parkerfe

Its called the Cayman

chuckbdc

Yes and that makes some Cayman owners nuts!

FORENN

gota911

Base Carrera 3.4L engine = 350 HP
Boxster S 3.4L engine = 315 HP

kosmo

why is this? so they just detuned the dam thing?!
the Boxster S i drover was >$81k!

parkerfe

That is correct. Just like on the Cayman, which would outperform the 911 by a large margin if Porsche would put the 991s engine in it.

spourreza

Cayman needs a few more tuning items besides an engine to beat out a 911.

chuckbdc

Don't underestimate what they have done with the Boxter. Having driven a Boxter S and a 991 Carrera S at the track last weekend, I don't think a Cayman would need more than the engine. Well perhaps the big brakes that are on the S.

iambon

I used to have Cayman R, feel extraordinary fast and competent. It feels faster than my friend's 997.2 Carrera around the lap with less power HP 330 vs 345.

Here is the info from fastest lap.com

Track Carrera 997.2 Cayman R
Hockenheim Short 1:16.10 1:12.40
Laguna Seca 1:45.00 1:41.64
Sachsenring 1:40.51 1:38.90

Track Carrera GTS Cayman R
Hockenheim Short 1:12.90 1:12.40
Inta 1:11.69 1:11.26

CR can even match/beat vs 997.2 GTS with 408 hp.

Power is not everything, everyone in F1 paddock know that mercedes has the most powerful engine in F1 but look at Red bull with less powerful renault engine, Red bull did won 2 times world champion in a roll and now they are leading the championship 2012. The keys to make fast car are also chassis development and aerodynamic.

This is why when i upgrade to 991, I would never consider the "base" model. I guess Porsche knows that 981 Cayman S would even match/beat my 991S so now they also cut the PDCC option (which makes 991S faster around the ring) to handicap Cayman.
May be they afraid to lose sell on 991? since I might be one of them to Jump on 981 if Porsche ever consider to put detuned 3.8 engine to Cayman S or allow to have a performance package same as 991S (991 no need to be afraid since 911 always has GT2, GT3, Turbo above them)

spourreza

If power isnt everything, then the difference between the base and S is marginal. You should read Chris Harris article on the 991 Base in the current Excellence magazine. Also the difference between the base and S on a track is marginal - driver skills kicks in at that point. Trust me. I raced the 991 and 991S and couldn’t believe how well the base kept up with the S. Totally competent. In low gear you can tell somewhat of a difference but in 4th/5th gear – they become the same. And I did this on two different race tracks on two different days. That’s what sold me on the base - it was freakin fast. Dont look at 0-60 times that Porsche gives you b/c you will miss the big picutre. On a track, they are true 911's - base or S. Also, I did race the R and Spider on the tack as well. They did seem very competent but something was missing….

iambon

Yes, the base is pretty fast as well, another solid reason why Porsche has cut PDCC for base. just my 2 cents.

Regarding to power is not everything, CR has less power but better handling than 997 base, CR can be faster than 997 base.
But if you compare the car which has the same chassis/weight/setting then power definitely is something.

However, Cayman can't choose to have the same engine as Carrera/Carrera S because of Porsche policy.

sjfehr

How are they being optioned? Does the S coming standard with most of the really important performance options like the 997 or are those of us looking for used 991s in 3-5 years going to have a hell of a time finding a good track car?

spourreza

If you assume that the CR handles better that the Base, then you have to also assume it handles better than the "S" since handling between the two 991 variants won't differ since they can be optioned the same. The major difference between the two 991's is Torque and HP which really has nothing to do with handling.... Keep this in mind. Also, not convinced that CR handles better. Yes, mid engine cars are we balanced but keep in mind that the 991 has the engine moved closer to the middle and has a wider stance and longer wheel base. So I am not sold on your statement.

iambon

I did compare Cayman with 997 base not 991. I like handling of 991 and this is why I upgraded from Cayman to 991.

Randy Pobst once said in the Motortrend
"Race car race car.. wow.. I mean this is in the Audi's territory, Audi R8.. just been a fine piece..
The thing about the Cayman is.. Gosh i hope they don't hate me for saying this I think it's better than any 911 (997) except may be a GT3 RS like the top of the top and it is just a plain old Cayman"

I just happened to agree with him based on my experience but now I just like 991 because it handling like a plain old Cayman but faster.
I believe that the base can't have PDCC option so there is some different on chasis between the base 991 and 991S, anyway, both are fantastic car to drive.

So for me,

CR vs 997 base --> i choose CR
991S vs 991 base --> i choose 991S

It is as simple as that.

kosmo

frankly, both the cay R and Spyder can EASILY handle another 50 hp w/o any other mods.

Porsche Excuslive touts it can do anything the client desires. Ok, how about a Boxster w/ 4.0 w/ 500hps?!