968 to Cayman (2009 - 2014)
09-30-2019, 12:46 PM
#1
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
968 to Cayman (2009 - 2014)
I've been loving my 968 for the past four years and need advice from those of you that have owned/driven both 968's and Cayman's.
Thinking of selling it some time in the next year to get a 2009 - 2014 base model Cayman, primarily for the newer safety features.
For those of you that have owned or driven both, what has been your impression of the Cayman compared to the 968?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
David
Thinking of selling it some time in the next year to get a 2009 - 2014 base model Cayman, primarily for the newer safety features.
For those of you that have owned or driven both, what has been your impression of the Cayman compared to the 968?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
David
09-30-2019, 06:42 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
I don't have a Cayman, but I do have a 99 996. I used to have a 968 and now own a 951. I can tell you that the difference is VAST between the 996 and the two cars. For something that is very comfortable, very fast, very nimble, etc. I pick the 996. To go to a weekend car show, I pick the 951. I used to take the 968.
I always feel my 951 (which has 285 ft-lbs of torque at the rear wheels) is like a dog that just ran on a hot day when I get done with it, it's tongue is hanging out of its mouth and it's tired. Needs a rest, but it got the job done.
When I drive the 996, it's just as fast, super comfortable, AC works better than any other car I've ever owned and I feel more like I flew first class, I am rested when I get there. I would say the 968 is a very similar in my mind, but it's less of a "beast" as compared to the 951.
Don't get me wrong, I love the 968, just saying it's not a modern car.
I always feel my 951 (which has 285 ft-lbs of torque at the rear wheels) is like a dog that just ran on a hot day when I get done with it, it's tongue is hanging out of its mouth and it's tired. Needs a rest, but it got the job done.
When I drive the 996, it's just as fast, super comfortable, AC works better than any other car I've ever owned and I feel more like I flew first class, I am rested when I get there. I would say the 968 is a very similar in my mind, but it's less of a "beast" as compared to the 951.
Don't get me wrong, I love the 968, just saying it's not a modern car.
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thomasmryan (09-30-2019)
09-30-2019, 07:36 PM
#4
Registered User
They are pretty much apples and oranges but the Cayman is superior in every aspect. I would wager a nice 968 would stand out a lot more than a Cayman would in a crowd though.
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Spokayman (10-02-2019)
09-30-2019, 11:46 PM
#5
I've been loving my 968 for the past four years and need advice from those of you that have owned/driven both 968's and Cayman's.
Thinking of selling it some time in the next year to get a 2009 - 2014 base model Cayman, primarily for the newer safety features.
For those of you that have owned or driven both, what has been your impression of the Cayman compared to the 968?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
David
Thinking of selling it some time in the next year to get a 2009 - 2014 base model Cayman, primarily for the newer safety features.
For those of you that have owned or driven both, what has been your impression of the Cayman compared to the 968?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
David
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Spokayman (10-02-2019)
10-02-2019, 01:00 AM
#6
Rennlist Member
I’ve owned an ‘06 Cayman S for almost ten years now, longer than any sports car I’ve ever owned by 2-3 times. It’s that good.
The 968 was a great handling modernish car for it’s day, and I very much enjoy driving mine for show and play. But I’m always aware that I’m driving an older sports car in comparison to my Cayman. It’s softer, not as sharp handling, and not quite as accurate, nor quite as easy to drive aggressively through tight handling courses as the Cayman. Again it is very good in those respects for it’s day, and the little bit of looseness and the overall feel is actually quite entertaining as it requires more attention to master.
The 987 Cayman was a brilliant car in it’s day, and it’s still modern enough to completely fill daily driver duty.
It has tight, sharp handling, the S model has fairly good power, and it’s supremely confidence inspiring when you drive through tight, sharp cornered roads. It’s been called a car that makes drivers look better and more accomplished than they may actually be.
As Jerry said above, they are not really comparable.
The design/development/technology gap between the two makes them almost feel like cars from a different maker altogether.
Anyhow, that’s my take on the subject for what it’s worth, and I always enjoy reading what others think as well.
The 968 was a great handling modernish car for it’s day, and I very much enjoy driving mine for show and play. But I’m always aware that I’m driving an older sports car in comparison to my Cayman. It’s softer, not as sharp handling, and not quite as accurate, nor quite as easy to drive aggressively through tight handling courses as the Cayman. Again it is very good in those respects for it’s day, and the little bit of looseness and the overall feel is actually quite entertaining as it requires more attention to master.
The 987 Cayman was a brilliant car in it’s day, and it’s still modern enough to completely fill daily driver duty.
It has tight, sharp handling, the S model has fairly good power, and it’s supremely confidence inspiring when you drive through tight, sharp cornered roads. It’s been called a car that makes drivers look better and more accomplished than they may actually be.
As Jerry said above, they are not really comparable.
The design/development/technology gap between the two makes them almost feel like cars from a different maker altogether.
Anyhow, that’s my take on the subject for what it’s worth, and I always enjoy reading what others think as well.
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DM (10-07-2019)
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10-07-2019, 06:16 AM
#8
Rennlist Member
Two very good and different cars but to put things in favor for the 968 since it is hard to compare cars from different eras back to back.
Yes in stock form it will feel "loose" and a bit tired compared to a Cayman but it is not difficult to modernise the suspension of a 968 to get a crisper feel. And if you fit a short ratio steering rack it really transforms the 968 to a whole other level. A level that in my book is the better than a Caymans. The newer cars are so acomplished that they loose some personality IMO.
Also I think the 968 is a better built car and I doubt the Cayman will look and feel as solid as a 968 does when its 25 years old with some 200000km on the clock.
Then of coarse very few 968:s are on the road nowdays so you will be pretty alone and it is very practical in a way the Cayman can never be.
Best is one of both👍
Yes in stock form it will feel "loose" and a bit tired compared to a Cayman but it is not difficult to modernise the suspension of a 968 to get a crisper feel. And if you fit a short ratio steering rack it really transforms the 968 to a whole other level. A level that in my book is the better than a Caymans. The newer cars are so acomplished that they loose some personality IMO.
Also I think the 968 is a better built car and I doubt the Cayman will look and feel as solid as a 968 does when its 25 years old with some 200000km on the clock.
Then of coarse very few 968:s are on the road nowdays so you will be pretty alone and it is very practical in a way the Cayman can never be.
Best is one of both👍
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DM (10-07-2019),
thomasmryan (10-07-2019)
10-08-2019, 03:09 PM
#10
Drifting
10-08-2019, 03:50 PM
#11
Rennlist Member
It is made for powersteering and is 2,1 turns lock to lock. One of the best upgrades I have made.
If you contact him I am sure he can ship to US if you do not have any state side.
Contact him on this mail if interested and say hi from me 😉
info@sanden.nu
/Peder
10-13-2019, 10:08 AM
#12
Rennlist Member
I have a view point from the track:
1. On the track the cars are fairly similar in that the balance is very good. The Cayman turn-in is much better from my view point. I have a lot less understeer with the 987.2 than the 968.
2. The power is not even close but the weight is similar. My 968 had around 200-210 RWHP. My Cayman has 320 RWHP.
3. The PDK trans is wonderful on the track. Allows you to focus on driving with no missed shifts.
4. The 968 is starting to have challenges with NLA parts.
All in all they are both great cars but I just simply enjoy racing the Cayman more than the 968.
1. On the track the cars are fairly similar in that the balance is very good. The Cayman turn-in is much better from my view point. I have a lot less understeer with the 987.2 than the 968.
2. The power is not even close but the weight is similar. My 968 had around 200-210 RWHP. My Cayman has 320 RWHP.
3. The PDK trans is wonderful on the track. Allows you to focus on driving with no missed shifts.
4. The 968 is starting to have challenges with NLA parts.
All in all they are both great cars but I just simply enjoy racing the Cayman more than the 968.
10-14-2019, 12:02 PM
#13
Burning Brakes
I've never driven a Cayman, but I've heard nothing but good things. I hate to say this, but I'm coming around to the realization that the 968 is fast becoming a pretty obsolete car. Mine is a track car, and I've been trying mightily to keep it "competitive" with more modern cars (I don't race it - just use it as a training tool at noncompetitive track sessions), and it's becoming a losing battle. The power-to-weight ratio and suspension design are just not up to par, as is to be expected from a car whose design dates back to the '70s. As a street car, it suffers from road noise reflecting off the large, concave rear hatch, growing obsolescence of parts, expensive frequent maintenance requirements (I'm looking at you, timing and balance shaft belts), and obsolete (there's that word again) ergonomics, particularly in terms of ingress/egress. On the plus side, the back seat is nice if you have small kids, and the rarity of the car adds to the fun factor.
10-23-2019, 11:54 PM
#14
Just getting back online after being distracted by,,, work. I can't help myself but to comment on this thread.
I own 2 968s, one track and one street. A good friend is a Cayman guy and I've driven his cars both on track on the road. There is no doubt that the 968 platform is old and even crude in comparison. The more modern cars can simply handle better and be more comfortable at the same time.
But my measure is enjoyment. My 968 track car is slower than even a stock cayman on the straights, but there's some satisfaction is taking down a more modern, high hp car with my old 968 in a hot lap. On the track also, the Cayman is amazingly capable and in fact more capable than I can appreciate because finding the limit becomes a challenge, at least for me. The cars are very different and almost uncomparable because of the weight's center of a mid-engine car versus a front-engine/rear transaxle car. The 968 responds slower (rotates slower) because the weight is out over the axles and the Cayman rotates quickly, but predictably, with the weight near the middle. Realize that a 911 also rotates quickly with the weight cantilevered out the back and is different from any other car made because of that. I personally like the slower rotation of a 968/944/951 as I am a planner when I drive and I can react fast enough to feel and respond in the 968. Enjoyment factor for me is still with my 968 track car. Even my friend gets out from driving or even riding in my car and is almost jumping up and down giddy with joy. I love putting in a few good laps, taking down or at least keeping up with an occasional GT4 and sweating my a*s off working my car to the limit of its track tires, which I use for too many heat cycles. It's so much more engaging than doing faster times in my friend's PDK cayman race car (with the AC on).
As for the street, it's a pleasure to take out my daily driver quality 968 on my own or with a friend for what is starting to feel like a historic ride through the country. But a modern car is just better, quieter, quicker, more comfortable, etc, etc. On a perfect day, the 968 is great, but every day, a modern car is just ... modern.
I own 2 968s, one track and one street. A good friend is a Cayman guy and I've driven his cars both on track on the road. There is no doubt that the 968 platform is old and even crude in comparison. The more modern cars can simply handle better and be more comfortable at the same time.
But my measure is enjoyment. My 968 track car is slower than even a stock cayman on the straights, but there's some satisfaction is taking down a more modern, high hp car with my old 968 in a hot lap. On the track also, the Cayman is amazingly capable and in fact more capable than I can appreciate because finding the limit becomes a challenge, at least for me. The cars are very different and almost uncomparable because of the weight's center of a mid-engine car versus a front-engine/rear transaxle car. The 968 responds slower (rotates slower) because the weight is out over the axles and the Cayman rotates quickly, but predictably, with the weight near the middle. Realize that a 911 also rotates quickly with the weight cantilevered out the back and is different from any other car made because of that. I personally like the slower rotation of a 968/944/951 as I am a planner when I drive and I can react fast enough to feel and respond in the 968. Enjoyment factor for me is still with my 968 track car. Even my friend gets out from driving or even riding in my car and is almost jumping up and down giddy with joy. I love putting in a few good laps, taking down or at least keeping up with an occasional GT4 and sweating my a*s off working my car to the limit of its track tires, which I use for too many heat cycles. It's so much more engaging than doing faster times in my friend's PDK cayman race car (with the AC on).
