When Porsche combined the flat-six engine with the Cayman body in 2015, in the shape of the 981 Cayman GT4, the enthusiast world understood its importance and celebrated the notion. Then, in 2020, the automaker took it one step further with the bigger 4.0L engine and the rest is history.
In 2026, the Cayman that we know and love is coming to an end. So, how does the 718 GT4 fair in today’s market? Is it worth its asking price, and will it satisfy that pure driving itch you may have as a petrol head? We look at the 718 Cayman GT4 through a comprehensive lens and find out if it is the right fit for you. Be warned, you may immediately find yourself hunting the CarBuzz marketplace after this article!
We’ve used reputable sources to determine the value of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and its reliability record. As with any used car purchase, your results may vary and CarBuzz advises used-car buyers to do due diligence before buying.
A Brief History Of The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4
A Star Successor
The 718 Cayman GT4 (982) arrived as the natural successor to the 981 Cayman GT4, for the 2020 model year. Originally introduced in 2019, it gained a larger 4.0L flat-six instead of the 3.8L. The harmonious combination of a mid-engined Cayman chassis with essentially a 911 engine was an instant hit among enthusiasts. Mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox at first, with an option for the PDK dual-clutch added later in 2021, it was the definition of a quintessential driver’s car.
The 718 GT4 was discontinued in 2023, to make way for an even more hardcore and brutish GT4 RS. In the three short years the 718 GT4 was on sale, it gained respect as one of the greats. With the imminent future of electrification and stricter rules and regulations, is it time to look at the past and celebrate one of the best German sports cars ever produced?
Why Should You Own A Porsche 718 Cayman GT4?
The GT4 Engine Is One Of The Biggest Reason
2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 platform diagram viewPorsche
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Specs
Engine
4.0L NA Flat-six
Power
414 hp
Torque
309 lb-ft
Transmission
6-speed Manual/ 7-speed PDK Dual-clutch
Drive train
RWD
And, it truly is all about the engine with this sportscar. However, the engine is more like the base 911 rather than the flat-six wizardry over at Porsche’s GT department. The flat-six in the 718 GT4 is an evolution of the 992’s 3.0L twin-turbo flat-six, gaining an extra liter by being bored out and losing the turbochargers in the process. It may look mechanically similar to a GT3 engine on a piece of paper, but structurally does not share any parts.
“The high-revving flat-six mounted just behind the driver has a sound that’s unique in the automotive world, and it never, ever, stops giving. It’s an easy car to drive fast, but difficult to truly master at its fullest extent – and it wants to be mastered. It’s truly the everyday supercar that is rewarding to drive at any speed, at any level, for any person remotely interested in cars.”
– Christopher Smith, Senior Editor, CarBuzz
When equipped with the manual gearbox, the GT4 completes the 0-60 mph sprint in 4.4 seconds. That number reduces to 3.9 seconds with the PDK-equipped cars, revving all the way to its 8,000 rpm redline. Top speed was limited to 189 mph. Powering only the rear wheels, a mechanical limited-slip differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring came as standard. The 718 Cayman GT4 weight increased when compared to the 981 generation by around 77 lbs, due to the additional particulate filters and exhaust silencers.
A Timeless Design
2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 front 3/4Porsche
One of the biggest upgrades over the 981 generation was the 718’s chassis and aerodynamics. The 2020 model features a larger front splitter and rear diffuser, a more effective rear wing and better airflow underneath the car. This resulted in a 50% increase in downforce when compared to its previous generation. The 718 GT4 also sat 30mm lower than the 981. It received updated PASM calibration, along with a host of hand-me-down upgrades from the 911 GT3.
Function Over Form Inside The Cabin
The Porsche Cayman GT4 uses the 911 GT3’s performance upgrades, resulting in one highly capable performance package, going for a relative song.Porsche
The GT4 follows a similar trend to other GT cars of being stripped out, but just enough to not make it unbearable on a daily basis. You get bolstered sports seats as standard, with an option for carbon fiber bucket seats that the company is well known for. The analogue rev counter in the center of the gauge cluster is a rare commodity, as even the 992 GT3 opts for a digital needle now. A familiar Porsche feel of the correct driving position mixed with its Race-Tex materials adorns this cabin. You also get an updated PCM infotainment touchscreen when compared to the 981.
