PORSCHE CAYMAN 987 REVIEW | Best Entry Level Porsche?

Is the 987 Porsche Cayman 2.7 the best entry level Porsche available at the moment? In the first of my new car review series we look at the history, design and driveability of one of the best value for money modern Porsche's out there at the moment.
Many thanks to Porsche specialist Quorn Sports and Classics for the loan of this example. Check out their website and Instagram at the following links: -
Website: www.quornclassics.com
Instagram: @quorn_sports_classics
Phone: [phone]
If you have a car or dealership you'd like to see featured on the channel, drop me a line at the email address on the channels ABOUT page or DM me on Instagram @khtv_garage
#Porsche #PorscheCayman #CarReviews #BuyersGuide

[@karamellisiertesfallobst8303]

I've got also a 2007 Cayman base model with a 5 speed gearbox. It's worth to mention, that the engine is very elastic, despite of its size of only 2.7 litres. Driving with 50 km/h (30mph) or even lower ist possible in the 5th gear. This car is very special in many aspects (design, driving experience, wonderful balance and engine sound). I like it very much.

[@garysuttles2068]

Have a 2007, base model, same color in and out - 2nd owner with 12K miles - literally brand new car at 2/3 the original price. Can’t say enough about this car - just fantastic. Very simple - manual 5 speed, no fussy electronics to clutter up the driving experience. Mid engine makes you feel one with the road, extremely nimble, responsive, so fun to drive! Agree it’s great entry level Porsche, but super performance vehicle. I believe this will be a sought after car in the future, because of its simplicity. Cheers, Gary from Nashville, Tn.

[@karlhurn]

Hi Garry, glad you liked the video. Agreed, excellent car, the simplicity gives it a rightness like the 356 speedster, definite future classic. Great to hear you’re enjoying yours in Nashville! Best wishes from the UK!

[@Jwdude123]

Correct.

[@lastwhtknight3002]

Magnificent video. learned more than any other ch about my all time fav sports car. Very nice voice too.

[@nickg2027]

Lovely car and a great review, the guys at Quorn are brilliant!

[@martinhevia]

great video mate! ;) I really did enjoy it , thanks for sharing!

[@parvinkukar1259]

Great vid. I brought my 1st Porsche Cayman 987 base earlier this year and you described me accurately. I’ve had more expensive and newer cars but this by far the best I have owned to drive. It’s a keeper!!

[@JoeTalksCars]

Really great video. Ive never driven a 2.7 only my S but I think it could be the pick of the range with the prices these can be picked up for. After all it still looks amazing!

[@tank618]

Great video. I would love a Cayman one day. Subscribed🙂

[@gotarev]

Thanks. Just purchased my 987 Boxster and decided to go with an 2.7 instead of the 3.4 S for one main issue--bore scoring. Although I would like more power, beyond 4K rpm, it turns into an animal....maybe a smaller one! I just sold my Jag V-8 Supercharged F-Type with 500+ hp and although it had more power, this just felt much more connected, planted and analog. Love mine so far!

[@karlhurn]

Congrats 👏 And glad you liked the video 🙏

[@milogger7556]

Great video. One other significant difference from the Boxster is that the rear quarter hips are 1.5" higher on the Cayman. That's from Pinky!

[@karlhurn]

I didn’t know that! 👍

[@martinhevia]

good point :)

[@thestifmyster1]

Love my 987.2

[@1530swimmer]

Beautiful car - I really don't think the market has woken up to this model yet!

[@Jack-wc3ob]

It’s hard to find a 987.2 in USA

[@Jwdude123]

Future classic 987.1 or 987.2

[@martinhevia]

@@Jwdude123 they will be kings soon.

[@BF-og1kn]

Drive a 2006 987s. It eats bit lot oil but a beautiful timeless car. I love mine😊

[@Jasonrm92]

I agree. I recently bought a 2015 2.7 981 as my first Porsche and I love it. The noise is amazing. I think these cars will be more sought after now especially with the new Caymans being 4cyl.

[@VincePorschesportsetmontagnes]

Merci j’ai acheté un Cayman S depuis!

[@theamaturegolfer7798]

Ive just bought the 987.1 2008 & it’s red like this one. 80k miles. Incredible drive. So much fun. I’ve had mine remapped & new exhaust system & ied plenum upgrade so it pushes around 300bhp now. I should of got the S model instead of doing this but it was a great deal I got & I know it was well looked after. Keep an eye on the AOS fail though. It’s not a big deal but it can be a smokey start when it’s cold. Just had mine done.

[@karlhurn]

Sounds like you’ve got some great upgrades there. Enjoy! 👍

[@stijnvandamme76]

300 bhp out of a 2.7 Bullshiiiiit. That Dyno was running in optimistic mode so they could sell you on the mods. You can't get that much more with just exhaust , plenum and map.. you would have had to get new cams, head work and get up to 8.5K revs

[@MrRoyck10]

It is virtually impossible to get 300bhp from a simple bolt on bits onto a naturally aspirated engine, you will count yourself luck if you get 5 bhp in real life. If you are not an advanced track driver you don’t need the CS the base gives you 80% of the performance for less, including savings on running cost and bore scoring/ IMS palaver. The best Cayman is the one you can afford without taking another mortgage 💸 enjoy the pick of the bunch base Cayman.

