If the Cayman was given similar or perhaps identical power as a 997S, and was priced the same as a 997S, which car would you rather own?

I'm curious how many people really love the 911 that much over the Cayman, or if it's just the slight increase in straightline performance that explains the preference.

 

As silly as it sounds, i like the practicality of having rear seats as an option if i need to squeeze in an extra person. I also found the cayman to be a little claustrophobic feeling.

Driving wise, my 06 911 compared to a friends 06 Cayman S feels more planted.

As for speed, they are both really quick, on the street i don't care to test it too much. I havent been out to the track yet.

 

I also like having the back seats in the 911. But the main reason for me picking the 911 is because it's the 911. There are some cars you just want to own because it's an icon. If it was simply a case of performance, I'd have a Nissan GT-R in my garage instead.

 

Who could possibly predict which way this poll's going to wind up?
What's the name of this forum again?

 

All being equal, I'd still take the 911 as I much prefer the look and I appreciate the extra interior space. Roll in the history, heritage and the uniqueness of the rear-engine design, and it's 911 all the way. Given that probably all of us posting here with a 911 could, of course, have picked up the Cayman should we so choose, I think our choices are already pretty clear. I think the Cayman is a fabulous car, but I much prefer the 911 - so that's what I bought.

 

I'd take the 911 for a family sports car (and I did)...but there is no question in my mind that the Cayman/Boxsters are more fun to drive. I miss the hell out of my 987S.

 

2 different cars. The issue is not power. The choice is balance or pendulum. I like pendulum.

 

+1

 

385HP in a Cayman S or the same in a 997S...I'll take the Cayman S everytime. Only 1 problem they did not make the Cayman for tall guys....dang it!

 

Good point, Leader. Poll results on the Cayman forum would probably be different.

Assuming adequate beefing-up of other components in addition to 997S level power, I think I'd prefer the Cayman S, but I'd have to drive both again to be sure. For me, the mid-engine balance and handling easily beats the space behind the front seats.

 

I like the back seats. I started out with a mid-engined Porsche and moved to the 911 in 1977, never to return to the mid-engine.

 

Perhaps I am one of the older 911 drivers here but I prefer the 911. I must say that the Boxster/Caymann is a better value but I have craved ownership of the 911 since I was a kid. It is the Porsche in my mind.

 

+1. I appreciate the Cayman's technical ability, but if I'm going to buy a Porsche, it's going to be a pendulum. I don't care about the backseat or "practicality" (I'd get a GT3 RS over a Turbo).

 

Not an option - but if I want mid engine - I'd buy the R8 - Audi did a great job with that vehicle.

 

Actually I think there's more real headroom in the Cayman. My head hits the ceiling in the 997 coupe because the roof slants downward (and I have to have the seat back because of long legs). But in the Cayman in the same seating position there's a few inches left before my hair would touch the ceiling.

997 convertible has the most headroom overall though (whether top is up or down)