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718 Cayman GT4 Current Values
2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 sidePorsche
As the recipe for mid-engined flat-six cars is almost at the end of its life, prices for sports cars such as the 718 GT4 are holding steady and are expected to rise with the lack of any competition in this field. With only one trim on offer, the biggest difference in price boils down to the transmission (manual/PDK) and optional packages.
Prices range from $90,000 to over $130,000 depending on a variety of factors such as mileage, gearbox or optional extras. Cars with carbon bucket seats, PCCB brakes, front axle lift, etc. usually demand more money. On BringATrailer, there is only a 2020 718 GT4 currently listed for sale, with the auction currently at $119,000 with 9k miles on the odometer. On Cars&Bids, a 9,900 mile 2023 GT4 (with carbon bucket seats) sold for $124,718. Higher mileage versions can also sell for under $100,000, as a 44k mile manual GT4 sold for $94,375.
Porsche itself will also sell you certified pre-owned cars, with prices generally being a little higher than other third-party sites. Cars on its website range from $120,000 to even over $150,000 for cars under 5k miles.
Common Problems With The 718 Cayman GT4
2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4Porsche
While new GT4s are quite robust and reliable, there are a few things to look out for.
- Engine failure due to connecting rod or oil pump defects: There is an extremely low chance that GT4s built in 2020 and 2021 may have faulty connecting rods or oil pumps that can be found through metal shavings in the oil filter. Cars with low mileage are mostly affected by this, and it is unlikely that high-mileage cars will be affected by this issue.
- Gearbox mount failure: An increase in vibrations and a change in gear engagement may be due to the gearbox mounts wearing excessively.
- Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount failure: Internal failure of the electronic and hydraulic mount components may lead to a change in driving dynamics and an increase in vibrations. Most such failures occur within the first 30,000 miles.
- Battery drain: Some 2022 models are reported to have higher battery drain if left parked for extended periods.
- Cabin fan failure: The fan used to circulate air into the cabin may not work properly in colder weather. This is mainly due to the fan motor sticking, which is solved with a manual spin to restore function.
718 Cayman GT4 Running Costs
The GT4 is relatively straightforward in terms of its costs on a day-to-day basis. However, that number can significantly increase if you plan to track this car regularly. With an EPA city/highway/combined rating of 16/23/19 mpg, you would be spending somewhere between $2,000 to $3,000 on fuel if your average mileage is around 10,000 miles. Insurance varies from different states, age and income, so make sure to check before buying a performance vehicle.
Brakes and tires are at the forefront of being the most frequently changed parts if you do track sessions. A set of standard front and rear pads can cost between $2,500 and $3,500. PCCB carbon ceramics may cost upwards of $10,000. Our advice is to go for the standard brakes if you plan to use the GT4 on the track. They are cheaper to maintain and last longer, while only slightly lacking braking performance.
Total failures are significantly more expensive, with full engine rebuilds costing anywhere around $70,000. Make sure to check the service history of any car before purchasing. Expect annual servicing costs to range from $500 to $2,000.
Summary: Is This The Right Time To Buy A 718 Cayman GT4?
2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 rear 3/4Porsche
With the rise of electrification and even stricter emission regulations, it is unlikely we will ever see another pure, manual driver’s sports car like the 718 GT4 ever again. While we do have the GT4 RS currently on sale, some may say that car is a little too extreme for the road. The 718 Cayman GT4 strikes the perfect balance of everyday usability and track potential. With values stabilized on the market, it is unlikely you will get a better time to buy one. With the rise in costs of current 911 GT cars, the 718 offers a way into GT ownership without breaking the entire bank. For the price, you get a joyous engine, the option of a manual gearbox and suspension and chassis tuning from cars that cost almost double. In our opinion, now is as good of a time as ever to buy a slice of automotive heaven for purists.
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Sources: Porsche, EPA, BringATrailer, Cars&Bids, Automotive Faults