[@deep6thisdeep6this92]

lots of things to like about the car. but, if you're considering a purchase, there are a couple of weaknesses, IMO, to look out for. 1) road noise and 2) uncomfortable seats (i'm 5' 10" @ 170lbs). i say this after driving it on a seven day trip at about 700 miles per day.

[@Steve-K.G.]

Great video, thank you. I;m torn between the 2.7 and 3.2 S and it is doing my nut in lol Will be buying next week, but in all probability will get an S, but have seen a stunning 2.7. Grrrr!!

[@karlhurn]

Thanks TwoTubs! Drive both if you can and go with your gut. Pub banter will always force an S purchase. But I’m always reminded that the 356 Speedster was at the time the simplest and cheapest Porsche, and look at them now 🤣

[@512TXSDIY]

Get the 2.7 Base. More reliable.

[@johnlopez7921]

I have an s which I love and I might get a 2.7 as well!

[@MrRoyck10]

The smart money will always be on the 2.7 or 2.9 base, you get 80% of the performance at reasonable price and running cost unless you intend to track your car or you reside in a countryside with nice sweeping roads unlike my overcrowded London roads, the 2.9 was a no brainier for me. It will good to see what you eventually bought.

[@stephenauty2402]

The main thing to look for when buying a Cayman is the S on the back next to Cayman. I would only buy a 2.7 if it was my first sports car but the S has so much more low down torque and makes overtaking a dream. Brilliant cars

[@stijnvandamme76]

if you can't overtake in a 2.7 on public roads, you can't overtake in an S either. Plenty of Torque in the 2.7 for public roads.. and you get way more fun because it likes ot Rev. On the Track , sure the S will be better, 360nm torque, ok on public roads there's nothing you can do in the S that you can't do in the 2.7. with 273 nm torque... And when it rains, the 2.7 is Way better on the narrower tires.. last time at spa, we had wet snow.. I would keep up with the GT3 , it might run out a bit on the straight, but i'de get em back each time and press em in the corners.

[@brunodesrosiers266]

Very informative. I will subscribe as soon as I am done with this comment.

[@karlhurn]

Thanks Bruno! Glad you liked the video 👍

[@rtanidean4931]

The Caymans are so gorgeous. Had a 2002 Audi A6. Oh baby- it was red and awesomeness with nimble quick response. Never driven a Cayman, but love that euro round character lines of body. Question: would let’s say, this Cayman be similar to my A6 I had? Really wanna drive one. Thx for vid. Take care all.

[@karlhurn]

The Audi A6 is a totally different car. If you liked that, you need to try a Cayman, it’s a whole other level.

[@rtanidean4931]

@@karlhurn got it. Thank you. I’m leery to drive one b/c I know me- I’m probably gonna like it and currently out C5 Vette is filling my youthful thingy- it’s fun too. Yeah, I know- it’s a different thing with Porsches. As an 18 year old I delivered new Porsches - 911’s and 928’s to mostly Drs and lawyers. Loved em then- and really like em now and haven’t even driven a Porsche like these in a long time. Got a Porsche 928 up to 160mph and decided- it was going to be a cool way to die if I didn’t back off. The 928’s driving experience was awesome. Thx again. I might have to drive one if & when the $ is doable. I know I’ll like it. Drive on 😊

[@rc5708]

👍👍👍👍

[@savariaxa]

The best Porsche Cayman is the 987.1 base version 2.7 l / 245 HP why build in Finland !!! more high quality materials then the newer ones this engine has no flaws 300.000 km or more no problem better then a Cayman S 987.1 definitely yes I have one 10 years now with 200.000 km on the clock daily driver no issues at all an instand classic and from the design point this first Cayman is a winner over any Porsche model till today😉

[@johncary4302]

I would respectfully disagree. The 3.4 L S version is always going to be better than the 2.7 L version. You have more horsepower, a richer flat 6 sound, more tech such as the sport chrono package, etc, without any downsides. Just as reliable and still can tick up the odometer just as much.

[@stijnvandamme76]

@@johncary4302 the sport chrono package is just a stupid clock on the dash and exhaust note flap control ... it does nothing for the drive.

[@johncary4302]

@@stijnvandamme76 Wrong. It makes you get the sport button, which besides making the exhaust a tad bit richer, the throttle sensitivity goes up and the car stiffens up. I don't know which car you own that has this but I speak from experience.

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

@@johncary4302 I also speak from experience as I currently own a 2008 base 5spd with sport chrono and yes, it really sharpens the throttle response a lot. Definitely not just a stupid clock! Always a dim-witted hater in the comments these days.

