2025 Porsche 718 Cayman vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
Comparison Overview
The $13,250 MSRP difference between the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman ($72,800) and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE ($59,550) is the most significant starting point. Performance metrics show the Porsche leading with 300 hp compared to the CLE's 255 hp, though the CLE counterpoints with superior efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Cayman's 24 combined MPG. The Porsche boasts a tighter exterior footprint at 172.4 inches long, contrasting with the CLE’s substantial 191.0-inch length. Despite the size difference, the 718 Cayman offers slightly more storage at 15 cu ft versus the CLE's 11.2 cu ft. However, the Mercedes excels in low-speed torque, providing 295 lb-ft against the Porsche's 280 lb-ft, while utilizing a 9-speed transmission versus the Cayman's 7-speed automated manual.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE offers significantly better fuel economy at 27 combined MPG and utilizes an AWD system, making it more practical for daily driving variables.
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman
The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman provides superior cargo volume with 15 cu ft, slightly outweighing the CLE’s 11.2 cu ft capacity for utility.
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman
The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman delivers 45 more horsepower (300 hp vs. 255 hp) and a classic RWD configuration, prioritizing dynamic driving characteristics.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE undercuts the Porsche by $13,250 in MSRP while still offering competitive torque figures.
Choose the Porsche 718 Cayman if...
- You prioritize maximum engine output, requiring the 300 hp available from the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman.
- You prefer the precision and handling associated with a Rear Wheel Drive layout.
- You need the slightly larger 15 cu ft of dedicated cargo capacity.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLE if...
- Your budget dictates an entry price under $60,000, as the CLE starts at $59,550.
- You desire better fuel efficiency, evidenced by its 27 combined MPG rating.
- You need the enhanced traction provided by the standard All Wheel Drive system.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Porsche 718 Cayman | Mercedes-Benz CLE |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.4" | 191.0" |
| Width | 70.9" | 73.3" |
| Height | 51.0" | 56.2" |
| Wheelbase | 97.4" | 112.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| LATCH System | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 2 |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed automated manual | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/27 MPG | 24/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 298.2/383.4 mi. | 417.6/574.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.2 gal. | 17.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 150W | 710W |
| Speaker System | 8 | 17 |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Infotainment Display | — | 11.9 in |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Burmester |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 2 |
| Surround Audio | — | Discrete |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Material: Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 2-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 2-way | 10-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 | — | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 42.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 55.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | — | 36.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 34.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 9.5 in. | 18 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 265/45R Z | 245/45R18 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Porsche | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE.
Which vehicle is faster in a straight line given the horsepower disparity?
Based purely on output, the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman has the advantage with 300 hp versus the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE's 255 hp. However, the CLE compensates by producing higher torque at 295 lb-ft, which could result in better initial acceleration despite the 45 hp deficit.
How does the drivetrain difference (RWD vs AWD) impact driving experience?
The Porsche 718 Cayman utilizes Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), typically favored by purists for its balanced handling feel. Conversely, the Mercedes-Benz CLE employs All Wheel Drive (AWD), offering superior traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Which coupe is the more practical daily driver regarding fuel costs?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE is the superior choice for minimizing fuel stops, achieving 27 combined MPG (24 City/33 Highway) compared to the Porsche 718 Cayman's 24 combined MPG (21 City/27 Highway).
Is the Porsche's smaller size an advantage for parking or maneuvering?
Yes, the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman is significantly more compact, measuring 172.4 inches in length and 70.9 inches wide. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE is substantially larger at 191.0 inches long and 73.3 inches wide, which could complicate tight urban parking.
Do these vehicles require the same fuel type?
Both the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLE strictly mandate the use of premium unleaded gasoline for optimal performance and engine health.
What is the trade-off between the two vehicles' transmission technology?
The Porsche 718 Cayman uses a 7-speed automated manual, engineered for rapid shifts often associated with sports cars. The Mercedes-Benz CLE features a 9-speed shiftable automatic, which prioritizes smoothness and efficiency through its extra gear ratios.
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