Edmunds Cayman/991 perspective
04-19-2013, 11:15 AM
#46
In my case I was ready to order a 991 cabrio in January, but then I test drove the 981 Boxster S. After taking a prolonged test drive of both cars, I found them to be very comparable in performance notwithstanding the 30HP defict of the 981. The price differance between the two cars that I was considering was almost $30K. The only significant differance between the two cars was the absence of a rear seat in the 981, a seat which I would nvever use. So in my case the decision was easy, and I ordered the 981.
There are lots of factors that come into the car buying decision, and I can understand that others can look at the same data that I did and reach a different decision and order the 991. So who made the correct decision? We both did.
There are lots of factors that come into the car buying decision, and I can understand that others can look at the same data that I did and reach a different decision and order the 991. So who made the correct decision? We both did.
04-19-2013, 02:32 PM
#47
Instructor
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, in regards to the performance, the new Boxter S, being significantly lighter, feels close to the 991 Cab. So either choice is a great one.
There are practical concerns too (rear seat, space, cost, etc).
But in the end, the decision is somewhat of an impulsive and emotional one.
For me, there is no substitute for the feel of a real-engined car (911). It came down to that. Although not quite as pronounced with the 991, that feel is still definitely there. That's worth the exra $30K to me. (in my case, I got the C2S)
There are practical concerns too (rear seat, space, cost, etc).
But in the end, the decision is somewhat of an impulsive and emotional one.
For me, there is no substitute for the feel of a real-engined car (911). It came down to that. Although not quite as pronounced with the 991, that feel is still definitely there. That's worth the exra $30K to me. (in my case, I got the C2S)
04-19-2013, 06:13 PM
#48
In my case I was ready to order a 991 cabrio in January, but then I test drove the 981 Boxster S. After taking a prolonged test drive of both cars, I found them to be very comparable in performance notwithstanding the 30HP defict of the 981. The price differance between the two cars that I was considering was almost $30K. The only significant differance between the two cars was the absence of a rear seat in the 981, a seat which I would nvever use. So in my case the decision was easy, and I ordered the 981.
There are lots of factors that come into the car buying decision, and I can understand that others can look at the same data that I did and reach a different decision and order the 991. So who made the correct decision? We both did.
There are lots of factors that come into the car buying decision, and I can understand that others can look at the same data that I did and reach a different decision and order the 991. So who made the correct decision? We both did.
Enjoy your 981 S and I assure you I'll be out enjoying my 991 C2. (Sorry for the conflict free follow-up to an inoffensive (and logical) post...)
04-20-2013, 07:39 PM
#49
Hockeyguy & Mrstep - Since I've owned several 911s over the years, I completely understand your love affair with the 911. Although I went with the 981 this time, to me the 911 will always be the quintessential sports car. Enjoy your cars, as I'm certain you will.
04-21-2013, 11:18 AM
#50
Advanced
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok enough of the group hug
. Let's not forget one major point Edmunds made, which they actually did not make, it was made by Porsche team leader of engine development. That is Porsche detuned the exact same engine in the new Cayman S because it is a lower model than 991 base.
The question I had is this, what happens if you have a Cayman S that has the exact power output as the 991 base? Would it be a deal breaker for 991?
Personally I don't see any fundamental shift. If you like rear engine, or need the +2 seats, or just like the 911 badge, a 25hp gain on the new Cayman isn't going to make you suddenly like a mid engine, or have no need for the back seat, or become comfortable in a lower model.
I did not mention the price difference because if Porsche equalizes the power output, it is likely going to be with a power pack for a big chunck of money, removing the price/badge appeal.
. Let's not forget one major point Edmunds made, which they actually did not make, it was made by Porsche team leader of engine development. That is Porsche detuned the exact same engine in the new Cayman S because it is a lower model than 991 base.The question I had is this, what happens if you have a Cayman S that has the exact power output as the 991 base? Would it be a deal breaker for 991?
Personally I don't see any fundamental shift. If you like rear engine, or need the +2 seats, or just like the 911 badge, a 25hp gain on the new Cayman isn't going to make you suddenly like a mid engine, or have no need for the back seat, or become comfortable in a lower model.
I did not mention the price difference because if Porsche equalizes the power output, it is likely going to be with a power pack for a big chunck of money, removing the price/badge appeal.
04-21-2013, 12:13 PM
#51
Point 1 is a combination of arrogant; a sweeping generalization and condescending to boot what a load of rubbish! I have known 911 owners over 2 decades and they run the gamut from Wall St types who don't care to track to hard-core enthusiasts who know the entire history of the marque/911s and who can do their own maintenance (on old 911s).
Let's be honest: The average 911 buyer is a suit-and-tie-wearing, power-brokering status type more concerned with a perfect business deal than with a perfect heel-and-toe downshift. Sure, there's a core group of enthusiasts who drive the 911 the way it was meant to be driven. But a high percentage of 911s will see more duty trundling in traffic than thrashing on a track.
04-21-2013, 03:58 PM
#52
I did not mention the price difference because if Porsche equalizes the power output, it is likely going to be with a power pack for a big chunck of money, removing the price/badge appeal.
When I had my 997 in for servicing a couple months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a Porsche factory rep. After a couple minutes the discussion came around to the engines in the 991 and 981S. I wanted to know what Porsche did to detune the 3.4 liter engine in the 991, thinking that maybe I would be able to add the lost 30 HP without it costing me a fortune. Unfortunately he wouldn't reveal anything, except for the fact that Porsche expended a great deal of money to detune the 3.4 liter engine.
