dertub

For those who have driven, or own both the Cayman and the base Carrera, which do you prefer, and why? With 320 hp coming, the Cayman looks tempting.

Chris from Cali

Nothing beats a 911... I've had both now. And I will get another 911. There is just something about the 911. Don't get me wrong, the Cayman is a blast to drive (and I'm sure a 320hp DFI S would be amazing), but there is that certain "magic" in the 911.

dertub

What about handling?

Jim Michaels

I like the Cayman S handling better than the handling of my two Carreras, which were both pre-996/7. What I liked better about the 911s was the strong charge out of corners due to the engine being right over the drive wheels. The Cayman seems to have a somewhat "softer" acceleration, but is easier to drive fast. I wasn't willing to buy a base 997 over the Cayman S at the time, but did consider the 997S. I think I was just ready to try a mid-engined coupe at the time.

mikejohn

I went from a 997S to Cayman S. Originally bought the 997 for mystique reasons. Prefer so many things about the mid engine driving feel. Drive the cars back to back and you will answer your own questions. Both are great vehicles.

f4 plt

I have been a Porsche fan and driver for over 40 years. I have driven the early 911's and enjoyed them. I have had a 997 GT3 and it was nothing short of fantastic, but difficult to drive fast and safely. It was bought back by Porsche for repeated RMS and I now enjoy a Cayman S. In fact it is three months old today and has 7600 miles on it (in comparision the GT3 had only 3600 in 11 months as it was in the shop so much). No problems whatsoever with the Cayman S. It is comfortable on long trips and a blast to drive spirited on twisty roads. I have friends who track them and they are impressed at how easy it is to drive a Cayman fast. It is so well balanced. I do not nor intend to track mine as I have an '83 SC set up for that enjoyment.

All that said, I have a '09 Carrera S on order as I think it will be the last of the 911's ... besides I have to have something to give my kids when I die.

I honestly think the Cayman is the future of Porsche sports cars and expect to see one on the track (either factory team or factory support) within two years.

Sorry for the rant, but the bottom line is you won't go wrong with either car and the Cayman feels more like the older 911's. Light, nimble and well balanced. Very much in touch with the road. Either will bring miles and miles of pleasure.

dertub

Thanks. I may go with the Cayman as a daily driver. I intend to keep the 996 GT3 and 997 RS, but I only drive them when inspired!

JReid

This is something I've been wondering about what with the MY02-4 996 and MY06 Cayman S approaching parity in terms of price. For my needs (i.e. semi-daily driver, no kids, etc.) I'm starting to lean toward the Cayman. The fact that many Caymans are still under factory warranty and/or CPO helps things, too.

Chris from Cali

I might sell my Cayman if you're interested. I'm relatively local (FFX, VA) and the car is still under $2K mi... PM me if you'd like.

mooty

i had many of each model.
stock to stock, cayman handles better, unless you really know how to drive rear engine cars.
more neutral and very tossable. when i first test drove it way back, i went sideways getting to on ramp. it was easy to correct. after the sideway episode, i bought it. you do that in 911.... well you will buy it b/c you would most likely crashed it ;-)

for street, i love cay.
for track, i had several durability issues.
but eventually i am sure porsche will fix the problesm.

just get one. you will like it.

finally you need to be "inspired" more so you can put more mileage on the GT3's

dertub

Yes, the yellow and the green don't get out a lot. If I do get the Cayman, it will probably be in the Spring. I will sell my red '02 Carrera with 46k miles.

ajcjr

i test drove both, to me the cayman was like a kart and very responsive sporty feel, hard feel, not luxury, but awesome

the 911, the front end feels light, fast, luxury fast,

would take iether one

zedcat

I would not hesitate to opt for a base Carrera 997 over a Cayman S if I could- even though I'm planning to buy a Cayman soon. Here in Malaysia for me the 997 is just cost prohibitive. I have no real rationalization for the choice. I sold my 997 (S model) before moving here. At an emotional level I think it's the legacy, mystique, iconic status, whatever you call it, I just love the 911 series. Also while I would never expect anyone to ride in the rear seats, the cabin has a roomier feel.....but that's just me.

Chris from Cali

I agree - it's something you can't quite put your finger on, but you know where the extra money went (besides the HP).

gota911

BTW, in case you guys don't know, Mooty has at least 2, and more often than not, 3 of EVERYTHING.... except for wives... at last count he still has only one!