BimmFiniti

Just last week I switched Porsches: from a 2002 911 to a 2007 Cayman S.

OMG, what a difference! I struggled with the 996's (lack of) balance and floaty suspension and was never that impressed with the steering response. The Cayman "nails" all of those areas. I own a BMW 330i, too, and my Cayman is the best car I've ever driven.

I have found the right Porsche for me! My theoretical downgrade is a huge upgrade in my books!

Adrienne

Cool! I completely know where you are coming from....

I just switched from the 993 to a Cayman S. I still hold onto the nostalgia of the 993; however....I just got back from my first track event with the Cayman S, and by comparison I feel like a rockstar driving the ever-nimble, perfectly balanced Cayman S! What an amazing car! I am way, way faster in the Cayman S, after only one weekend with it. And I didn't even feel like I was trying. The car just handles beautifully! I did a tremendous number ($$) of upgrades to my 993 in the 8 years I owned it. And just like that, I am faster in the Cayman S (stock other than suspension).

Renn 951

You've had time to take some pics; now update your avatar!

Renn 951

You too!!

BimmFiniti

Wow, that's great. I suspect I may be in a similar situation. I tracked my BMW 330i a number of times and was doing pretty well. My first (and only) session with the 996 was a mess. I was not smooth at all; I had very little feel for the road and the base suspension on the 996 was a real problem.

I'm definitely looking forward to tracking the Cayman S.

BimmFiniti

Agreed. Will do that in the next few days. It hasn't exactly been picturing-takin' weather here, but I'll see what I can do.

BimmFiniti

Done - with a picture from the Craigslist ad I bought it from!

Renn 951

Sweet! Now all we need is a new pic of Adrienne - with her Cayman of course!

930man

im thinking about one also!

Gator Bite

I never get tired of reading posts like that.... I love my Cayman S. I've done 17 track days in it, and have had an absolute blast. These things rock on the track, but be prepared for some understeer and a squishy brake pedal as you get faster. A track alignement and some good brake pads and you'll be eating up all sorts of cars without breaking a sweat.

mjet

Same here..... I went from an 04 996 to an 06 CS.... Nite and day IMO......

Audioi

It seems to be going around.......

NightFlyer

At Porsche Palooza last weekend the guest speaker was Vic Elford. He did about a hour long discussion on performance driving and at the end someone asked what was his favorite car. He responded with the Cayman S, he said it was the best car that Porsche ever built. I guess he knows a few things about Porsches.

Optical TDI

Yes I'm thinking of this too. I drove a 2007 Cayman and was impressed with the feel and handling, but lack of oomph was there. Perhaps an S would provide that oomph that my 996 does. I value handling over power and torque, but it's hard to go back to "slower".

BimmFiniti

My 996 was very similar to yours: '02 C2, although yours perhaps has a bit more power than mine with your exhaust mods.

In terms of numbers, a 2007 Cayman S and 2002 base 996 are only different by 0.1 second 0-60 (R&T): 4.7 for the 996; 4.8 for the Cayman S. Newer Cayman S'es (2009 and later, I believe) have basically the same power as the '02 996.

In switching to the Cayman S, I did notice a slight decrease in power at low RPMs (below 2000). Other than that, the raw power is very similar. And, with the Cayman, the balance, agility and control is so much better you're actually faster - and more confident - in dynamic situations.

If you're into feel and handling, as you say, you'll love the Cayman. I'm the same way, and it's just flat-out the best car I've driven.