Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS vs Aston Martin Vantage
Compare the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS vs Aston Martin Vantage. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is £12,900 cheaper. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is 0.1s quicker to 60mph. The Aston Martin Vantage is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is priced from £115,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 493 hp, with 450 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.4s, a top speed of 196 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. The Aston Martin Vantage is priced from £120,900, powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8, producing 503 hp, with 685 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5s, a top speed of 195 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS offers a 125-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 23 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k mi warranty. The Aston Martin Vantage offers a 350-litre boot, runs on petrol, returns around 25mpg, is covered by a 3yr / unlimited mi warranty.
On cost of ownership, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is £12,900 cheaper than its rival, the Aston Martin Vantage costs less in annual maintenance (£1,300 versus £900), the Aston Martin Vantage is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £70 for the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS and £110 for the Aston Martin Vantage.
Driving Character: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS vs Aston Martin Vantage
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS represents the apex of the 718 platform, transplanting a 493hp naturally aspirated flat-six from the GT3 into a mid-engine chassis. The result is a machine with staggering agility and a turn-in response that makes even the standard GT4 feel soft. The chassis balance is dominated by rear-end grip and sharp, responsive steering that provides constant feedback. It is an extreme instrument, demanding a high level of expertise to truly extract its full potential. The power delivery is frenetic, culminating in a high-revving wail that defines the car's racing-inspired character.
The Vantage utilizes a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 to deliver a punchy 503 hp that defines its boisterous character. Its short wheelbase and wide track create a nimble, almost twitchy handling profile that demands constant input from the driver. The steering is direct, and the rear-wheel-drive architecture allows for significant adjustability through corners, though the traction control often intervenes aggressively in wet conditions to manage the 685 Nm of torque. It is a sports car that rewards experienced hands, trading absolute refinement for an engaging, visceral experience that feels decidedly more muscular than many of its rivals.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 96 against 84. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: GT3-derived engine in the lightest, most track-focused Cayman ever. For the Aston Martin Vantage: Sharp, engaging chassis with a thunderous AMG-sourced V8. In outright terms it is 493 hp against 503 — a 10 hp gap — and the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS reaches 60 mph 0.1s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS vs Aston Martin Vantage
The interior is a study in weight reduction, featuring CFRP door panels, lightweight door pulls, and carbon bucket seats that lock the driver in place. The presence of the standard roll bar behind the seats signals its intent, creating a sparse, motorsport-focused atmosphere. Sound deadening is intentionally minimal, allowing the mechanical symphony—and the roar of the intake located just behind the driver's head—to flood the cabin. It is not designed for luxury or comfort, but rather as an extension of the driving experience, prioritising tactical feedback and material efficiency above all else.
The interior is a focused, driver-centric environment, though the reliance on older-generation Mercedes-Benz switchgear is increasingly apparent against modern standards. The cabin is trimmed in high-quality Alcantara and leather, conveying a sense of purpose rather than pure opulence. The rotary infotainment controller is functional but lacks the slickness of current touchscreen interfaces. While the driving position is low and perfectly suited for spirited work, some materials in the lower dashboard areas lack the premium feel one might expect given the brand’s positioning. Practicality is limited, yet the space feels appropriate for a focused sports machine.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin Vantage takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 50 against 80. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit. For the Aston Martin Vantage: Significantly improved cabin quality and tech over the outgoing car.
Daily Usability: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS vs Aston Martin Vantage
Daily utility is significantly compromised by the track-oriented nature of the GT4 RS. The suspension is exceptionally firm, making it punishing on all but the smoothest road surfaces, and the lack of sound insulation makes it unsuitable for long, tedious commutes. Despite this, the front and rear trunks remain available for storage, and the inclusion of a front-axle lift system helps navigate urban obstacles. While it is technically possible to drive to the track, the RS experience is best reserved for spirited road use or dedicated circuit days rather than routine errands.
Daily usability is a mixed bag, with the Vantage excelling on open roads while requiring caution in urban settings. The front trunk provides a modest 325L of storage, which is surprisingly practical for short trips, provided one watches the low front splitter on kerbs and speed bumps. The ride is notably firm, especially in Sport mode, which can be fatiguing over longer distances on poor road surfaces. However, for a high-performance sports car, its compact dimensions make it relatively easy to place in traffic, provided the driver is mindful of the wide bodywork during parking.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Aston Martin Vantage takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 35 against 62. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Usable but clearly built for track days over commuting. For the Aston Martin Vantage: More usable day-to-day than previous Vantage generations. that means 125 litres of boot space against 350, plus a usable front boot in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, and everyday running costs that favour the Aston Martin Vantage at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS vs Aston Martin Vantage
Owning a 718 Cayman GT4 RS is a high-stakes proposition, with high purchase prices and significant service costs reflecting its status as a low-volume, specialised performance vehicle. Values have appreciated rapidly, as the model occupies a unique space in the modern Porsche lineup. Owners benefit from the comprehensive Porsche Motorsport support network, which is essential for managing RS-specific components that are more expensive and harder to source than standard parts. It is a collector's dream, provided the owner acknowledges the substantial overheads and the demanding nature of maintaining a high-performance track machine.
The ownership proposition of the Vantage has improved significantly, with an expanding dealer network that makes servicing more accessible than in previous years. Maintenance costs are relatively modest at £900 annually, though turbo-related upkeep can add up as the car ages. The Vantage badge retains considerable brand cachet, which keeps residual values strong in the competitive sports car market. It remains a popular choice for those who want a blend of heritage, performance, and day-to-day usability without the extreme costs associated with the ultra-luxury, low-volume models in the Aston Martin stable.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 58. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Mechanically simple, Porsche-grade reliability. For the Aston Martin Vantage: Entry-level Aston with a strong enthusiast following. On the wallet the two diverge at £115,000 versus £120,900 — a £5,900 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,300 against £900, and warranty cover of 4yr / 50k mi versus 3yr / unlimited mi.