Porsche Cayman vs BMW 8 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Porsche Cayman: we're still completing price, height, 0-100km/h, warranty and ground clearance, plus 2 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
No price
- no option data for this car
$294,900RRP
- with the Porsche Cayman's standard kit: $294,900 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Porsche Cayman
- REC-004963 · published 29 Sep 2021Due to a manufacturing defect, the rear suspension may fail in extreme driving situations.Year range on the notice: 2012 - 2013; 2014
- REC-001155 · published 26 Sep 2019An airbag control unit with an out of specification capacitor for maintaining power supply may have been installed on the affected vehicles.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2016
- REC-001151 · published 10 Mar 2019In a frontal collision, the lower longitudinal crash beam in the luggage compartment area could penetrate the bulkhead wall at the lower cross body component.Year range on the notice: 2016 - 2019
BMW 8 Series
None open on our record
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW 8 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Porsche Cayman uses a Petrol producing 239kW and 370Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed pdk dual-clutch to a RWD layout.
The BMW 8 Series responds with a Petrol making 390kW and 750Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The BMW 8 Series has the clear power advantage at 390kW vs 239kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Porsche Cayman measures 4,380mm long on a 2,475mm wheelbase, 702mm shorter than the BMW 8 Series at 5,082mm (3,023mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 8 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.6m diameter
Large
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Large
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 11.1 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,280/year for the Porsche Cayman and $3,050/year for the BMW 8 Series. That is a $770 annual difference in favour of the Porsche Cayman.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Porsche Cayman if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Porsche's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 8 Series if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (48 vs 56). The Porsche Cayman and BMW 8 Series trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Porsche Cayman will save you roughly $770 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Porsche Cayman and BMW 8 Series?
The BMW 8 Series is the cheapest at $294,900 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Porsche Cayman uses the least fuel at 8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Porsche Cayman and BMW 8 Series carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 8 Series makes the most power at 390kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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