2006 CaymanS or 2001 911
07-05-2018, 11:54 PM
#16
Rennlist Member
From the perspective of owning both an ‘01 996 and an ‘06 Cayman S, I would encourage the Cayman unless you were looking for a car more suited to grand touring and/or needed rear seats. The 987 Cayman is a newer design and it feels that way. Compared to the 996 the Cayman is tighter handling, quicker turn-in, and a bit less wallow or movement. Not that a 996 really wallows, but there is a difference.
The 996 is a better and more comfortable road car and has a ton of smooth performance. More than you’ll use unless you hit the track.
The Cayman is louder and feels a bit more raw mechanically (especially a 987.1). It’s the better autocross choice.
A decent 987.1 Cayman should run mid $20K. A similar condition 996 $3-$5 less.
Bottom line is both are a bargain at this point and the decision comes down to which one fits your intended use better. Neither is an incorrect choice in the big picture IMO.
The 996 is a better and more comfortable road car and has a ton of smooth performance. More than you’ll use unless you hit the track.
The Cayman is louder and feels a bit more raw mechanically (especially a 987.1). It’s the better autocross choice.
A decent 987.1 Cayman should run mid $20K. A similar condition 996 $3-$5 less.
Bottom line is both are a bargain at this point and the decision comes down to which one fits your intended use better. Neither is an incorrect choice in the big picture IMO.
Last edited by Spokayman; 07-06-2018 at 02:27 PM.
07-06-2018, 01:44 AM
#17
Three Wheelin'
I drove a 996 C4S and didn't like it at all. Very rough ride, extremely dated feel, and cheap interior. I wouldn't be a 911 owner if the 996 was a 911. It is nothing like a 993 or 997.
Cayman all the way! Superb handling, better looking car, more modern, and much nicer interior.
Cayman all the way! Superb handling, better looking car, more modern, and much nicer interior.
07-07-2018, 12:47 PM
#18
Addict
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Lifetime Rennlist
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I read this again, and was going to say a 911 is a 911, a Cayman is the successor to the 924 (I owned a lot 944s and still so. See sig.). Then I looked in the mirror. I had my M Roadster since 2012. Chose it over a Boxster. Had opportunities to buy other cars. Then, this past April, my buddy at a PCA breakfast told me he traded in his 07 Cayaman S with 38k miles (just premium, no chrono, etc). Two hours later I wrote a check for his car.
Bottom line, I went Cayman. My brother is in NY, and he has an 09 Carrerra S manual. That is a sweet car! Also cost him almost twice what I paid for my Cayman. Anyone want a very nice M Roadster (Z3)?
Bottom line, I went Cayman. My brother is in NY, and he has an 09 Carrerra S manual. That is a sweet car! Also cost him almost twice what I paid for my Cayman. Anyone want a very nice M Roadster (Z3)?
07-07-2018, 02:51 PM
#19
Rennlist Member
I appreciate this thread, as am contemplating these cars at this time.
I have owned and lapped a 996 in the past, and hear the cayman voice loud and clear.
How does the 987 boxster compare to cayman from a performance perspective? I'm not concerned about lapping it as I have a race car.
I have owned and lapped a 996 in the past, and hear the cayman voice loud and clear.
How does the 987 boxster compare to cayman from a performance perspective? I'm not concerned about lapping it as I have a race car.
07-08-2018, 01:48 AM
#20
Cayman for DE's and espeically autocross, as one just like this one won solo SCCA national championship last year, Sept 2017. B/S class against 54 invited contenders, like Corvette's MBW M-2's Fords etc. All it needs is 265/35/18f and 285/30/18 r RE71R's. You can check out the story on Rennlist comptetition autocross section. And if you want to upgrade, use x73 springs on the PSAM to firm up your ride. After that, purchase the upgraded TPC suspension controller that can be programed for stiffer shock cornering, etc. Great car.
07-12-2018, 06:46 AM
#21
07-12-2018, 08:26 AM
#22
I think a lot of people have made a similar decision given the price points of older Cayman and the 996. I made a similar decision a couple years ago, but went with the Cayman, and very glad!
I think the 996 really represents a great value, however, as a first and only Porsche I think it might leave the feeling of “this is fun, can’t wait to upgrade!” The Cayman, even the first generation, is a truly modern sports car, Amazing balance and feel.
Also, I find the 996 interiors to be less than desirable. I can see owning a 996 for sure, but not as your first.
I say go with Cayman.
I think the 996 really represents a great value, however, as a first and only Porsche I think it might leave the feeling of “this is fun, can’t wait to upgrade!” The Cayman, even the first generation, is a truly modern sports car, Amazing balance and feel.
Also, I find the 996 interiors to be less than desirable. I can see owning a 996 for sure, but not as your first.
I say go with Cayman.