I Have A Porsche Cayman S For The Next Week

"Patrick George" (pgeorge) 04/19/2014 at 16:43 • Filed to: 2014 Porsche Cayman, Porsche Cayman

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And it is a superb machine of the highest order.

Travis !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! when he drove it across Europe, the bastard, but I'll find some way to write about it.

Things I like: Chassis, steering and overall handling are out-of-this-world great; exterior looks amazing; interior feels very premium and functional; six-speed manual gearbox is among the best I've used; lots of room in the frunk; flat six makes a nice growly sound.

Things I don't like as much: People are always giving me dirty looks because I'm a younger guy in a new Porsche, but fuck 'em because I have a Porsche; 325 horsepower engine makes the car plenty quick, but it isn't truly fast; and I'm still deciding whether this car's $89,000 sticker price (not even fully loaded!) is worth it.

Overall, it's very, very good and very, very fun. If you have any questions drop them in the comments and I'll get to them when I can.

YSI-what can brown do for you > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 16:46

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You should pay for my gas because your car is nicer than mine.

Brian Silvestro > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 16:48

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Would you rather have an Alfa, even without driving it first?

StoneCold > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 16:50

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I'm actually very curious about fuel: How much for a fill-up? mid-grade optional or premium only?

Are the ergonomics okay? If you're sitting at a stoplight, is it comfortable to put your arms somewhere while you wait?

Patrick George > Brian Silvestro 04/19/2014 at 16:50

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I guess if you put this next to a 4C, I'd ask for the 4C, but the Cayman is going to be really tough to beat. I look forward to comparing the Porker to the Alfa at some point.

Patrick George > StoneCold 04/19/2014 at 16:51

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I'll let you know when I have to put gas in it. And yes, it's quite comfortable for a small sports car, and everything inside is pretty intuitive.

Soloburrito > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 16:53

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Even if that means faceplanting every time you step out of the 4c.

Kailand09 > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 16:57

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I have always been of the opinion that the Cayman would provide a much better platform for a performance vehicle than the 911 nowadays. If Porsche didn't care so much about the 911 name, do you feel that a better engine and some minor tweaks would make this ring true?

I haven't had the chance to ever drive either car, but I like the Cayman so much more than the 911. Would you prefer the Cayman given it was given the no-restriction design it deserves? How does it compare to the 911?

Also, that price is absurd.

Tom McParland > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 16:59

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What color blue is that? Because if I ever win the Powerball I'm ordering Cayman S in that color....I think it would pair well with an E63 wagon.

jkm7680 > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 17:01

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Do you think the looks ad up to the price? Or the performance?

Patrick George > Kailand09 04/19/2014 at 17:01

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I haven't driven a newer 911 yet, but I have no doubt that if the Cayman had a turbo it would mop the floor with its bigger brother. If this thing had, like, 425-450 horsepower, it would be perfect.

Patrick George > Tom McParland 04/19/2014 at 17:02

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Aqua Blue Metallic. It's gorgeous. It's what I would get if I bought one.

Tom McParland > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 17:05

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Yeah the online configurator does not do that color justice.

Patrick George > jkm7680 04/19/2014 at 17:07

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I haven't decided yet. It's damn good but nearly $89,000 is a lot.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 17:29

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how much do you hate the parking brake?

Kailand09 > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 17:41

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Interesting, good to hear from someone experiencing the car right now! I'd agree, it doesn't need insane numbers, but a useful 450hp or so would be just perfect.

Really appreciate your reply.

jkm7680 > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 17:58

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Yeah, I agree

And Correct me if I'm wrong.

But $89,000 is a big price to pay for a spruced up Boxster.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 18:42

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If you were planning to purchase a used Cayman S in the future, would you have a 987 or wait to get into the 981?

I still love the looks of the old car, but wonder if the new one is "better enough" to be the one to go for.

Seems like I've read that perhaps some of the brilliant feel of the old car might have been lost with this new one.

Patrick George > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/19/2014 at 18:43

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Never drove the old one, but I'm told the 981 is significantly better. It feels plenty brilliant to me.

_Mécanicien > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 18:47

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So... You couldn't get the 911, huh?

*flame suit on*

CRider > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 18:48

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Um, would you kill me for suggesting a LS swap? Then it would be the perfect car.

Justin > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 18:58

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For 89000 you're getting a lot of options that you likely won't use and wouldn't miss if they weren't there. Mine is specd at just over 70 and I believe its a lot more fun to drive at that more sensible price.

Auto Guy > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 18:59

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89K SHOULD be the price for a moderately equipped 911. Wow. Porsches were not always this expensive (and I'm talking inflation-corrected dollars). To ask this much for the starter kit / hardtop / never as fast as Big Daddy 911 is shameful.

