2025 Porsche 718 Cayman vs 2026 Audi S3

$72,800 · Coupe

$52,000 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman and the 2026 Audi S3 is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), where the Cayman commands a $20,800 premium at $72,800 compared to the S3’s $52,000. Despite the price gap, the Audi S3 delivers superior raw output, boasting 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque versus the Cayman's 300 hp and 280 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency favors the sedan, as the S3 achieves a combined 26 MPG (23/31 city/highway) compared to the Cayman's 24 MPG (21/27). Performance orientation is clear in dimensions: the Cayman is significantly lower at 51.0 inches in height, optimizing aerodynamics, while the S3 offers 177.4 inches in length, translating to slightly more interior volume. However, the Cayman’s 15 cu ft of cargo capacity surpasses the S3’s 8.3 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Audi S3

The 2026 Audi S3 is the superior commuter due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the Cayman's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi S3

As a Sedan with a higher roofline (55.7 inches vs. 51.0 inches), the Audi S3 inherently offers better accessibility and passenger comfort than the low-slung Cayman Coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Porsche 718 Cayman

The Porsche 718 Cayman’s dedicated rear-wheel-drive platform and lower stance are traditionally preferred for pure sports car driving dynamics over the S3’s all-wheel-drive sedan configuration.

💰 Best Value

2026 Audi S3

The 2026 Audi S3 provides 28 more horsepower for $20,800 less, resulting in a significantly better performance-to-price ratio.

Choose the Porsche 718 Cayman if...

You prioritize a dedicated two-seater coupe experience with a lower ride height (51.0 inches).
You require more practical storage, as the Cayman offers 15 cu ft of cargo space versus the S3's 8.3 cu ft.
You prefer the proven handling characteristics of a rear-wheel-drive sports car setup.

Choose the Audi S3 if...

Your budget is capped at $52,000, offering a substantial $20,800 saving over the Porsche.
You need better daily running costs due to the S3's 26 combined MPG efficiency.
You require the superior traction and stability provided by the S3's All-Wheel Drive system.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Porsche 718 Cayman	Audi S3
Length	172.4"	177.4"
Width	70.9"	71.5"
Height	51.0"	55.7"
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	—	✓
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	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Headrests	—	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Porsche	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	300 hp @ 6500 rpm	328 hp
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm	295 lb-ft
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	Porsche	Audi
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	7-speed automated manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Porsche	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	298.2/383.4 mi.	333.5/449.5 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	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
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: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
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	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 9.5 in.	—
Tire Type	Performance	All Season
Tire Size	265/45R Z	225/40R18
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 S3.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Audi S3 than the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman?

The 2026 Audi S3 produces 328 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is 28 horsepower and 15 lb-ft of torque more than the 300 hp and 280 lb-ft offered by the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman.

Which vehicle offers better utility for everyday tasks?

The Porsche 718 Cayman has 15 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Audi S3's 8.3 cu ft. However, the S3 is a four-door Sedan versus the Cayman's two-door Coupe body type.

What is the primary cost difference between these two performance vehicles?

The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman has an MSRP of $72,800, creating a $20,800 price gap when compared directly to the 2026 Audi S3's $52,000 starting price.

Does the difference in drive type impact performance metrics?

Yes; the Cayman is RWD, focused on purist dynamics, while the S3 utilizes AWD, which contributes to its higher torque output capabilities and better traction in varied conditions.

How do their fuel consumption figures compare for long commutes?

The Audi S3 is more economical on paper, achieving 26 combined MPG (23 city/31 highway) compared to the Cayman’s 24 combined MPG (21 city/27 highway).

Is the Porsche significantly smaller than the Audi?

The Porsche 718 Cayman is shorter in overall length (172.4 inches vs. 177.4 inches for the S3) and noticeably lower in height (51.0 inches vs. 55.7 inches), reflecting its focus on a low center of gravity.