Porsche Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS review - are they worth it?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- Are the GTS versions of the Porsche Cayman and Boxster worth the extra money? And which is best: the Cayman or the Boxster?
Porsche Cayman GTS review: bit.ly/QiZCeV
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The decision of whether to buy the Porsche Boxster S or Cayman S has just become harder, thanks to the arrival of the new GTS models.
The new Porsche Cayman and Boxster GTS cost around £6,000 more than the S models, and come with unique front bumpers, plus a 15bhp upgrade to their 3.4-litre engines. This now provides the Boxster with 330bhp, and the Cayman with 340bhp.
The GTS models also feature the Porsche sports exhaust as standard - a £1,530 option on the S - which gives the flat-six engine a more aggressive note. Both models also get Alcantara and leather trim on the dash, which on the S model comes at a premium of £1,740.
However, Porsche also gives both models a lot of unnecessary features, such as smoked rear-light clusters, directional headlamp beams and 20-inch alloy wheels - which you'll eventually end up clattering on a kerb.
Both the Porsche Cayman and Boxster GTS come with the Sport Chrono Package which includes launch control and active engine mounts. While nice in terms of technology and to pretend you're one of the Porsche's race drivers, it's difficult to justify and discern these additional features when out on the open road.
To conclude, you'd only need to spend £4,000 to get all of the right options on your Porsche Boxster or Cayman S. Effectively, you're paying an extra £2,000 for some new bumpers, the history attached to the GTS badge and an extra 15bhp, which you can't really feel out on the open road. It would be better to spend £2,000 on Porsche's excellent PDK paddleshift gearbox, so the premium for the GTS isn't really worth it.
1st time I've heard what the 'sports exhaust' button does - quite effective! Thanks for the review Matt
Mat Watson- The best car reviewer on TH-cam!
He's not bad, but Chris Harris is better :)
Personal preference? :P
Matt Watson is cool, and my 2nd favorite car reviewer on TH-cam, but Brian Cooley is stil above him in every aspect.
I haven't seen any of his reviews... Is he the guy from Rosenthal Automotive? If not, then which channel does he post on?
Krunal Rindani No. From CNET.
This must be the most honest review I have ever seen. Thank you! Wish more reviewers were this honest.
You must be mad to spec up a Boxster S. Extras on these make only a small difference when you sell. A Boxster GTS holds its value, is more exclusive and can be regarded as an investment
I like seeing those reviews and the way they explain it as if I could buy one...I take one with all the options please. Thank you
I won't be surprised if one day Porsche hands you a steering wheel and tell you the rest are options
Lol
LMFAO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
And now in 2023 the GTS showed to be the best investment.
Not sure mat thought about that one plus the GTS badge and extra enhancements make this an incredible package bar none. 👍🥱
GTS are always the best investments. It's about rarity and 'special soul' of the car. It's the same for Spyders, GT4s and all quite exclusive and limited series.
I dont see how the reviewer arrives at his opinion. If you spec up the S to the level of the GTS , its more expensive.
You're absolutely right, but that would mean including some frankly pointless options. I think his point was that if you spec your Cayman s with all the actual performance options needed to rival the gts on a track, then it would be less expensive.
very very good and fair review!! finally someone that talk about Porsche and its accessories focus in the real life and not in a life of a pilot!
One thing he also did not mention is that the Cayman GTS has the full leather interior as a no-cost option (at least in the United States). Combine that with the remaining standard features that you get, and the styling, and it's certainly worth the additional $10k (at least here in the U.S.)
The gts has the leather dash, nicer headliner, a few performance tweaks, sports exhaust is standard, different bumper, different diffuser, smoked taillights, and semi-smoked headlights (chrome rings are black now) along with gts badges on the side (optional to debadge) so yeah there are quite a few differences
Oh and 2 more radiators in the front
@@watermelon2521 the GTS also comes with a limited slip differential standard compared to an option in the S, and will hold its value more than the S due to its rarity
Matt😄, found him here too
Pretty ignorant comments coming in here after this video.. Some of what he said really wasn't completely true (as in he missed a few details on the options and what they get you). For me, the car is totally worth the extra money. Even if you don't want the PDK or whatever else because by the time you outfit a standard Cayman S with the right paint and a proper interior, it'll cost the same anyways (at least for me on the configurator).
