2015 Porsche Cayman vs. Its Competition

Nelson Ireson Senior Editor

The Porsche Cayman has few natural rivals.

Its best alternatives are other Porsches: the soft-top Boxster and bigger-brother 911.

The Boxster provides very similar levels of performance and the same luxury, while adding the fun of top-down driving.

The 911 overlaps the upper end of the Boxster GTS spectrum on price, and packs more power, space, and utility, as well as its own brilliant take on handling and dynamics.

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray competes well on price and fun per dollar; its new interior isn't quite at Porsche levels of refinement or luxury, but the 'Vette has made leaps and bounds there, all while enhancing the performance it's always been known for.

For other alternatives, you have to look to Nissan and its luxury brand Infiniti.

The 2015 Nissan 370Z is about $3,000 less expensive than it was last year--and about half the price of the Cayman--making it a smart performance value in the 300-plus horsepower class.

If you want more luxury with your sport, the 2015 Infiniti Q60 (previously known as the G37 Coupe) offers the punch of the 370Z with a plus-two back seat and upgraded interior materials and equipment.

If you're willing to forgo most of the luxuries, the new Alfa Romeo 4C provides similar mid-engine handling in a focused, light-weight package.