2025 BMW M4 vs 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman

$79,700 · Coupe

$72,800 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW M4 is a powerhouse, launching the driver into a sonic spectacle with its 473 hp engine paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, demanding attention both visually and audibly. Conversely, the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman captivates with precision engineering, offering a purer, track-focused experience despite its 300 hp output. The price gap is immediate: the M4 starts at $79,700 compared to the Cayman's $72,800 entry point, a difference of $6,900. Power is overwhelmingly skewed toward the M4, boasting 173 more horsepower, though this comes at the cost of efficiency, achieving only 19 combined MPG against the Cayman's more frugal 24 combined MPG. Furthermore, the M4 is the physically larger vehicle at 189.1 inches long, while the smaller Porsche offers slightly more utility with 15 cu ft of cargo space versus the BMW's 12 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Porsche 718 Cayman

The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman wins for commuting due to its superior 24 combined MPG versus the M4's 19 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Porsche 718 Cayman

Neither car is truly family-friendly, but the Cayman offers slightly more accessible utility with 15 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the M4's 12 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW M4

The 2025 BMW M4 appeals more to raw performance enthusiasts with its substantial 473 hp output and traditional 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Porsche 718 Cayman

The Porsche 718 Cayman presents better value by costing $6,900 less while delivering superior fuel economy.

Choose the BMW M4 if...

You demand staggering straight-line performance, provided by the M4's 473 hp engine.
You insist on the visceral engagement only a 6-speed manual transmission can deliver.
You prefer a physically larger coupe with a length of 189.1 inches.

Choose the Porsche 718 Cayman if...

Your daily drives benefit from the efficiency of 24 combined MPG, compared to the M4's 19.
You value the precision feel of a smaller, lighter chassis measuring 172.4 inches long.
You want to save $6,900 upfront, as the Cayman starts at $72,800.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW M4	Porsche 718 Cayman
Length	189.1"	172.4"
Width	74.3"	70.9"
Height	54.8"	51.0"
Wheelbase	112.5"	97.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Porsche
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	2	—
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Xenon High-Intensity Discharge Headlights	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Porsche
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 6	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	473 hp @ 6250 rpm	300 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm
Number of Valves	24	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	6-speed manual	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Porsche
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	16/23 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	249.6/358.8 mi.	298.2/383.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 gal.	14.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Porsche
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Porsche
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	—
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Speaker Brand	Harman/Kardon	—
Stereo Power	464W	150W
Speaker System	16	8
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Surround Audio	Discrete	—
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
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Porsche
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	—
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	—
Front Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	—
Seat Material: Premium Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	2-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 Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Porsche
Rear Head Room	35.8 in.	—
Rear Leg Room	34.7 in.	—
Rear Shoulder Room	51.0 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Porsche
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 10.5 in	18 x 9.5 in.
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	285/35R Z	265/45R Z
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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.
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 M4 and 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman.

How significant is the power difference between the M4 and the 718 Cayman?

The 2025 BMW M4 is substantially more powerful, delivering 473 hp compared to the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman's 300 hp. This results in a 173 horsepower advantage for the M4.

Which coupe is better for daily driving efficiency?

The Porsche 718 Cayman is the clear winner for efficiency, achieving 24 combined MPG on premium unleaded fuel. The BMW M4 lags behind significantly with a combined rating of only 19 MPG.

Is the M4's extra cost justified by performance metrics?

The M4 commands a $79,700 MSRP, which is $6,900 more than the Cayman's starting price. While the M4 offers higher torque (406 lb-ft vs. 280 lb-ft), the Cayman offers a better efficiency-to-price ratio.

What is the main difference in the driving experience regarding transmission type?

The BMW M4 sticks to a traditional, engaging 6-speed manual transmission, appealing to purists. Conversely, the Porsche 718 Cayman features a rapid-shifting 7-speed automated manual transmission for faster shifts.

How do the physical dimensions affect usability?

The M4 is the physically larger car in every dimension, notably being over 6 inches longer. Despite its smaller external footprint, the Cayman provides more usable storage with 15 cu ft versus the M4's 12 cu ft.