Aside from that though, noticeable increase in quality of videos! Great work Auto Express!
100% true
+1
This Boxster PDK against the F-Type V6 S on track, a drag race and in the real world would be an interesting test.
Those who want the ultimate Cayman should wait for the GT4!
Yes. The next year
Nah, the GTS sounds epic
GT4 cost 2-3 times more and even more on the second hand market and is to extreme to be used as a daily driver, it is a road legal racecar really...
Very fine logical summary of GTS vs. S models. For guys like me, that make a comfy living but aren't earning Jay-Z bucks, it's challenging to build a Porsche (or Audi, BMW, ect) with the perfect cost/value combination.
Best UK reviewer on youtube. Thanks!!
Chris Harris is better sorry
Cayman 981 GTS
Is the best male Sport car ever in this price!
Six cc/ PDK/ Extra super sound...
Finally an honest review. Spend the $2000 on a $1200 tune to bring the S to 350 BHP and have $800 left over.
I'm glad they let you have so much fun Mat! Keep the good content coming, cheers
Sport exhaust standard on GTS!
The gts might be a better buy if you think about resale value, I'm not an expert but it seems like the kind of thing that drives the resale price up a little bit.
A little bit, yeah. The market loves GTS's for the power bump, and a lot of boxster S's with similar options are depreciating quicker.
0:30 you got that right mister, the steering wheel is on the correct side of a car.
I actually found it really helpful how you broke it down in respect to the added extras which at the end of the day do nothing but drain your wallet. If I were in the market for a car like this, I'd be in the same boat; don't give me "smoked tail lights" or "directional headlights". I'd go for what's needed and what's useful on a day to day basis.
That red color is really lovely.
I went with the Boxster myself and I love it.
I ended up with a low mileage Cayman GT4 which I love with its 385 HP. I can't wait for spring to arrive so I can take her out.
Congrats! How do you like your car?
@@watermelon2521 I loved my GT4 however I traded it in for a new 2020 Spyder as I missed my previous convertible. If I had the space I would never have sold my GT4.
Which do you prefer the 718 or 981?
@@watermelon2521 I haven't had my 718 long enough however if I had to do it over again I would order the GTS which has a power roof. The manual roof is terrible. Based on that alone I should have kept my 981.
Mat is just the best
Love that downshift sound!
Very good review for both cars as well as what value the extra GTS brings or in this case doesn't bring. I do think the options are ridicules and prices are at extortionate rates but hay it's a Porsche what else should we expect. Trading in the F30 335i M Performance and getting me a Boxter S 2013 with lots of extras for a fraction of the new asking price, best way forward get the car when it's a year old when it has lost its new premium price tag, makes sense for the less wealthy ;-)
About the launch control. Once you have it trust me you feel like doing IR every time your at the red lights and first in the lane.. The seat and other extras that come within the 6k extra is just a must have anyway if your buying a PORSCHE...
Good video! One thing is missing: the nice new red color is an 2.300 EUR extra, that is included in the GTS package. I like the color as it is a really good fit with a performance car and the GTS interior. So if you want to have that color anyway, this would again shift the balance more into the GTS direction over the S version.
"slightly sharper throttle response...", slightly... really. Sport plus takes that throttle response from quick to ridiculous. It's a massive difference, and you do "need" it as part of the sports chrono package
how do you know that throttle response is so much better with Sports Chrono?
Everybody, pause at 6:06
Nothing
6:05
Matt and Chris Harris for TopGear UK! :D
Man you make the best rewievs . I always watch them.
