So, I currently drive a 2006 Cayman S manual. Love the car, and it is a blast to drive (considered a Cayman R or Boxster Spyder), but want to upgrade to a 911.

Am considering two cars: a 2009 4S or a 2007 Turbo. They are about the same price. Drove the turbo and loved it. Much heavier than the Cayman, but seems like a great, easy to drive car as a daily driver even though it is a hell of a lot of car. Drove a 2009 S (not 4S), and didn't like it nearly as much. Am going to try the 4S.

Whatever I get, it is going to be an automatic. So, the 2007 turbo would be a tip, and the 2009 would be a PDK.

Any thoughts as to both for a daily driver? Costs for upkeep, termperment, etc.

All help and opinions are appreciated.

Jonathan

 

The only thing you will be happy with will be the car that YOU select for all the right reasons. Drive what you like and buy one you love. Otherwise you'll be back here in 4-6 months looking for advice on what to trade the 911 for. In reality, if you have to ask others what to buy - you're not ready for it.

 

Thanks for the response. Agree completely with the buy what you love to drive. My question is more towards the type of things that you would not notice on a 20 minutes test drive. Things that are hard to live with and show up later, such as hidden costs, etc.

Thanks.

 

If you seek for power I would say turbo.
on the 09 you will get PDK(if you like it) and LED taillight + LED DRL which could be upgrade to the 07 turbo.

I would prefer turbo !

 

I was looking at the exact same cars going from a 2006 Cayman S (we must be twins). Test drove a decked out 2009 4S with PDK, sport bucket seats, etc., and found it pretty underwhelming. Ended up going with a 2007 Turbo. It's definitely a different car compared to the Cayman S, and at first you will miss the nimbleness and steering feel of the Cayman S. But for a freeway cruiser, the TT is pretty hard to beat.


Make sure the TT is in good condition, however, as repairs aren't cheap. Mine had a few issues in the first couple months of ownership like a sticky throttle (happened the day I got it), bad accumulator (apparently they all go bad after a few years) and bad MAF that dampened the initial joy.

 

We moved up from a Boxster S to a 991.1 4S Cab a couple months back. I haven't driven a 991 Turbo, but I'm satisfied with the power range, comfort, and handling of the 991 4S, because, neither my wife nor I track the car and really don't have any real need for more power. However, although the 987 Boxster was a bit more spartan than our 997, pound for pound and dollar for dollar, it was more zippy, better balanced, and more fun to drive than the 997, and the new Boxster S is several steps up from the 987.2 in form, fit, finish, and performance. Before you spend the bucks on a 997, you may want to take the new Boxster S out for a test. IMHO, the Boxster series has finally moved out of the shadow of its 911 big brother in the Porsche family.

(Please note that the above comparison is personal opinion only. )

I wish I had room in my garage for a Cayman S to compliment our 997 Cab.

 

Had 2 Caymans, nice car, 997/2 was a huge upgrade. That's right, I said it, I like the 911 BETTER than the Cayman. The reasons why:

1- Moar h.p.

2- Better interior

3- Moar h.p.

4- Tons more aftermarket products for the 911

I can drive the 911 much faster than the Cayman. The Cayman just didn't have enough right pedal. I was always waiting for the car to catch up to me, if this makes any sense.

If the CS wasn't enough for you, buy the Turbo. I never got the C4S, unless you live in the north, more weight, complexity, price, and it's not a Turbo.
What would kill this deal for me is the Tiptronic. Just a personal pref.

If I'm going to have the AWD option, it would be a Turbo.

Good luck.

 

The turbo is great but the C4S is no slouch and the 09 is a different beast in creature comforts then the 997.1

 

For the price today, there may not be a better all around sports car than the turbo. Add a tune, exhaust and throw on the LEDs for a modern touch and you have a machine that will compete with some of the finest cars in the world.

The tip in these cars is a great setup btw. Very stout transmission, great to drive everywhere, street, track, etc., and you can keep your eyes on the road while things begin to blur around.

IMO the cost for maintenance is very fare. You'll need to do your homework on any car you purchase and determine what's been done, what's upcoming and does it come with a warranty.

Good luck with your search.

 

I vote for Turbo. Cost of ownership between the two cars (assuming mechanically sound) over time would be essentially a wash.

 

I'd have to vote turbo as well. You get all wheel drive like the 4S but LOTs more power to use. I drive manuals so I have no experience with PDK vs Tip, but sure would love some kind of an automatic transmission when stuck in DC traffic on I-270. If you have the opportunity to get into the turbo, you may always ask yourself "what if" if you do select the 4s.

Either one would be fine in my garage for sure!

 

IMO, PDK is far superior to Tip....you'll definitely notice a difference in shift times between PDK and Tip, but I guess it's all personal preference.

 

I have a 4S... nicely sorted. I have also driven several 997.1 & 997.2 Turbos. Given what you're stating above... I would go for the Turbo. While the 997.1 Turbo is a bit more dated (minor interior finishes, nav etc.)... the fact is that the Turbo has already depreciated by 50% of the original purchase price. They are much better value today vs. an 997.2 C4S. With the Turbo you won't have as good fuel economy as the newer DFI motor in the 997.2 C4S... but then again, there are few real Pcar owners are overly concerned about minor fuel consumption differences. The Turbo also uses a more robust engine block that is significantly more durable over the long haul. You'll also have better resale on the Turbo since there are fewer of them, and it is the top-of-the-line for 2007. Finally... if you're interested in it... with a few tweaks to the Turbo... you'll be able to keep up with just about anything on the road for the next 10 years (can't say that for the C4S). Just a few thoughts from a guy with a C4S.

 

Turbo. The mezger engine is bullet proof, and the difference in acceleration between the turbo and the non GT3 N/A cars is tremendous. That being said, they are both really nice cars.

 

I was in the same situation and decided to go with the 4s.
Newer model
PDK
CPO up to 80k, no need to worry about repair cost til 2015.
I live in Nebraska so all wheel drive is nice