Thoughts on a Porsche Cayman S?

mylydiamy · 05-11-2009, 04:10 PM

If money is not an issue then decission should be made between M3 and Caman S since Cayman S is much more expensive than 335i.

I drove Porche many times and it is a beatiful and fun car to drive. But when you consider the cost it is rediciliously over priced car. Although the base price doesn't seem that much once you add the options you looking at leats 15-20K over the base price. So if dollar value is an issue then definetely go with M3

mullrat · 05-11-2009, 04:41 PM

I had a beautiful Cayman S. Blue with a tan interior before I got my 335i.

It's a wonderful car. On the track it is like a surgeon's scalpel. In the right hands it can be a beautiful thing to behold. The thing just feels so balanced and agile. In the times I took it to the track and really pushed it, I could outrun cars with more power and proported agility. It gives you the confidence to do this and test your chops as a driver. The only complaint I had was that it was underpowered. The car was balanced and good enough to handle waay more horsepower than it had. All in all a wonderful car.

However, as a daily driver it is not so good. The ride is rough. It's very loud inside which is good on occasion, but after a 12 hour day, not so pleasant. The place where I live, the streets are terrible. i had 2 flats in the first year which cost me $1600 to replace. i don't know which is more disturbing the cost or the fact that a little pothole can cause a flat so easily. The cabin is rather small inside for larger folks like myself. (6'2" 210lbs). The throws on the manual were very long and the clutch was touchy for day to day driving. It had no real options for stereo upgrades except from the factory which were very expensive. It's also extremely low to the ground which often makes you invisible to soccer mom's in their mammoth suburbans and land cruisers. Many times I had to rely on the agility of the thing to avoid an accident.

In other words, it is a great track car. extremely fun to drive hard and fast, but as a daily driver it is just a pain. Just my opinion of course.

herbz · 05-11-2009, 04:44 PM

if your dad is a real man and doesn't need cushy seats, a soft (aka boring) ride, likes handling and perfect steering feel, then he would get the real car which is easily the cayman S. otherwise he can get the 335i which is better in a straight line but would get destroyed in any type of turn.

Vacek · 05-11-2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herbz

if your dad is a real man and doesn't need cushy seats, a soft (aka boring) ride, likes handling and perfect steering feel, then he would get the real car which is easily the cayman S. otherwise he can get the 335i which is better in a straight line but would get destroyed in any type of turn.

Whats the debate about here? Get the Cayman .... PERIOD !

IF he can afford that, I'm sure he has other cars to drive if he wants that cushy feel ... or tell him to get a used Lincoln for when his A$$ gets sore.

TexAg06 · 05-11-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bspaceman

I have heard that it is essentially a Mazda Miata with a Porsche badge.

Get a 335 or M3.

Then you have heard incorrect.

-=Hot|Ice=- · 05-12-2009, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kosaic

Whats the debate about here? Get the Cayman .... PERIOD !

IF he can afford that, I'm sure he has other cars to drive if he wants that cushy feel ... or tell him to get a used Lincoln for when his A$$ gets sore.

He has a Camry for that.

Thanks for the help folks. Going for a test drive with him this weekend, hopefully he likes it!

gonzo · 05-12-2009, 07:41 AM

Another thought...

There are CPO'd 911--996/997 S models to be had for the price of a decent optioned new Cayman S right now.

If a CPO car vs a brand new car would be an option it is the way I would go.

If he likes 911's that is.

g/l. Keep us in the loop.

JB135i · 05-12-2009, 08:50 AM

Some thoughts that have not been addressed-

The 2009 Cayman S has 320 bhp now, not that it was ever really underpowered, but now it's better.

The ride harshness issues (not really that harsh) can be improved by getting the "PASM" option. It's a driver adjustable suspension, whereby you can soften or stiften the suspension for your tastes.

Gas milage is comparable to all this category of cars.

The LSD option MAY be available now for manual cars, I found one in an inventory but did not call to confirm it exists. FOR SURE you can get a factory LSD with the new PDK trans right now. The are saying later in the year for LSD on the 6mt either way.

Buy what makes you happy behind the wheel. I was about $1,000 away from putting a deal toghether on a Cayman S when I bought my 135i. That was the worst car day in my entire life. On paper the Cayman S just was not worth that much extra cash, on the road...it absolutely is. And that was before the added BHP and LSD was available.

Check these sites out-

http://www.planetporsche.net/index.php

rennlist.com

I haven't been on rennlist in many months, but planet porsche has an excellent Cayman section.

Burt Reynolds · 05-12-2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeTWorKz

Cayman S with LSD and PDK

+1 Billion

If he wants a "sports car" not a sporty sedan, I would not try to steer him towards the sedan. Same could be said if he wanted a sedan... Different horses for different courses.

EmPower · 05-12-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanmaas

I would either choose a M3, or as others have mentioned, with the pricing of the Cayman S, you may as well go for the real deal and get a 911. Either way, I would step away from a Cayman.

