Compare the2024 Porsche 718 CaymanVS 2024 Maserati GranTurismo

The Porsche 718 Cayman has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The GranTurismo doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Both the 718 Cayman and the GranTurismo have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available crash mitigating brakes and blind spot warning systems.

The 718 Cayman’s corrosion warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles longer than the GranTurismo’s (12/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

There are over 67 percent more Porsche dealers than there are Maserati dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the 718 Cayman’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 718 Cayman third among compact premium sporty cars in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The GranTurismo isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than Maserati vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche above average in initial quality. With 15 more problems per 100 vehicles, Maserati is rated lower.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the 718 Cayman lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The GranTurismo doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the 718 Cayman gets better mileage than the GranTurismo:

Regenerative brakes improve the 718 Cayman’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The GranTurismo doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The 718 Cayman offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The GranTurismo doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The 718 Cayman offers an optional sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The GranTurismo doesn’t offer an SMG.

For better stopping power the CCB’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the GranTurismo:

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS offers optional heat-treated ceramic brake rotors, which last ten to twenty times as long as conventional cast iron rotors, don’t rust, don’t fade during repeated high speed braking, and their lighter weight contribute to better braking, handling and acceleration. The GranTurismo doesn’t offer ceramic brake rotors.

For better maneuverability, the 718 Cayman’s turning circle is 4.6 feet tighter than the GranTurismo’s (36.1 feet vs. 40.7 feet). The 718 Cayman GT4 RS’ turning circle is 3.3 feet tighter than the GranTurismo’s (37.4 feet vs. 40.7 feet).

The Porsche 718 Cayman may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 850 to 1050 pounds less than the Maserati GranTurismo.

The 718 Cayman is 1 foot, 10.8 inches shorter than the GranTurismo Modena, making the 718 Cayman easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 718 Cayman is 5.9 inches narrower on average than the GranTurismo, making the 718 Cayman easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The 718 Cayman has a much larger trunk than the GranTurismo (14.9 vs. 10.9 cubic feet).

The 718 Cayman’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The GranTurismo doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the 718 Cayman offers an optional rear wiper. The GranTurismo doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The 718 Cayman has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The GranTurismo doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The Porsche 718 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the Maserati GranTurismo isn’t available as a convertible.

The 718 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2024 and 18 more times in the last 20 years. The GranTurismo has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.