Porsche Sports Car Showdown: 911 Carrera vs. 718 Boxster vs. 718 Cayman

The 2017 Porsche Revolution: What Changed

The 2017 model year marked a pivotal moment for Porsche's sports car lineup. The Boxster and Cayman underwent complete transformations, adopting the 718 nomenclature and transitioning to turbocharged flat-four engines. Simultaneously, the 911 Carrera received its most substantial refresh in years, with all models now featuring forced induction. Key upgrades across all three vehicles included:

• Powertrain evolution: Turbocharging became standard across the lineup, replacing naturally aspirated engines
• Suspension advancements: Revised chassis tuning and available adaptive damping systems
• Weight distribution: Mid-engine (Boxster/Cayman) vs rear-engine (911) configurations refined
• Transmission options: Both six-speed manual and seven-speed PDK dual-clutch available
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Performance Face-Off: By the Numbers

*With optional Sport Chrono package

Real-World Driving Impressions

Behind the wheel, these specifications translate into distinct personalities. The base 911 Carrera's twin-turbo flat-six delivers effortless power with a linear torque curve, while the 718 Boxster's smaller 2.0-liter engine requires more revs to access its potential. The Cayman S strikes an ideal balance, with its 2.5-liter turbo-four providing nearly identical acceleration to the 911 Carrera despite the power deficit.

Handling Dynamics: Mid-Engine vs Rear-Engine

The most striking differences emerge when pushing these cars through challenging corners. Our testing revealed:

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911 Carrera: The Refined Predator

Modern 911s have largely tamed their historically tail-happy nature. The rear-engine layout provides exceptional traction under acceleration, while Porsche's engineering magic minimizes the weight imbalance. However, at the limit, physics still favors the mid-engine cars.

718 Boxster/Cayman: The Balanced Athletes

With their engines mounted amidships, the Boxster and Cayman deliver near-perfect weight distribution. The result is telepathic turn-in response and unshakable mid-corner stability. Even during aggressive driving on winding roads, these cars remained composed, with minimal body roll and progressive breakaway characteristics.

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The Transmission Debate: Manual vs PDK

Our testing covered all available transmission options:

• 7-speed manual (911 Carrera): Precise shifts with moderate clutch effort
• 7-speed PDK (Boxster): Lightning-fast automatic shifts with perfect rev-matching
• 6-speed manual (Cayman S): Shorter throw than the 911's gearbox with positive engagement

While the PDK represents technical perfection, the manual transmissions deliver greater driver engagement—particularly in the Cayman S, where the shifter's shorter throws enhance the sports car experience.

Interior & Practicality Considerations

Inside the cabin, all three models share Porsche's excellent build quality and driver-focused layout. Key differences include:

The Value Proposition: Price vs Performance

While the 911 Carrera carries significant prestige, the Cayman S delivers comparable performance at a substantial discount:

• Base Price Difference: $23,100 between Cayman S and 911 Carrera
• As-Tested Comparison: $87,395 (Cayman S) vs $97,010 (911 Carrera)
• Performance Parity: Nearly identical acceleration and superior handling in the Cayman S
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Final Verdict: Which Porsche Reigns Supreme?

After extensive evaluation, our recommendations break down as follows:

For Traditionalists: 911 Carrera

The iconic silhouette and flat-six soundtrack maintain the 911's emotional appeal. Ideal for buyers prioritizing heritage and daily usability.

For Open-Air Enthusiasts: 718 Boxster S

The drop-top version of the Cayman S formula delivers wind-in-your-hair excitement with nearly identical performance.

For Driving Purists: 718 Cayman S

Our top pick delivers 90% of the 911's performance at 75% of the price, with superior balance and more engaging dynamics.

Ultimately, Porsche's sports car lineup offers something for every enthusiast. While the 911 remains the brand's flagship, the 718 Cayman S represents the purest expression of Porsche's engineering philosophy—proof that sometimes, the smaller sibling can outshine its legendary big brother.

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