Posted this over on the Planet-9 board, but wanted to get both sides.....Thanks in advance for the insight!

"Hey, guys! Would like to get some input from those of you that have owned both platforms, and if it was your money, which would you choose?
Currently I have a 2010 987.2 w/manual with some nice mods; Plenum intake, headers, exhaust, custom wheels, alcantara wheel and a few other cosmetic mods. Thinking of moving to a 2013 base 991 w/manual. Why? I love the look and ****pit layout of the 991 platform. Plus, it is newer and has less miles. I don't know, maybe I am just being petty........but I would like to hear some of your thoughts that have had both. Thanks!"

 

There's a few threads on here about guys doing the exact opposite, going from 991/997 to Cayman.

 

That's a very interesting question. I have never driven a 987 but as the 981 seems to be an improvement I will go off of that for comparison purposes. It comes down to what you need/want from your car. I myself, wanted the 2+2 configuration and of course, being a 911, that was enough for me to make the switch. You can't deny how well the mid-engined cars handle but for straight line performance the 911 (even the base) is noticeably quicker (the new 981 GTS mind you is quite fast).

I am not sure what your budget is but there are some really good 911 S and 981 S deals to be had (that is if you would consider a 981 S? Porsche really did a great job with evolving the car).

The video below might help a bit too. Good luck!

 

I just want from a C2S 997.2 to a new 981 S and I am glad I did. The technology and handling in the new car make up for the slight power advantage of the 3.8 and the looks are out of this world IMO. Love the new 981 cars.

 

Slightly off topic, the perception that the cayman is somehow the "poor mans porsche" and thus inferior, is only held by people who have some inkling of the price differential because they have shopped them. To everyone else, a Porsche is a Porsche.

The real reason the cayman is obviously an inferior vehicle to the 911 is clearly the lack of back seats in which to put your young children or Richard Hammond.

 

I went from a 991 to a 981 and back to a 991 but an S this time. I DO miss the Cayman S, the car is AWESOME!!! Given the choice again, cars equipped the same way I am not sure I would do it. I love them both please don't get me wrong. But just like every magazine article I have read that has said the Cayman S is the best porsche made to date, I have to agree. I do prefer to have the back seat to toss my stuff in and I prefer to have more room which the 991 offers but the Cayman is a Beauty, as is the 991, but the lines, IMO, of the Cayman are perfect! My next one will be a GTS 981 or whatever the faster version is at that time. Bottom line though, I don't regret my choice at all and I don't think you will either, they are both incredible cars. Just don't get that steering option that you can get on the 911 (sorry, the name escapes me right now), that is the one place I feel the Cayman is far superior to the 911, the steering.

 

to the OP: nothing beats a test drive.

Cayman is great but too small for me. 991 feels like a GT car until you push it.

I hope I can whip myself into shape a lose a few pounds to comfortably fit in a Cayman GT4 by the end of 2015

http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...py-photos-news

 

That car is going to be so sick! I can see myself in one of those for sure the only question is will they offer it in a manual or will they follow the 991 trend and offer all the higher performance cars in PDK only?

 

i went from a 987.2 cayman s to a 991 911 base. I loved my cayman, but I love my 911 much much much more. Id never go back.

 

Agreed. My 981's steering felt better. "Power steering plus" is the option but it's available on all cars and yea it makes the steering feel very loose under 30 (like a Lexus). I also recommend shying away from it if you liked the feel of hydrolic steering. It's hard to find builds without it thought as most dealers order it as standard.

 

Nurburgring times

991 Carrera: 8:02 (3.4/350 hp)
981 Cayman S: 7:55 (3.4/325 hp)
981 Boxster S: 7:58 (3.4/315 hp)
997 Carrera: 8:15 (3.6/325 hp)
987 Cayman S: 8:06 (3.4/320 hp)
987 Boxster S: 8:18 (3.4/280 hp)

All 3 cars (991/981) share the same motor, just each has a different state of tune.

 

added my 2 cents in red bold.

sad to say it's probably not too far from the truth.

 

I had a 2007 987S for about 6 years before i got my current 991 C2. No contest. 991 is miles ahead ! More beautiful exterior, beautiful interior, comfy, sporty, ... it just does it all ... Best car I ever had.

 

Can a power kit be added to the 981?

 

I had a Cayman S 6-speed and intended to get a new 981 PDK. I test drove many and built dozens online. I was all set to purchase. Then I "accidentally" test drove a 991 S during one of my visits to the dealer. I never looked back. My 991 rocks! By bank account is sad, but I have the biggest smile around!