So if Porsche marketing is correct and 911 buyers don't cross shop 981s, then why did Porsche spend all of that money to ensure that the 991 would have more HP than the 981? It would have been far less expensive to have the same engine in both cars. Sometimes actions speak a lot louder than words.
When I had my 997 in for servicing a couple months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a Porsche factory rep. After a couple minutes the discussion came around to the engines in the 991 and 981S. I wanted to know what Porsche did to detune the 3.4 liter engine in the 991, thinking that maybe I would be able to add the lost 30 HP without it costing me a fortune. Unfortunately he wouldn't reveal anything, except for the fact that Porsche expended a great deal of money to detune the 3.4 liter engine.
So if Porsche marketing is correct and 911 buyers don't cross shop 981s, then why did Porsche spend all of that money to ensure that the 991 would have more HP than the 981? It would have been far less expensive to have the same engine in both cars. Sometimes actions speak a lot louder than words.
04-22-2013, 01:57 AM
#53
Advanced
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by fast1:10403204
I did not mention the price difference because if Porsche equalizes the power output, it is likely going to be with a power pack for a big chunck of money, removing the price/badge appeal.
When I had my 997 in for servicing a couple months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a Porsche factory rep. After a couple minutes the discussion came around to the engines in the 991 and 981S. I wanted to know what Porsche did to detune the 3.4 liter engine in the 991, thinking that maybe I would be able to add the lost 30 HP without it costing me a fortune. Unfortunately he wouldn't reveal anything, except for the fact that Porsche expended a great deal of money to detune the 3.4 liter engine.
So if Porsche marketing is correct and 911 buyers don't cross shop 981s, then why did Porsche spend all of that money to ensure that the 991 would have more HP than the 981? It would have been far less expensive to have the same engine in both cars. Sometimes actions speak a lot louder than words.
When I had my 997 in for servicing a couple months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a Porsche factory rep. After a couple minutes the discussion came around to the engines in the 991 and 981S. I wanted to know what Porsche did to detune the 3.4 liter engine in the 991, thinking that maybe I would be able to add the lost 30 HP without it costing me a fortune. Unfortunately he wouldn't reveal anything, except for the fact that Porsche expended a great deal of money to detune the 3.4 liter engine.
So if Porsche marketing is correct and 911 buyers don't cross shop 981s, then why did Porsche spend all of that money to ensure that the 991 would have more HP than the 981? It would have been far less expensive to have the same engine in both cars. Sometimes actions speak a lot louder than words.
04-23-2013, 06:40 PM
#54
AutoX
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think what prompted the first qustion, why did you buy the 981 in the first place, is that the 991 was released many months before the 981. There were plenty of 991s to test drive when the 981 was launched in July. So it's puzzling why you didn't avail yourself of that opportunity. Your Porsche dealer must love you.
04-23-2013, 07:05 PM
#55
AutoX
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Build quality - My opinion but I have owned both, not just test drove or read reviews.
Larger engine - I'm talking about the S even though the base model still has more power.
More Standard options, Different suspension, real front air intakes, Larger, better brakes, etc... etc.....
Name and image also play a part. Do you think Ferrari and Lamborghini charges upward of 300g for quality and performance alone? Name happens to play a part. A Hyundai can have the same quality and options as a Mercedes but I doubt anyone would ever pay Mercedes money for a Hyundai. IMHO
04-23-2013, 07:11 PM
#56
AutoX
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I own both a 911 and a Boxster and I'm not emotional about which is better (truthfully, they are both better and worse than each other in different ways). I guess you could say, I could afford both. 
Your analogy above is more than a little silly. If you put a 911 engine in a Corolla and turned them both lose with equal drivers the Corolla would still lose.
I guess I always knew there must be guys like you out there that honestly believed that Porsche hasn't purposely handicapped the Boxster/Cayman with smaller motors to protect the 911. The real point is they are both great cars in their own right, but it's a shame Porsche feels the (obvious to most) need to handicap one to protect the other. Personally I suspect if Porsche developed both models to their maximum potential, they'd still sell plenty of both.
That being said, I'm glad you like your 991. It's clear from the post below that you prefer it for all the reasons the Porsche marketing department wants you to.
Your analogy above is more than a little silly. If you put a 911 engine in a Corolla and turned them both lose with equal drivers the Corolla would still lose.
I guess I always knew there must be guys like you out there that honestly believed that Porsche hasn't purposely handicapped the Boxster/Cayman with smaller motors to protect the 911. The real point is they are both great cars in their own right, but it's a shame Porsche feels the (obvious to most) need to handicap one to protect the other. Personally I suspect if Porsche developed both models to their maximum potential, they'd still sell plenty of both.
That being said, I'm glad you like your 991. It's clear from the post below that you prefer it for all the reasons the Porsche marketing department wants you to.
So by your theory because the Dodge Viper is faster than say the Dodge Challenger, than Dodge must be holding the Challenger back on purpose? Every car in a manufacturers stable can be given more power, isn't that a fact? Because they don't give them all the same power isn't a conspiracy theory, it's smart business.
04-23-2013, 07:13 PM
#57
AutoX
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
unless the 2014 cayman I drove is somehow not "standard", it had 19 inch wheels (the 991 I sold had 20 inch wheels), it had navigation, the interior (gauges, console) were identical to the 991, including the climate control. Are you sure that you looked at a new car?
Last edited by xecution; 04-26-2013 at 02:12 AM.
