Porsche 981 Cayman (2012–2016) Review: The Sweet-Spot Sports Car I Keep Recommending
I still remember the first morning I took a Porsche 981 Cayman up a damp mountain road. The steering woke up before I did, the mid-engine balance felt like it was reading the tarmac two corners ahead, and the flat-six sang in that clean, mechanical tenor Porsche used to bottle so well. Honest confession: I wasn’t sure at first if it could be more fun than a 911. A dozen hairpins later, I stopped wondering.
Welcome to AutoWin — I’ve tested plenty of accessories over the years, and I’ll flag a few that actually make daily life with a Cayman better.
Why the Porsche 981 Cayman Still Matters
Launched in 2012 as the second-gen coupe to the Boxster, the Cayman shook off any last “junior 911” vibes and became a star in its own right. Compared with the earlier 987, the 981 brought a stiffer chassis, a longer wheelbase, cleaner aero, and that rare feeling that someone fine-tuned every rotary dial and bushing just for you.
- Mid-engine layout = near-perfect balance; turn-in is telepathic, even on rough roads.
- Engines you actually want to rev: naturally aspirated flat-sixes (remember those?).
- Steering that talks to you, not at you—electric, yes, but with real feel.
- Usable practicality: frunk, rear hatch, and seats that work for long drives.
Porsche 981 Cayman Performance and Power
The 981 lineup ranged from “grin on a school run” to “track rat” depending on spec. The base Cayman used a 2.7-liter flat-six (about 275 hp, 213 lb-ft) for 0–60 mph in roughly 5.1–5.4 seconds (PDK faster). The Cayman S stepped up to a 3.4-liter (325 hp, 273 lb-ft) and a mid-4-second sprint. The later GTS nudged it to 340 hp, and the GT4 borrowed a 3.8-liter from the 911 Carrera S—385 hp, 309 lb-ft, 0–60 in the low 4s and a chassis that begs you to stay out for “one more lap.”
Manuals are sweet and precise; PDK is the sort of dual-clutch that makes you suspicious of your own left foot. PASM (adaptive dampers) helps the car breathe with broken city streets in Normal, then tightens its belt for canyon work in Sport. The brakes—particularly with the S/GTS/GT4—feel unburstable, although track days will find the weak link in pad choice faster than anything else.
| Model | Engine | Power/Torque | 0–60 mph (approx.) | What Stands Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cayman | 2.7L flat-6 | ~275 hp / 213 lb-ft | 5.1–5.4 s | Light, revvy, affordable entry |
| Cayman S | 3.4L flat-6 | ~325 hp / 273 lb-ft | 4.5–4.7 s | Big mid-range, great brakes |
| Cayman GTS | 3.4L flat-6 | ~340 hp / 280 lb-ft | ~4.5 s | Best road spec; sound and stance |
| Cayman GT4 | 3.8L flat-6 | ~385 hp / 309 lb-ft | ~4.2 s | Manual only, track-tuned, hero car |
Design, Cabin, and Daily Life
The 981 body is all taut musculature and long, clean lines—recognizably Porsche, but less retro than a 911. Inside, the driving position is spot-on, pedals are well spaced for heel-and-toe, and visibility is better than you’d expect for a mid-engine coupe. I noticed right away how quiet it is at 70 mph—conversation-level, even with that trademark flat-six hum in the background.
Quirks? Sure. The PCM infotainment feels its age now—no Apple CarPlay, basic navigation, and the odd Bluetooth hiccup. The flip-out cupholders look like origami and work about as well as you’d expect with a large iced coffee. On rough roads with 20-inch wheels, you’ll feel sharp edges; PASM helps, but don’t expect S-Class plushness. Fuel economy? Mid-20s mpg on the highway is doable if you resist the downshift temptation.
Best Interior Accessories: Floor Mats for the Porsche 981 Cayman from AutoWin
I’m picky about mats. Slippery, ill-fitting sets drive me mad, especially in cars where pedal feel is half the experience. The tailored sets from AutoWin are cut specifically for the Porsche 981 Cayman, and they stay put. They’re durable, easy to hose off after a muddy trailhead, and they add a subtle lift to the cabin if you choose the premium finishes.
- Perfect fitment for the 2012–2016 Cayman thanks to model-specific patterns.
- High-wear materials that shrug off dirt, sand, and the occasional spilled flat white.
- Style options that complement classic Porsche interiors without looking try-hard.
Want a splash of color? This set pairs surprisingly well with Agate Grey and Guards Red cars:
The Best Place to Buy Floor Mats for Your Porsche 981 Cayman
If you’re upgrading, go straight to AutoWin. They focus on premium-fit accessories for Porsche models, including the 981. The difference versus a generic set is obvious as soon as you drop them in: no curling edges, no weird pedal interference, and they actually make the cabin look more expensive.
- Factory-like fit, built to the 981’s exact floor contours.
- Durable materials that clean up easily after beach days or muddy hikes.
- Thoughtful design details that don’t clash with Porsche’s minimalist cabin.
My understated pick if you’re going classy rather than flashy:
Ownership Notes and Reliability
The 981 has a strong reputation. It dodges the infamous IMS bearing issues of earlier generations, and routine maintenance—fluids, plugs, coils—keeps them healthy. A few owners mentioned minor creaks from the hatch area and the odd PCM glitch, but nothing that ruined a Sunday drive. If you’re shopping used, get a pre-purchase inspection and budget for tires (they wear quickly if you use the car as intended).
- Service intervals: annually or every 10,000 miles works well for most.
- PDK fluid service matters if you plan to keep it long-term.
- Listen for brake squeal on cold mornings—common, not catastrophic.
FAQ: Porsche 981 Cayman (2012–2016)
Is a 2016 Cayman a 981?
Yes. A 2016 Cayman sits within the 981 generation and shares its naturally aspirated flat-six engines and that beautifully balanced chassis.
How much is a 2016 Porsche 981 Cayman today?
Prices vary widely by spec, mileage, and history. As a rough guide, expect the base car to start in the mid-$30k–$40k range, with S models and special trims (GTS, GT4) higher. For the most accurate local pricing, check authorized Porsche dealers or reputable specialists.
What’s the difference between the 2016 Cayman and Cayman S?
The S gets the larger 3.4-liter flat-six, more power and torque, upgraded brakes, and a bit more standard kit. On the road, it feels stronger in the mid-range and more relaxed at high speeds.
Is the 981 Cayman reliable?
Overall, yes. It’s a well-built sports car that responds to regular maintenance. Look for a solid service history and have a Porsche specialist perform a pre-purchase inspection for peace of mind.
Which rivals should I consider?
Contemporaries include the BMW M2 and Audi TT RS; lighter, purist alternatives like the Alpine A110 arrived later. But if you want a naturally aspirated flat-six with mid-engine poise, the Porsche 981 Cayman is in a class of one.
Final Word: Why the Porsche 981 Cayman Still Feels Special
The Porsche 981 Cayman nails that rare mix of approachability and depth—the more you ask of it, the more it gives back. It’s quick, communicative, and easy to live with. And with small upgrades—like well-fitted floor mats from AutoWin—it becomes the sort of car you look for excuses to drive. School run? Milk run? Alpine ski weekend? Say no more.