This was GREAT commentary. So real & raw. Not pretentious at all. Thanks for applying these concepts to real world experience. I'd like to see more of your vids. BTW...I never thought about it, but when would one EVER use launch control outside of a drag strip? Put a proper clutch in there and you don't need it. These car manufacturers are turning men into weenies. Better yet, they are trying to make their cars more appealing to weenies. Here's looking at you GTR...
The honest opinion is appreciated. I don't think they are worth the money either.
really good and sincere revew.
I love matt he answers the questions I want to know
Love your opinion, especially since it's so honest about value of options.
In the world of 2 door non-supercars; there's the Cayman GTS and then there's nothing else
Great, entertaining vid! :)
But if you want the ultimate Boxster, there's RUF 3800 S with 911 engine.
Thanks for your honest and helpful opinions!
Matt is so fucking awesome!! \m/ he nailed it saying it aint worth it BUT if your a porsche fan and have the cash your gonna pay xtra. Period.
If you lay your foot into it you can get the standard exhaust to scream nearly as nicely.
Fantastic! One of the best reviewers and one of the best cars :)
thanks for the honest view!
With our poor winter environment I can't see how they sell any Caymans in Canada. For thousands less the Boxster is a steal. Either way it's a wonderful time with our allotment of beautiful cars.
i would not choose the pdk, i would rather drive it with a lovely 6 speed manual
Yes, the manual in them is incredible too!
Have fun using a dead form of shifting gears
Dante Planeta lol ^
Dante Planeta god gave you 2 legs why only use one of it ?
korintus nara because being able to shift almost as fact as I can blink using a stupid paddle thingy is appealing to me
Great video ! Are those carmine red or guard's red ?
great review! very useful information! I learned a lot
Very nice review.
Good review, well done.
Actually just those mountains and the clear day + the good tarmac are quite enough to have a very good day, isn't it? I can easily see myself in my S2000 having a memorable day, without stupidly spending all those money on a small car with a badge. Any drop top would, in fact.
Funny how car manufacturers will always launch their new cars in perfect locations - outdoors or racing tracks. They want us to associate their brand image with escapism in beautiful (and traffic-free) places and cutting edge motorsport driving (not competition, mind you).
lol; carry on dreaming in your purrrfect car then xDD
What is this kit you speak of? Do you mean equipment?
It will definitely be worth the money when its lost half its value and the previous owner barely drove the car. Also, the Boxster drives better than the Cayman. But these are really the same car, it's only Porsche marketing that tries to get everyone to think they are different cars. They're no more different cars than a 911 Cabriolet is different than a 911 tin top, both are still Carreras using the same parts bin. For marketing reasons Porsche decided to sell them to the public as different cars. And ironically, the Boxster handles better than the Cayman (and 911) because it has a lower center of gravity, it simply does not need the extra rigidity of the Cayman if it comes at the cost of more weight up top (where you least want it) and has mid engine handling on a short wheelbase. Which is precisely why Porsche give the Cayman 10 more horsepower than the Boxster, to reduce the advantage of the Boxster's lower center of gravity. Basically if you had the same engine in a Boxster, Cayman and 911, the Boxster would be the quickest in the hands of 99.9% of drivers. And if they ever add rear wheel steering to the Boxster, like on the new GT3, it will be no contest win for the Boxster. But Porsche would never do this because as most suspect, it costs more to make a Boxster than a base 911, so the profit margin is probably much better with the 911.
Opining that the Boxster handles better than the Cayman is just that, opining. Personally, I'll take my Cayman S as configured over the Boxster (all day long)!