The cayman with an LSD will run circles around the 911... its a tighter package, the engine is not placed on the south pole and EVERY motoring journalist and afficionado has claimed that the cayman with an LSD is a brutal brutal machine... something the 911 should have been

gonzo · 05-12-2009, 09:41 AM

^

rubber_ducky · 05-12-2009, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bspaceman

I have heard that it is essentially a Mazda Miata with a Porsche badge...

You heard wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsamoul

it's a major gas hog

More misinformation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by STE92VE

Personally, as far as I'm concerned, the Porsche lineup starts at the 911.

Personally, as far as I'm concerned, the BMW lineup starts at the 335. I'd take a cayman S over a non-turbo or non-GT2/3 911 all day long.

Red Bread · 05-12-2009, 12:00 PM

I think that people recommending a 911 over the Cayman haven't driven both. As mentioned before, aside from the GT3 and GT2, the Cayman S is a better drivers car, I'd even take one over a 911 Turbo.

The differences between the M3 and Cayman are too great to really discuss on a forum, for the same reason that the differences between a Cayman and a Z06 are too great. Have him go drive some cars, he'll know which one is right for himself.

gonzo · 05-12-2009, 12:15 PM

I was not one of the 911>Cayman. Just mentioning the deals available.

stickypaws has informed me regarding 911's....need to know the cars limits. That rear is what it is.

It would be nice to find a great deal on a Cayman S Sport.

AtoB · 05-12-2009, 12:19 PM

a wonderful handling car that needs more grunt.

NewSong · 05-12-2009, 01:15 PM

Cayman S > 335i, no comparison.

For a daily driver, get a Honda Civic.

gshb · 05-12-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewSong

Cayman S > 335i, no comparison.

For a daily driver, get a Honda Civic.

cayman s > 335i

yaris > civic

NewSong · 05-12-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gshb

cayman s > 335i

yaris > civic

Me > you

WhiteOne · 05-12-2009, 02:17 PM

Is your dad over 6' tall? Is your dad over 200lbs? I do not think the Cayman will make a very good DD if he is. The 911, while not as balanced, is larger and easier to live with on a daily basis. I am 6'2" 220 lbs and I have driven both. JMHO

Robert · 08-24-2009, 02:43 AM

Wow, I'd never imagine someone to favor a 335i over a cayman s. A cayman s to 335i is a 335i to an accord v6 with teins, not in the same world. The cayman is a true sports car which is stated by EVO magazine, not me, when compared against more than capable 370z. Even my more focused 3 series, the 135i feels like a GT against the cayman s. Performance aside the car may be considered by some as limited production vis-a-vis 335i's ubiquity. Unless comfortable is #1 priority, cayman it is. The new 2009 model addressed this drawback with adjustable suspension PASM, making it a great all around car.

Well if you want 4 seats than 3 series has the cayman beat here.

EmPower · 08-24-2009, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STE92VE

It took 29 posts for someone to point this out? To the OP, you would be better served asking your question on the Porsche forums.

Personally, as far as I'm concerned, the Porsche lineup starts at the 911.

You need to go drive a Cayman... forget the Cayman S. Jeremy Clarkson pointed out that the Cayman is by far one of the BEST sports cars on the planet... and being a sports car, it will be uncomfortable for long distances and will slowly give you spondilitis. Also, depending on your driving style, be ready for severe whiplash.

MisterSkiMask · 08-24-2009, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmPower

You need to go drive a Cayman... forget the Cayman S. Jeremy Clarkson pointed out that the Cayman is by far one of the BEST sports cars on the planet... and being a sports car, it will be uncomfortable for long distances and will slowly give you spondilitis. Also, depending on your driving style, be ready for severe whiplash.

I must disagree on it being uncomfortable for long distances. The have some of the best seats available, and with no transmission tunnel your legs can be directly in front of you instead of off to the side of the car. BMWs will often give me a cramp in my left hip after an hour and a half or two, no such problem in the 987.

