Porsche Boxster / Cayman 981
Porsche's mid-engine two-seater — from the 986 that saved the company to the last flat-six GTS.
5 reviewers · 13 videos · 1 hour watched · 13 press articles
Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling.
across 5 reviewers
Performance
4.0/55 of 5 reviewersconsensus“this boxer s will go around the norch life at the same time as the old 996 911 GT3 model I mean that that is just incredible”
positive · Auto Express · ▶ 2:25“2.7 liter boxer flat 6 from Porsche. 265 horsepower and a seven-speed PDK.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 2:32“275 horsepower isn't a whole lot and this thing's definitely down on torque compared to my car as well it's actually a pretty noticeable difference”
mixed · Zygrene · ▶ 1:53Handling
4.5/55 of 5 reviewersstrong consensus“it's such a a well balanced thing there's so much grip and on these twisty Wells roads it's a superb car to drive”
positive · Auto Express · ▶ 0:48“wow this chassis is just so good it's so communicative”
positive · Zygrene · ▶ 3:49“the sense of balance, poise, and control you have is literally unmatched in my opinion.”
positive · GoDrive · ▶ 11:00Fun to drive
4.0/55 of 5 reviewersconsensus“it's terribly involving I mean it just begs for roads like this”
positive · Auto Express · ▶ 6:36“it doesn't really light my hair on fire in any way”
mixed · Zygrene · ▶ 8:21“there are very few cars that can do the daily driver thing, the snow thing, the comfort thing, and the sports car thing like this car can.”
positive · GoDrive · ▶ 13:00Daily drivability
4.5/55 of 5 reviewersstrong consensus“this is unbelievably refined and if you looking for a sports car or road to drive every day this is really comfortable”
positive · Tedward · ▶ 5:02“This is comfortable. This does comfortable very, very well.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 34:04“this thing feels a lot more just well put together”
positive · Zygrene · ▶ 3:37Value
4.0/54 of 5 reviewersconsensus“The Porsche Boxster is worth about 37 grand.”
positive · TheTopher · ▶ 0:16“you got to watch out on the options though because Porsche options are rather expensive this car with all the kit on it we're talking 60 Grand”
mixed · Auto Express · ▶ 3:39“there's definitely something to be said about these 981s on the used market these cars hold their value really well”
positive · Zygrene · ▶ 10:34Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- Top Gear
Porsche 718 GTS 4.0 review: the 6cyl Cayman is back! Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆BuyThe 718 GTS 4.0 is a triumphant return to form for the Cayman, offering a class-leading chassis paired with a naturally aspirated flat-six that enthusiasts have been craving.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who prioritize engine character, linear power delivery, and manual transmission engagement.
- Watch out
- Frustratingly long gear ratios · Particulate filter slightly muffles exhaust sound
1,406 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS Driving, Engines & Performance | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is a beautifully balanced, naturally aspirated sports car that prioritizes engagement and character over raw numbers.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who value mechanical purity, steering feel, and daily usability in a sports car.
- Watch out
- Long gearing · High-RPM torque peak · Motorway road noise
1,084 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS review: the world's best sports car? Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth it, with caveatsA fabulous, balanced sports car that offers more intensity than the base model, though the 718's four-cylinder transition has slightly dulled the perfection of the previous generation.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want more power and are willing to trade some ride comfort for intensity.
- Watch out
- Abrupt ride quality · Four-cylinder engine lacks the character of the old six · Expensive options list
1,444 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS Review 2026 | Top Gear
◆BuyThe 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is arguably the best car Porsche builds right now, offering a perfect balance of performance, sound, and daily usability.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a daily-drivable sports car with a naturally aspirated flat-six engine.
- Watch out
- Gearing is too long
1,222 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Porsche 718 Cayman Review 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe 718 Cayman remains a benchmark sports car, though the base four-cylinder engines lack the character of the older flat-sixes; the GTS and GT4 models are the true standouts.
- Best for
- Drivers seeking a complete, daily-usable sports car who don't require rear seats.
- Watch out
- gruff sound of 4-cylinder engines · high price of upper trims
763 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - MotorTrend
2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 First Drive
◆BuyThe 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is a masterclass in sports car engineering, offering a perfect blend of naturally aspirated performance and daily usability.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts seeking a modern Porsche with the soul and sound of a traditional naturally aspirated flat-six.
- Watch out
- Long second gear ratio · Slight weight penalty over the S model
1,622 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - MotorTrend
2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 First Test Review: GT4 Goodness at a Deep Discount
◆BuyThe 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is a masterclass in balance, offering nearly identical performance to the GT4 while being significantly more comfortable for daily use.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a high-performance Porsche that can handle both track days and daily commuting.
- Watch out
- Less aggressive tire compound than the GT4 · Cast iron rotors instead of carbon-ceramics
501 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Road & Track
Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 Review: Brilliant No Matter Which Transmission
◆Worth itThe Cayman GTS 4.0 remains a brilliant driver's car regardless of transmission, with the PDK offering a mature, highly capable alternative to the manual without sacrificing engagement.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a daily-drivable sports car that excels on both track and road.
- Watch out
- Cramped pedal box · Small side mirrors · Stiff ride on long trips · Stop/start system stutter
1,138 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time










