Porsche 718 Cayman trim comparison
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman Base vs GT4 RS
The 718 Cayman Base starts at $72,800 while the GT4 RS is $164,200. That $91,400 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.0L flat 4 Turbo to 4.0L flat 6. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 4.0L flat 6 every week, the GT4 RS makes sense. If not, the Base is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The GT4 RS adds about $1609/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $96,540 more overall with interest. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The Base and GT4 RS are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 7-speed automated manual transmission.
The upgrade math
You are paying $91,400 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $15,233 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Base | GT4 RS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $72,800 | $164,200 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L flat 4 Turbo | 4.0L flat 6 |
| Horsepower | 300 hp | 493 hp |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft | 331 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 15 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 19 |
| Combined MPG | 24 | 16 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.2 gal | 16.9 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,400/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,104 lbs | 3,227 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 97.4" | 97.8" |
| Length | 172.4" | 175.4" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.7" |
| Height | 51.0" | 49.9" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 12yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman Base vs GT4 RS Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Porsche 718 Cayman lineup, the Porsche brand hub, the Sports Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 718 Cayman GT4 RS cost than the Base?
The GT4 RS starts at $164,200 compared to $72,800 for the Base. That is a $91,400 difference, or approximately $1609/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman Base and GT4 RS have the same engine?
No. The Base uses a 2.0L flat 4 Turbo (300 hp, 280 lb-ft), while the GT4 RS has the 4.0L flat 6 (493 hp, 331 lb-ft). That is 193 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 7-speed automated manual.
Do the 2025 718 Cayman Base and GT4 RS have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with RWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
What warranty does the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman come with?
All 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman trims, including both the Base and GT4 RS, come with Porsche's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS worth $91,400 more than the Base?
The $91,400 buys the 4.0L flat 6. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the Base does the same job for less.
Which 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman trim gets better fuel economy, the Base or the GT4 RS?
The Base is the more efficient of the two at 24 combined MPG, versus 16 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $91,400 Gap
Same drivetrain, $91,400 more. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS adds minor equipment upgrades over the Base, but the core driving experience is identical.
How the Base and GT4 RS Feel Different
Engine is where these two diverge most: 2.0L flat 4 Turbo in the Base, 4.0L flat 6 in the GT4 RS. That means 193 more horsepower and 51 more lb-ft of torque. A significant jump that changes the driving experience. In return, expect about 8 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The 718 Cayman Base gets 8 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $875 per year or $4,375 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
The 718 Cayman GT4 RS costs $91,400 more than the Base (about $1,609/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 6 meaningful changes at $15,233 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Porsche 718 Cayman Base
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Base best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the GT4 RS when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Porsche or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.