2025 Porsche 718 Cayman vs 2026 Audi RS 3

$72,800 · Coupe

$66,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between raw sports car pedigree and everyday usable performance presents a tough dilemma for many buyers. The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman, starting at $72,800, offers a focused coupe experience with 300 hp. Conversely, the 2026 Audi RS 3 undercuts it significantly at $66,100 while boasting a substantial 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Although the Audi is slightly longer at 178.5 inches versus the Cayman's 172.4 inches, the Porsche manages to offer more cargo space at 15 cu ft compared to the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft. Fuel economy is closely matched, with the Cayman achieving 27 MPG highway and the RS 3 hitting 29 MPG highway. Ultimately, the decision rests on whether you prioritize Porsche's renowned handling feel or the RS 3's superior straight-line power advantage, represented by a 94 hp deficit for the Cayman.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 wins for commuters due to its practical four-door sedan body style and slightly better highway fuel economy at 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Porsche 718 Cayman

Despite being a two-door coupe, the Cayman provides 15 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more usable volume than the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 offers a substantial 94 hp advantage (394 hp vs 300 hp) and superior torque (369 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft) for pure acceleration thrills.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi RS 3

The Audi RS 3 delivers nearly 100 more horsepower for $6,700 less than the base price of the Porsche Cayman.

Choose the Porsche 718 Cayman if...

You prioritize the classic, focused driving dynamics associated with a mid-engine Porsche coupe layout.
You need the most generous available cargo space, offering 15 cu ft for weekend trips.
You prefer the slightly narrower dimensions (70.9 inches width) for tighter urban parking situations.

Choose the Audi RS 3 if...

You want significantly higher engine output, packing 394 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
You require all-wheel drive capability for year-round driving confidence.
You need the affordability of a lower starting MSRP at $66,100.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Porsche 718 Cayman	Audi RS 3
Length	172.4"	178.5"
Width	70.9"	72.9"
Height	51.0"	54.8"
Wheelbase	97.4"	103.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Porsche	Audi
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
Xenon High-Intensity Discharge Headlights	✓	—
Adaptive Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Headlight Washers	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Head Airbags	—	✓
LATCH System	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Headrests	—	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Porsche	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 5
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	300 hp @ 6500 rpm	394 hp
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm	369 lb-ft
Number of Valves	16	20
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Porsche	Audi
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Porsche	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	20/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	298.2/383.4 mi.	290.0/420.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.2 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Porsche	Audi
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	150W	680W
Speaker System	8	15
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Infotainment Display	—	10.1 in
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Sonos
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Porsche	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Porsche	Audi
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	2-way	8-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	2-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Head Room	—	36.8 in.
Front Leg Room	—	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	54.8 in.
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power

Rearseats

Feature	Porsche	Audi
Rear Head Room	—	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	53.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Porsche	Audi
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 9.5 in.	—
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	265/45R Z	✓
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	19 in

Suspension

Feature	Porsche	Audi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Porsche	Audi
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./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman and 2026 Audi RS 3.

Is the 2026 Audi RS 3 actually faster than the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman?

Yes, based on stated figures, the RS 3 is considerably faster, producing 394 hp compared to the Cayman’s 300 hp, giving it a 94 hp advantage. This increased power, coupled with standard AWD, should result in superior straight-line acceleration.

Which car is more practical for carrying passengers and groceries?

The Audi RS 3 is better suited for passengers since it is a four-door sedan, whereas the Porsche Cayman is a two-door coupe. However, the Cayman surprisingly holds more luggage, offering 15 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the RS 3's 8.3 cu ft.

Does the difference in fuel economy matter between these premium cars?

The difference is minimal since both require premium unleaded fuel. The Cayman achieves 24 MPG combined while the RS 3 gets 23 MPG combined, with the RS 3 having a slight edge on the highway at 29 MPG.

Why is the Porsche Cayman so much more expensive at its base MSRP?

The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman starts at $72,800, which is $6,700 more than the RS 3's starting price. Buyers are paying a premium for the Porsche badge and its specific chassis/mid-engine architecture.

How does the drivetrain configuration (RWD vs AWD) affect driving?

The Cayman uses a traditional rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup, preferred by purists for balanced handling feel. The RS 3 features all-wheel drive (AWD), which typically offers better traction and grip, especially in adverse conditions.

Are both cars similar in physical size for parking?

The Porsche Cayman is narrower and shorter overall (172.4 inches long) compared to the RS 3 (178.5 inches long), making the Cayman slightly easier to manage in very tight spots.