my 2.5 GTS. All the complaints about the sound probably haven’t driven one. So quick, and nimble

[@peterleuw1798]

Excellent video on the Cayman T I’m not sure if you’ve covered the other Cayman “Gem” if age isn’t a concern and that’s the R fantastic drivers car.

[@9WERKSTV]

Yes really can't wait to take a look at an R!

[@TobyD]

Great video Lee. A while ago I had 718 Boxster T on my “maybe” list. Lighter 4 cylinder engine, better gear change. Add light remap for driveability and maybe exhaust tweak. What a great car that would be - but very hard to find as they are totally under the radar.

[@123antimiro]

Yes you are right, light remap and Tubi Style exhaust transformed it to rocket:)

[@9WERKSTV]

Cheers Toby, great shout on the F4 contributing to lighter overall mass…

[@SJM-sc9qk]

Great video Lee. The challenge for this car is the 981 GTS/GT4. The 981 GTS can be picked up for £40-45k now, and it is a superstar at that price. A 981 GT4 is also down at £60k, and that’s an all time classic. I think both of those cars are still the reason that the turbo 718s are less appreciated.

[@chrissummers9800]

After all the reviews and having a S in past I’m actually picking up a T next week Cheers for a great review

[@ianmitchell9102]

Great video Lee, personally would love a 718 gts 4.0 or the 981 gts. I’d definitely consider the T or a 718 cayman S one day though. Lee can you please do a video on your mates mint 944 S2 one day please 🙏

[@mikegregory8353]

I had a 718 4.0 GTS Cayman. Went back to a Boxster 981 GTS PDK. Zero regrets

[@paulmauserarchive2579]

Great platform, love it !

[@morphyon]

As soon as you can wrap your head around, that it is not a 911 and does not have to be, it‘s a bloody fine piece of kit

[@9WERKSTV]

Agreed!

[@morphyon]

Successor of the 550 Spyder with a roof?

[@713vinh]

This is a great car, light weight and very well balanced as you mentioned. Thank you very much for a great review.

[@denisvogel5155]

Sibs sees the light! Thankfully many 911 owners dis the Cayman/Boxster platform so it keeps demand and prices somewhat lower than they should be for such a superb sports car.

[@Steve-jq4st]

I have a 2007 3.4 Boxster S. A modern classic sports car. Minimum of tech and great fun to drive and still gets plenty of approving looks. I’d have a Cayman T any day for similar reasons. 911s have become GT cars, too big, too heavy and loaded with too much tech although I’d still love one.

[@peterbelmiro5733]

Great review!

[@wrefordmiles]

As you say 'perfection through simplicity' - 987.2 Cayman R and Spyder also meet that brief

[@thecasualpetrolhead]

I loved my Cayman GTS 2.5. I prefer the GTS over the T. although T is an amazing car!

[@MrRoyck10]

Enzo Ferrari stated that a sport car must evoke emotions, whilst the flat 4 is intrinsically Porsche it falls short on the emotional side of things. I have been test driving all Cayman in searching for my next Cayman within my budget, the 981 S is sticking out with the flat six BoxEngine sound. I must agree that the 718 is a phenomenal car but is a bit difficult if you’re starting from a 987.2 generation then revert to a flat four. The 718 4.0 GTS is what I like but can’t afford so I have to stay within the realms of my reality, 981 S. Thanks Lee for this timely content on Cayman T.

[@Photoandcargeek]

I noticed that the modern Cayman is now roughly 996/997 dimensions a while ago which really surprised me. But, in terms of weight, the Cayman T is indeed not comparable to the 997 but to the 996, so you should have compared it to your 996s, little Irish and the 40 Jahre.

[@Redducati1199]

Love my Cayman, they are awesome, and thats from an ex 911 owner

[@9WERKSTV]

Oof, love this!

[@exc911ence_channel]

Caymans are brilliant cars, I owned a 987 2.7 5-speed between my past air-cooled 911s and my current 996... loved everything about it.

