Recently, I’d like to share my perspective on the base model (base grade) of the 718 Cayman that my wife reviewed.

A 718 Cayman Loaded with Options

I’ve previously test-driven two base grade 718 Caymans, but both had only the bare minimum of options.

However, this particular car is very rare, equipped with 20-inch wheels plus the three essential options: the Sport Chrono Package, PASM, and Sport Exhaust.

Base grade Caymans rarely come with a full set of options, especially those focused on driving performance.

You often see cars with the Sport Chrono Package but no PASM, or with the Sport Exhaust but no Sport Chrono Package—such combinations are overwhelmingly common.

Exterior

Let’s start with the exterior. The Jet Black Metallic body is stunning, sometimes showing a slight bluish tint depending on the light, making it truly beautiful. Also, because it’s metallic black paint, scratches and swirl marks are less noticeable than on solid black paint, which is a definite advantage.

Interior

The interior is simple, featuring standard black sports seats and a standard dashboard, clearly showing that this car’s investment was focused on exterior and driving performance.

Engine Characteristics

Starting the engine and setting off, since it’s a PDK, I don’t really feel the torque shortage often mentioned with the manual version. However, there are moments of slight hesitation when accelerating vigorously from 3rd or 4th gear at very low RPMs.

There’s a small time lag between downshifting, engine revs rising, and boost increasing.

That said, as I’ve mentioned before, the base model 718 Cayman is definitely more enjoyable when driven in Sport mode, especially around town. Normal mode is quite eco-oriented and doesn’t really suit this engine’s characteristics.

In Sport mode, the engine holds a somewhat higher rev range and maintains a certain level of boost, so the engine responds instantly whenever you press the accelerator. This allows you to move nimbly like a water strider in city traffic.

20-inch Wheels and PASM

However, PASM provides a very comfortable ride, even with the optional 20-inch wheels.

Recently, I’ve noticed something across various Porsches: larger optional wheels often feel more comfortable to ride on.

Of course, this isn’t true in every case, but it happens quite often.

In this case, even before considering PASM, the 20-inch wheels feel significantly more comfortable than the 18-inch wheels I’ve driven before. I suspect Porsche tunes the suspension assuming the car will be equipped with the optional wheels.

Because the suspension is optimized for the heavier large wheels, lighter wheels tend to produce a slightly bouncy ride at low speeds.

Especially with the Cayman, the 2-inch difference between 18 and 20 inches makes the 20-inch wheels noticeably more comfortable. Of course, PASM is also fitted here, so that must be taken into account, but even so, the comfort gain is substantial.

Returning to PASM itself, it dramatically reduces the lingering, swaying feeling from large impacts at low speeds. At higher speeds, the difference from a non-PASM setup becomes less noticeable, but if you value ride comfort at town speeds, PASM is definitely worth having.

At the very least, the combination of PASM and 20-inch wheels is unbeatable.

Sport Chrono Package

Since this car has the Sport Chrono Package, you can switch to Sport or Sport Plus mode right from the steering wheel, and it also includes the Sport Response button, which delivers maximum boost for 20 seconds.

A lesser-known fact is that the Sport Chrono Package replaces the standard engine mounts with PADM (Porsche Active Drivetrain Mounts), which are electronically controlled engine mounts.

As a side note, PADM has a reputation for frequent failures on models like the 981, and because replacement parts are expensive, some owners replace failed PADMs with standard engine mounts. So be cautious when buying used cars.

The effect of PADM is remarkable: on cars without the Sport Chrono Package, Sport mode just drops a gear and sharpens throttle response, but with Sport Chrono, the entire chassis feels tightened and more muscular.

So even without stiffening the suspension by switching PASM to Sport mode, cornering stability and road-holding improve, giving the car a leaner, more agile feel.

This car also delivers ample grip and stability just by switching to Sport mode, making cornering a real pleasure. I’ve praised the 718’s cornering in previous articles, so I won’t go into detail, but the solid rear-end stability gives a planted feeling that the 981 lacks.

Sport Exhaust and Exhaust Sound

This is a 2018 model, so it has no GPF, and it’s by no means “quiet.” You can enjoy a proper sports car sound level. The tone is deep and bassy, with an uneven exhaust pulse reminiscent of a V8, which enthusiasts will love.

Turning on the Sport Exhaust slightly increases volume, but the difference isn’t as dramatic as on the previous Cayman generation.

The popping sounds on throttle lift-off are subtle, with a light “bobo!” bark.

The Appeal of the Base Grade 718 Cayman

Thanks to the turbo engine, acceleration feels quicker than the 981 GTS. Especially when accelerating in fixed 2nd or 3rd gear, the thick low-end torque pushes you forward in a fresh way. Keeping revs in the mid-to-high range and pressing the accelerator further, the flat-four engine’s pleasant sound builds as speed climbs.

However, the biggest charm of this base 718 Cayman is that its power isn’t overwhelming to the point of intimidation.

Once you rev it into mid-to-high range, turbo lag disappears completely, and the exhaust note smooths out nicely. Torque and power are more than sufficient thanks to the turbo, yet it’s not so powerful that your face scrunches up—you can confidently floor the accelerator.

This is the moment when the solid chassis, engine power, and exhaust tuning come together perfectly.

Personally, I think this sweet spot is the base 718 Cayman’s greatest appeal.

Especially on the track, where you can maintain this tuned state constantly, I’ve long said I want a base 718 Cayman specifically for circuit use.

If you’re driving around town in Normal mode, a larger displacement S model might be better. If you want overwhelming acceleration, power, and high-rev performance, the GTS line is preferable. And if your goal is outright track speed, the GT4 is the way to go.

But for someone like me who just wants to enjoy driving on the track, the base grade is just right.

The base grade 718 Cayman is relatively affordable and doesn’t have many major issues reported. Also, in the used market, performance options aren’t highly valued, so occasionally you can find a heavily optioned car at a good price.

If I were to buy a 718 Cayman, I’d choose one equipped with Porsche’s three essential options (Sport Chrono Package, PASM, and Sport Exhaust). At minimum, Sport Chrono and PASM are must-haves.

Porsche options don’t lie. This test drive reaffirmed that strongly.