Honda S2000 AP1 S2000 AP1 VS Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 718 Cayman GTS 4.0

Honda S2000 AP1 vs Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0: Naturally Aspirated Rivals Across Generations

When comparing the Honda S2000 AP1 and the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, you’re pitting two of the most beloved rear-wheel-drive sports cars of their respective eras against each other. Both are lightweight, naturally aspirated, and engineered for the purist’s experience—yet their approaches to speed, value, and driver connection couldn’t be more distinct. Let’s dive into how these icons stack up on track, in the garage, and in the heart of an enthusiast.

Lap Time Duel: Where Performance Meets Personality

A survey of LapMeta’s head-to-head lap data reveals a fascinating exchange of blows. The Cayman GTS 4.0, with its 400 PS flat-six and 418.95 Nm torque, predictably holds the upper hand at most venues, but the S2000, despite a ~160 PS deficit and 300 lbs less weight, punches back hard—especially when modifications are allowed.

On Thunderhill - East 3 Mile w/ Bypass, the Porsche’s bigger power shoves it to a 1:55.02 lap, outpacing the S2000’s 2:01.4 by over 6 seconds. Likewise, at Laguna Seca - Current, the Cayman fires off a 1:37.56, nearly 4 seconds clear of the S2000’s 1:41.5. Tracks with long straights and high-speed flow reward the Porsche’s power and torque-rich delivery.

Yet, the S2000 is no perpetual underdog. At the Top Gear Test Track - CCW, a heavily modified S2000 clocks a blistering 1:16.6, a staggering 6.9 seconds ahead of the stock Cayman’s 1:23.5. At technical or tight circuits—Lime Rock Park - CW (57.9 vs 59.46), Nürburgring - GP Full (2:13.191 vs 2:14.7), and Laguna Seca - Pre 2023 (1:37.39 vs 1:38.79)—the S2000 claws out victories, sometimes with less tire and more years on chassis.

The closest battle? At Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli - GP CW, the S2000 nips the Cayman by just 0.079 seconds (1:48.211 vs 1:48.29). That’s a photo finish worthy of their reputations.

Spec Sheets, On-Track Character, and the Enthusiast’s Wallet

The S2000 AP1’s ethos is pure, analog lightness. Its 2.0L F20C is a high-wire act, spinning to 9000 rpm, and the 6-speed manual, perfect weight distribution, and double wishbone suspension create a car that’s both forgiving at the limit and alive under your fingertips. At just 2750 lbs, the S2000 finds its speed in corner entry and exit, not brute force. With 240 PS and 207 Nm, it’s outgunned on paper—yet its chassis invites drivers to extract every last tenth.

The Cayman GTS 4.0, meanwhile, leverages Porsche’s near-mythical mid-engine balance, adding 400 PS and a torque curve that dwarfs the S2000’s. At 3031 lbs, it’s heavier, but the extra grunt and modern electronics flatten lap times. The Cayman’s chassis, brakes, and steering feel are benchmarks—confidence-inspiring for all, yet responsive enough for seasoned drivers.

What’s striking is the S2000’s tuning potential. Many of its quickest laps come from heavily modded examples using sticky tires, closing the gap or even surpassing the stock Cayman in some settings. The Porsche, in contrast, is almost peerless out of the box; its stock times are routinely elite, and even light mods yield only marginal gains—a testament to the factory setup.

Ownership Value: Past, Present, and Who Should Buy Which?

The buyer profiles diverge as sharply as their power curves. The S2000, with MSRPs around $34,000 new and current values ranging $25k-$40k for clean AP1s, caters to the hands-on enthusiast. It’s attainable, reliable, track-proven, and a blank canvas for mods. The S2000 is for those who want to earn their speed, savor high-rpm shrieks, and invest sweat equity in setup.

The 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, with a modern MSRP north of $90,000 and strong resale, targets the buyer craving a turnkey track tool—modern safety, comfort, and speed, no wrenching required. It’s for the driver who wants all the drama of a naturally aspirated six, the security of a warranty, and the cachet of a Porsche crest on the hood.

Both cars reward driver skill, but the S2000 is a scalpel—demanding, nuanced, and utterly involving. The Cayman is a sledgehammer wrapped in velvet—fast, forgiving, and always composed. The S2000’s fundamental engineering encourages experimentation and learning; the Cayman’s brilliance is its ability to flatter everyone, but still reward the committed.

Final Verdict: Different Roads to the Same Destination

On the stopwatch, the Cayman GTS 4.0 is generally faster, especially in stock or lightly modded form. But the S2000 refuses to be dismissed, often matching or beating the Porsche when the mods are right and the track rewards agility. Each car offers a different kind of satisfaction: the S2000 is the hero’s journey, the Cayman is the victory lap.

If your heart beats for high-rpm, old-school engagement and every dollar counts, the S2000 AP1 is your ticket. If you want modern supercar pace with everyday civility, the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is tough to top. Either way, you’ll find a car that not only lives up to its legend—but continues to write new chapters every lap.