Corvette vs 718 Cayman
Put the Corvette next to the 718 Cayman and you have Chevrolet and Porsche going after exactly the same sports car crowd. Here the question is less “which is better?” and more “which strength do you need?” Is it engine & performance with the Corvette, or fuel economy & range with the 718 Cayman?
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Corvette wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 718 Cayman wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Corvette wins
- Engine & Performance6.4
- Fuel Economy & Range0.7
- Engine & Performance2.5
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Corvette has 190 hp more power
Not a close call. The Corvette lists 490 hp and the 718 Cayman lists 300 hp. That’s a substantial gap. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The 718 Cayman has better fuel economy
Among all the differences on this page, 22 mpg against 19 mpg is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the 718 Cayman. The 718 Cayman uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
-
The Corvette has 185 lb-ft more torque
The 718 Cayman gives up a lot on torque: 280 lb-ft, compared with 465 lb-ft on the Corvette. The Corvette’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The 718 Cayman has better city fuel economy
Few buyers will miss this one. The 718 Cayman brings 20 mpg to the table; the Corvette brings 16 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
-
The Corvette has available all-wheel drive
Missing features are easy to overlook when you buy and hard to live without later. The 718 Cayman skips this one. The Corvette offers all-wheel drive; the 718 Cayman doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Corvette | 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 48.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 107.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Corvette leads
This is one of the Corvette’s strongest areas. On engine & performance, the 718 Cayman falls well short. The Corvette answers with 190 hp more power. The Corvette’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. Bottom line for engine & performance: the Corvette has the edge.
Total system output
Corvette: 490 hp 718 Cayman: 300 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Corvette: 465 lb-ft 718 Cayman: 280 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
718 Cayman leads
The fuel economy & range numbers point firmly in one direction: toward the 718 Cayman. The 718 Cayman pulls ahead with better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. The fuel economy & range verdict goes to the 718 Cayman.
Fuel economy (combined)
Corvette: 19 mpg 718 Cayman: 22 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Corvette: 16 mpg 718 Cayman: 20 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 718 Cayman has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On space & practicality, the Corvette and the 718 Cayman are effectively level. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Corvette leads
The Corvette takes off-road & towing by a nose. The Corvette scores with available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. For off-road & towing, the Corvette is the one to beat.
AWD / 4WD available
Corvette: yes 718 Cayman: no Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
The Corvette and the 718 Cayman differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Corvette | 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 6.2L V8 | 2.0L turbo flat-4 |
| Total system output | 490 hp (winner) | 300 hp |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft (winner) | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic | 6-speed manual (7-speed PDK optional) |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Corvette | 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | 22 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 16 mpg | 20 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Corvette | 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 12.6 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Corvette | 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Corvette | 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Corvette | 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 48.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 107.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Corvette | 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $68,300 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Corvette if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (490 hp vs 300 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (465 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
- you want all-wheel drive available
Choose the 718 Cayman if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (22 mpg vs 19 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (20 mpg vs 16 mpg in the city)
- you prefer staying with Porsche
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Corvette or the 718 Cayman?
The Corvette and the 718 Cayman split the comparison (engine & performance for the Corvette, fuel economy & range for the 718 Cayman), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Corvette and the 718 Cayman chase the same buyer. In the details, Chevrolet and Porsche made different calls. What I like most about the Corvette here is 190 hp more power. On top of that, the Corvette adds available all-wheel drive. Fairness check: the 718 Cayman does come with better fuel economy.
I’d steer engine & performance fans toward the Corvette and fuel economy & range fans toward the 718 Cayman.
My pick: both are fair choices, with the Corvette leaning toward engine & performance and the 718 Cayman toward fuel economy & range.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.