I am either going for a Cayman S or for a 997S. Leave aside the 1st one which no one has yet driven, I heard that the 997S has a large amount of understeer built in, regardless of how stiff you opt to have the PASM on. Is the sport suspensions -20mm worth it (LSD included), and how much does it degrade from a comfort perspective? Is the short shift also worth it, any negatives to this?

Sincerely,

JAG

 

You don't show your local...If you are in the US, the -20mm option is not available here.
In its stock trim the 'S' has much less understeer than the 997 since it carries a bit more negative camber. In every day driving or even spirited driving you'll never notice it. Even in track situations, stock trim is not bad, in my experience.
PASM will not have any real effect upon understeer in regular or soprt mode, only damper settings except to minimize front end unloading under throtle application.

I have the short shift and find it to be a + with very positive gating...worth the extra $$

 

Sorry, based in the UK. Since I live in London (not that good roads), I do not want a bone jarring ride either.
Regarding your answer, thanks, that is good news. I want to track the car a couple of time a year.
Good things about the short shift, will go for it along with Sport exhaust. What about the difference between the sport and adjustable sport seats?
Will put in my order once I see how the Cayman S compares!

 

You can have the camber, toe, etc ( Geo ) done for your application. If you want the car with a more aggressive setup more conducive to track work have a track oriented geo done on the car.

 

I would say that if you are considering a 911 or a Boxster then it would be the Caymen S you should get. It's substantially cheaper (you can use the extra $$ for mods), will outrun the 911 through the twisties (DOE) and will generally be easier to drive fast on the track. I personally love the 911, always have. There will always be other cars that are faster, more exotic, whatever, it's the 911 for me.