The Porsche Cayman has often been dubbed the “entry-level Porsche,” positioned below the iconic 911 Carrera in both power and price. This might lead some to see the 2014 Porsche Cayman S as the junior member of the Porsche family. However, to dismiss it as just a “baby Porsche” would be a grave mistake, especially for those who truly appreciate a phenomenal driving experience.
I had the privilege of spending a week thoroughly testing the 2014 Cayman S across various driving scenarios. From navigating city streets and cruising on long highways to tackling winding mountain roads, this car consistently exceeded every expectation I had.
| 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 |
Under the hood, the 2014 Cayman S boasts a potent 3.4L flat-6 engine, delivering a robust 325 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque. My test vehicle was ideally equipped with the optional Sport Chrono package and a engaging 6-speed manual transmission. While a 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is also available, the manual gearbox in the Cayman S truly elevates the driving engagement. The manual configuration achieves 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, a hair slower than the PDK’s 4.6 seconds (or 4.4 seconds with Launch Control). However, the manual transmission boasts a slightly higher top speed of 175 mph compared to the PDK’s 174 mph.
Despite the marginal difference in acceleration figures, I would wholeheartedly opt for the manual transmission. While the PDK is undoubtedly a top-tier dual-clutch system, the sheer joy of manually shifting gears in a car like the Cayman S is unparalleled. The clutch pedal offers perfect resistance, and the gear lever is positioned ideally for quick and precise shifts. The pedal arrangement is also conducive to heel-toe downshifts, even for drivers with smaller feet.
Electromechanical Steering: A Revelation
Let’s address the elephant in the room that initially concerned Porsche enthusiasts: the switch from hydraulic to electromechanical power steering in this model year. The purists’ apprehension was understandable, but any pre-conceived doubts quickly vanished once I experienced the new system. The electromechanical steering in the 2014 Porsche Cayman S is nothing short of exceptional. It’s remarkably quick and precise, offers substantial weight, and delivers near-perfect feedback. While there might be a minuscule reduction in road feel compared to a hydraulic system, it’s so negligible that it hardly detracts from the immense driving pleasure the Cayman S provides.
Driving Modes: Tailoring the Experience
The Cayman S offers three distinct driving modes to cater to various driving situations. “Normal” mode is perfectly suited for everyday driving. It provides ample acceleration while ensuring a more compliant ride for city roads. Engaging “Sport” mode sharpens the throttle response and relaxes the traction control, while maintaining the same steering feel. A separate button allows for stiffening the chassis, resulting in a noticeably firmer ride that might be too aggressive for daily commuting for most drivers. For the ultimate performance, “Sport Plus” mode takes everything a step further, but it’s truly best reserved for track days, as public roads simply cannot fully exploit its capabilities. Moreover, safety and consideration for other road users are paramount.
The “Sport” mode also deactivates the automatic start/stop feature, which is part of the fuel management system designed to help the Cayman S achieve an EPA-rated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. I found the start/stop system to be remarkably seamless. Upon stopping at a traffic light, simply taking the car out of gear and releasing the clutch would smoothly stop the engine. When the light changed, pressing the clutch and engaging a gear would restart the engine almost instantly, allowing for a quick and effortless launch.
Interior Comfort and Design
Inside the cabin, the seats strike a perfect balance between comfort for long journeys and support for spirited driving. The 2014 model’s slightly extended wheelbase compared to its predecessor translates to a bit more cabin space. At 5’9″, I found headroom and legroom to be plentiful, with room to spare even with the seat moved back. Even a taller friend, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 250 pounds, found ample space behind the wheel. The instrument cluster maintains Porsche’s classic layout, with the tachometer prominently positioned in the center, flanked by the speedometer on the left and a configurable gauge on the right, displaying information such as navigation, temperature, or audio. The steering wheel is substantial and wrapped in supple leather, although a flat-bottom design would be a welcome addition.
The infotainment system, while not the most intuitive on the market, is functional and gets the job done. My test car was equipped with an optional Burmester audio system featuring 12 speakers and 800 watts of power. However, with a hefty price tag of $6,730, it’s a luxury I could personally forgo. The intoxicating sound of the flat-six engine is a far more compelling soundtrack than any music playlist.
Handling Prowess: Wet or Dry
I had the opportunity to push the Cayman S on a mountain road in both wet and dry conditions. Considering the rain-soaked pavement covered in fallen leaves and the Pirelli P-Zero summer tires on the 19-inch wheels already having endured numerous enthusiastic journalists, I opted to keep traction control engaged for my initial runs through the Appalachian Mountains. The car momentarily stepped out of line once, but the electronic stability system swiftly corrected it. Later that afternoon, as the roads dried out considerably, it was time to truly explore the Cayman’s limits. With traction control disabled, the Cayman S consistently felt poised right at the edge of grip, yet remarkably resistant to crossing that threshold. When grip did eventually break, a subtle steering adjustment brought it back in line effortlessly. The car seems to anticipate your intentions a split second before you execute them, yet, like a skilled partner, it allows you to feel in complete control.
Driving this exquisitely balanced mid-engine machine raises the question: why would anyone opt for another Porsche, especially considering the significant $20,000+ price difference between the Cayman S and the base 911? While more power is always welcome, the Cayman S isn’t engineered to be a straight-line drag racer. Its essence lies in the symbiotic connection between driver and machine as you navigate winding roads, finding that sweet spot between exhilaration and control. It’s about the car responding instantaneously to your slightest input, making you feel invincible. In the 2014 Porsche Cayman S, every drive is a good day.
Striking Aesthetics
Visually, the new Cayman has slightly increased in size, yet it manages to be approximately 66 pounds lighter than the previous generation. The enlarged air intakes, designed to enhance mid-engine cooling, contribute to a more assertive stance. However, the Cayman’s most captivating angle is arguably from the rear. Its rear design, with the spoiler seamlessly integrated into the taillights, is a masterclass in automotive aesthetics, blending muscularity with elegance.
The 2014 Cayman S starts at $63,800, but the test model I drove was equipped with several optional extras, only a few of which I would consider essential. Porsche Torque Vectoring, priced at $1,320, applies braking to the inner rear wheel during cornering. This feature necessitates the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) option for an additional $1,790 and the sport suspension for $1,235. The Sport Chrono package, at $1,850, adds the crucial Sport Plus button, a must-have for track enthusiasts. One option I was disappointed my test car lacked was the Sport Exhaust System. While it adds $2,825 to the price, the intoxicating flat-six engine growl is undeniably worth it.
Of course, the customization options for the Cayman S are extensive, and it’s easy to elevate the price into 911 territory. Whether these options are justifiable depends on individual budgets and preferences.
Class-Leading and Without Peer
In the realm of two-door, two-seat, hard-top sports cars, the 2014 Porsche Cayman S occupies a unique position, virtually without direct competitors. While the Jaguar XK could be considered in terms of rear-wheel drive, it’s more expensive and, despite greater power, slower in 0-60 mph acceleration. The F-Type is a closer comparison, but its convertible nature positions it more as a Boxster rival, as does the BMW Z4. The Audi TTS might be considered by some, but comparing an all-wheel-drive car to a rear-wheel-drive machine seems incongruous. The Cayman S truly stands in a class of its own.
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
The 2014 Cayman S earns a resounding BUY IT! It’s a driver-focused car that seamlessly transitions between daily driving, spirited canyon carving, and track sessions, all while upholding the high standards of luxury and quality synonymous with the Porsche brand.
Check out this TFL car video featuring a 2012 Porsche Cayman R:
