That wasn't so hard, was it?

Speaking from my experiences in a Cayman S (right now, my single favorite Porsche in terms of overall feel, handling, and drivability) it would be hard for me to 'upgrade' to an R8 based on the information in this thread (concerning the interior quality). My wife wants an R8, based on it's looks. I feel the R8 looks MUCH better than the Cayman, which blends in with the lesser expensive Boxsters. I'm still considering adding an R8 to my garage, but not replacing it (coming from the superior performing GT-R, this would be a step back in performance).

The issue you seem to be facing is - replacing a very good handling RWD mid-engine car, with a very good handling AWD mid-engine car.

My preference is to AWD (based my criteria - which changes from time to time, based on model and application). I prefer my daily drivers to be competent in most any situation (traffic, weather, distance, shuttling goods, etc...). The Cayman S seems to excel in most of those areas (depending on transmission choice), therefor I do not see a need to move to the R8 and assume slightly more expensive maintenance (on what seems like a previously questionably maintained car).

I must add - the only reason I haven't already pulled the trigger on an R8 - is because it is not offered with VW's DCT, but rather the Rtronic (which we drove, but wasn't that impressive when compared to the dual clutches in either the Porsche or Nissans) or manual (which the wife does not want to be bothered with every day, since she will be the primary driver of that car).

 

Guys,

Thanks again for all of the great replies. I'm actually debating seeing if I can swing the R8 while keeping the Porsche. My other two cars are paid off, so the R8 would be my only payment. AND the R8 has two years of it's certified pre-owned warranty left. I've driven the Cayman for the last 6 years, and loved every minute of it. But as a guy that enjoys cars, I feel it might be time to give something else a try.

 

This is my Cayman, btw.

 

[QUOTE=jaspergtr;3445232]That wasn't so hard, was it?

Funny!

Have a story to tell you guys. After 3 weeks of ownership, a woman tried to pick me up today because of the R8 at the local Dunkin D. She walked over to me and said you need a pretty woman to go with that car.

She was at least 250lbs, about 5'3 and seriously was missing half her teeth.

I told you the car makes you a rock star!

 

"I must add - the only reason I haven't already pulled the trigger on an R8 - is because it is not offered with VW's DCT, but rather the Rtronic (which we drove, but wasn't that impressive when compared to the dual clutches in either the Porsche or Nissans) or manual (which the wife does not want to be bothered with every day, since she will be the primary driver of that car)."

Jasper, did you see this thread over at R8talk. Some of the guys with the R-tronic like it because it offers a little more of a challenge to drive it correctly - not so mindlessly easy like PDK.

http://www.r8talk.com/forums/5-gener...-disliked.html

 

the R8 Facelift with S-tronic instead of the R-Tronic is around the corner btw.
i think the updated version will be revealed on one of the upcoming autoshows.

 

Still considering the R8, but I've found out that the car has had two owners. Not sure if that should be a concern, though, as the dealer apparently has all service records.

 

Go for it

I went from a Cayman to R8. Some of the earlier points are good...

1. You lose the back trunk space
2. Parking it places .. you might worry
3. Sound is better
4. Interior is better
5. The ride is much smoother and it's more comfortable/spacious - my passengers hated the cayman, but enjoy the r8

 

Thank you for the insight. How did you find the maintenance in comparison?

 

I haven't had it long enough to make a fair comparison.

 

Do you daliy drive it?

 

Thanks! That link was a good read. I'm not a member over there, as I'm too fickle to settle on one car.

I must admit - if I was about the sign the papers for a $120k car, I'd seriously contemplate buyer's remorse that I didn't purchase an F430. My wife and I are having a pretty lengthy (months long) debate about whether or not she should purchase the R8 or we should wait just a little bit longer and I get the F430.

Because we are not agreeing, we are at an impass, which nets zero purchases. Because I want the next vehicle to be perfect. The problem is the GT-R is the baseline. It is hard to improve upon that car.

Fun times, though - how often in your lives do you argue with your spouse about which supercar is best? Of course, I'd like enough money to purchase both of them. Unfortunately, it outside my allowable budget.