968PORSCHE

I was curious who came from a 944 to the Cayman S and how the new car compares in handling and utility.

Jim Michaels

I came from a 944 through two 911s to a Cayman S. Although the 944/968 had 50/50 weight distribution, the Cayman S has better handling, and more power. You know how handy that rear hatch trunk is on the 944/968? Well, the Cayman has that, plus a deep front trunk. What it doesn't have is any space to speak of right behind the seats, but, as in the 944/968, you can just place stuff over your shoulder into the rear trunk.

Jake951

I drove a 951 for 18 years and loved it, but I have to say that the Cayman S is in another league in terms of handling. It is much more nimble and light on its feet (that mid-engine advantage), and has tons more grip. By comparison the 951 is reluctant to change directions and doesn't have nearly the same steering precision. The other amazing thing is that you don't pay a penalty in ride quality for the superb handling of the Cayman. I have PASM, which really takes the edge off sharp bumps, despite having 19" wheels.

In utility I would say the 951 wins because of the large rear hatch area. I could carry a bicycle back there. I can't do that in the Cayman. The total space in the Cayman is good, but it's divided between the front and rear compartments.

gmsracing

CS is much more planted with higher grip levels. My 951 w/ sport Konis feels "looser." 951 has a more raw steering feel to it, but the CS is much more reassuring. PSM on the CS is pretty obtrusive if you want to do any playing around. The 951 is "all car" and it is up to you to make sure you get it right. I kind of miss that in a car. Torsion bar rear suspension on the 951 feel antiquated and you get a lot of rear end dive under acceleration. CS doesn't have the extreme weight transfers like the 951 does.

Utility--I recently had to take the 951 out a couple of times where the CS couldn't get the job done. I had to get some tires mounted. (Fit 2 in the 951 shelf. Zero fit in the CS.) I also had to ship a large box and it didn't fit in the CS but it fit in the 951. But, I recently did a track day with the CS and I fit all of my stuff (minus tires & rims) and a buddy's stuff into the car no problem.

Both great cars, but the 944/951 is 20+ years old. (Mine is 22.) If you've driven both a 80's 911 and a 944, where as the 951 feels more modern over a 911, the Cayman feels more modern over a 944 series car.

BC

Great thread. I love the idea of mid-engine balance. NSX, Cayman, F-Car, Lambo, etc.

The innitial bite on turn in is really addicting on the mid engined cars.

M758

Dang,
These two posts really make me think about a Cayman even more. The good news for my 944 Turbo S is that I can't afford a Cayman right now so she is safe for at least a few more years.

MrPorsche951

Not mine.

If I can get a reasonable number from the dealer on Monday... I will have a new homepage location on rennlist.

968PORSCHE

Nice graphics. Your car looks really nice.

Dirty Evo

I had 944S2 Cab.... since it was a Cab kinda hard to compare to a Cayman. I loved that car, but performance-wise and as far as comfort, no comparison... the Cayman is much much better, just by virtue of being 20 years (almost) newer.