05-11-2009, 04:10 PM	#45
mylydiamy Lieutenant 82 Rep 534 Posts Drives: 2008 335i e93 convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (1)	If money is not an issue then decission should be made between M3 and Caman S since Cayman S is much more expensive than 335i. I drove Porche many times and it is a beatiful and fun car to drive. But when you consider the cost it is rediciliously over priced car. Although the base price doesn't seem that much once you add the options you looking at leats 15-20K over the base price. So if dollar value is an issue then definetely go with M3
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05-11-2009, 04:41 PM	#46
mullrat Enlisted Member 1 Rep 32 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Sedan Join Date: May 2007 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	I had a beautiful Cayman S. Blue with a tan interior before I got my 335i. It's a wonderful car. On the track it is like a surgeon's scalpel. In the right hands it can be a beautiful thing to behold. The thing just feels so balanced and agile. In the times I took it to the track and really pushed it, I could outrun cars with more power and proported agility. It gives you the confidence to do this and test your chops as a driver. The only complaint I had was that it was underpowered. The car was balanced and good enough to handle waay more horsepower than it had. All in all a wonderful car. However, as a daily driver it is not so good. The ride is rough. It's very loud inside which is good on occasion, but after a 12 hour day, not so pleasant. The place where I live, the streets are terrible. i had 2 flats in the first year which cost me $1600 to replace. i don't know which is more disturbing the cost or the fact that a little pothole can cause a flat so easily. The cabin is rather small inside for larger folks like myself. (6'2" 210lbs). The throws on the manual were very long and the clutch was touchy for day to day driving. It had no real options for stereo upgrades except from the factory which were very expensive. It's also extremely low to the ground which often makes you invisible to soccer mom's in their mammoth suburbans and land cruisers. Many times I had to rely on the agility of the thing to avoid an accident. In other words, it is a great track car. extremely fun to drive hard and fast, but as a daily driver it is just a pain. Just my opinion of course. __________________ 2007 Titanium Silver 335i sedan Sport Package/auto/Turbo Tuner
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05-11-2009, 04:44 PM	#47
herbz hi 98 Rep 837 Posts Drives: '86 325e Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: outside boston MA iTrader: (0)	if your dad is a real man and doesn't need cushy seats, a soft (aka boring) ride, likes handling and perfect steering feel, then he would get the real car which is easily the cayman S. otherwise he can get the 335i which is better in a straight line but would get destroyed in any type of turn.
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05-12-2009, 07:41 AM	#51
gonzo Lieutenant General 10353 Rep 14,249 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	Another thought... There are CPO'd 911--996/997 S models to be had for the price of a decent optioned new Cayman S right now. If a CPO car vs a brand new car would be an option it is the way I would go. If he likes 911's that is. g/l. Keep us in the loop.
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05-12-2009, 08:50 AM	#52
JB135i Lieutenant 17 Rep 478 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SW burbs iTrader: (0)	Some thoughts that have not been addressed- The 2009 Cayman S has 320 bhp now, not that it was ever really underpowered, but now it's better. The ride harshness issues (not really that harsh) can be improved by getting the "PASM" option. It's a driver adjustable suspension, whereby you can soften or stiften the suspension for your tastes. Gas milage is comparable to all this category of cars. The LSD option MAY be available now for manual cars, I found one in an inventory but did not call to confirm it exists. FOR SURE you can get a factory LSD with the new PDK trans right now. The are saying later in the year for LSD on the 6mt either way. Buy what makes you happy behind the wheel. I was about $1,000 away from putting a deal toghether on a Cayman S when I bought my 135i. That was the worst car day in my entire life. On paper the Cayman S just was not worth that much extra cash, on the road...it absolutely is. And that was before the added BHP and LSD was available. Check these sites out- http://www.planetporsche.net/index.php rennlist.com I haven't been on rennlist in many months, but planet porsche has an excellent Cayman section.
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05-12-2009, 09:41 AM	#55
gonzo Lieutenant General 10353 Rep 14,249 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	^ Attached Images
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05-12-2009, 12:00 PM	#57
Red Bread Major General 4354 Rep 9,135 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	I think that people recommending a 911 over the Cayman haven't driven both. As mentioned before, aside from the GT3 and GT2, the Cayman S is a better drivers car, I'd even take one over a 911 Turbo. The differences between the M3 and Cayman are too great to really discuss on a forum, for the same reason that the differences between a Cayman and a Z06 are too great. Have him go drive some cars, he'll know which one is right for himself.
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05-12-2009, 12:15 PM	#58
gonzo Lieutenant General 10353 Rep 14,249 Posts Drives: as many as possible Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: TeXXXas iTrader: (0)	I was not one of the 911>Cayman. Just mentioning the deals available. stickypaws has informed me regarding 911's....need to know the cars limits. That rear is what it is. It would be nice to find a great deal on a Cayman S Sport. Attached Images
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05-12-2009, 12:19 PM	#59
AtoB Major 126 Rep 1,262 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (3)	a wonderful handling car that needs more grunt.
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05-12-2009, 01:15 PM	#60
NewSong Just another jerk in a hat... 124 Rep 1,462 Posts Drives: 2005 Ford Focus Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Irvine iTrader: (0)	Cayman S > 335i, no comparison. For a daily driver, get a Honda Civic. __________________ He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth.
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05-12-2009, 02:17 PM	#63
WhiteOne Major 32 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: 2008 AW 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	Is your dad over 6' tall? Is your dad over 200lbs? I do not think the Cayman will make a very good DD if he is. The 911, while not as balanced, is larger and easier to live with on a daily basis. I am 6'2" 220 lbs and I have driven both. JMHO
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08-24-2009, 02:43 AM	#64
Robert Major General 444 Rep 6,967 Posts Drives: 135i -> is350 -> Tesla M3 perf Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Socal iTrader: (1)	Wow, I'd never imagine someone to favor a 335i over a cayman s. A cayman s to 335i is a 335i to an accord v6 with teins, not in the same world. The cayman is a true sports car which is stated by EVO magazine, not me, when compared against more than capable 370z. Even my more focused 3 series, the 135i feels like a GT against the cayman s. Performance aside the car may be considered by some as limited production vis-a-vis 335i's ubiquity. Unless comfortable is #1 priority, cayman it is. The new 2009 model addressed this drawback with adjustable suspension PASM, making it a great all around car. Well if you want 4 seats than 3 series has the cayman beat here.
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