Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Compare the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is £30,000 cheaper. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is 0.8s quicker to 60mph. The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is more fuel efficient. Full performance, cost & ownership breakdown.
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is priced from £84,000, powered by a 4.0L Flat-6, producing 414 hp, with 420 Nm of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.2s, a top speed of 188 mph, sent to the road via rear-wheel drive. 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 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 offers a 150-litre boot, a usable front boot, runs on petrol, returns around 25 mpg, is covered by a 4yr / 50k mi warranty. 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.
On cost of ownership, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is £30,000 cheaper than its rival, the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 costs less in annual maintenance (£1,100 versus £1,300), the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is the more fuel-efficient choice, a full tank costs around £70 for the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and £70 for the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS.
Driving Character: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is the definition of chassis purity, pairing a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six with a mid-engine layout that offers near-perfect neutrality. The 414hp delivery is linear and predictable, allowing for precise throttle modulation through technical sections of track. The manual gearbox is a highlight, featuring short, mechanical throws that engage the driver completely. While it lacks the raw top-end speed of 911-based variants, the balanced chassis and communicative steering allow it to carry immense cornering speed, making it an exceptionally rewarding tool for those who value driver input over outright power figures.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS takes our 0-100 driving character grading, 93 against 96. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4: Purist mid-engined chassis balance and involvement. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: GT3-derived engine in the lightest, most track-focused Cayman ever. In outright terms it is 414 hp against 493 — a 79 hp gap — and the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS reaches 60 mph 0.8s sooner.
Interior & Cabin: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
The cabin prioritises function, stripping away unnecessary luxuries in favour of an Alcantara-lined environment that feels race-ready. The Sport Seats Plus provide excellent lateral support during spirited driving, while the minimalist dashboard design ensures the focus remains entirely on the road ahead. Given its track-focused intent, the cabin storage is sparse and the rear seating area is replaced by a structural strut brace. It is a clean, purposeful space, though some may find the lack of comfort-oriented features a challenge for long-distance touring, fitting perfectly with the model's lightweight, enthusiast-oriented persona.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 takes our 0-100 interior & cabin grading, 55 against 50. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4: Motorsport-flavoured cabin with genuine everyday livability. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Stripped-back, motorsport-focused cockpit.
Daily Usability: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Utility is a standout feature, as the combination of front and rear trunks allows for surprising storage capacity, making the GT4 a versatile choice for weekend touring. Its compact dimensions make it relatively easy to navigate through tight city streets, although the low front splitter demands care over speed bumps and steep inclines. The suspension is firm, bordering on harsh for daily use in Sport mode, though it remains composed enough for the committed driver. It manages to balance track-ready performance with sufficient real-world practicality, provided the owner is prepared for a more rigorous ride quality.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 takes our 0-100 daily usability grading, 68 against 35. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4: Surprisingly civil ride and quiet cabin for a track-focused car. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Usable but clearly built for track days over commuting. that means 150 litres of boot space against 125, and everyday running costs that favour the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 at the pumps.
Ownership: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 vs Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Porsche ownership provides a reliable and extensive dealer network, ensuring that the Cayman GT4 is well-supported throughout its life. As a naturally aspirated model, the GT4 has retained significant residual value, making it a sound financial proposition for enthusiasts. Servicing intervals are well-defined, and while specific GT4 components might require longer lead times, the mechanical robustness of the 4.0-litre engine offers peace of mind. It remains a model with a dedicated community and strong factory support, ensuring that this iteration of the Cayman will remain a coveted machine for years to come.
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.
Head-to-head, the division is clear: the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 takes our 0-100 ownership grading, 78 against 78. Characteristic of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4: Mechanically simple, Porsche-grade reliability. For the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Mechanically simple, Porsche-grade reliability. On the wallet the two diverge at £84,000 versus £115,000 — a £31,000 difference, with annual maintenance of £1,100 against £1,300.