cav14

Hey everybody,

I'm in the market for a Porsche and am trying to decide between a '15 Cayman and a '12 911 base. I've read all the reviews I can find comparing the two, but really feel like I need to get out and drive one or at least ride in the 911 to feel the difference. Unfortunately, all of the used ones around here are the 997.1 generation and I can't seem to find any that match what I'm looking for. Does anybody have any suggestions? Is there anyone in town that would be willing to give me a ride at some point so I can see how it rides?

Thanks in advance for any help.

OKB

Theres got to be some dealers around your area that has new cars. A new 2015 911 will be a close match to a 09 997.2. The 997.2 is pretty much the same mechanically as the 991. If you compare a new cayman to a 997.1, youll be taking a step back in the technology. Any 2015 car is way more advanced than a 05 to 08 car. But for my feelings any 911 is way different and better than a Boxster/Cayman. The B/C are good little sports cars, but 911s are alot more user friendly and driveable and roomier (?) as it were.

phaphaphooey

Cav: I would recommend that you head out to Cars and Coffee in Cool Springs next Saturday morning. The first Saturday of the month is when all the fun cars show up. I brought my Lotus last month and there were probably 500-600 cars, including a number of 911s in every vintage, including some 997.2 cars. Show up around 8 or 9 as a lot of the cars begin to leave by 10. Chat up some Porsche owners and enjoy yourself. You might even be able to worm your way into a ride/drive with one of them.

cvtbenhogan

Drive both. I started out with a Cayman as the goal but greatly preferred the 911 in the end. The 15 Cayman is stunning no question. If your okay with no rear seats and don't mind the extra motor noise behind your head, it's tough to beat. Looks much better than the prior gen too.

I think a 991 is much different than a 997. If your budget allows, I'd take a look at the 991 as well.

cav14

Thanks for all the advice so far. I'll definitely try to make it to cars and coffee next week. Regarding driving the other model years, which would feel most similar to a 997.2 base? 997.1 S? 991 base? I've read that there were pretty significant changes for both models.

cvtbenhogan

I'd say the 997.1S. The 991 is a whole new platform with electric steer, longer wheelbase and fully revised cabin. Check out "Total 911" where they have a 997 versus 991 comparo.

Btw. With all its issues (IMS and nonDFI motor) I think the 997.1 is still a great choice and bang for the buck. If you need auto, the .2 becomes the stronger choice.

OKB

A 'S' has the higher hp motor on all porsches. Always go for a S. So a 997.2 which is a S, 3.8 DFI and PDK trans is almost same as a 15 991 S . The top 997.2 was the GTS which has the improved intake system and a few tweeks became the drivetrain for the 991S. 991 body and looks are different. The PDK would be the major innovation and will be the only trans on future cars

3Series

Why don't you look for a 997.2 S car? Isn't a new base Cayman with some options around $60ish?

You could get a 997.2 S car for that price. I wouldn't buy a 2012 base for that price unless you were going with a 991.

Go with what you want though...

BIG smoke

Also think of reselling. I have found selling a four seater, has a larger audience.
I could sell the 4 seater convenience through to my wife.
Look honey, its practical.
None on your list are poor choices.