For those looking for something even more exclusive and extreme in performance without breaking the bank too much, the Lotus Elise is a possibility.
The lightweight Elise has a little 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, yet it can reach 60 mph faster than the Cayman.
Don't plan on a lot of comfort, though; the ride is hard, the interior is loud, and appointments are basic.
You'll also be one of the lowest vehicles on the road.
Now that the Cayman’s former rival, the BMW M Coupe, has been discontinued, its closest competitor is likely the new Audi TTS; like the Cayman, it’s a balanced sports car that’s very engaging.
But between the two, the Cayman still offers a more comprehensive tactile experience—and more of a classic sports car feel.
The latest version of Nissan’s Z sports car is another alternative for those who really want to watch their budget.
For those who’d really rather have a V-8—with immense power for the straights—the Chevy Corvette is another great alternative.
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 2009 Porsche CaymanBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Chevrolet CorvetteBrowse Used Listings |  2009 Nissan 370ZBrowse Used Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Specs | ||
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The 2009 Porsche Cayman is a fabulous ride that's worth every penny. |
While the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette provides plenty of impressive performance to dream and/or brag about, this car is not a one-trick pony. If ever there were a practical sportscar, this is it. |
The Nissan Z has never occupied the top spot in the performance world—and it doesn't now—but it's still a great performance car that starts just under $30,000. |
| MSRP From | ||
| $50,300 | $48,565 | $29,930 |
| Gas Mileage | ||
| 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 14 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||
| Gas Flat 6-cyl | Gas V8 | Gas V6 |
| EPA Class | ||
| Two-Seater | Two Seater | Two-Seater |
| Style Name | ||
| 2-Door Coupe | 2-Door Coupe w/1LT | 2-Door Coupe Manual |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||
| 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Doors | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||
| 2 Door Coupe | 2 Door Coupe | 2 door coupe |
| Transmission | ||
| Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||
| 2009 Porsche Cayman vs. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Porsche Cayman vs. 2009 Nissan 370Z | |