8000rpm > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:01

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You're driving the best Porsche, in the best color. This will be a week to cherish.

protodad > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:04

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Styling wise, 911 or Cayman? I kinda feel like they have traded off over the years. 911 is classic, Cayman is edgy. From certain angles each holds its own.

NG22 > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:06

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Lucky!

So are you going to kill the telematics, move to Canada, and keep it? You might have to give up your day job, but you get a Porsche in return.

If I were you, I'd forget any notions of babymaking and start saving for a stripper.

pr1ck35is > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:08

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meh it's not twice as good as a loaded 135is. More of a "sports car" but not 2x as good.

pr1ck35is > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:10

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exactly. This thing should be substantially fastr than a 135is or 435. It isn't. Porsche could afford to provide a light pressure turbo at that price but too scared to make something that'll crush non turbo 911

Patrick George > protodad 04/19/2014 at 19:10

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Flame suit on here, but I'm not a huge fan of the styling of newer 911s. They just look too big to me. I prefer the looks of the Cayman.

pr1ck35is > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:10

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It's looks are the only part worth 89k

Patrick George > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 04/19/2014 at 19:11

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It's a little wonky. I wish it had a mechanical brake, but that's true of every car I drive.

Patrick George > NG22 04/19/2014 at 19:12

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The Cayman S and I are very excited about our new lives together in Canada.

meatatarian > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:18

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The 981S is an unbelievably good car. If they depreciate the way 987s did, I should be able to trade mine up in ~6 years and probably will- made the mistake of driving one and now covet it horribly. Enjoy! Oh, and the looks you get really are the worst part, damn my youthful features!

afaik > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:19

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What options does it have? I seem metallic paint and the slightly upgraded wheels. I think all she needs is the LSD and PASMs in the options departmetn, and that is only about 3500-4000 in options, which should keep her under $80k.

afaik > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:20

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After driving it, is the S enough, or would you go GTS? The GTS looks real mean.

meatatarian > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/19/2014 at 19:24

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Having an old one, and having driven a new one (hard and at length)- It is that much better, and doesn't feel more 'synthetic' or feel-less the way some newer iterations of sports cars do (M3 particularly, engines aside)

I also think the 981 may actually be a little lighter than the 987. The steering has less feedback, sure, but I don't think it's really a detractor from the drive. It still steers like a proper Porsche. The motor is lightyears better (mine is a 2008, so gen 1 987, non-DFI motor), though somehow doesn't sound quite as good to me. That being said, the 987 is unbeatable at current used prices. A 981 is wayyy out of my budget but the 987 is very doable.

macanamera > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:24

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I'm in Canada right now! yay

And also, saw like...2 R8's, 3 Ferraris (430, 599, 599), two Zo6's, and a brand new GT500 today on a 10 minute drive to The Beer Store (which is an incredible place that most Americans like myself have a difficult time understanding). The weather is getting nice now, and apparently these Torontonians take their cars pretty seriously!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:24

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Found the snippet I was thinking of:

Jurnecka agreed. "I can't help but feel let down by the Cayman. I was expecting greatness, but I came away feeling flat. It's a tremendously capable car, perfect in so many ways, but it just doesn't grab me the way the old one did."

The race driver liked it plenty, though. But the old one took first place in 2009...

http://m.motortrend.com/features/perfo…

I'm guessing that I'm reaching for any reason to "settle" for the older, cheaper car when that day comes - ha!

Justin > afaik 04/19/2014 at 19:25

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Mine has heated and vented seats, PASM, and the torque vectoring. It comes in at about 70. I agree with others on the forum, I can't imagine dropping 90 large on this car. I recommend you take the car to a track while you have it, Patrick. It's spectacular.

macanamera > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:26

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You just said the forbidden words. Porsche is sending hitme...err, representatives, over to you now. Stand by.

SweetZombieJesus > afaik 04/19/2014 at 19:27

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Is Porsche still doing that wonky rear braking thing instead of providing a LSD on the 981? The only time we've seen a factory LSD on the Cayman was the last gen's RS.

SweetZombieJesus > pr1ck35is 04/19/2014 at 19:28

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How many V6 Mustangs could you buy for that? Why is "phrasing" no longer a thing?

Frobnoid > jkm7680 04/19/2014 at 19:33

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It would be a lot to pay for a spruced up 987. It's not unreasonable for a 981. 981s are stupidly awesome cars.

Porsche's mistake wasn't jacking up the price of their mid-engine cars, it was keeping the same names for them.

Frobnoid > pr1ck35is 04/19/2014 at 19:35

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Yeah, actually, it is. Drive one.

jiffylube > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:36

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Does it have the electric steering pump?

It's too bad Porsche holds the Cayman back so it doesn't outshine the 911. Another hundred horsepower and it would be nearly perfect and worth every penny.

