MARKET ANALYSIS
981 (2012 to 2016)

The 981-generation Porsche Cayman, spanning global production from 2012 to 2016, is widely celebrated as the final chapter of the naturally aspirated, mid-engine flat-six era before the shift to turbocharged four-cylinders. This iteration introduced a more aggressive design language with a longer wheelbase and wider tracks, significantly improving stability and handling precision while shedding weight through the increased use of aluminium. Available in the 202kW base model or the punchier 239kW S variant, the 981 also saw the birth of the driver-focused GTS and the track-honed GT4, the latter featuring a 3.8-litre engine borrowed from the 911. In the Australian market, the 981 has experienced a notable surge in desirability, as local enthusiasts increasingly value its analogue soul and mechanical reliability. This has led to a highly active buyer pool and robust market values, with many owners viewing the 981 as a modern classic that balances daily usability with a pure, high-revving soundtrack. Its status as a "sweet spot" in the Cayman lineage ensures it remains a high-intent search term for collectors and driving purists across the country.
The 981-generation Porsche Cayman, spanning global production from 2012 to 2016, is widely celebrated as the final chapter of the naturally aspirated, mid-engine flat-six era before the shift to turbocharged four-cylinders. This iteration introduced a more aggressive design language with a longer wheelbase and wider tracks, significantly improving stability and handling precision while shedding weight through the increased use of aluminium. Available in the 202kW base model or the punchier 239kWā¦
Model years for Porsche Cayman (2012 to 2016)

2013 Porsche Cayman
146,250 km ⢠PDK
š¦šŗSydney, NSW
FOR SALE
Auction
Mar 15, 2026
2016 Porsche Cayman (981) GTS - Track Car
š¦šŗMelbourne, VIC
$54,400
Auction
Jun 22, 2023
2013 PORSCHE (981) CAYMAN S - MANUAL
39,200 km ⢠Manual ⢠RHD
š¦šŗSydney, New South Wales
$95,500
Auction
Aug 03, 2021
2015 PORSCHE (981) CAYMAN
47,531 km ⢠Automatic ⢠RHD
š¦šŗWollongong, New South Wales
$89,000
Auction
Jun 13, 2022
2016 PORSCHE (981) CAYMAN GT4 ā DEMAN ENGINE
24,433 km ⢠Manual ⢠RHD
š¦šŗGreystanes, NSW
$188,000
Auction
Apr 30, 2023
2016 Porsche (981) Cayman GT4
36,656 km ⢠Manual ⢠RHD
š¦šŗMosman, NSW
$160,420
Auction
Apr 02, 2024
2016 Porsche (981) Cayman GT4
36,100 km ⢠Manual ⢠RHD
š¦šŗGables, NSW
$158,000
Auction
Sep 18, 2024