Just got my Car and Driver issue...

Cayman S vs. Z4 Mcoupe

219 points for Cayman and 203 for M coupe...
Cayman topped points on performance,steering,brake,handling,ride

braking 70-0 tied 154ft

1.88 mile course 1.41.42 mcoupe, 1.39.65 caymanS
road holding 300ft skid pad mcoupe=0.89, caymanS=.99
lane change mph mcoupe=69, caymanS 72.8

Arling you dont need one

 

well, not that i don't know how a proper Porsche should be like. i just need a daily non Porsche car to drive around. i'll pocket the price difference & run.

 

youre right that's where the M won , 20 points on vaule.. 16 points for the Cayman,lol

 

I think we're all missing the biggest determining factor... will a set of clubs fit in the back with the drivers in place. I know there ain't no way in hell two sets will fit in the M... by any chance will two sets fit in the S?

 

Here's the biggest gripe I have with the Cayman/Boxster S... their engine size was dictated by marketing, and not passion.

The M Roadster/Coupe has the best inline-6 BMW makes... probably one of the best 6-cyl of all time. I can appreciate that passion. And while looks are subjective, I think it's a well-proportioned Coupe that looks very good to me.

The Boxster/Cayman S motor is artificially held lower so as to not step on the 997's toes... when in fact, it has the potential to be a superior platform. I predict that the Cayman S will eventually get a bigger motor, which will screw the resale of the "older" models... it already has just happened to the Boxster S.

Porsche used to be a mystical marque on par with Ferrari... 10 years from now, it'll be no different than BMW, with profit and marketing at priority.

 

it already has been like it for a long while.

 

Well... I figured the CGT bought them about 10 years worth of mystical points...

 

I still think that Porsche's flat 6 is still THE BEST 6 EVER. I know what youre saying, the motor is powered down if you will, but it makes sense in terms of their marketing. I hear they are coming out with a cayman gt-r that will have the 997 GT3 engine in it. That motor is absolutely amazing. 415 bhp (115.3 bhp/liter) from a 3.6 liter flat 6 is just astonishing. If you want a cayman and want more power get ready for this and the extra money youre going ot shell out. But in my oppinion, you just cant beat the Porsche flat 6. I have a Carrera 4 cabrio and have driven both e46 m3 coupe and conv's and although my c4 has 33 less hp it still feels like it has just got more pull to it, although i love the m3 and am looking into getting one.

 

I don't have the issue with me but the difference wasn't 12 seconds, it was around 2. So either your 4 needs to be a 3, or your 2 a 3...

 

oh my bad its 1:39.65, corrected it..

 

Interesting. Source? I read somewhere (Car and Driver?) that there will be a lightweight Cayman RS, but no increase in power so as to not cannibalize sales of the 911.

 

I know this BMW fanatic who knows every single spec. about his M coupe, and I talked to him today and I was busting on him about that article; supposedly the guy who wrote the article for Car and Driver went out and bought an M coupe. I will find the source and post it...

 

I wonder how much of the performance deficit is due to the lessor tires shod on the M. Still, I can see why someone would pick the M over the S despite all the articles prefering the S...

First off, the M doesn't suffer the "general preception" that it's 2nd-string, unlike the Boxster to the Carrera (however false that perception may be, it exists).

Secondly, lest we forget, equally optioned, the M will leave a good $10~12k (not exactly chump change) in your pocket... or for better tires, suspension, wheels, your kid's college, etc.

Can't go wrong either way...