The Porsche Cayman has often been dubbed the “entry-level Porsche,” positioned below the iconic 911 Carrera in both price and power. The 2014 Cayman S, in particular, might be perceived as the younger sibling in the Porsche family. However, to dismiss it as just a starter Porsche would be a grave mistake. After spending a week thoroughly testing the 2014 Cayman S, across city streets, long highway drives, and challenging mountain roads, it became clear: this “Baby Porsche” is an exceptional sports car in its own right, exceeding every expectation.
| 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 naturally aspirated 3.4-liter flat-six engine, delivering a potent 325 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque. My test vehicle was ideally equipped with the Sport Chrono package and a rewarding 6-speed manual transmission. A 7-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is also available for those prioritizing lightning-fast shifts. The manual version achieves 0-60 mph in a brisk 4.7 seconds, just a hair behind the PDK’s 4.6 seconds (or 4.4 seconds with Launch Control). Top speed for the manual is a thrilling 175 mph, slightly edging out the PDK’s 174 mph.
While the PDK offers quicker acceleration times, the 6-speed manual in the 2014 Cayman S provides a more engaging and visceral driving experience. The PDK is undoubtedly a brilliant dual-clutch gearbox, but for true driving enthusiasts, the connection and control offered by a manual are irreplaceable. The clutch pedal has a perfectly judged weight, and the gear lever is ideally positioned for rapid, precise shifts. The pedal placement is also conducive to effortless heel-toe downshifts, even for those with average-sized feet.
Front view of a silver 2014 Porsche Cayman S showcasing its sporty design and sleek headlights.
One of the most discussed changes for the 2014 Cayman was the switch from hydraulic to electromechanical power steering. This move initially caused concern among Porsche purists. However, any apprehension quickly dissipated once behind the wheel. The new steering system is remarkably effective. It’s quick, precise, and offers substantial weight, feeling almost perfect. While there might be a marginal reduction in ultimate road feel compared to hydraulic systems, it barely detracts from the sheer joy of driving the 2014 Cayman S. The responsiveness and accuracy inspire confidence in every corner.
The 2014 Cayman S features three distinct driving modes. “Normal” mode is well-suited for everyday driving. It provides ample acceleration while offering a more compliant ride for navigating city streets and daily commutes. Engaging “Sport” mode, now conveniently standard, sharpens the throttle response and loosens the traction control, while maintaining the same steering feel. A separate button allows for stiffening the chassis, which enhances handling but might be too firm for regular road use for some drivers. “Sport Plus” mode elevates everything further, unleashing the full potential of the 2014 Cayman S, but is truly best reserved for track environments where its capabilities can be fully explored safely and legally.
The Sport button also deactivates the automatic start/stop system, a fuel-saving feature that contributes to the 2014 Cayman S achieving EPA ratings of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. In practice, the system operates seamlessly: coming to a stop, shifting to neutral, and releasing the clutch smoothly shuts off the engine. When the light changes, pressing the clutch and engaging gear restarts the engine instantly, ensuring you’re still quick off the line.
Inside the cabin, the seats of the 2014 Cayman S strike a great balance, offering comfort for longer journeys and excellent support during spirited driving. The wheelbase of the 2014 model is slightly extended compared to its predecessor, resulting in a noticeable increase in cabin space. At 5’9”, I found ample headroom and plenty of legroom to adjust the seat. Even a taller and larger passenger at 6’4” and 250 pounds reported fitting comfortably behind the wheel, highlighting the surprisingly spacious interior for a sports car in this class. Porsche’s classic instrument layout remains, with the tachometer prominently centered, flanked by the speedometer on the left and a configurable display on the right for navigation, temperature, audio information, and more. The steering wheel is substantial and wrapped in smooth leather, although a flat-bottom design would have been a welcome sporty touch.
Interior shot of the 2014 Porsche Cayman S cockpit showcasing the leather seats, dashboard layout, and the centered tachometer.