[@smaariseth]

Really looking to get one of these, it's just impossible in Norway, so few are for sale.

[@karlhurn]

Sorry to hear that. I hope you find one 👍

[@smaariseth]

@@karlhurn Thanks, I am on constant lookout 😊

[@AtorThorn]

If this Porsche was made in Finland I really hope Porsche hired the guys responsible for the durability of the Nokia 3310!

[@andrewsanchez25733]

Can someone tell me what maintenance is like? Like fluids etc etc and the price?

[@karlhurn]

If you’re in the UK, Quorn Sports and Classics will hook you up quornclassics.com

[@esoterex]

I have a Cayman S 3.4 987 Limited Edition #252 . 2009. Has 20 inch black rims, Sport Mode, i.e. variable suspension etc. 27000km only. 6 speed manual. What a beauty. Never going to sell that baby.

[@stijnvandamme76]

drive it more.. 27000 is barely broken in.. these cars suffer from standing still a lot

[@adamgoodman5887]

Porsche. There is no substitute.

[@berndk.9741]

I've got the 3.4L S-Model and I find it difficult to believe, that 50 horses less are still ok. I mean, I've seen several reviews saying that 245hp do the job. But it's not just the lower power, it's also about displacement and torque, no? I've been driving Porsches since the late 1980ies. I've owned at least a dozen of vaerious models and czrrently I have the 987 "S" and a Cayenne Turbo. The 987 "S" is - among ozjer Exotics - probably my most favoriite one for fun. It's a manual and I totally love playing with it. I wouldn't want it as adaily driver - just because it's a manual. I'm old and lazy... I wouldn'r want to have to drive it in stop and go traffic around town. But if it comes to play around stupidly, it's awesome! I own other sports- and Supercars with way ore power (all 500+hp), but this little shit really makes a ton of fun and whenever I have a couple of hours available, I take it out on some winding roads to get this nearly permanent smile on my face... And yes, it's a Porsche and it certainly will cost you dearly... But it's so friggin'' much fun... I'm a car freak... I need therapy, I know... But even though I own several cars with way more power, I wouldn't get rid of my 987 Cayman S... If you find a chance to get your hands on one of them, do it! This is so much better than the 996 or 997 generation's 911., ket alone those air-cooled pieces of misery that came before. I'm a mediocre driver at best, but I've blown numerous Carrera's, etc. out of the water on them winding country roads. The Porsche engineers built an absolute masterpiece with the 987.

[@liamh9100]

If it weren’t for the road tax being £580 a year then I would totally purchase one.

[@1530swimmer]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but road tax for the post 2006 2.7 model is much cheaper than that? (I own a 2007 2.7 987.1 and I pay approx £300 p/a). You might be confusing the tax with the 3.4 S as that does fall in to the higher tax band? @KHTV

[@georgemayson4936]

@@1530swimmer I also have a 2007 2.7L and I too am £305(?) A year

[@BondTheOGYT]

Think it’s around £300

[@1183newman]

987 is great but the 981 is a big upgrade imo. I would presonally avoid the gen 1 987. I had one and the fear of bore scoring and ims are real even if my ownership was fairly trouble free.

[@markrhoden68]

Someone i follow on KZbin is selling his 2017 m140i for one of these, I can't for the life of me work out why he wouldn't at least go for the s model.

[@adamgreen7291]

Gen 2 cars post 2009 are the ones to go for

[@512TXSDIY]

Gen 2’s are nice as well. Best one to get is the newest one you can afford. 2007 is the year they introduced a reinforced IMS bearing. 2.7 is super reliable and very fun to drive.

[@1530swimmer]

Gen 2 better car but it isn't the original design. Gen 1 will always have a higher historical value.

[@stephenauty2402]

Why?

[@adamgreen7291]

@@stephenauty2402 stronger engine, 6 speed box, nice interior, more power.

[@adamgreen7291]

@John S when I say stronger motor, I mean no IMS to potentially fail. This review was of a base car not an S 👍

[@tomthompson7400]

so what was that one worth ??

[@karlhurn]

instagram.com/p/CE6S-Y6HE1r/?igshid=1tkd3j4b0fsyz

[@tomthompson7400]

@@karlhurn hard to spend that and not come back with the good one ,,,

[@mickyday2008]

Por-shah?

[@richfixescars]

Yes they are getting cheap to buy, but do your homework as they aren't perfect, they can rust, coolant pipes leak, clutches need changing every 50k miles, suspension bushes wear, and rear main seal leaks, and IMS bearing on the older cars. So a cheaper one can be a money pit.

[@karlhurn]

Yes, some good points there as mentioned in the video. Buying from a specialist with the common problems already sorted and a warranty like this car is a good bet! 👍

[@horacebond9394]

Haha! its the only entry level Porsche, lol

[@ridiculousness7477]

There is nothing “entry” level about this car

[@EnjinTale]

and what car do you drive?