The 2011 Porsche Cayman ranks 1 out of 8 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 63 published reviews and test drives of the Porsche Cayman, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Meshing speed, agility and luxury seamlessly, the 2011 Porsche Cayman is one of the best luxury sports cars on the market.
If you’re checking out luxury sports cars, you’ve probably looked at both the 2011 Porsche Cayman and the 2011 Porsche Boxster. These guys are siblings. They look alike; their main exterior difference is that the Cayman has a hard top, and the Boxster has a soft one. When you get down to the nitty gritty, however, you’ll find that the 2011 Porsche Cayman is more powerful than the 2011 Porsche Boxster. The base Cayman gets 10 more horsepower. Starting at $51,400, the Cayman is also more expensive than the $47,600 base 2011 Porsche Boxster.
Shoppers who value performance and can afford to pay more, should go for the Cayman. Reviewers are positive that they won’t be disappointed -- there are few things the automotive industry doesn’t like about this car. As with all sports cars, you will have to compromise in a few areas. First, cargo space is limited, but reviewers say trunk space is respectable for a car this size. Second rear visibility is poor in the corners. On the bright side, taller passengers will be quite pleased when they step inside the 2011 Porsche Cayman. The cabin is comfortable, and many drivers should find a comfortable driving position.
If you want all-out performance, give the Porsche Boxster a whirl. For 2011, it adds another model to the line -- the Spyder -- and test drivers are calling it one of the best luxury sports cars ever. Keep in mind however, that the Spyder isn’t for the faint of heart. It doesn’t come with air conditioning, a radio or normal door handles. These features weigh cars down, and to increase performance, Porsche took them out.
The Chevrolet Corvette is another good option, but it appeals to a completely different audience because it doesn’t prioritize luxury. Rather, the Corvette is all about hardcore sports performance. The base coup gets a 6.2-liter V8 engine with a six speed manual transmission. This powertrain produces 100 more horsepower than the Cayman R. That said, if you’re looking for a famous American-made nameplate and a powerful engine at a cheaper price, the Corvette is worth a test drive.
Owning a 2011 Porsche Cayman or Corvette is a luxury for most people because their size, price and performance are too impractical for drivers who just need a daily commuter. If you fall into this category, you can still get an affordable sports car that offers more than enough pep for trips to the office. Take a look at the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the best option for sports car shoppers on a budget. True, all models only get a maximum of 167 horsepower, but that’s plenty of horsepower for a car that small. Also, at this price point, don’t expect the Miata to be as snazzy as the 2011 Porsche Cayman -- it’s nowhere near as luxurious.
If you can still afford a 2011 Porsche Cayman, try a 2010 model that’s still on dealer lots. It’s a lot like the 2011 version, and you’re more likely to save money.
