I now own a 1999, 911 and was looking at the Cayman. Can anyone realistically tell me why a 911 is twice the cost. The 911 doesn't look to be twice the car??

 

Only reason I can think of is that the 911 has twice the seats.

:grin:

 

911 will always be a 911. A Cayman will always only ever be a Cayman.

911 typically has more power unless you are comparing different model generations.

Cayman is a great little car.
A lot of them are ending up on the track because the cost is lower and they are easier to drive... Add power and you got a secret weapon

 

Apparently chicks dig 911 more. (citation needed)

 

I have a 996 era 911 and a 987 era Cayman and I too cannot see physically why 911s should be nearly twice the price.
But, this is the way of pretty much all car manufacturers. They always strive to have a top of the line model and a lesser model.
Comparing my two, the 996 is quieter, smoother, larger interior room, and a few more electronic features. The power is about the same as they are from two different eras in Porsche's production.
The 996 is more pleasant to take on a freeway journey than the Cayman.
But, when the twisty roads start, the Cayman has the definite edge.

 

I wanted a Cayman but wife dictated that I had to have back seats. So I got an older 911 for more money than a newer cayman for less. Go figure. I had to go back to a sedan when my 4 year old complained he didn't fit with a car seat in the back. Next planned purchase is a 2014 Cayman or Boxster. I prefer the Cayman but I've seen some hot Boxsters in that Rhodium Silver. Even though the 911 was bigger, had more presence and power, I still love the Cayman and want one. I'm not a purist but definitely an enthusiast and they are all beautiful.

All in, many see the 911 as the "dream car" and the Cayman as the upstart. Most of the money is based on economics. If they want it they will pay for it. What I will say is having seen Caymans race against 911s, if you're betting, don't bother on the Cayman.

E

 

I'll likely buy a Cayman GTS/R/whatever's "best" next, but having owned multiple 997s and a 987, the major differences were in the handling and build quality.

Nothing drives like a 911. It's hard to explain, but easy to feel from behind the wheel. It's one reason I kept going back to 911s. Things might have changed in the 991/981 generation. I'm still keeping my eye out for a good 997.2 GT3, but I suspect they'll be out of my price range by the time I'm ready.

As far as build quality goes, all of my 911s (2006, 2007, 2009) were built like tanks. I never had any issues with rattles, loose trim or buttons, sloppy controls, etc. Always 100% solid. My Cayman (2007) was not as tight - I got some rattles from the hatch, plus the controls were not as tight. Again, hard to quantify, easy to feel. It was one reason my wife encouraged me to ditch the Cayman for another 911.

A friend pointed out that with the VW-ification of Porsche, quality control is likely to suffer. I hope not. In any event, I'll drive a 991.2 and a 981.2 back to back to see if anything's changed (assuming a 997.2 GT3 is in the stratosphere).

Hard to go wrong with either car, FWIW.

 

I have two 911s and just got a base Cayman 2014 with a stick shift. I am blown away by the car. To me the current generation Cayman is the best sportscar in the Porsche line up (918 excluded). I test drove many 991s but couldn't get my self to buy one. The car feels too big and some of the fun factor is lost. The 7-speed manual ( gutted automatic ) is hard to like too. Compare that with nimble Cayman and that fantastic mechanical 6-speed, it is a revelation. Floor the throttle, and flat- 6 screams just like in old 911s. The cayman is the 911 of today.

 

I went from a 997.2 CS to a 981S and I am very pleased with the swap. The Cayman is a superior car in every way, hands down.

 

We have one of each. Very different cars, both are great in their own ways.

Re:

Simple. Because they can charge that and get it.
.

 

Felt the same and made the move from a 997.2 C4S this July for a custom built/ordered 2014 Cayman S and haven't regretted it one bit. Great car. All that I need and I too walked out of the dealership wondering why I had bought 4 Carreras before and gave up my previous Boxster for 911 money?
Hear you on that. But the new Cayman as we've discussed really steps up things in the Porsche sports car department. It is as good as a base Carrera and actually a better driver's car. The new 911 is too big and more of a GT and competitors are quickly catching up. I saw the new Jag F type Coupe man and it sounded and looked amazing. Only things that would give me a pause would be of course price (they are pricey beasts) and reliability. But I do know I wouldn't see one everywhere as you do some P-car models in certain cities. My point is that the 911 is classic yes but after you've owned a few like we both have..you do understand that there are other options out there and money can be spent more wisely. However Porsche will always have 911 buyer because of the economics and marketing of the car...rest assured. However as you know I will not discount the Cayman just because someone says it is the lesser model...cause honestly in any of these cars we are the lessor factors as not many of us can legally or actually use or drive them to their intended levels of designed performance anyway man.

 

I'd only buy an F-type R coupe as a certified car (i.e. after it's lost $40K in depreciation). With a new Cayman, I'd order to spec (PTS, options, etc.). Damn the depreciation - I'd hang onto it forever...

 

I've tried the F-type coupe and couldn't sit in it more than 30 seconds without severe discomfort. I've found that to be the issue with more cars than I'd expect. Well its made the choice a lot easier. I fit really well in any Porsche and any Audi. Bentleys and Jaguars don't bode so well. Beemers are hit and miss.

 

Thanks for the responses!
I couldn't believe that a 911 is worth twice as much and you pretty much confirmed that it wasn't. I will be looking at a Cayman for my next Porsche. But I must say I do love my 911!!!!

 

I love the photo showing the what I think is the sexyist view of these cars. Of course I have always been a butt man!!