Mazda MX-5 Miata vs Porsche 718 Cayman: Which is the Better Sports Car?
When it comes to choosing between the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Porsche 718 Cayman, it's important to consider factors beyond pure performance. While both are excellent sports cars, the choice ultimately boils down to what aspects of a sports car are most important to you. This article will explore the key differences between these two models and help you decide which might be the better fit.
Price and Daily Usage
One of the most significant differentiators between the MX-5 Miata and the 718 Cayman is price. The Mazda MX-5 Miata starts at around $25,000, while the entry-level Porsche 718 Cayman S begins at around $59,000. This means you could potentially buy two MX-5s for the price of one Cayman, making the Miata a more affordable option for daily drivers. However, the Cayman offers more performance and luxury features, which may be worth the additional cost.
A sticker analysis revealed that the MX-5 Miata is expected to cost an additional $4,500 a year to operate compared to the U.S. average, which may not be as significant with the Cayman, enabling you to choose the Miata if you're looking to save on maintenance and operation costs.
Chassis and Design
The MX-5 Miata features a standard front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, which is quite traditional for a sports car. In contrast, the Cayman is a mid-engine vehicle, offering a unique driving experience. The Cayman’s mid-engine layout also allows for a large “frunk” at the front, providing extra storage space. This can be particularly useful for those who need to carry a variety of items, such as sports equipment or luggage.
Despite its mid-engine configuration, the Cayman still offers a practical trunk space. In my experience, I have managed to fit items like two propane tanks, a half-barrel keg, and various track day accessories into the Cayman, while still having the rear trunk available. The Miatas, though smaller, still offer enough trunk space for a set of golf clubs or a 18-gallon tote.
Performance and Power
When it comes to power and performance, the Cayman has a significant advantage. The Cayman comes equipped with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 300 horsepower. The MX-5 Miata, with its 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine delivering 181 horsepower, is substantially less powerful. In terms of performance, the Cayman is significantly quicker, reaching 60 miles per hour in around 4.9 seconds. In my experience, the Porsche has typically underperformed its stated 0-60 times, sometimes reaching 60 in just 4.1 seconds for the Cayman S. The Miata, with a lighter chassis, reaches 60 in about 5.7 seconds, though this is still quite impressive for a manual sports car.
Styling and Magical Driving Experience
Both cars are stylish and attractive, though opinions on their aesthetics can vary. The MX-5 Miata is known for its iconic, open-top design, which provides a special and unique driving experience, particularly in warmer weather. On the other hand, the Cayman, with its sleek, coupe design and covered top, offers a more traditional sports car driving experience. Despite the Convertible option, the Miata is more about the "magical driving experience" provided by its open-top design, while the Cayman is about the performance and luxury that comes with its mid-engine design and luxury features.
My ultimate recommendation: If you're looking for an affordable, fun, and daily driveable sports car, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is the best choice. However, if you're prioritizing more performance, a little more everyday usability, a little more exclusivity and luxury, and are willing to pay for it, then the Porsche 718 Cayman is the car for you.