I'm dropping from the Audi RS4 wiatlist and going with the Cayman S.

Before speccing the car out today, I back to back test drove the 996 C2 and the Cayman S on the same stretch of boulevard and twisty back roads. Found them to be very distinctive drives, though both very Porschey. The 996 (a 2002 model) definitely had more punch across the rev range, but really outshined the Cayman low down and in 2nd gear corner exits. That extra torque made a big difference even with the extra 200lbs. Relative to the Cayman, the C2 provided power whereever and whenever you asked for it, whereas in the Cayman you had to focus on keeping it in the appropriate rev range. Stepping out of the 996 the Cayman felt a bit sluggish below about 3750, BUT...

I thought the Cayman had significantly better handling and was more fun to drive. The C2 certainly wasn't boring, but you really did have to constantly think about the weight over the back end and adjust your driving style to it. I suppose that that is an experience in and of itself which can be fun, but the Cayman just felt so much lighter, so much more agile and tossable that there was really no quetion for me which would be more fun to drive every day. AND...

The interior of the Cayman S is A LOT nicer than that of the 996, which I found to be insultingly cheap and cheesey for such an expensive car. The 997 has made big improvements in this area too. Plus I think the Cayman is better looking as well. The rear is just amazing.

So it's a Cayman for me and probably some engine tuning or a swap down the road after folks work out the engineering details. The option book is killing me though! Can't wait till MAY!

 

Thats a tough one. Having driven both the Cayman and the RS4, and having a (albiet older) 911, and owning an S4.. I would have to say that if you have any practicle uses for your new car (like kids, groceries, etc) then go RS4. The RS4 is a very compelling ride, and a massive upgrade over the S4. It's fast as hell, and is handles much more neutral than a S4, but not as good as the Cayman. I drove the RS4 on the track in Spain and just drove the Cayman on the street, so comparison on the track is hard. I suspect the Cayman will be a better track-car, but in terms of the street, the RS4 may be the faster, and more practicle ride. Both cars have exhaust notes that put goose bumps on your arms! But these are good problems to have if you know what I mean. I am sure you will enjoy either one.

 

kgorman,

Thanks for the color on the RS4. I'm tired of waiting and doubting that the fun factor value will be significant enough for me to continue waiting. Was planning on turning in my 2006 B7 A4 2.0T on RS4 delivery but now thinking of just keeping the A4 for practical stuff, but mostly drive the Cayman to and from work and on errands. That way the wife gets use of the A4 as well and we can keep the allroad miles down.

Also thinking:

1. That RS4s is going to take a bigger depreciation hit than the Cayman over a year or two so if i really want one I'll get it cheaper next year.
2. Just getting the feeling that these 8250rpm V-8s might suffer the early e46 M3 fate and be self-destructuing until they sort the kinks out.

Can you detail the driving experience in the RS4 vs. the Cayman a bit more? I know the RS4 is probably faster, but I just can't imagine it being as much fun everyday given the weight, the weight imbalance, and the size of the thing.

Thanks

 

NewPorscheGuy,

I didn't really have the chance to get the Cayman on the track, it's my father-in-laws, but I can tell you this about the RS4.. It's amazing. For everyday driving, I would pick the RS4. For the track I would pick the Cayman. I suggest waiting a bit to drive the RS4 for yourself, and see what you think.

Regarding the driving experience; The RS4 feels much lighter than you might think. The v8 engine in the RS4 is the first with FSI, so yes, I hear you regarding reliability questions, but there is no reason to doubt it yet, the car is not even here yet. The RS4 feels lighter than my S4, and handles much better as I detailed in my article. The Cayman feels great, but underpowered for sure in comparison. That said, driving the Cayman will get you a lot of looks, and will be really fun. Most people won't get whats up with the RS4, most people will think it's an a4 probably. The 'imbalance' you speak of is going to show on the track, but if your not tracking the car, you most probably will not be thinking or feeling any of that. Size wise, I don't think there is a huge difference between the two, I was suprised to see how large the Cayman is. I hope that helps some...

 

I drove an 02 996 today along with a Cayman S. I have to admit that the Cayman S impressed me. Great car to drive on the back roads. The one I drove had PASM with Sport Chrono and I could feel a difference in the settings. It also had the short shift, which is nice but requires a noticeable additional effort to change gears. I also thought the gate for 5-6 felt as if it was way over to the right.

The 02 996 had a more stable feel. And as mentioned the extra grunt. If I could find a low mileage 02 I might be swayed to the 02. If not I have a Cayman S option book at home. There's just something to be said for a new car with a warranty.