2025 Porsche 718 Cayman vs 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

$72,800 · Coupe

$50,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between pure sports car focus and practical luxury often centers on price and daily driving needs. The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman starts at a hefty $72,800, demanding a $22,200 premium over the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe's $50,600 base MSRP. While the Cayman offers a thrilling 300 hp and a tauter, smaller footprint (172.4 inches long), its fuel economy suffers, achieving only 24 combined MPG compared to the BMW's excellent 30 combined MPG. The BMW balances performance with utility, offering slightly more torque at 295 lb-ft versus the Porsche’s 280 lb-ft, and provides superior daily efficiency, netting 35 highway MPG versus the Cayman’s 27 highway MPG. If performance purism matters most, the Cayman wins; however, for the savvy buyer prioritizing lower running costs and extra space, the 4 Series presents a compelling financial argument.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe is the clear commuter choice due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 30 combined MPG versus the Cayman's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW offers more usable space with a slightly larger 16.6 cu ft cargo capacity and a more accessible four-door sedan body style compared to the two-seat Cayman coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Porsche 718 Cayman

The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman delivers higher peak power at 300 hp and offers a dedicated, purpose-built sports car driving experience.

💰 Best Value

2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe

The BMW saves the buyer $22,200 upfront while providing significantly better fuel efficiency across the board.

Choose the Porsche 718 Cayman if...

Your primary goal is track capability and the purest possible sports car dynamics.
You must have a mid-engine layout, prioritizing handling balance over passenger utility.
The initial $72,800 MSRP is not a barrier, and you prefer the more compact 172.4-inch length.

Choose the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe if...

You want to save $22,200 upfront, purchasing the car for $50,600 instead of the Porsche.
Commuting efficiency is critical, leveraging the 4 Series' superior 35 highway MPG.
You need the slightly larger 16.6 cu ft of cargo space offered by the Gran Coupe design.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Porsche 718 Cayman	BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
Length	172.4"	188.5"
Width	70.9"	72.9"
Height	51.0"	56.8"
Wheelbase	97.4"	112.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Porsche	BMW
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	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Head Airbags	—	✓
LATCH System	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Headrests	—	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Porsche	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	300 hp @ 6500 rpm	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	280 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 1600 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	Porsche	BMW
Transmission Type	7-speed automated manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Porsche	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/27 MPG	27/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	298.2/383.4 mi.	421.2/546.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.2 gal.	15.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Porsche	BMW
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	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Porsche	BMW
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	150W	205W
Speaker System	8	10
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Memory Card Slot	✓	—
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Infotainment Display	—	14.9 in
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Porsche	BMW
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	2-way	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	2-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	2-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Head Room	—	38.6 in.
Front Leg Room	—	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	—	55.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Porsche	BMW
Rear Head Room	—	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	34.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	54.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Porsche	BMW
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 9.5 in.	18 x 8.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	265/45R Z	245/45R H
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Porsche	BMW
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./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman and 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.

What is the main difference in performance output between these two cars?

The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman has the advantage in horsepower, boasting 300 hp compared to the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe's 255 hp. However, the BMW compensates slightly with higher torque figures, generating 295 lb-ft versus the Porsche's 280 lb-ft.

How much more expensive is the Porsche Cayman compared to the BMW 4 Series?

The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman carries a significantly higher starting price of $72,800, making it $22,200 more expensive than the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, which starts at $50,600.

Which vehicle is better for long highway road trips based on fuel consumption?

The BMW 4 Series is substantially better for long drives, achieving 35 highway MPG and 30 combined MPG. The Porsche 718 Cayman lags behind with only 27 highway MPG and 24 combined MPG, requiring more frequent stops.

Is the BMW 4 Series actually larger inside than the Porsche Cayman?

Yes, the BMW offers marginally more practical storage with 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, slightly edging out the Cayman's 15 cu ft. Furthermore, the BMW is 16.1 inches longer overall than the compact Cayman.

Do both vehicles require premium fuel?

Yes, both the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman and the 2026 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe explicitly require premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance.

How do the transmissions differ between the two coupes/sedans?

The Porsche utilizes a 7-speed automated manual transmission, focusing on quick, direct shifts for sporty driving. In contrast, the BMW employs a smoother 8-speed shiftable automatic, generally favored for commuting comfort.