Not an opinion. To compare handling, Excellence magazine tested this with a Cayman R and Boxster Spyder on a karting track using a well known professional Porsche driver. The Boxster was both: quicker on every lap and according to Van Overbeek, was easier to drive at the limit.
porscheoscar I'm not too sure that applies to the current gen of models. Most all reviews I've read say the Cayman feels like the better driver's car, since the fixed roof gives a sharper, stiffer chassis.
jojo0827 it still applies because the Boxster's core advantage is still the same: lower center of gravity, even if the cars weigh the same (and now with a wider front end -- double win). Which is why Porsche has to give the Cayman a slight power bump, but not too much so it doesn't inch too close to the base 991 Carrera. There has been this long held belief that the Cayman "feels" like the driver's car. But you can't win an argument with center of gravity unless there's a substantial weight or power difference, neither of which is the case here. Porsche slipped up and made a Boxster that was on the level of the Cayman R with the Boxster Spyder. I seriously doubt that will happen again. We'll see a Cayman GT4 for sure but a Boxster GT4? Don't think so, this would make it the Porsche that checks the boxes: light, short wheel base, lowest COG with the most neutral handling. Check x4. That would throw a wrench in Porsche's marketing plan of positioning the Cayman on performance as the car between the Boxster and Carrera. *On equal power* the Boxster would be the quickest and best handling of all of Porsche's cars. Just like the 550 Spyder was back in the 1950's and early 1960's. A car they even fitted with a Formula One engine, but that was a different Porsche company than the marketing machine of today.
porscheoscar i don't know which magazines you have read, but the magazines and the reviews by reliable test drivers like Chris Harris and other big names, which I and others have read and seen, would say exactly the opposite. I can tell you that aside from yourself, no one else would agree Boxster has any advantage over the Cayman, except for the open top. Cayman is overall a more focused driver's car with superb weight distribution; on the other hand, Boxster is a fucking convertible. You should stop reading that magazine called "excellence". it should be call "misguiding magazine".
Thanks for the great review.. I have a quick question..
7:35
Are those different shades of red ?!
I can't tell .. I can't decide between Guards Red & Carmine Red .. couldn't find them next to each other.. help PLZ :(
The red on the cars in the video are carmine. The guards red is more of a orange-red ferrari kinda color and the carmine red is a darker red. I’ve seen em both side by side and imo the carmine red looks better
these guys got the best job in the world
Would it be too noisy with the engines inches away?
This specific Cayman GTS is legendary. That deep hum and growls and barks, and then there's the Sports Exhaust.
They've nerfed (ahem, totally killed) the new model down to 4 cylinders. It looks worse too. The Cayman GTS here is a true gem
Great review!
I know the twin clutch is now all the hype and style for these days. But if I were in the market for a Cayman GTS, I would probably consider the six speed manual for her indeed.
I bet with a bit of upgrading, this thing could be as quick as a 911.
already handles better than the 911, just need to find a way to make more power. supercharge it i guess! Turbo wouldnt suit the cars personality
no, no, no.. none of that. an ecu tune, intake, headers, full exhaust, blah blah blah.. that's all you would need i bet.
all of those NA mods might net you if your lucky 40Hp. A supercharger would increase HP by 100 or so and make this thing in the range of 911 Carrera S power levels with less weight. Then we are talking
and thus ruin the point of this car.
it's meant to be N/A.. and it doesnt have to have the same amount of hp to be quicker...? especially considering how much lighter it is.
Plus..
Cayman GTS 350hp +40hp =390hp
Carrera S 400hp
So you prefer the pdk to driving a manual transmission?
Excellent consumer advice, thank you !
Built in Sat Nav is nice, but probably something you can live without if you have a decent smart phone. It's a $4,000 (usd) option for the infotainment system. I'd go with a manual GTS over a better equipped S in this case.
Porsche is the king of bullshit extras. Oh you want the P badges on your rims to have colour? Oh you need to pay for that mate. You want a little clock on your dash? Pay up. You want the clock in a different colour? That ll be 400 euros.
Ridiculous.
Did you think you can make a car ?? Its hard to make a car you show off
So true. I've tried to spec a Boxster or 911 Targa and it's impossible to wade through option after option after option. Want your key fob to match the car color?