[@jorgeortiz6184]

Im waiting your video in a 992 carrera T but manual, I hope is coming soon

[@911aircooled5]

Well said, great analysis.

[@chrisharris4223]

Best car ever! The Cayman, GTS for me but the T also looks amazing 😊

[@chrisharris4223]

For our roads you can’t beat the Cayman. A110 might come close but too small inside for me, Emira also incredible but I prefer the Porsche

[@johnmorrison27]

Brilliant car Brilliant review as always 👍

[@craftingmat5425]

Well... the showstopper (at least to me) is the Flat-4. Flat-6 ... maybe that would be interesting to me. I already had a 996.2 Carrera and the sound is definitely a completely different animal.

[@timhayward6833]

Yes agree which makes the 981 Cayman, 2.7 or 3.4, the sweet spot.

[@hansbig7550]

Owned a 981 GT4 and a 991.2 GT3. Now driving a 718 T. It's the best Porsche for me.

[@spoontastico]

To each their own, of course - but If you get the chance to drive one, you might be surprised at how engaging the 4-cyl sound actually is, especially at speed, powering out of every corner!

[@stu4181]

Cayman R owner here, absolutely love mine, I’ve owned for nearly 5 years now, the longest of any car. It’s sublime. The main issue is it makes everything else seem poor value 😂 My one criticism is you know the cayman platform can handle so much more power that you sometimes want just a little more… 380-400 would have made the perfect car. So I’m not sure if after a while 300bhp you’d just want for a bit more as now and again I do at 330…. Shame they didn’t drop the 3.0L in the T and make a really special car. I know they don’t want to upset the 911 sales, but I don’t think it will, as 911 snobbery is well engrained 😂

[@herme99]

I've had 3 Caymans. Got 2 911's now. I'd love a 4.0 Cayman as a daily. Bit out of budget sadly!

[@exc911ence_channel]

I was going to comment on why this video wasn't 7:18 long... then I thought that maybe it's twice that at 14:36? Nope, 14:37. So close, Lee. 😉

[@roots4x]

The wheelbase stretch is because it’s a 981, not because it’s mid engined. The 987 had a shorter wheelbase. With a narrower track and longer wheelbase, I don’t see how a 981 would drive like a 997 at all. It’s a really weird comparison. It’s really about the ratio between those factors that dictate how they affect how a car drives.

[@billnorblat4047]

718 soo good

[@ghostridertom]

Problem is giving that ammount of money for the Subaru style engine. No 6 - No deal for me.

[@WalterMitty-n7b]

My Subaru had a flat 6. Also, see Porsche 356, 550, 718RSK, 904…

[@robertm1692]

Seeing as how Porsche has had a Flat 4 since long before the Subaru, I'd say Subaru copied Porsche. And if you want to pass on the car that's fine. I have the 718 Boxster and it is absolutely sublime. And, BTW, it sounds nothing like a Subaru.

[@billnorblat4047]

The first porsche was a flat 4, and the original 718 Spyder was as well

[@CarClemens]

I am driving a 718 Cayman T as well. It is a great car and will suffice everything I would ever need in a modern sportscar. It is straight forward. But, after driving a 987S or a 981 GT4 you do miss 2 cylinders. The engine is letting the car down in terms of drama. Performance wise the engine is a proper fit on any B road.

[@johnyacoub69]

