2008 Porsche Cayman Review

A well-balanced, hard-top roadster with decent power and comfort.

From the mid-mounted engine to the healthy mix of performance, utility, and comfort, the 2008 Porsche Cayman is simply a well-balanced piece of machinery. Not quite the 911 yet well beyond its soft-top Boxter sibling, The Cayman fits nicely in the middle, differentiating itself with killer styling, decent performance, excellent handling, and surprisingly ample cargo space. In other words, if the 911 and Boxter had a child, it would be the Cayman… taking the best genes from both (without the inbred genetic defect stuff, of course).

2008 Porsche Cayman Horsepower and Performance

red 2008 Porsche Cayman side view with studio lights outside
2008 Porsche Cayman. Photo: Amee Reehal
  • Engine: 2.7L Flat-6
  • Power: 245 horsepower
  • Torque: 201 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 5-speed Manual (6-speed Manual S model)
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • 0-60 mph: 5.8 seconds
  • Top Speed: 160 mph

A horizontally opposed flat-six, 2.7L engine produces 245 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission with dual flywheel (The Cayman-S adds an extra 50-hp via a 3.4-litre engine paired to a 6-speed tranny). The best part? This coupe is very fuel efficient, getting 10.1L/100km (28mi/gal) in the city and an impressive 6.8L/100km (42mi/gal) on the highway.

Suspension and footwork

red 2008 Porsche Cayman rear view parked at sunset
2008 Porsche Cayman. Photo: Amee Reehal

The handling is extraordinary, due primarily to the midengine platform and stiff/hardtop body. The firm suspension and front/rear stabilizer bars, coupled with the PSM (Porsche Stability Management) enhance handling capabilities. The Cayman rolls on 6.5×17-inch alloys with 205/55ZR17 tires up front, and 8×17-inch alloys wrapped in 235/50ZR17 in the rear. Stopping power comes in the form of 11.7-inch vented rotors with 4-piston calipers up front with 11.8-inch in the back.

Porsche Cayman Interior and Cargo

red 2008 Porsche Cayman interior driver side
2008 Porsche Cayman. Photo: Amee Reehal

With a huge, cooler-sized cavity cargo space in the front and respectable trunk space under the rear hatch (providing a total capacity of 14.5 cubic feet), the Porsche Cayman is borderline ‘daily driver’ material. Seriously. I had the car for two weeks, during my wedding reception mind you, so suffice to say I did a lot of running around and never had any issues (and ‘sorry, it’s a two-seater’ came in handy too). Dropping off decorations at the venue, picking up my suit, buying loads of groceries, and even loading my camera gear, I never had a problem (my only beef is the inability to load a golf bag, but that’s another story).

2008 Porsche Cayman interior driver side steering wheel
2008 Porsche Cayman. Photo: Amee Reehal

Cayman Styling

In terms of styling, the Cayman is a classic Porsche marrying smooth, sexy lines with wide, aggressive styling cues, resembling more the 911 than the Boxter. The ‘Cayman’ badging on the rear hatch adds a sense of intrigue as well; whereas most are familiar with the iconic Porsche 911, and by now the entry-level Boxter as well which has been around for a decade, the Cayman, however, is still relatively unknown to most so it adds that extra sense of exclusivity and appeal without divulging it’s sub-70K price point.

2008 Porsche Cayman rear design and taillights at sunset
2008 Porsche Cayman. Photo: Amee Reehal

The interior is remarkably roomy, according to my passenger Jimmy, who is 6-ft 3-inch and 230 lbs. We’ll take his word for it, though he’s right; legroom is good, and the arched roof design provides extra head space. HomeLink, cruise control, three power sockets, and an AM/FM/CD radio with four loudspeakers come standard.

Takeaway

red 2008 Porsche Cayman front view
2008 Porsche Cayman. Photo: Amee Reehal

Overall, pound-for-pound, the Cayman is a well-balanced sports coupe and fuel-efficient to boot. Especially at its $65,500 price point. Your long, flowing hair will look beautiful cruising in the drop-topped Boxster. But if you’ve got a bit extra to spend and value performance, handling, and exterior styling, the Porsche Cayman is perfect.

2008 Porsche Cayman Specs

CategorySpecification
Engine2.7L Flat-6
Power245 horsepower
Torque201 lb-ft
Transmission5-speed Manual (6-speed Manual S model)
0-60 mphApproximately 5.8 seconds
Top SpeedApproximately 160 mph
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Curb WeightApproximately 2,954 lbs
Wheelbase95.1 inches
Length171.1 inches
Width70.9 inches
Height51.4 inches

Behind the scene shots from our Cayman photoshoot.

2009 porsche cayman review behind the scenes
2009 porsche cayman review behind the scenes
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Author:
Amee Reehal
Amee Reehalhttps://www.ameereehal.com/
Shooting cars and bikes professionally since film was a thing, for over 20 years, Amee has collaborated with the major automakers and agencies, and his work has been published in various global outlets including MotorTrend, GlobeDrive, SuperStreet, Chicago Tribune, PerformanceBMW, and others. He’s an automotive writer and founder/managing editor of TractionLife.com, focusing on digital marketing & SEO for the past ten years (backed by a marketing degree, go figure). Find him travelling, spending time with his kids and family. Or golfing, poorly.