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Porsche Boxster / Cayman 981 S

Boxster S / Cayman S (981)2013–2016

Porsche's mid-engine two-seater — from the 986 that saved the company to the last flat-six GTS.

23 reviewers · 36 videos · 5 hours watched · 13 press articles

Generations
9861997–2004986 S2000–20049872005–2012987 S2005–20129812013–2016981 S2013–2016981 GTS2015–20169822017–2025982 S2017–2025982 GTS2018–2025
// 00 the verdict

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling, but split on value.

across 23 reviewers

// where reviewers split
Value
19 say · liveable

"For a 12-year-old Cayman to still cost you the best part of 40k outside of a GTS as well, might I add, is pretty sensational."

9WERKS TV · ▶ 3:12
1 say · critical

"The biggest issue i have with this car though is the extortionate price of the options"

Carbuyer · ▶ 6:41
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.5/523 of 23 reviewersstrong consensus

“3.4 l Flat 6 engine produces 320 brake horsepower and it Sprints to 60 mph in Just 4 seconds”

positive · Auto Express · ▶ 0:32

“almost 100 horsepower difference between these two cars”

mixed · Zygrene · ▶ 15:11

“the Cayman S will do 0 to 60 at 4.2 seconds”

positive · Doug DeMuro · ▶ 5:06
// 02

Handling

5.0/523 of 23 reviewersstrong consensus

“it's just so well balanced in the high speed Corners really stable under braking as well”

positive · Auto Express · ▶ 2:31

“the real standout feature of the Cayman is its pin sharp handling.”

positive · Carbuyer · ▶ 5:32

“for a miden engine car the Cayman has always been a magical thing in terms of the balance and the feedback and the feel it gives you this car has taken it to a another level again”

positive · EVO · ▶ 5:35
// 03

Fun to drive

5.0/523 of 23 reviewersstrong consensus

“For a light, dynamic, and engaging sports car, this really does tick all the boxes.”

positive · 9WERKS TV · ▶ 9:17

“I think the Boxster is one of the best sports cars on the market”

positive · Tedward · ▶ 2:12

“overall this is about as much fun as you can get in a rope car”

positive · Carbuyer · ▶ 2:03
// 04

Daily drivability

4.5/523 of 23 reviewersstrong consensus

“it feels very daily driver friendly it's a little bit softer a little bit more reasonable”

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 7:25

“it's also the car that's the most enjoyable to live with dayto day”

positive · Auto Express · ▶ 7:09

“this is ultra comfortable too... I'm very comfortable person in this car”

positive · Tedward · ▶ 20:04
// 05

Value

4.5/523 of 23 reviewerssplit

“For a 12-year-old Cayman to still cost you the best part of 40k outside of a GTS as well, might I add, is pretty sensational.”

positive · 9WERKS TV · ▶ 3:12

“if you find the right one you can get 20 grand off of basically like a GTS buy kind of settling for an S”

positive · Tedward · ▶ 4:59

“at 55 000 or so I have to say this actually feels like an absolute steal”

positive · Zygrene · ▶ 25:25

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

Driven By Satch
Posted May 19, 2022Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
KHTV
Posted May 7, 2021Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
AutoFocus Cars & Vids
Posted Jan 1, 2021Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
More Porsche Boxster / Cayman reviews
Porsche Cayman S 981 In-Depth Review & Buying AdviceJames Nutt cars
Porsche Cayman S 981 - Complete ReviewGlenns Car Collection
Is This 981 Boxster S Really $20,000 Less Fun than the GTS?Tedward
Porsche Cayman S 2013 | evo REVIEWEVO
2013 Porsche Cayman S Thrashed - /CHRIS HARRIS ON CARSThe Drive
Porsche Boxster review - CarBuyerCarbuyer
More Fun, Less Money? The Base Porsche 981 Boxster Beats the S in Real LifeElevenAfterNine
Is the 981 GTS still worth it in 2025? - Porsche 981 Cayman GTS ReviewGRIP WOLRD
Porsche Cayman 981 GTS Therapy Drive - More Fun than a GT4? (POV Binaural Audio)Tedward
Porsche Boxster Spyder - Uniquely Attainable - Fast Blast Review | Everyday DriverEverydayDriver
' 2013 / 2014 Audi TT RS (8J) ' Test Drive & Review - TheGetawayerTheGetawayer
I bought a 981 Porsche Boxster S that is TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!Tommy L Garage
Why the Porsche Cayman 981 S is a Phenomenal Porsche?Invictus Porsche Car Sales
Should You Buy A Porsche Boxster 981 S? Review | Test DriveInvictus Porsche
The Best Porsche Cayman To Buy In 2023 and it's NOT a GT4Driven By Satch
981 Porsche Boxster S: The Porsche Boxster Is Way Better Than You Think!Ben Hardy
Should You Buy a PORSCHE BOXSTER? (2016 3.4 S Test Drive & Review)High Peak Autos
The BEST Porsche For $55k? | 2015 Cayman S Review!EddieX
Porsche Cayman 2013 review - CarBuyerCarbuyer
2015 Porsche Cayman Review // 981 prices going up!!Motormouth
Porsche 718 Cayman S - Why you should buy one!compound interest-ing
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2016 Porsche Cayman GTS | All you'd ever need...BuzzytheBlue
Head to head
From the press · 13 articles
Power325 hp
TX6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK
Curb2,976 lb
Manual✓ available