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I've been in the market for a 981 Cayman for 6 months now. I fell in love with a white one that a dealer let me take home for 24 hours, only to have it sold to someone else by the time I returned it. Since then, I've watched the prices go up from something reasonable, to essentially what a 911 costs. I've jumped on two great 981 CPOs that got sold to someone else within minutes of coming on the market. This week, the 981GTS at my local dealer just sold for $70k before actually coming on the market. My only choice would have been to buy it before actually seeing it, which isnt a game I am willing to play.
I am an adult, and half of this decision is about money and value for me. So is a 911 going to have as much fun, excitement, and personality in it as a 981 Cayman? From what I can tell, a 991.1 C2S/C4S is A LOT more car. The 991.2s are even more car on top of that. But is it going to have the same magic as a Cayman? Which am I going to be happiest with in a year from now? I've taken all these on test drives, and just didnt fall in love with the 911s the way I did with the Caymans. The 911s seemed much more grown up and less like they were chomping at the bit to go fast all the time. They seemed less fun. The problem is that I know Im in this for the long haul and its impossible to get a sense of livability during a test drive. Is my thing with the Cayman infatuation? Will the 911 grow on me? I am planning on driving this car A LOT, so is the 911 going to be better than the cayman in a year?
For reference, Ive had older fast BMWs before (2003 M5 and 2005 M3). They were amazing, but Im looking for something more out of the Porsche.
Originally Posted by cvtbenhogan
Seems like the cayman is for you. I started out looking for a cayman but changed immediately after I drove the 911 for the first time. I found the cayman boring by comparison (too neutral) and was intrigued by the 911 feel. Also liked the room and looks of it.
Trust your instincts
Agree, would go with your heart and the one that gets you excited. Nobody needs a sports car, let alone a Porsche, but we are car enthusiasts that have an irrational exuberance for driving that many, perhaps even most, do not understand.
I am new here and found this primarily due to COVID. We are not taking our vacations/trips and doing the things we usually do. I am impressed with the amount of information and experiences others share. The thing is we are all unique and our experiences are all different. Still, a great way to get feedback from enthusiasts that have traveled down similar paths previously.
I, like you, had an E46 M3 and enjoyed it immensely. Moved on to an E92 M3 because it was the new shiny model but didn't enjoy it as much due primarily to the extra weight and size. Loved the sound of the V8 at 8000 RPM but it didn't give me the same joy as the E46. As I've gotten older, I am starting to realize what I like and what I don't but that's been an expensive and long journey. I currently have a 911T and a 718 GT4 and they are both incredible (not sure which I would choose if I had to go with just one). I bought them because when I open up the garage door, get in and start them up, they make me smile. When I open them up on a nice twisty road, my smile gets even bigger and during that time, I don't think about the stresses of daily life. In the end, that's what these cars are about. Sports cars are emotional purchases and if they don't make you feel something when you get in them, it's time to move on.
If the Cayman gets you excited, go with it. If it's the 911, go with it. Only you will know. You can't go wrong with either as they are both incredible and in the end, it's a personal decision. I think the only regret you'll have is going with the one that doesn't get you excited.
...I've taken all these on test drives, and just didnt fall in love with the 911s the way I did with the Caymans....
As others have said, you already answered your own question in the quote above. After test driving, buy the car that speaks to you. There is no wrong answer. Don't get caught up in the "oh, the 911 is THE Porsche to have" talk.
I have had a few Cayman's (987S, 987R, 981 GT4) and a 911.2 T. They have all been great.
I went from a 718 Boxster S (405hp to rear wheels) to what I have now 991.2. I have health issues and the 991.2 fixed the seating issue for me, so much more room. Long drives you'll want the 911 for sure.
Both great cars but both very different
Tons of stereotypes always putting the Boxster/Cayman down all the time. I didn't get much as my Boxster was really a head tuner (somewhat rare) but when I got the 911 a few just blared out "finally you upgraded to a real Porsche". Some people can't help themselves. 1 or 2 I had to remind them that my little Boxster would whoop they *** lol, then that conversations would end with a smile on my face.
As for the 981 vs 718, I turned down a 981 GTS for the 718S. The 718S is that much better
While I loved my little Boxster the truth is I couldn't keep both, I don't have those kind of funds. I'm enjoying the 911
I've been in the market for a 981 Cayman for 6 months now. I fell in love with a white one that a dealer let me take home for 24 hours, only to have it sold to someone else by the time I returned it. Since then, I've watched the prices go up from something reasonable, to essentially what a 911 costs. I've jumped on two great 981 CPOs that got sold to someone else within minutes of coming on the market. This week, the 981GTS at my local dealer just sold for $70k before actually coming on the market. My only choice would have been to buy it before actually seeing it, which isnt a game I am willing to play.
