S or Base??
09-06-2011, 12:08 AM
#1
Team Owner
Thread Starter
S or Base??
Have been doing my research on buying a Cayman for a DD. Was 100% sold on a '06 or '07 S then started thinking "maybe" a base with 5 speed and decent options, nice wheels etc. After all it's a DD with about 22 miles each way and want a fun ride but some nice mileage. I've given my original ride for that commute to my youngest for school. That was an Acura TSX with Nav, XM etc. so great mileage and all but only so so fun (and I'm not getting younger.)
So, any of you guys owned both or have friends that have? Any experiences or advice appreciated relative to the hands on differences.
FYI: I also own an '86 951 modded a good bit so have the hard ride toy thing covered. This car doesn't have to do both so much.
So, any of you guys owned both or have friends that have? Any experiences or advice appreciated relative to the hands on differences.
FYI: I also own an '86 951 modded a good bit so have the hard ride toy thing covered. This car doesn't have to do both so much.
09-06-2011, 02:48 AM
#2
Drive both and see how you feel. I just got a Cayman. I have not owned an S or R, but drove them back to back. If I didn't have two other sports cars (including a 944 race car), I may have gone for S or even the R as a DD/track car. The 26 average mpg, base Cayman is sufficient as a DD.
09-06-2011, 09:32 AM
#3
I owned a 2007 Cayman for two years and then traded it in on a 2007 Cayman S which I still have. The S has 50 more HP, a 6 speed vrs 5 speed transmission and larger front brakes. These features are useful on a track car (my main use), not so much for dailey driver. I did track the Cayman for two years and the brakes were adequate. 5th gear in the S is more useful then 5th gear in the base as the base 5th is more of an overdrive. Suspension is the same.
09-06-2011, 09:38 AM
#4
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Ok, thanks for input. I know the wife would consider me a bit more sane with the base. Seems like ideal would be a '09 base since 2.9, more HP, six speed etc. but not too many yet on market since the rash of 3 year lease returns not up yet. The other deal is those '08s still most in factory warranty. Guess time to go do some driving.
09-06-2011, 03:58 PM
#5
Racer
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: DFW
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would agree with Bill's assessment - I have a friend who started with a base Cayman, but when she got into doing DEs, she felt inadequate, and traded it for an S. If you aren't planning to track the car much, then you will probably get as much pleasure on the street from the base. I think either car makes a great DD.
09-07-2011, 01:43 AM
#6
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Stamford, CT
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you have to stretch financially to get the S then it's not worth it. The base is extremely fun and very quick especially coming from a TSX. Like others have said, the only place you can really appreciate the difference is on a track, and if thats not a priority I'd save the money. Now if you were looking at 911s, M3's and other 80k+ cars then get the S. The base is not in their league performance wise.
09-07-2011, 03:27 PM
#7
I have 2007 base Cayman with a six speed and the sport package. I get about 3-4 better MPG with it, than the S. Great DD and I occasionally track it with a DE student, as I have a track car. Zero regrets. Jim
Trending Topics
09-09-2011, 10:16 AM
#8
Team Owner
Thread Starter
With a six speed would be very nice but all the base 07-08 seem to have 5 speeds or trips, never seen a six. The '09 base with six speed (all have it, no more 5 speeds in Caymans) with the added power plus the new engine with DFI and no IMS would be perfect for a DD. Except not many on the market yet and now we are talking the $40-45k range toy.
09-09-2011, 10:29 AM
#9
It was a factory "Sport" option that included the standard S 18" wheels and the PASM:Porsche Active Suspension Management
system. Includes active management of
suspension firmess and a ride height
decrease of -10mm from the standard
suspension.
There were a few other pieces to it, but I can't remember.
There are few out there. Jim
system. Includes active management of
suspension firmess and a ride height
decrease of -10mm from the standard
suspension.
There were a few other pieces to it, but I can't remember.
There are few out there. Jim
09-10-2011, 09:14 AM
#10
With a six speed would be very nice but all the base 07-08 seem to have 5 speeds or trips, never seen a six. The '09 base with six speed (all have it, no more 5 speeds in Caymans) with the added power plus the new engine with DFI and no IMS would be perfect for a DD. Except not many on the market yet and now we are talking the $40-45k range toy.
09-12-2011, 10:43 PM
#12
I had a 5-speed 2007 base Cayman. I loved it because I could really drive the nuts off of it without getting into too much trouble. If I did that in my 2009 C4S, I'd go to jail. I'd only get the S if you want/need the larger brakes..
09-14-2011, 08:58 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
mclaudio
The S is a wonderful upgrade and you won't be wishing you went there first.
That said I have 2006 "S" 6 sp, very heavily optioned, like new ,mint condition .... 10K miles.
For sale.
Pm me if you for details if you like.
Elliot
The S is a wonderful upgrade and you won't be wishing you went there first.
That said I have 2006 "S" 6 sp, very heavily optioned, like new ,mint condition .... 10K miles.
For sale.
Pm me if you for details if you like.
Elliot
10-22-2011, 04:40 PM
#14
Team Owner
Thread Starter
"might" have just bought an '06 S. Guess we'll see after buddy does a PPI Monday. If not, the search continues. (since sold DD last week it's a lot more serious search right now). IF wrap this up will post up a few lessons learned and things to do for others out there on the quest.