Hi all!

As someone will eventually notice, this is my first post on 6so. I have been wandering in the shadows for a while now reading up on the boards, along with others (986 boards and the lot), for as much info as possible pertaining to my next vehicle purchase. I should start by saying I currently own and operate a 1993 Nissan 300ZXTT in which I have owned and modded for the last 6 years. I am now ready to upgrade. I have been a HUGE porsche fan for many years and now I think it is thime to own one. So the question is as stated above. I have read many threads stating essentially that it is drivers preferance, but i am interested to know the MAIN reason why YOU picked the Boxster or the Cayman. I am currently leaning more toward the Cayman due to it being more track orriented (I circuit raced my Z32 for 4 years), but my wife prefers the idea of a "drop-top". So... any imput would be greatly welcomed and I will continue to read about what people are saying on here before i buy.

Thanks,
Greg aka Psypher

p.s. Sorry about the wall of text...

 

Welcome. My wife has a Boxster with a removable hard top...the best of both worlds IMO. Personally, I don't like convertables as they just don't look the same as a coupe...the lines of the roof, etc. They are heavier less rigid as well, so from a performance stance, it would be Cayman for me. However, having an open top is fun on a sunny day...if you don't mind being out in the open, which I do. I say you're going to have to weigh performance with open topped fun in the sun and looks.

J

 

Both cars handle better than you could possibly use on the street. The Cayman has a bit stiffer chassis which makes its turn in crisper and allows the engineers to tune the suspension more agressively.

IMHO the Cayman looks better. But the drop top Boxster makes the decision a no-brainer for me. Turns a fast car into a car that's a great cruiser as well. The Cayman is just fast.

 

i picked boxster over cayman for 2 reasons : convertible top and cheaper price

 

Cayman is really for pure handling. Plus I do think it is the best looking Porsche there is. Boxter is a better value for the $'s, and more fun if you like the sun.

 

Funny how the cab option on a 911 adds 10k, but on the Cayman it takes off 10k .

J

 

Thanks for the posts all!

J, do you have any pictures of the hardtop on your wifes Boxster? I have seen posts about the hardtop, but have never seen a picture. I also need to drive a Cayman. I have driven the Boxster S and enjoyed it, but it lacks a lot of power compared to what I currently run. Considering the power I have in my Z (487whp) I'd think that the Cayman would be more to my liking due to the increased power and better handling abilities. Other then the Cayman feeling more "crisp" around the corners, any other noticeable changes? How much of a difference does the 20hp (I think its 20...) make?

Thanks again for the responces.

Greg

 

Another question, is the Sport Chrono Package a must in either model?

 

If you've been circuit racing you're likely a much better track driver than the rest of us who won't push the limits of either car. This might push you towards the Cayman.

I would speculate that many people who buy Boxsters have a history of owning convertibles and enjoy the top down driving - sounds like you like coupes and the increased performance.

Of course you don't want to ignore your wifes preferences - how about getting a slighter older or less optioned 987 Cayman and getting her a used Miata - they are very inexpensive, get great mileage and you can even get a hardtop. She can even have fun at the track with you. Just promoting marital bliss...

 

NO!! You can get software (Softronics) that will give you everything the Sport Chrono will and a lot more (plus some additional HP) for less money than the SC option. The software is downloadable through the OBD port using your laptop and can be returned to stock whenever you take the car in for service. Definitely the way to go.

 

I was in the market for a boxster when I spotted a Guards Red Cayman on the lot. That was all she wrote. Had to have a Cayman.

 

I have a Guards Red 987 S Boxster - best color IMO. And with a hard top it is a lot cheaper than a Cayman S that you can never take the top off of. Mine is in the classifieds now at $44k - even with the cost of a hard top (factory, Zeintop, etc.) it is a bargain.

 

Bob Z - I do understand your growing desire to sell your car in this tough market and to get a reasonable price for something you paid a lot of money for recently.

But every thread I look at has you hawking your wares. Sometimes more than once.

I say all this respectfully. Your car looks beautiful and I wish you well on its sale (although, if there is a way to afford it, keeping the car and enjoying it would make more sense.)

 

Sorry, won't happen again and I'll stick to contributing only.

 

VERY good to know! TYVM!

In response to TopGear,

I have raced as i said for approx 4 years now and I would consider myself decent. With that said, I gave up hardcore racing when i got married. Located in the Central Valley of California, which I am, has afforded me the ability to go to many tracks and try many things that I am thankful for. However, this car will probably only see the track rarely. I am a firm believer of if you own a sports car, drive it like a sports car. My only concern with a Boxster S is that it will not feel as "sporty" as I may want. As you pointed out, marital bliss is VERY important. I have considered the Miata but if I was going for a "Drop-Top" daily driver for her, I'd put her in a S2k. I have driven many of them and consider them to be slightly better then the MX5. The main purpose of the vehicle will be a weekend toy with only two seat so that ONLY my wife and I can go somewhere... hint, hint. I am currently leaning more toward the Boxster S for these reasons, but it is damn hard to pass up a Cayman S (Sexy!).

Sorry once again for the wall of text...

p.s. Still waiting for xXxGhotimanxXx to post pics of the hardtop