The infotainment system in the 2014 Cayman S, while functional, isn’t the most intuitive on the market, but it performs its intended functions effectively. This particular test car was equipped with a high-end Burmester audio system featuring 12 speakers and 800 watts of power, an expensive $6,730 option. While the audio quality is undoubtedly impressive, many drivers might prefer to save the money and instead enjoy the naturally glorious sound of the flat-six engine, a soundtrack that arguably surpasses any premium audio system for driving enthusiasts.
The handling prowess of the 2014 Cayman S was tested extensively on winding mountain roads, both in wet and dry conditions. Even on damp pavement covered with fallen leaves, and with Pirelli P-Zero summer tires that had likely endured considerable prior testing, the car remained remarkably composed. Traction control was initially engaged for the first runs in the Appalachian Mountains as a precaution. The system intervened subtly only once, demonstrating its effective but non-intrusive nature. As conditions improved and the roads dried, traction control was deactivated, revealing the true playful nature of the 2014 Cayman S. The car consistently felt right on the edge of grip, yet remained remarkably controllable and forgiving. Any slight slip was easily corrected with minimal input. The 2014 Cayman S feels incredibly intuitive, almost anticipating driver inputs and responding with telepathic precision, creating a truly symbiotic driving experience.
Driving this beautifully balanced, mid-engine sports car raises the question: why would anyone opt for a different Porsche, especially considering the significant price difference of $20,000 or more between the Cayman S and the base 911? While more power is always welcome, the 2014 Cayman S isn’t designed to be a straight-line drag racer. Its strength lies in its ability to connect the driver to the road, transforming every drive into an engaging experience, whether carving through mountain passes or navigating daily commutes. It’s about achieving that perfect harmony between driver and machine, where the car becomes an extension of your will. In the 2014 Cayman S, every drive feels special, capable of turning any day into a good day.
Visually, the new Cayman generation for 2014 exhibits a slightly larger footprint, yet it manages to be approximately 66 pounds lighter than the previous model. The larger air intakes, essential for cooling the mid-mounted engine, contribute to a more aggressive stance. However, the rear view is arguably the most captivating aspect of the design. The rear end of the 2014 Cayman S is undeniably striking, with a spoiler seamlessly integrated into the taillights, blending muscularity with elegant design details.
Rear three-quarter view of a red 2014 Porsche Cayman S highlighting its sculpted rear fenders and integrated spoiler.
The base price of the 2014 Cayman S starts at $63,800, but the test model included several optional extras, some more essential than others. Porsche Torque Vectoring ($1,320) enhances cornering agility by applying braking to the inside rear wheel. This option requires Porsche Active Suspension Management ($1,790) and sport suspension ($1,235). The Sport Chrono package ($1,850), which includes the crucial Sport Plus button, is a worthwhile addition, especially for drivers considering track use. The test car regrettably lacked the Sport Exhaust System ($2,825), a desirable option for those wanting to fully appreciate the flat-six engine’s auditory character.
The extensive range of available options for the 2014 Cayman S can quickly elevate the price into 911 territory. Whether these options represent value depends on individual budgets and priorities.
In the realm of two-door, two-seat, hard-top sports cars, direct competitors to the 2014 Porsche Cayman S are surprisingly limited. The Jaguar XK could be considered due to its rear-wheel-drive layout, but it carries a higher price tag and, despite greater power, exhibits slower 0-60 mph acceleration. The Jaguar F-Type is closer in spirit, but its convertible nature positions it more as a rival to the Porsche Boxster, similar to the BMW Z4. The Audi TTS could be loosely considered a competitor, but its all-wheel-drive configuration differentiates it significantly from the rear-wheel-drive Cayman. In essence, the 2014 Porsche Cayman S occupies a unique niche in the sports car market.
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
The 2014 Cayman S earns a resounding BUY IT! recommendation. It’s a truly exceptional driver’s car that seamlessly transitions between a comfortable daily driver, a thrilling corner carver, and a capable track machine, all while upholding the high standards of luxury and build quality synonymous with the Porsche brand. For those seeking a pure and engaging sports car experience without the 911 price premium, the 2014 Porsche Cayman S remains an outstanding choice.
