I currently have a 997.2 C2S PDK, but if it wasn't for the semi-usable rear seats (actually perfect sized for my 4 and 7 year olds), I would get a Boxster GTS. I had a gen1 Boxster and gen2 Boxster S and would get the latest Boxster GTS in a heart-beat if I didn't have kids. The Boxster/Cayman chassis is amazing, and the car is so well-balanced, it is a joy to drive on the track or a romp in the canyons on the weekend. I honestly miss my Boxsters, but my 911 is the next best thing if you need the rear space.

 

After back to back 997 S (.1 6M and .2 PDK) I finally saw the light, shed the 911 history, and traded my 997.2 S for a 14 Cayman S PDK. I'm not looking back, although you'll miss the 3.8's grunt and 997's visibility. The Cayman S runs circles around the 997 S in the corners. I never had the corner entry confidence in my 997 S as I do now. I'm totally hooked on mid-engine Porsches now. In fact, I just found and bought a 2008 Boxster RS 60 Spyder. Only 5,500 miles!! As for history, it commemorates the Porsche Type 718 RS 60 Spyder that won Sebring in 1960 (and 1961). Yeah, only 911s are historic lol.

http://press.porsche.com/news/release.php?id=400
http://www.porsche.com/all/media/pdf...es_2008-01.pdf

Back to the Cayman S vs. 997.2 S, the extra 60 hp and grunt of the 997 S only buys 5 seconds around Nurburgring (997.2 S equipped with PDK, SC+, PCCB and Michelin Cup tires). Well illustrates the differing characters of these cars. Just wish Porsche gave the Cayman S the same power as the 991 base (350) since the two cars share the same motor. I'm sure Porsche purposely detuned it to ensure a slight margin giving favor to the 991. Had Porsche not underpowered the 981 S to to the 991 base, it would not only beat the 991 base around Nurburgring, but also the well equipped 997 S as mentioned above.

 

only the gt4 would make me consider not owning a 911. Depends on how much it'll cost

 

Never heard anyone use the word choppy to describe handling or ride so I don't know what you mean. But as a well experienced former 997 owner and now 981 owner, the difference in ride between the 2 is that the 997 bounces off bumps and the 981 well absorbs them. Although my 997s both had PASM and my 981 does not. Then again, my 997s had 19" wheels and my 981 is on 20" wheels, so the playing field should be somewhat level. Really, comparing a 997 to a 981 is unfair to the 997 as it's simply an older design using older technology.

 

I went back and forth between a Cayman S or a 997S as well. Finally my better half, told me to just get the one you've always wanted (which of course is the 911), so I pulled the trigger on a C4S. Now that I have the 911, I will need to do more convincing that I need a Cayman S in the garage as well.

 

I always dream of owning a 911, and I got it now. But the new Cayman GT4 is on my wish list now. Can't wait to see it person.

 

It's the way to do it. The only thing better than a Porsche is two Porsches. I think at some point in your car life you have to own a 911 and you have to have a Guards Red Porsche. I checked both those boxes with my first 911.

In consideration to affordable previous generation mid-engined Porsches as a second Porsche, if you had a Boxster Spyder or Cayman R sitting next to your 911 in the garage and you wanted to take one out to play, I bet you'd leave the 911 sitting there. There's just something playful about a car you have to work harder at pure speed, yet so balanced in the corners it makes for a very rewarding drive.

To really wrap your head around a decision between a 911 and Cayman, you really have to understand the point of a Boxster/Cayman, and that's cornering. They aren't about 0-60 or grunt from low rpms onward. They'll leave you disappointed. But if you like blasting down curve dominated B roads, you'll find you have plenty enough power to leave cars with far greater power like the 911 in the rearview. Balance and agility vs. more power but less agility. It's a hard choice for people to make.

 

Well that is it, especially for Americans. Detroit knows what American want and they are all about fantasy. Americans experience their car fantasy in owning a "fast" car and playing it out by hitting the gas hard at a green light or through a toll booth. And there it ends. Americans, for the most part, have no clue what a "performance" automobile is all about.

If Americans understood performance, then Detroit would make good handling cars... instead... it was all muscle. Look at cars like the Mustang and its rear suspension. Even Jay Leno in one of his vids, noted that he didn't give Porsche a look when he was young because the horse power numbers were not there.

How about the Jewelery factor? Porsche now fully understands American's desire for jewelry. I believe Porsche had to raise the prices of the 911 and fast because of the new "supercars" entering the market. There is no better jewelry than driving around and expensive car that screams "Look at me! Look at me!. But jewelery buyers would never keep a car that was uncomfortable or noisy... wait.... isn't that what sports cars are? Can't have than now in nice jewelery.

Sorry, I've owned both and the 911 is a sophisticated, high powered, dummed down sports car. They even jsut increased the wheelbase for goodness sake!!!!! It has become jewelery.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

 

They say great minds think alike. I was looking for a Guards Red 997 C4S for the longest time, but never found one to my liking. My final decision came down to a Guards Red 997 Targa or a Arctic Silver 997 C4S. Turns out I am not a fan of the Targa (even though it was red, I could not get over the roof altering the lines of the 997), so I went with the C4S. The (future) Cayman will have to be Guards Red.

 

I'll be taking delivery of a Guards Red Cayman S tomorrow at 11am.

 

Rumor is $125k

It certainly looks bada$$ and will drive like one too with an estimated 400+ HP (450 rumored)

But at that price, one would have to start considering the iconic 475hp gt3 @ $131k..

Congrats to OP on the new Cayman !

Be sure to let us know the pro/con/experience. Enjoy !

 

You bet. Looking forward to the mid engine car.

Side note - anyone need a smoking deal on a Fabspeed intake and rear tips for the 997.2?

 

Cool. Let's see some pics soonest.

 

Didn't realize, but the base 991 Carrera with 25 more hp takes 7 more seconds to lap Nurburgring than the underpowered Cayman S. These cars share the same brakes too.

981 Cayman S: 7:55 (325 hp)
991 Carrera: 8:02 (350 hp)

Mid engine rules!!