Gentleman, my 335 is finally gone. I am looking for a replacement.

I plan to use my car year around (we get snow here...) as well as on the track (possibly up to six DE/year).

20% highway, 80% AMAZING back roads.

I've narrowed my search down to a 996 C4S or Cayman S. It's a tough choice. Should I cater to the track-worthiness of the Cayman or the winter potential of a C4S with Blizzaks?

Will post in the Cayman forum as well for bias reasons...


Thanks Gents
-Joe

 

just subscribing.

 

Same boat, eh?

 

Sounds like you may be underestimating the track-worthiness potential for the C4S. Porsche didn't make the AWD specifically only for better winter use but rather for improved handling performance.

 

911 no question

 

I vote 996 C4S.

 

 

no brainer.....C4S

 

You'll prob get exact opposite opinions in the Cayman forum thread.....

You can't go wrong with either choice.

I myself was in the same situation last Dec. and had to decide. My best friend has a Cayman S and I love it. It is a great car.

After careful evaluation of what was really the best choice for me....you see my sig. We regularly do mountain runs together and I don't regret my decision at all.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

with simple suspension mods, the cayman is very fast at the track...

 

Without.....any suspension mods, the Cayman is plenty fast at the track.

 

I drove at 996 c4s at jack daniels porsche 2 weeks ago. I felt like the car is a bit dated compared with the new cayman S. You are probably better off getting the cayman S for its handling, speed and resale value.

 

If you can get the 996 C4S with a warranty/CPO, I think it is a better choice. it has 911 cache, backseats (which are usable) and 4Wd. And they are great track cars. On the downside, they 996s are getting old, and they can look dated inside. If the 996 hasn't been maintained, or doesn't have a warranty/CPO, you could be in for hefty repair bills.

IMO, track-worthiness is an odd criteria anyway since there are no awards for DEs. You are driving to test the limits of the car you drive and the driver. It doesn't matter if you have a Cayman, Corvette, 911, Miata or a Mustang. You need a different set of tools for each car. Lastly, back road driving - however amazing it may be - will probably not challenge the 911 or the Cayman.

Both are great. Get the one that makes you smile the most looking at it.

-td

 

80% AMAZING back roads. = Cayman S

No brainer. Watch out for the biased opinions here; This is a 996 forum. I suggest you test drive a Cayman S because they are phenomenal vehicles.

 

Thanks guys.

Just added background... my father drives a 996TT Cab. (avatar), so I know how the awd widebodies perform.
I do believe a Cayman would be more fun on the track. Especially with a Capristo or Remus.

Interesting responses, thanks!

I do agree that the 911 interior can look dated... BUT real, old-school Porsches were made for driving. Their stark interiors were purposeful. Though most say the 996 has a bad interior, I contest that it's the last interior of the real Porsches (though some 993 guys will argue that...). That being said, it is undeniable that the Cayman interior is "nicer."

Rationalization either way.