Cayman S 1The Porsche Cayman has often been unfairly labeled as the “entry-level Porsche,” or the stepping stone before you can “graduate” to a 911. Dismissing the 2014 Porsche Cayman S with such a moniker does it a great disservice. While positioned below the iconic 911 Carrera in both price and power, the Cayman S is far from a consolation prize. In fact, after spending a week thoroughly testing the 2014 Cayman S across city streets, long highway stretches, and challenging mountain roads, it became abundantly clear: this “Baby Porsche” is a formidable sports car in its own right, delivering an exhilarating driving experience that surpasses expectations.
Performance and Specs of the 2014 Cayman S
Under the hood, the 2014 Cayman S boasts a naturally aspirated 3.4-liter flat-six engine, a hallmark of Porsche engineering. This powerplant delivers a potent 325 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque, providing ample thrust for thrilling acceleration. My test vehicle was ideally configured for driving purists, equipped with the highly desirable Sport Chrono package and a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission. A 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is also available for those prioritizing lightning-fast gear changes.
Official figures state the manual Cayman S reaches 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, a hair slower than the PDK’s 4.6 seconds (or an even quicker 4.4 seconds with Launch Control). Top speed is equally impressive, with the manual version reaching 175 mph and the PDK slightly behind at 174 mph.
| STATS | Starting Retail Price | As Tested Price | HP / Lb-Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Porsche Cayman S | $63,800 | $88,625 | 325 / 272 |
| EPA Rating MPG | As Tested MPG | ||
| Rating: BUY IT! | 20 / 28 | n/a |
Manual vs. PDK Transmission in the Cayman S: Which is Best for Driving Enthusiasts?
While the PDK offers undeniably rapid shifts, the 6-speed manual in the Cayman S elevates the driving engagement to another level. For true driving aficionados, the manual is the clear choice. The clutch pedal offers perfect weighting, and the gear lever is positioned ideally for quick and precise shifts, falling readily to hand. The pedal placement is also thoughtfully designed, making heel-toe downshifts intuitive and rewarding, even for drivers with average-sized feet.
2014 porsche cayman s frontThe Electromechanical Steering: A Game Changer for the Cayman S?
One of the most significant changes for this generation Cayman S was the switch from hydraulic to electromechanical power steering. This change initially sparked concern among Porsche traditionalists, fearing a loss of steering feel and feedback. However, these concerns proved to be largely unfounded. The new system is remarkably well-engineered, delivering steering that is quick, precise, and satisfyingly weighty. While there might be a marginal reduction in ultimate road feel compared to the hydraulic system, it is negligible and certainly doesn’t detract from the sheer joy of piloting the Cayman S. The steering remains communicative and inspires confidence, allowing for precise placement on the road.
Driving Modes and Daily Driving Experience in the Cayman S
The Cayman S offers a versatile driving experience thanks to its selectable driving modes. “Normal” mode is perfectly suited for everyday driving, providing ample performance while ensuring a comfortable ride on city streets. Engaging “Sport” mode, now conveniently accessible via a standard button, sharpens the throttle response and relaxes the traction control, injecting more urgency into the driving experience without altering the steering feel. For even greater focus, a separate button allows for stiffening the chassis, firming up the ride considerably. While this setting enhances handling for spirited driving, it might be too firm for daily commutes. “Sport Plus” mode takes everything a step further, optimizing all systems for maximum performance. However, this mode is best reserved for track days, as its aggressive nature is truly unleashed in a closed-course environment.
The Sport button also deactivates the automatic start/stop system, a fuel-saving feature that contributes to the Cayman S‘s respectable fuel economy figures of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. In practice, the start/stop system is surprisingly seamless, restarting the engine quickly and smoothly, allowing for swift departures from traffic lights.
Cayman S Interior and Technology: Comfort and Functionality
Inside, the Cayman S cabin strikes a balance between sporty focus and everyday comfort. The seats are supportive and comfortable for long journeys, yet provide excellent lateral support during more enthusiastic driving. The wheelbase of the 2014 model is slightly longer than its predecessor, resulting in a more spacious cabin. Even taller drivers will find ample headroom and legroom. The classic Porsche instrument layout places the tachometer prominently in the center, flanked by a speedometer on the left and a configurable display on the right, providing access to navigation, vehicle information, and audio settings. The steering wheel feels substantial and is wrapped in smooth leather, although a flat-bottom design would further enhance the sporty ambiance.
Cayman S intThe infotainment system, while functional, is not the most intuitive on the market. My test car featured an optional Burmester audio system, boasting 12 speakers and 800 watts of power. While undoubtedly high-fidelity, its hefty $6,730 price tag is difficult to justify, especially when the naturally aspirated flat-six engine provides such a captivating soundtrack.
Cayman S Handling and Driving Dynamics: Pushing the Limits
The true brilliance of the Cayman S lies in its handling and driving dynamics. During my test, I had the opportunity to drive the car on winding mountain roads in both wet and dry conditions. Even on leaf-strewn, damp pavement, the Cayman S remained remarkably composed. While the Pirelli P-Zero summer tires showed signs of previous enthusiastic testing, traction remained impressive, even with traction control engaged. In the dry, the Cayman S truly comes alive. The car feels poised and balanced, constantly communicating its limits. It dances on the edge of grip, yet remains remarkably easy to control and correct if the rear end steps out. The mid-engine layout contributes to exceptional balance and agility, making the Cayman S feel like an extension of the driver’s will.
Cayman S Value Proposition: Is it Better Than a 911?
After experiencing the exceptional driving dynamics and overall package of the Cayman S, the question arises: why would anyone need a more expensive Porsche, particularly considering the significant price difference compared to a base 911? While the 911 offers more power and iconic status, the Cayman S delivers a driving experience that is arguably just as engaging, if not more so for some. It’s not about outright power; it’s about the connection between driver and machine, the precision, the balance, and the sheer joy of driving. The Cayman S excels in this realm, offering a purer, more focused sports car experience.
Visually, the Cayman S is undeniably striking. While slightly larger than its predecessor, it is also lighter, contributing to its agility. The larger side air intakes not only aid engine cooling but also enhance its aggressive stance. However, the rear view is arguably the most captivating, with the integrated spoiler and taillights creating a visually stunning and muscular design.
Cayman S 3The base price of the Cayman S starts at $63,800, but as with any Porsche, options can quickly inflate the price. My test car included desirable performance-enhancing options such as Porsche Torque Vectoring, Porsche Active Suspension Management, sport suspension, and the Sport Chrono package. While some options are essential for track enthusiasts, it’s possible to configure a well-equipped Cayman S without venturing into 911 price territory.
Cayman S vs. the Competition: Standing Alone in its Class
In the realm of two-door, two-seat, hard-top sports cars, the Cayman S occupies a unique position. While competitors like the Jaguar F-Type and Audi TTS exist, they don’t quite capture the same blend of mid-engine balance, driving purity, and Porsche pedigree. The Cayman S carves its own niche, offering a distinct and compelling proposition for driving enthusiasts seeking a truly exceptional sports car.
Final Verdict: Why the 2014 Cayman S Earns a “Buy It!”
On the TFLcar scale of Buy it!, Lease it!, Rent it!, or Forget it!, the 2014 Cayman S unequivocally earns a BUY IT! It’s a driver’s car that seamlessly transitions between daily driving duties, exhilarating backroad blasts, and even track day adventures. It delivers the luxury, quality, and, most importantly, the driving experience expected from the Porsche crest, solidifying its place as a truly exceptional sports car and deserving much more than the “starter Porsche” label.
