The Porsche 911 Carrera and 718 Cayman are both well-loved options that have long graced the carmaker's lineup. If you're ready to invest in a Porsche of your own, both options are sure to top your list of coveted choices. Making the final decision between the Porsche Cayman vs. the Porsche 911 is no small feat. We've explored the finer points of both to help streamline your choice.
Performance and Powertrain Comparison
Below is a quick breakdown of the performance specs of these models.
Porsche 911 Carrera
The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera features a 3.0-liter flat-six engine that delivers up to 388 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine pairs with the eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) for exceptionally smooth gear changes that never interrupt the pleasure of your driving experience. With this powertrain, you can enjoy a 0-to-60 mph sprint time of 3.9 seconds and a maximum track speed of 183 mph.
Porsche 718 Cayman
The 2025 718 Cayman base trim comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine and an impressively smooth seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This powerhouse delivers 300 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, but it's a bit slower than the 911 Carrera, with a 4.7-second 0-to-60 mph sprint time and a top track speed of 171 mph.
If you want the most out of your 718 Cayman, upgrade to the GTS 4.0 trim, which features a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine that delivers 394 hp. If you opt for the available six-speed manual transmission, you'll enjoy 309 lb-ft of torque and a top track speed of 182 mph, which nearly matches the Carrera.
Design and Dimensions
The 2025 911 Carrera received significant styling upgrades, including a fresh take on the wheels, lights, bumpers, and mirrors. The new HD-Matrix headlights include four-point daytime running lights and turn signals. Aerodynamic updates deliver sleek lines, vertical louvres, and a lower front air intake.
The 718 Cayman, meanwhile, is clean and athletic, with a wide stance and distinctive midengine flyline. The formal contours create a striking silhouette that glides smoothly over the broad rear, culminating in eye-catching black trim. The rear wing extends to enhance aerodynamics at speeds over 78 mph. The doors are designed to direct air into the side air intakes that dominate the design.
Model Variants, Trims, and Pricing
The 911 Carrera and 718 Cayman are both available in a mind-boggling range of variants. Keep reading for a quick breakdown of what these models have to offer.
911 Carrera
The 2025 911 Carrera coupe is available in the base trim, priced at $120,100, and two upgraded trims:
- 911 Carrera GTS: Enhance your performance with 478 hp and a top track speed of 194 mph with styling that sits closer to the ground. This trim has a starting price of $164,900.
- 911 Carrera 4 GTS: Unlock all-wheel drive with Porsche's traction management system. This trim costs $172,700.
718 Cayman
Your trim options for the 718 Cayman begin with the base level we've primarily discussed above. Other options include:
- 718 Cayman Style Edition: Enjoy aesthetic upgrades such as larger wheels and more standard features. Its starting price is $79,200.
- 718 Cayman S: Upgrade to a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine with 350 hp. This trim costs $84,800.
- 718 Cayman GTS 4.0: Upgrade to a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine that delivers 394 hp. This trim will set you back $99,700.
- 718 Cayman GT4 RS: Enjoy enhancements to the six-cylinder boxer engine that increase performance. At the top of the line, this trim costs $164,200.
Final Verdict: Choosing Between the Porsche 911 Carrera and 718 Cayman
Making your final choice between the Carrera and Cayman may come down to the driver-oriented details.
911 Carrera
In the 911 Carrera, you'll enjoy a 12.65-inch curved driver display and a 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management screen. If you like to have everything at your fingertips, the Carrera is the better choice. The driver display includes a boost and recuperation display and shows your route and surroundings in 3D, including up to three lanes and five road users. The center console gets an innovative upgrade with the addition of a cooled storage space for your smartphone, complete with inductive charging. The compact Porsche 911 Carrera has only 4.8 cubic feet available in the front luggage compartment.
718 Cayman
Inside the 718 Cayman, you'll enjoy a central touch-screen display to access standard connectivity features and your choice of a Bose or Burmester surround sound system. The interior embraces both performance and refinement, leaving no detail overlooked. For example, the elevated center console minimizes the distance between the steering wheel and the selector lever so you can move between the two more easily. The 718 Cayman is more accommodating for trips. The front luggage compartment offers 5.3 cubic feet of storage. Better yet, you'll have access to a rear trunk as well, providing another 9.7 cubic feet of storage.
Make Your Selection at Porsche Livermore
The best way to make your final selection between the Porsche 911 vs. the 718 is with an in-person inspection and exhilarating test-drive. Contact our Livermore, California, dealership to schedule a visit to our showroom so you can explore your options in person. We'll help you drive away in the best Porsche for your needs.