The 2009 Porsche Cayman ranks 3 out of 9 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 50 published reviews and test drives of the Porsche Cayman, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Porsche Cayman is praised for its combination of power, agility, and comfort wrapped in beautiful look-at-me sheet metal. What’s more, its dual cargo holds add a dose of everyday practicality to the mix.
Slightly refreshed for the 2009 model-year, the Cayman is a fixed-roof version of the highly-acclaimed Porsche Boxster. Like its sibling, the Cayman receives accolades for its powerful engine options and superior handling dynamics. Add to that its sleek, head-turning design and comfortable, yet lavish, interior appointments and its easy to see why the Cayman receives as much praise as it does. “Some less-expensive sports cars challenge Cayman on a fun-per-dollar basis, and some like-priced competitors deliver more outright power,” writes Consumer Guide. “Few, however, match this Recommended pick’s range of strengths: road manners and mechanical sophistication to satisfy the most discriminating driver, a good dose of everyday usability, and the cachet of the Porsche name.”
Still, if you’re in the market for a high-end two-passenger sports coupe, check out the Chevy Corvette and Lotus Exige. While neither is as luxurious as the Cayman, they’re both just as thrilling to drive. The all-new Nissan 370Z also makes a great choice, especially if you’re on a budget. “Lithe on the road, fluidly seductive in appearance, and positively alive in your hands: It’s now, in my humble opinion, very simply the best sports car in the world.” — Motor Trend
The 2009 Cayman is available in two trims: the base Cayman and more powerful Cayman S. “This is the sort of car that you wear like a tailored suit. The driver’s seat envelops you, the steering wheel, pedals and shifter are placed where you expect to find them, and the car feeds back marvelous tactile sensations that are rare and special in the driving experience.” — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Both the Cayman and Cayman S feature strong engines that leave test drivers impressed. Many, however, note that the stronger S trim is more satisfying to drive. The base-trim Cayman features a 2.7-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 201 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 – 6,000 rpm. However, the more powerful Cayman S is equipped with a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine that makes 310 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 251 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 – 6,000 rpm. The base Cayman and Cayman S feature a five-speed and six-speed manual transmission, respectively. However, a Tiptronic S transmission is optional.
According to Porsche, the base Cayman has a top speed of 160 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The Cayman S trumps the base with a top speed of 171 mph and a 0 to 60 acceleration time of just 5.1 seconds.
The EPA has not rated the ’09 Cayman, but reports that the highly-similar 2008 model has a city/highway fuel economy ranging from 18/25 mpg to 20/29 mpg, depending on trim and transmission.
