25 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but for the 2016 Porsche Cayman with its 2.7L flat-six engine, it’s an acceptable tradeoff for a pure sports car experience. This isn’t a commuter car; it’s built to carve corners and deliver thrills. The Cayman buyer understands this and accepts the fuel consumption for the fun it provides.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Cayman 2.7L are 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway when equipped with the automatic (PDK) transmission. These figures reflect the engine’s character. The flat-six needs to be revved to truly shine, so city driving will keep the engine operating inefficiently. On the open road, with the car cruising in higher gears, the 31 MPG shows the engine’s ability to deliver reasonable efficiency when not being pushed hard. Aggressive driving will lower these numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Porsche Cayman 2.7L is about $2,300. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price for premium unleaded gasoline, which the Cayman requires. This is an estimate, and drivers who cover more miles or drive mostly in the city will likely exceed this figure. Gas price changes will also affect the annual cost.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy will depend on driving style and conditions. Cayman owners who enjoy spirited driving and frequent track days shouldn’t expect to consistently achieve the EPA estimates. However, those who primarily use the Cayman for weekend cruises and follow speed limits may find themselves exceeding the 31 MPG highway figure. The 2.7L engine’s fuel economy is largely determined by the driver’s right foot.

How it compares

Compared to other sports cars, the 2016 Cayman 2.7L’s fuel economy is fairly typical. The BMW M235i, with its turbocharged inline-six, achieves around 24 MPG combined. The Nissan 370Z, known for its powerful V6, gets around 22 MPG combined. Even the four-cylinder Mazda MX-5 Miata, while more fuel-efficient at around 30 MPG combined, offers a different driving experience. For the Porsche purist, the Cayman offers a unique blend of performance and driving feel that justifies its place among its competitors, even if others offer slightly better fuel economy. See all Porsche fuel economy data here. Buyers can also learn more about CAYMAN MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The Cayman’s PDK transmission selects the best gear for fuel efficiency, so maintain a smooth driving style. Flooring the accelerator or slamming on the brakes will hurt fuel economy.

Monitor tire pressure. Maintaining the correct tire pressure, as specified in the owner’s manual, reduces rolling resistance and improves fuel efficiency. This is important on a sports car like the Cayman, where tire pressures can change with spirited driving.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, minimizing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, and it can improve fuel economy on long highway drives. While the Cayman is fun to drive, sometimes a relaxed approach is best for maximizing MPG.

Minimize idling because it wastes fuel, and if you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart it. Porsche’s auto start/stop system can help, but some drivers may disable this feature.

Consider using the Sport or Sport Plus modes sparingly. While these modes enhance throttle response and shift points for maximum performance, they also increase fuel consumption. Use them for fun driving and the standard mode for everyday driving.