Poll: Porsche Cayman S or Shelby GT350?

Craig Cole
by Craig Cole

Decisions, decisions… Which sporty car would YOU rather park in your driveway, the Porsche Cayman S or Shelby GT350?

It’s a tough choice to make. Both of these machines deliver a lethal dose of driving pleasure, but in completely different ways.

The Cayman S features a mid-mounted 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. This powerplant is good for a stout 350 horses and 309 lb-ft of torque. Two gearboxes are available including a six-speed manual and a seven-ratio dual-clutch unit.

As for performance, this Porsche can scamper to 60 miles an hour in four-seconds flat when equipped with the optional PDK transmission.

Focusing on the Shelby, it’s basic configuration is much more conventional. The engine is up front and power is routed to the rear wheels. This arrangement is clean, straightforward and as traditional as eating turkey on Thanksgiving.

SEE ALSO: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Shelby GT350’s Engine

As you well know, the GT350 is hauled around by a 5.2-liter V8 that features a flat-plane crankshaft, an engineering detail that helps it rev like a banshee. All told, this beast provides 526 horsepower as well as 429 lb-ft of maximum torque.

Unlike the Porsche, just one transmission is offered in this very special Mustang, a Tremec six-speed manual. Can’t drive with three pedals? Too bad for you!

Regrettably, the Cayman S should be a little quicker than the Shelby, which should be able to reach mile-a-minute velocity in about 4.3 seconds. You can blame its 700-pound weight disadvantage for this disparity. It tips the scales at a husky 3,760 pounds.

Yes, they’re different, but they’re both tons of fun. Which of these cars would YOU rather own? Please compare them here and make sure to vote in our latest poll!

Craig Cole
Craig Cole

Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).

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  • Jumbybird Jumbybird on Dec 27, 2016

    I'm not a Porsche fan and I'd pick it.

  • MXJ222 MXJ222 on Dec 28, 2016

    Shelby for driving in a straight line, but it wouldn't come close to the Cayman on a road course. Not even a contest.

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