I am an adult, and half of this decision is about money and value for me. So is a 911 going to have as much fun, excitement, and personality in it as a 981 Cayman? From what I can tell, a 991.1 C2S/C4S is A LOT more car. The 991.2s are even more car on top of that. But is it going to have the same magic as a Cayman? Which am I going to be happiest with in a year from now? I've taken all these on test drives, and just didnt fall in love with the 911s the way I did with the Caymans. The 911s seemed much more grown up and less like they were chomping at the bit to go fast all the time. They seemed less fun. The problem is that I know Im in this for the long haul and its impossible to get a sense of livability during a test drive. Is my thing with the Cayman infatuation? Will the 911 grow on me? I am planning on driving this car A LOT, so is the 911 going to be better than the cayman in a year?
For reference, Ive had older fast BMWs before (2003 M5 and 2005 M3). They were amazing, but Im looking for something more out of the Porsche.
They are two different cars. I currently have a white 2016 Cayman S (325 HP) and a 2009 997.2CS (385 HP). The 911 has more tradition, legacy and acceleration.. The 981 is more nimble and balanced because of mid engine so more fun driving especially in corners. I do not track or autoX which might change my opinion. Porsche just moved the 911RSR to mid engine BTW. Both awesome cars. If one car just had to go, I would sell the 911 and keep the 981.
If you get a Cayman, I'm sure you will enjoy it but pretty sure you wish you had 911 after 3-4 months.
Driving characteristic, the look, iconic history in sports car world, etc.
As much as I love driving perfectly balanced 718s, I don't think I will be happy owning Cayman instead of 911 unless it's GT4 manual.
But I'm sure Cayman forums will say differently. You know that you asked in 911 forum members, right? =)
before i got my 991.1, my first choice was a cayman (981 or 718 depending on specs) over a 911. But I got the 911 because I wanted rear seats for my kid haha. I had a NSX prior to this and it's a two seater, but I wanted a fun car that I can take out with both my wife and kid too. So 911 it is lol.
Yes, clearly this is the only rational solution to this debate. And the most satisfying.. And it supports diversity
The fact I have (and will for some time) two Carreras is a huge departure from my norm. For years I happily had two 987s in the garage even towards the end of 981 production. That was after back-to-back 997s and then I came to significantly realize the virtues of mid engine Porsches. Subsequently having had 3 987s, 3 981s, and 1 982 (GTS), and countless hours looking again at 987.2 Spyders with no luck, I finally decided it was time to move on to bigger and better, literally. The 987 will always remain my favorite Boxster/Cayman. They are perfect at what they were intended. Subsequent iterations although more advanced and powerful just lost the charm and were priced ridiculously. The 981 will forever be the car Porsche short-changed at every opportunity, and the 718 4s will be the Porsche no one wanted and all but killed market demand for the platform. I hated our 982, which was really for my wife but ended up sourcing her the 992 so I wouldn’t have to claim ownership. Of my 12 Porsches, it’s at the bottom of the list.
As others have said, you already answered your own question in the quote above. After test driving, buy the car that speaks to you. There is no wrong answer. Don't get caught up in the "oh, the 911 is THE Porsche to have" talk.
I have had a few Cayman's (987S, 987R, 981 GT4) and a 911.2 T. They have all been great.
My relationship history has taught me to not trust test drives. haha
The fact I have (and will for some time) two Carreras is a huge departure from my norm. For years I happily had two 987s in the garage even towards the end of 981 production. That was after back-to-back 997s and then I came to significantly realize the virtues of mid engine Porsches. Subsequently having had 3 987s, 3 981s, and 1 982 (GTS), and countless hours looking again at 987.2 Spyders with no luck, I finally decided it was time to move on to bigger and better, literally. The 987 will always remain my favorite Boxster/Cayman. They are perfect at what they were intended. Subsequent iterations although more advanced and powerful just lost the charm and were priced ridiculously. The 981 will forever be the car Porsche short-changed at every opportunity, and the 718 4s will be the Porsche no one wanted and all but killed market demand for the platform. I hated our 982, which was really for my wife but ended up sourcing her the 992 so I wouldn’t have to claim ownership. Of my 12 Porsches, it’s at the bottom of the list.
Concur about 987.... It's the sweet spot in the entirety of Porsches history and mine shocks me every time I drive it in how good it is. No SPASM, PASM, PDK, PDCC, RAS, DEM, DTM, apple car play or dumb LCD screens. Analog, mechanical and a hoot every time with 6 gears (The right amount) and 3 pedals.
09-02-2020 | 10:18 AM