Most of the people that can afford these cars don't mind paying extra for options. To most people that have a normal income, it might seem silly, but if you're making 7,8 and 9 figures annually, who cares?
jed52 If your making 7,8 or 9 figures a year then you probably wouldn't buy a Porsche you'd buy something more expensive lol.
Mykell Schexnayder They most likely have a Porsche and a few other cars, but imo if you're not making at least 600k a year on average, you have no business buying a 100k+ car, Porsche or not.
WhatCar and Auto Express. What is the point in either of you doing a feature on an option pack that costs as much as the used diesel hatchbacks you adore so much? I skipped to the end and there it was... save your money and spend it on the automatic gearbox. Brilliant.
Strange review, clearly hadn't done the background - the 981 GTS, it has more HP (15 PS) and more torque (380Nm between 10Nm and 20Nm more than the S) - these figures occur above ~4000 rpm not just at the top end. Moreover, there are three radiators as standard to improve cooling, the S only has two. The stock interior is far, far nicer with full leather, alcantara and brushed aluminium and on it goes. The other long term reality is the 981 GTS has been recognised as a truly great all rounder and all of these factors have meant the depreciation has been relatively modest and they are now a sought after Porsche (where the S isn't seen this way). These with PTV are just a bundle of fun and they don't break.
So it's the boxster sharp ? i know the cayman chassis is sharper but is the boxster fun to drive?
+dimmacommunication yes depend on what youre looking for. track or cruise
Launch control isn’t pointless, I’d use it all the time
What song is that in the beginning. ?
Why dont all PDK gear boxes come with paddle shifts behind the wheel? The Cayman S or Boxter S both have buttons on the wheel which isn't as nice and exciting....that being said for here in Canada unless they are different else where.
thank you sooo much. GREAT video.
Ignorance is bliss for those who have not driven a Porsche. I've been fortunate to have driven 3 different ones, and the driving dynamics of a 911 or a Boxter S are absolutely sublime. Many great sports cars feel very unrefined in comparison and I understand why people spend lots extra of money on extras, mostly to be snobby. But the purists will get only the ones that they need to quench their thirst. My only wish would be for Porsche to be a little bit more modern aggressive in they're styling in and out, all other the underpinnings are already there.
Great review, Matt - Boxster S gets my vote over the GTS
Interesting Review - I had expected something completely different - Seams like Porsche did not go far enough with the GTS models - by now the the old 911 vs Boxter, Cayman should more or less be bygones but apparently not so sadly.
Fab colours.
Mat Watson !? You also work on auto express woww i tought you just work on car buyer :D nice review
Porsche is starting to about a lot of people and a lot of Porsche owners (like myself) with these special editions or new versions of existing models with barely anything more to offer than the standard car... 5% more power only and options you could spec on a normal car! Nobody is going to make the difference, that is a travel bag away of the power to weight ratio of the normal car! If I am going to buy a Cayman, and the idea has crossed my mind recently, I'll be getting either the standard S car or the RUF version: Cayman with the 991S X51 engine (430bhp) .... That makes sense Porsche! Or a Cayman GT3 like the Autofarm car built a few years ago. The Cayman could be a better car than the 911, make one that is better and sell it for more money than a 911!
Stop diluting the brand and make what people want.
Well, in addition to the horsepower, you also get the sport exhaust, no-cost full leather interior, the additional styling and aerodynamic elements, PASM, Sport Chrono, larger rims and more. Now (as with the Panamera 4S vs GTS), if you add all these on to the "S" car, it ends up being more expensive than the GTS (and the GTS gives you the styling and the additional power as well). So, in my opinion, the GTS is more of a "deal" if you're going to get those options anyway -- and if you are getting those options anyway, you want a Gran Turismo Sport.
It makes sense if you think of it that way -- it's a car that bundles all the sport features, adds horsepower and design enhancements, larger rims, and a full leather or Alcantera interior for less than it would be on the Cayman S if configured that way (and some features can't be configured on a Cayman S).
