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Porsche · Sports Car · 2005–2012

Porsche Cayman 987(987c)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

303–330 PS

3.4L Benzin

Best 987.2 Cayman — Except the R

Fun to Drive!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Porsche Cayman 987 is available with 4 engine variants — from 245 to 330 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.7L · Benziner· 245 PS
2006 2009
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
2.9L · Benziner· 265 PS
2009 2012
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
R · Benziner· 325–330 PS
2011 2012
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
S · Benziner· 295–325 PS Engine Change
2005 2009
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
2009 2012
Be Careful 8 weaknesses

The Porsche 2.7L (Benziner, 245 PS) has the M97.20 (2.7L) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.

The Porsche 2.9L (Benziner, 265 PS) has the MA1.20 (2.9L) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Porsche R (Benziner, 325–330 PS) has the MA1.21 (3.4L) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Porsche S (Benziner, 295–325 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M97.21 (2005–2009, Be Careful) und MA1.21 (2009–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the S!

NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
17 complaints · 2005–2012
Powertrain
10
Engine
4
Engine & Cooling
2
Cruise Control
2
Brakes
1

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (10 complaints)
⚠ Engine (4 complaints)
⚠ Engine & Cooling (2 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Successor

Porsche Cayman 981

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Nissan 370Z Z34

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Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 36 weaknesses have been documented for the Porsche Cayman 987 (2005–2012).

Cayman (M97.21, 2005–2009) — Be Careful: Bore Scoring: Cylinder Wall Wear 3.4L, IMS Dual-Row Bearing: Real Failure Risk, Coolant Pipe Housing Cracks. Power: 295 PS.

Cayman (M97.20, 2006–2009) — Be Careful: Bore Scoring: Cylinder Wall Wear Cayman 2.7, IMS Dual-Row Bearing: Real Failure Risk, Coolant Pipe Housing Cracks. Power: 245 PS.

Cayman (MA1.20, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Bore scoring on Alusil cylinders, High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, Water pump / thermostat premature failure. Power: 265 PS.

Cayman (MA1.21, 2009–2012) — Be Careful: Bore scoring on Alusil cylinders, Water pump / thermostat premature failure, High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure. Power: 320–325 PS.

Cayman (MA1.21, 2011–2012) — Be Careful: Bore scoring on Alusil cylinders, Water pump / thermostat premature failure, High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure. Power: 325–330 PS.

What to watch out for with the Porsche Cayman? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Porsche Cayman 987 have? +
The Porsche Cayman 987 has 36 known engine weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Porsche Cayman 987? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: M97.20 (2.7L), M97.21 (3.4L), MA1.20 (2.9L), MA1.21 (3.4L). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the MA1.21 (3.4L).
Which Porsche Cayman 987 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Porsche Cayman 987 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The Cayman S 987.2 with 3.4 DFI and manual is the dream purchase of the generation: no IMS, full power, the stiffest coupe chassis in the range. Those who can't get hold of an R buy this one. Connoisseurs call it "a daily racing car with number plates". Direct steering, mechanical feel, reliable mechanicals.
Is the Porsche Cayman 987 worth buying used? +
The Porsche Cayman 987 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Porsche Cayman 987? +
The Porsche Cayman 987 is available with engine variants from 245 to 330 hp. Petrol: M97.20 (2.7L), M97.21 (3.4L), MA1.20 (2.9L), MA1.21 (3.4L).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee