DM

I am searching for my next P car at the wrong time of year and there is not much to drive. This would be a fun driver a few times a week – not a DD or track car.

With a budget between $50 and $60k I'm considering:

• A 5k mile 981 with X73 sports suspension and sports+ seats at $51k – or a 981 S when I find the right one.
• 2012 987.2 Cayman R in the mid-50's
• 997.2 Carrera same price range

I've never owned a 911 so was initially smitten by the idea of a 997. I already have a 987.2 base and 968 in in the garage. I love my base Cayman and it is not going anywhere.

Which would you choose?

A432

If you love your base 987.2 Cayman and are keeping it, I say get the 997.2 for something different. (I'm a Cayman R owner and would have said that but you are keeping the base 987.2)

You didn't mention PDK or 6sp.....keep in mind the early PDK's on the 997.2 could potentially need some creative maintenance (without replacing) down the road.

Helpful links:

Cayman R vs 981 GTS

PDK Repairs

PDK Repairs 997

DM

I'm going old-school with my trans – manual.

The original buyer builder added over $17k of options to my base 987.2 Cayman and I'll never replace it so it stays.

BrooksBier

If you have a cayman, get a 997.

garfunkle

This. Get a 911 to have more variety. For the money though - you could possibly get into a base 991.

9eight7

I agree with the others and think having (2) 987.2 cars are too similar. If you don’t mind going slightly more old school, I think the 996 GT3 is on that upper limit of your price range. That would be a real hoot to drive!

DM

I keep eyeballing the R wondering if I should just replace my base with an R.

Marine Blue

YES!

And then start setting some money aside and buy a 911, maybe an air cooled

CaymanSinAR

I have two 981 cars, a Boxster GTS and a GT4. Granted there is a larger gulf between your Base and the R, but I would recommend one or the other rather than both. Why? Because they are too similar. In my case I added a GT3. Now that’s a difference!

IMO a manual Base 987 is about the perfect car for backroads. Just the right amount of power and gearing for the street.

There is just something right about the 997 as well. The motor has a zingy quality my cars lack.

Of course the Cayman R is uber special. It will hold its value well.

If you want more than one car keep the 987 Base and add a 997. If you can only have one get the Cayman R (but you’ll miss your Base).

A432

Another option is 987 Spyder (convertible R) and 996/997 GT3....sort of ticks all mid/rear/open/closed sportscar boxes

sectachrome

Would love to see pics and spec!

CW987

I'd go for the R, its just more special and rare. Plus, more fun to drive than the 911.

MXA121

As another 987.2 owner, I plan to add a 911 one day just for a different experience and style.
I also fear selling the Cayman. It's very good. I wouldn't be able to have two 987 cars at the same time, though. Too similar. Even the 997 will feel very familiar from the drivers seat (not a bad thing if that's your preference!). For that reason, I'd recommend a 991. It's completely new and will offer a different experience than your Cayman. That's my plan.

bbinder

I have a 2009 base 997 and a 2010 Cayman S with some upgrades. When I drive the 997, I like it the best; when I drive the 987, I like it the best. YMMV.

DM

I may have been off about the total cost of options but here they are.