Also -- Cayman GT4 expected soon: blog.caranddriver.com/someone-call-911-and-tell-it-a-porsche-cayman-gt4-model-is-coming-for-it/
Jared Caputo OK so in terms of performance it males no sense ... But, what they do is push a bunch of options that you don't really want and which are charged to you at barely less than full price. I don't know about now but, in a not so distant past, my dealership was all over me to try and sell me the latest model and told me that I could get the options at discounted prices. Even if discounts don't exist anymore, I don't feel highly about push marketing. On top of that, when the consumers will start being annoyed by Porsche's strategy, it will start hurting the brand and that will take years and money to be forgotten ...
Lastly, although I have owned a GT3 that I have downgraded for a 996 40 jahre edition (which I bought 7 years ago for the price of a non anniversary car), I see the difference between a 991 and my car, the inside is much nicer, the car probably corners faster on a track but, in every day use mine is more raw and feels every bit as fast in a staight line ... There is not enough of a difference to my taste for me to "upgrade". During the same period of time, Ferrari had moved on from the F355 (which is drop dead gorgeous but close to 996 fast) to the 458 which is a beast of a car. It seems quite obvious to me that Porsche will soon come out with a F458 rival using the 918 chassis or the Huracan/R8 next generation chassis but will be in a few years time and will be a totally new product line instead of pushing the 911 or the Cayman to it's maximum potential.
Photoandcargeek addendum, when I meant pushing the 911 to it's limit I meant the 991S because arguably the Turbo/GT3/GT2 are faster versions but the turbo is more of a GT and it is 4 wheel drive, GT2 and 3 are race cars for the road which I could live with but most people including my wife can't! Hence, I see the 991S as what should be the competitor of the F458 which clearly isn't the case.... My stock 996 Jahre is faster than a regular F355 on a track.
i actually did forget that Matt used to work here
So young
I think you can get a better answer by comparing them to the 991 base.
Looks great, very classy
Are the cars guard red or carmine red?
They look like Carmine Red
Its definetly carmine red
This is a perfect car. I plan 2 get my dream car. The vw/bettle.
The Boxster/Cayman gets active transmission mounts, the 911's get active engine mounts. Bad info at 5min11secs
what color is this red?
"Carmine Red" - 1.600 Pounds, ouch! :)
Was that a LC fail? It was hitting the limiter? Hmm
The exhaust system is quite similar with the Jaguar F-Type S, i mean that crackle sound
The Cayman's has a much more refine noised
Except the F-type is meaty and loud. And actually sounds good.
The F-Type has to have the sexiest backfire sound ever.
it sounds like that cause most people don't know how to shift...
Emilie Autumn No, it's the engine's sound. The exhaust brings out that sexy sound.
I use launch control all the time
the looks and the noise of the alfa romeo 4c is just too appealing compared to any cayman now in my opinion
such nice cars...love porsches...
yeah but my iphone has sat nav, my phone doesn't have 19" rims, directional headlamps or some sweet seats
everything important is said... Thanks...
Coupe’s the only way to go
Not a review to pay too much attention to here. It is better to talk with people that have driven the Porsche Cayman S on a daily basis and then find out the quirks. People don't really care about the lunch money options. That has no bearing on anything here because you must replace rear tires every year and swap out brake pads and maybe install a Borla XR1 exhaust and better sway bars. People get the Cayman S for the balance and the feel on the track and the highway. The 911 is the mid life crisis car because if you wanted a sports car then go get a Carrera S or a GT3. Whatever you do, don't listen to a review from someone who has no clue about ownership or day to day life with these cars.
You'd take the convertible with the automatic transmission and the softer suspension? Are you buying a Porsche or a Mercedes?
Are these cars carmine red?
Definetly
+Aleks N'Drangheta thanks I ordered one and I'll receive it in November got it in carmine red
Beautiful places!