2025 BMW 4 Series vs 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman
Comparison Overview
The 2025 BMW 4 Series explodes onto the scene with its sharp styling and surprisingly efficient daily driving, boasting a combined 31 MPG from its 255 hp engine, making it an attainable RWD coupe experience starting at $51,150. In stark contrast, the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman enters as the purist's choice, its mid-engine ballet driven by 300 hp, demanding a premium entry point of $72,800. While the BMW offers practicality with 15.5 cu ft of cargo space and better fuel economy, the Cayman sacrifices efficiency (24 MPG combined) for a focused drive, evident in its lower 51.0-inch height versus the BMW's 54.6 inches. The $21,650 price gulf clearly delineates their mission: the accessible, stylish cruiser versus the focused, slightly more powerful sports car.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 BMW 4 Series
The BMW 4 Series wins for commuters due to its significantly better 31 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Cayman's 24 MPG.
2025 BMW 4 Series
Neither car is ideal, but the 4 Series offers slightly more usability with 15.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Cayman's 15 cu ft.
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman
The Porsche 718 Cayman appeals more to driving purists with its higher 300 hp output and specialized 7-speed automated manual transmission.
2025 BMW 4 Series
The BMW 4 Series delivers a potent RWD coupe experience for $21,650 less than the Porsche.
Choose the BMW 4 Series if...
- You prioritize long-term running costs and need better efficiency (31 MPG combined).
- Your budget is capped near the $51,150 MSRP entry point.
- You prefer a slightly larger footprint with 15.5 cu ft of cargo room.
Choose the Porsche 718 Cayman if...
- You demand the ultimate dynamic precision offered by 300 hp and a dedicated sports car chassis.
- You prefer the immediacy of a 7-speed automated manual transmission over an 8-speed automatic.
- The extra cost is negligible, and pure performance justifies the $72,800 sticker price.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW 4 Series | Porsche 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 187.9" | 172.4" |
| Width | 72.9" | 70.9" |
| Height | 54.6" | 51.0" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 97.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | — |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | — |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Xenon High-Intensity Discharge Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | 300 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 280 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/36 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 434.0/558.0 mi. | 298.2/383.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.5 gal. | 14.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 205W | 150W |
| Speaker System | 10 | 8 |
| Subwoofer Count | 2 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 3 months |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.0 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 2-way |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 2-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 35.2 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.5 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.0 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 18 x 9.5 in. |
| Tire Size | 225/45R18 | 265/45R Z |
| Run Flat Tires | ✓ | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Tire Type | — | Performance |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 4 Series and 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 4 Series and the 2025 718 Cayman?
The 718 Cayman has a notable advantage in peak power, producing 300 hp compared to the 4 Series' 255 hp, suggesting superior straight-line speed potential. However, the 4 Series delivers more torque (295 lb-ft vs. 280 lb-ft) lower in the rev range.
How significant is the fuel economy disparity?
The difference is substantial; the BMW 4 Series achieves 31 MPG combined, beating the Porsche 718 Cayman's 24 MPG combined rating by 7 miles per gallon. This difference will impact daily running costs considerably.
Is the 4 Series or the Cayman better for an owner who drives often?
For routine driving, the 2025 BMW 4 Series is the clear choice as it runs on standard premium unleaded and offers superior fuel efficiency. The Cayman is tuned for short bursts of spirited driving rather than maximizing highway mileage.
Which car feels physically smaller or more agile on the road?
The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman is physically smaller, measuring 172.4 inches long and only 51.0 inches high. This compact nature generally translates to sharper, more immediate handling dynamics than the larger 4 Series coupe.
How does the price difference affect the overall value proposition?
The $21,650 MSRP gap means the BMW offers nearly all the RWD coupe excitement for thousands less. The Porsche demands a significant premium specifically for its race-bred engineering and brand prestige.
Do both coupes require premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 BMW 4 Series and the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.
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