As for the street, it's a pleasure to take out my daily driver quality 968 on my own or with a friend for what is starting to feel like a historic ride through the country. But a modern car is just better, quieter, quicker, more comfortable, etc, etc. On a perfect day, the 968 is great, but every day, a modern car is just ... modern.
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DM (11-15-2019),
thomasmryan (10-24-2019)
10-24-2019, 05:31 AM
#15
Rennlist Member
Just getting back online after being distracted by,,, work. I can't help myself but to comment on this thread.
I own 2 968s, one track and one street. A good friend is a Cayman guy and I've driven his cars both on track on the road. There is no doubt that the 968 platform is old and even crude in comparison. The more modern cars can simply handle better and be more comfortable at the same time.
But my measure is enjoyment. My 968 track car is slower than even a stock cayman on the straights, but there's some satisfaction is taking down a more modern, high hp car with my old 968 in a hot lap. On the track also, the Cayman is amazingly capable and in fact more capable than I can appreciate because finding the limit becomes a challenge, at least for me. The cars are very different and almost uncomparable because of the weight's center of a mid-engine car versus a front-engine/rear transaxle car. The 968 responds slower (rotates slower) because the weight is out over the axles and the Cayman rotates quickly, but predictably, with the weight near the middle. Realize that a 911 also rotates quickly with the weight cantilevered out the back and is different from any other car made because of that. I personally like the slower rotation of a 968/944/951 as I am a planner when I drive and I can react fast enough to feel and respond in the 968. Enjoyment factor for me is still with my 968 track car. Even my friend gets out from driving or even riding in my car and is almost jumping up and down giddy with joy. I love putting in a few good laps, taking down or at least keeping up with an occasional GT4 and sweating my a*s off working my car to the limit of its track tires, which I use for too many heat cycles. It's so much more engaging than doing faster times in my friend's PDK cayman race car (with the AC on).
As for the street, it's a pleasure to take out my daily driver quality 968 on my own or with a friend for what is starting to feel like a historic ride through the country. But a modern car is just better, quieter, quicker, more comfortable, etc, etc. On a perfect day, the 968 is great, but every day, a modern car is just ... modern.
I own 2 968s, one track and one street. A good friend is a Cayman guy and I've driven his cars both on track on the road. There is no doubt that the 968 platform is old and even crude in comparison. The more modern cars can simply handle better and be more comfortable at the same time.
But my measure is enjoyment. My 968 track car is slower than even a stock cayman on the straights, but there's some satisfaction is taking down a more modern, high hp car with my old 968 in a hot lap. On the track also, the Cayman is amazingly capable and in fact more capable than I can appreciate because finding the limit becomes a challenge, at least for me. The cars are very different and almost uncomparable because of the weight's center of a mid-engine car versus a front-engine/rear transaxle car. The 968 responds slower (rotates slower) because the weight is out over the axles and the Cayman rotates quickly, but predictably, with the weight near the middle. Realize that a 911 also rotates quickly with the weight cantilevered out the back and is different from any other car made because of that. I personally like the slower rotation of a 968/944/951 as I am a planner when I drive and I can react fast enough to feel and respond in the 968. Enjoyment factor for me is still with my 968 track car. Even my friend gets out from driving or even riding in my car and is almost jumping up and down giddy with joy. I love putting in a few good laps, taking down or at least keeping up with an occasional GT4 and sweating my a*s off working my car to the limit of its track tires, which I use for too many heat cycles. It's so much more engaging than doing faster times in my friend's PDK cayman race car (with the AC on).
As for the street, it's a pleasure to take out my daily driver quality 968 on my own or with a friend for what is starting to feel like a historic ride through the country. But a modern car is just better, quieter, quicker, more comfortable, etc, etc. On a perfect day, the 968 is great, but every day, a modern car is just ... modern.