AfroThunder

Hi All,

I need some advice and I figured I'd post in the 997 forum.

It's been quite some time since my last 911. My first was an '82 911 SC coupe, and my most recent was a 996TT X50. I've since moved on and I think it's time to get back into a modern Porsche.

It comes down to a 997.1 coupe or a 987 Cayman S.

For the money that these Cayman's are going for, that a LOT of car. After driving many of them, it's well balanced, looks unique, and for the money you really are getting a lot of car.

Regardless of what the "better" car is, I'm living the age-old problem "I know the Cayman is a better car, but it's not a 911"

Objectively we should all have Caymans, but a 911 is.....a 911 - and you really can't top that!

In the future I do plan to house both models in my garage but for the near future I just don't know which route to go.

A low mile 987 S can be had for mid-low $20k range (with Bose, adaptive sport seats, PASM, Sport Chrono, etc). For instance I'm looking at an arctic silver 2007 with 37k miles for $23,900. In comparison a comparable 997 can be had in the high $30k range (on a good day). And for the 997 I'm looking at a base 2006 C2 speed yellow with 28k miles and only Sport Chrono. I just don't know where to go from here. Also, those aren't my only options - just using them as examples.

Any and all feedback regarding the two cars would be highly appreciated! Hope to finalize my decision soon.

Thanks all!

kisik

Hard to give any advice. I am biased and love my 997.1 C2S. Love the sound, big ***, 2 rear seats for my boys, great rear snow traction with my Nokian tires. And a great value.
People are obsessed with 997.2s thinking that DFI motor worth extra $15-20k. That is your call. For track it is Cayman for sure. I can't even see 997 platform on advanced track events.
Food luck with your search.

AfroThunder

Thanks! That was my next issue...everytime I look at a 997.1 everyone knocks me to go after a DFI 997.2. Frankly, I like the first gens a lot better.

Good luck with your C2S!

JO911

It sounds like you've had good seat time in the 987 S so it will probably help to take out a few 997s and see what your gut says. What pushed me into the 997 was the torque and power delivery - I thought the 987 S didn't wake up until 5k while the 997 came on a lot sooner.

With a bit of looking I think you can find a base 997.1 for lower to mid 30s and a really nice S for upper 30s, especially with winter coming up.

AfroThunder

VERY true. If I hold off until December and February, I feel as though a lot of the C2S's that are in the $40k range may trickle down as a lot of the ones I've been eyeing haven't moved in quite some time.

Also, agreed on power delivery with the 911 vs the Cayman. Both great cars in their own special ways.

tomc_mets

If you think you might need the back seats from time to time, go 911. Otherwise, go 911!
You can't go wrong either way, two excellent choices. Drive both, pick the one you like most...T

Dennis C

I think the .2 cars are better if you want an automatic transmission. PDK is a huge improvement over Tiptronic. If you want a 6MT, then the .1 cars are worthy of serious consideration.

z3mcoupe

When I was shopping for a P-car, I was facing the same issue. HOWEVER, I thought if I bought the Cayman I may have had an occasional 'should I have got the 911?' question in my head.

I bought the 911, and I've never asked myself 'Should I have got the Cayman instead?'

Happy hunting!

captainbaker

Bingo.......but I never considered a Cayman. It would be settling.

pissedpuppy

Cayman is a better car? Balance, sure but that's pretty much it (IMO)

Obviously in Porsche's opinion too, since 911s > in price

Quadcammer

cayman platform is easily superior to the 911. Additionally, if you intend on really beating the car or tracking it, I'd much rather have a 987.2 cayman vs. a 997.1 911. The m96/m97 is junk from top to bottom.

I have 2 911s and 1 early boxster, and I'm convinced that the boxster is the better performance car platform.

kisik

"cayman platform is easily superior to the 911. Additionally, if you intend on really beating the car or tracking it, I'd much rather have a 987.2 cayman vs. a 997.1 911. The m96/m97 is junk from top to bottom"

He is not going to track his car. Also please be careful with slogan. I would'n call M97 with more then 250 track days without a single glitch a junk. Cayman R is easier to drive then 997 but this is not the point. Some people like more engaging and problem solving/tuning.

3Series

If you have to ask, go for the 911. The 911 has a better motor and back seats. Even if you don't use the back seats, it makes the car more "airy" and less claustrophobic.

I'm not sure what you mean, but there are plenty of 997's at "advanced" track events.

JABowders

I'm also new to Porsche ownership, mine being my 6th entry to my four wheel stable. I'm a pedals over paddles guy. Yea, I see the numbers and the newest PDK can shift faster and the ultimate 0 - 100 is quicker than with the manual transmission. I just prefer the overall driving experience from my antiquated old school clutch and gated shifter (years ago I REALLY wanted a 911 with the sequential transmission). I really like my '05 997 C2. Sure it has some things I would rather not have things like a sunroof and I have always felt that electric seats were a waste of money, plus adds unnecessary weight to the car, and it lacks a AUX connector that will cost about $150 to put in.


I'm very happy with my choice and enjoy driving it.


And yes, I'm looking forward to getting it out on track for a HPDE event soon.


Mien Stuttgart Reinauto

Austin997.2

The 911 will always be the classic, to me anyways.