Mazda MX-5 vs Porsche Cayman
The Mazda MX-5 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Porsche Cayman, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $500 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Mazda MX-5 leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mazda MX-5 | Porsche Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 30 mpg ✓ | 25 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 36 mpg ✓ | 31 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,550 ✓ | $3,050 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 298 g/mi ✓ | 352 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI, 2.0 | SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S6), Manual 6-spd, Manual 5-spd | Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium |
| EPA class | Two Seaters | Two Seaters |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2020 |
| Configurations on record | 25 | 35 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
MX-5 vs Cayman: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Mazda MX-5 or the Porsche Cayman?
The Mazda MX-5 is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 30 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the Porsche Cayman, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $500 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Mazda MX-5 runs about $2,550 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,050 for the Porsche Cayman — a difference of roughly $500 per year.
What engines do the MX-5 and Cayman offer?
Mazda MX-5: SIDI, 2.0. Porsche Cayman: SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Mazda MX-5 and the Porsche Cayman as Two Seaters, so they compete directly.
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