Mazda RX-8 vs Porsche Cayman (987.2)
Side-by-side reliability, price, and known-issue comparison for used-car buyers. Composite scores come from TÜV (Germany), ADAC (pan-European), NHTSA (US-sold variants), and DVSA MOT (UK inspections).
M
Mazda RX-8
2009–2011
Reliability composite
81
/ 100
Good
MOT + NHTSA
Estimated used price
€5,100–€7,300Documented issues
1
• Rotary apex seal wear + hot-start flooding — €3,000
⭐ Better composite reliability
P
Porsche Cayman (987.2)
2011–2011
Reliability composite
100
/ 100
Excellent
NHTSA
Estimated used price
€7,000–€7,000Documented issues
2
• RMS rear seal leak — €800
• IMS bearing failure — €1,500
Bottom Line
The Porsche Cayman (987.2) wins on composite reliability across TÜV, ADAC, NHTSA, and DVSA MOT data — typically a sign of lower ownership risk and fewer recurring failure modes at age. The other car isn't necessarily wrong; check its issue list and price-to-condition ratio before deciding.