1981 Porsche 944 vs. 2006 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2006 Porsche Cayman is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,686 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Porsche Cayman (242 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Porsche 944 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2006 Porsche Cayman.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Porsche Cayman (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Porsche 944. (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Porsche 944.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Porsche 944 | 2006 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Porsche | Porsche |
| Model | 944 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2479 cc | 2686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2420 mm |
