Kg11

I am doing some shopping, and hoping to get a wintertime deal on a 981 or 987. Must haves: 6MT, sport suspension, good seats.

At this price, it buys me:

1) Cayman S or Boxster S, well equipped, 981
2) 987 Spyder or Cayman R
3) high mileage GTS 981

My dream car is a 981 Boxster Spyder, but that is not going to happen short of $95k.

I will be shopping here on RL and on PCA classified. I won't be able to test anything: it is winter where I live and the Porsche dealer has all but given up on sportscars. They are an SUV store these days, which is sad. I suppose nobody likes to drive anymore.

Please point me in the best direction!

If I could conjure up another $35k for a 981 Spyder, just HOW much better is it than a Boxster S? I see Boxster S models with low miles, in manuals, selling in the low 40's these days. Is it 2x better in the Spyder chassis?

I have driven the 3.8L engine: my wife's car is a 991 C4S. It is outstanding. I don't know how it does in the Boxster/Cayman Chassis, or if it is really necessary. The 991 feels like a bit, powerful car. The 981 is not that at all.

What about a GT4? I see them in the low 90's: I don't know if I have ever seen a better looking car. Still, is the Cayman S 8/10 of the GT4, especially on the road? I may do some autocrossing, but no serious track work.

DK7

987 spyder

daylorb

I'd recommend driving all of them. At that range you are easily into an R or 987.2 Spyder, I went with the Spyder and think it is incredible. Personal preference but I like the look of the 987.2 Spyder better and hard to beat entire package from engine to handling, sound, etc. in my opinion!

Zeus993

Gen-1 987.2 Spyder. It's a great time to buy. Just remember the Spyder is not the best winter car ( w00tPORSCHE may contest this!) but IF you are looking for a pure sports car, AutoXer, at a killer price then look no more. IMO they are hands down best Porsche bang for your buck.

The CR is a great car as well, just obviously the top does not come off.

996AE

I wish my wifes car was a 3.8 anything!

PorscheAddict

There is no best, it depends on your purpose. For a weekend/track car, 981 Cayman S is my pick, and is what I chose. If no track, Boxster would probably be better. GT4/Spyder are much better, and much more $.

Klepper

My vote would be Cayman R. My wife uses ours as a track car and it's incredible.

I think the Cayman R and 987.2 Spyder will hold value better than 981 CS or BS, if that's any concern to you.

Zeus993

And I just switched back to a 987.2 from a 981, much to do with the steering feel of the 981. I think the 981 Spyder has addressed a lot of the 981 numbness with pulling steering parts over from the 991.2 Turbo. The 987.2 steering is superb.

n4v4nod

I agree... either a 987.2 Spyder or a Cayman R. Depends if you want a soft or hard roof.

PorscheAddict

Steering can also be improved dramatically by adding GT3 LCA's and solid thrust bushings, which I did on my 981S. With -2.5 camber and 9.5 caster it has much better steering feel than stock, and sticks better in hard cornering.

Archimedes

981 Cayman S, 6MT, X73 suspension.

Phil G.

PM sent!

chillindrdude

I'd go with with a 981 Cayman S or high mileage GTS. The motors are pretty solid provided maintenance was done.

Dr.Bill

Another vote for 987 Spyder or Cayman R. Just decide if you want a metal or fabric roof.

I've owned both in the past. They are essentially equivalent with the exception of the roof & associated noise.
I prefer the Cayman R. I still miss mine and there are days I wish I had it back. No such thoughts with the Sypder.

I've also owned a 981 Cayman GTS and 981 Boxster GTS. I'd take the 987 versions over either.

daylorb

I love the Cayman R, it has to be one of the best bargains for track days for certain. I've done several in one.

That said - the 987 Spyder just feels faster to me. It just feels faster, louder, more raw/aggressive hence I bought one vs. an R.

Driving the R was like "wow - what a kick-*** car - can't believe it is only $$X"

Driving the 987.2 Spyder for me from the first second you hit the gas was like "holy s@#$ what did I just step into?" "This is stock? This is what they drive like with no mods? How much did you say they cost? That can't be right - I'll take it."

I've never driven a GT3 or GT4, but I've driven quite a few different cars on tracks and the only other car I've stepped out of with the same feeling was a 430 Scuderia. And yes, I liked the Ferrari better.