Can't say that I agree; when I put my Boxster T in Sport or Sport Plus and work it hard on a fun road, I'm not sensing much that I would call a letdown...and my perspective is that of a former owner of a 987.1 with the 2.7, 987.1 (3.2) S, 987.2 S Black Edition, 981 base and 981 Spyder. Do the later flat 6s sound better? I would say 'yes', but the 4 doesn't sound bad. It's raw and mechanical -has a sort of purposeful aggression to it (and I don't think that comes clear on most videos) which perfectly fits in with the Porsche ethos. The one thing it lacks is that the sound doesn't build to any sort of crescendo really, like the 981s do so well. This is a new age, and these are the cars and motors for that age; one of the things I find most gratifying is how Porsche manage not to lose the essence of what makes their cars great, and what gives every drive that sense of occasion, regardless of all the changes. It gives me some hope that if anyone can pull off transforming the Boxster/Cayman to EV, it's Porsche, but time will tell. It's also fun, to me, to feel that you're doing more with less, and there's also a definite throwback aspect to driving these too - thinking about all of the noteworthy 4-cyl in Porsche's history that have been rightfully lauded. That aspect is aided by the small size of the car and the very intimate feel of the cabin compared to just about everything else these days, including Porsches other than the 718; even the windshield has a more upright design, and the cabin is simple to the point of being dated, but that doesn't make it unpleasant to use or be in. Just did the APR reflash on mine and added a BMC drop-in engine air filter. The tune adds serious upper end punch. I don't see myself getting bored of this anytime soon, and I'm over 2 years in now.

[@marcusgeorge9140]

I’m a massive Porsche fan … but come on the Cayman is a better looker … always wanted a 911 but I’m probably going to get a Cayman but the 981 GTS

[@Bmontepeque11]

I have always thought that the Cayman is better than the 911. And now Porsche has made it a reality 😃 Mid Engine > Rear Engine (It's just physics and you DO feel it.), smaller, lighter, less inertia, more agility, more fun and more driving feel? This is just perfection. I am a simple man, as soon a Porsche stops selling an ICE Boxster/Cayman Porsche is out of my radar forever. I just cannot trust a company that believes the future of sports cars is in current EVs that are heavy, lack gear shifts, and the emotion of the enigne. (The problem isn't that they would be forced to make an EV, it's that they talk about EV like it is SO INFINITELY better than ICE because "iTs fAsTeR bR0", and that's how you know a sports car brand is on its way to its death bed. EVs are purifying sports cars which is why Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bugatti are now focusing on feel and fun rather than numbers which is what Porsche is doing and that is wrong.) Anyways, this Cayman T is perfection, a variant of Cayman T or GTS 4.0 and the Toyota GR 86 are to me the greatest cars on sale right now if you buy cars to enjoy them yourself.

[@abagley2334]

997.2 turbo(s) similar or smaller size than a 718!…that’s not even a decision.

[@9WERKSTV]

Agreed… 718T every time!

[@abagley2334]

@@9WERKSTV Nice! Clearly the 718T not as good as the 996 tho! Thankfully there is a pcar for all tastes.

[@billnorblat4047]

It weighs a good bit less than that 997 as well. 997 are heavy, as they're practically all steel.

[@vincentgao8839]

Heard a rumor that the new electric 718 will have a petrol version after a year on the market？ Does Everybody know the accuracy of the rumor？

[@autodigitvlogs]

If you want to kill a line go all EV only! 2030 is no longer an urgent thing. They should carry on ICE up till 2030 then look at hybrid options. Can still make EV versions.

[@BertoniBertone]

Just a wee comment on 991.1 & .2, Lee. The ‘narrow-body’ cars in both gens are no wider than the 997, a bit longer and a bit lower. On ‘B’ roads it’s width not length that’s the issue so the n/b 991 is just as wieldy as a 997 and the chassis considerably more accomplished (GT cars excepted). Which all means when comparing that Cayman T - indeed any 4-pot 718 - you’re faced with a lot of very attractive 991s out there to buy. Different cars but as history has shown…whatever axle, whatever the number of cylinders…a Porsche has a flat-6: end of. I appreciate the nice try, Lee, but when you’ve driven around corner after corner, time after time, there’ll always be something missing…and it sits in the back with two banks of opposing 3-cylinders. Sorry ol’ chap. 🙂

[@hansbig7550]

50 k with these 918 seats? You pay 20 k aftermarket for just the seats!

[@jamesknowles4093]

Red Cayman Gang

[@RobHTech]

I'm not feeling it. It's not $50k. In USA, you can't get one for under like $75k. And that price is ridiculous for what you get. A BMW is a better buy. Heck, even an integra type S is a better buy.

