Cowhorn

Just wondering.

Looks like a pretty damn good vehicle all around. Any ****** in the armor?

BigRed911

981 S is a great car. I love mine.

Dino944

Nope, absolutely adore our 981 CS.

TTRob

The 981 is a very good all around sports car (I have an S). It looks great and works well as a daily driver. However, some of that ability comes at a price; the 981 is somewhat overrefined. The handling, steering feel, NVH tuning, etc. are a bit too benign. That said, this is a complaint issued to many modern sports cars, so it must be taken with a grain of salt. I won't get into hp level, because that topic's been covered many times before. The power is adequate.

Likes: The shifter is very good; short and crisp. Throttle response when blipping for downshifts is good. Controls effort feels good, everything is similarly well weighted. Grip and traction are good. Visibility is good. Ergonomics are good, though some more easily accessible storage would be appreciated (for sunglasses, cell phone, etc.). The standard seat is comfortable and decently supportive.

william_b_noble

one thing that I hadn't thought about, and it matters to me is that you can't recline the seats if you are waiting for someone because the engine is right there, I got my car as a daily driver and wanted fuel economy and comfort, not most speed, so I didn't get the S. I agree that a place for sunglasses would be great. and a warning - never use the cup holders.

triode

So far, so good at about 7,000 miles. Decent acceleration once it's on the cam, nicely weighted electric steering is not nearly as lifeless as several road tests described, fun handling balance, excellent (stick) shifter placement & feel, good visibility despite mega C pillar, "CDR Plus" stereo of surprising quality with good Bluetooth integration, makes me smile regularly.

My two main gripes are that the 1st-4th gearing is WAY too tall, presumably for CAFE compliance, and that stability under hard braking at high speed is...woefully lacking.

Oh, and I only get about 18 mpg, but I suppose that's mostly on me...

Bob Rouleau

triode,
If you have instability under braking from high speed, your alignment is off. Probably too little toe in out back.

jnx

I have always had 911's, (9) in all, the last being a 997. This is my first Cayman, a 2014 981, and I really like it. I do want a little more exhaust noise however.

Cowhorn

Nine 911's. Wow! I've had only six! (G50, 993S 996, 997.1, 997.1TT, 997 GT3RS4.0)

What generations of 911 have you had?

I think owning a mid-engine platform might be a good change of pace.

mdrobc1213

Went from a 997 C4S to the 981 Cayman S and am not mad at my choice and haven't looked back. Car gets waay more compliments than my 911 ever got. Go figure. Drives great and handles like a pro. Exhaust is great=got PSE from the factory and hey its worth it...only other options that are really out there are FVD, AWE, and probably Fabspeed which are equivalent cost wise. Akropovic makes an outstanding titanium one but the price is well lets say its a nice bit of coin!

Have had 4 911's, a 987 Boxster, and a Cayenne and so am familiar with the brand...its a GREAT car.

jnx

Cowhorn, I have had the following: 1970, 1972, 1974, 1980, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. I liked them all for various reasons but actually like the 981 the most, ( as of this moment) the 98 C2S is a close second though. Try one, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Cowhorn

^^^That's really cool. Different engine sizes, transmissions, suspensions, wheelbases...and you like the Cayman S the most. Now that's saying something!

jivemutha

While nothing is perfect (e.g., do you know what you'll have to deal with to gain access to the battery once it has died, and how easy that problem would have been to avoid?), it's an absolutely terrific car--I'm loving it!

Cruncher

I don't like the fact that I can't see the end of the hood, nor can I see the rear of the car. I'm used to larger cars, like the Corvette, where I can see the hood and the rear. Not being able to see the front of the car drives be totally bonkers.

inhock

I want those sport bucket seats. other then that I love my GTS