[@garys7828]

911 too big... Cayman all you need. For me a basic Cayman. Manual box in green with no options at all...ideal😊

[@MrGB1999]

Surely put another £5-10k on finance and get a GT4? ie a sports car with an actual sports car engine..? The worrying thing for all the turbo littluns is how far the bottom will fall out of their values. The 997 is a symphonic car (with some mild exhaust mods). The GT4, similarly so. If this very aspect wasn't a factor, Porsche would probably stop at the 911 Turbo and wouldn't bother with the GT3. For people with £50k there's very good 981s, manual R8s, manual Vantages, TVRs, Lotus, V8 M3s, Ferrari 360s.. That's pretty tough competition for a 2 litre 4 cylinder car (and yes I have driven one). It's not all about engines, but engines can't be ignored.

[@James_Sovereign]

10:08 I think they sound like shite. Part of the driving experience is the noise, and for that reason I'd never own one of these.

[@autodigitvlogs]

Exactly 😂

[@landingnoblue-r4b]

this car is perfect, but the red belts are not my favorit...and..... a 4 Cylinder can not sound like a 6 cylinder, it can´t !

[@a64738]

The 4 cylinder boxer engine with turbo has it`s own sound and I like it, and with the insane fuel prices here I save 800€ a year on the 2 liter turbo compared to the 6 cylinder 3,4 liter.

[@keithprice6581]

We all like the chassis. We all think the subaru engine is ... a subaru engine.

[@WalterMitty-n7b]

My Subaru had a flat 6. So by your logic, I guess a 911’s got a Subaru engine as well?

[@AM-uk7jv]

Subarus have Porsche engines. The 356 had a flat 4 almost 2 decades before Subaru made their first flat 4 and put it in a car.

[@peterbelmiro5733]

Right track on the flat design but wrong train. Flat-four engines are derived directly from the turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six in the 911. All they did was lop off two cylinders and even the turbo uses the same tech and design as the 911 turbo s. Dubbed the “B4,” the flat-fours are nearly identical to the 911’s new twin-turbo flat-six (“B6”), only with a single turbocharger. And I believe forged internals. Subaru could only dream of building a motor like this. Have a read on the pasted article. I pasted some comments in my response, but interesting info in the original. Porsche should have ignored the noise about bring the flat 6 back. They should have kept developing the flat 4. I’d love to see what they could have accomplished. Especially knowing a simple stage 1 tune puts the 2.5 gts in the 450 hp range. www.caranddriver.com/news/a15349289/tech-dive-in-depth-with-the-new-porsche-718-boxsters-turbocharged-flat-fours/

[@robertmorgan8581]

I realise I am in a minority and probably commenting in the wrong place, but the me the Cayman is better looking and more interesting looking than the 911…

[@danstimelessclassics5899]

992 have got too big

[@StevenVanLoven]

and soon this great platform will not longer been build thanks to europe regulations ...

[@salvissmudo4496]

It's already cannot be ordered as new car in EU since 15 March 2024. You can still by new 718 from Porsche dealers stocks and register till 1 July 2024. This does not apply to 718 GT4RS and Spyder RS that will be still build in limited numbers till replaced with new EV Cayman/Boxster next year.

[@autodigitvlogs]

Still available in UK and will be for now

[@malexder0082]

Why do all these testers have to pontificate while driving? One, get ourselves. Watching you drive isn't as interesting as you think. All these car reviewers suck.

[@9WERKSTV]

Cheers for watching anyway, and helping to pay for another Porsche on my drive 🎣

[@burgundyexpress]

4 cylinders, no thanks it sounds like a Beetle.

[@123antimiro]

Go back to pub to spread your wise ideas

[@johnnywoods9473]

I would but they got rid of that too. 😢​@@123antimiro

[@JBOsurf]

8m to 8m10sec. Deal breaker. No sound whatsoever. Horrible. Buy a flat 6 and keep it forever!

[@autodigitvlogs]

My smart car louder