ScreenShot > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:41

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The 'S' is the only way to go - and with any luck, those tires will last at least 5 days :) Don't ask how I know...

mr_gofast > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:41

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this vs a a45?

Titanius Anglesmith > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:41

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For my next car I'm thinking Cayman S, M4, or similar. This is of course, in 3 years when my lease is up, and given the startup I work for does well. Would you recommend the Cayman S first and if not which one is at the top of the pack for you?

exizeo - still loving fourza > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:42

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Is this Sapphire Blue? Or the darker one?

Because holy fucking shit is it sexy.

And six speed? Isn't it a 7mt?

LJ909 > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:42

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I wanna feel excited for you but....yea I cant sorry. 89k?

DanDotDan > Brian Silvestro 04/19/2014 at 19:42

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Date the Alfa, marry the Cayman.

jmitch356 > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:44

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I get to drive these all day long since I work for a dealer as a tech. What options does it have because it doesn't take much to make one cost that much!

savethethirdpedal-angry at anger management > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:44

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Have you driven the newest 911?

If so, thoughts on Cayman S vs. 911?

Edit: read through comments, realized it was already asked...

Overall ride quality on public roads?

Brian Silvestro > DanDotDan 04/19/2014 at 19:46

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This is probably the best way of describing people's feelings toward them.

stephenmcknight2011@hotmail.co.uk > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 19:47

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Cayman fine car but I always wanted a Maserati Quaratphe, as it one of my bucket list cars.

annajsavage > CRider 04/19/2014 at 19:54

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my best friend's step-sister makes $78 /hour on the laptop . She has been out of a job for ten months but last month her paycheck was $17511 just working on the laptop for a few hours. visit the website

http://maxjobs4all.com/

dariof01 > YSI-what can brown do for you 04/19/2014 at 20:00

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Government logic

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/19/2014 at 20:03

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http://m.motortrend.com/features/perfo…

Hawkstrike6 > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 20:06

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Nice color. You should come get me, and give me a ride.

BornSwedeDriveSwede > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/19/2014 at 20:08

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thanks for asking my question! I'm pretty sure I'm going to go for one of these used in the future and want a little comparison of the models, because 987s are getting to be downright reasonable!

AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 20:10

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Do the side mirrors still whistle at-speed like the 987 did?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > meatatarian 04/19/2014 at 20:10

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Thanks for the reply. I have an E90 M3 now, which I hope to hold onto for a very long time, but ideally the next addition to the stable (after my wife gets an upgrade in the next year or two) will be a lightweight fun/track car. I'm thinking Cayman S or Elise/Exige at this point, but with 3 kids, a 2+2 like an 911 might be the way to go (or perhaps a BRZ STi, if they ever make it).

AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/19/2014 at 20:11

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As an owner of a 987 (which is great), all I can say is that the 981 is better in every single way. Totally worth it if you can pull it off.

AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. > Kailand09 04/19/2014 at 20:12

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Reason #1 why the Cayman's a better platform: weight distribution.

AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/19/2014 at 20:15

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I think "+2" for the 911 is referring to grocery bags rather than people. :P

Saracen > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 20:16

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$89k is a lot, but we all know how Porsche and their options go...that is nearly %50 over the base price in options. I'm sure if you order one you can keep it to around $70k with restraint.

Kailand09 > AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. 04/19/2014 at 20:28

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Yup. The physics makes it the better car, though I couldn't imagine paying that cash for it

shirosake > CRider 04/19/2014 at 20:33

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Why why why why why?!?!??!?!?!!?!??!?!?!?

shirosake > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 20:35

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You fit right in with most folks on Rennlist. They are 997.2 or bust.

Detroit Velvet Smooth > CRider 04/19/2014 at 20:36

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yeahh uumm no. Got to stick with the Flat 6 for sure.

thisusernameforsale > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 20:37

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To quote Brian of Nazareth - you lucky, lucky bastard. It's even blue, which would be my choice. Enjoy it and don't worry about anyone else. For this week, you're a cigar-smoking plutocrat. I rode in a Porsche once, when I was a lot younger. I can't imagine what a whole week would be like. Remember to sleep occasionally (probably not in the car).

AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. > Kailand09 04/19/2014 at 20:45

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The base model isn't that bad at $55k, but Porsche does love to charge an arm and a leg for that "S". Unless your smitten with being the sole owner, used is definitely the way to go with P-cars!

AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. > CRider 04/19/2014 at 20:53

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Despite bring totally unnatural and wrong, I'd love to see an LS swap in a Cayman, if only for the novelty.

AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. > Justin 04/19/2014 at 20:56

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It must be fully loaded, which is ridiculous. My favorite "WTF" upgrade is the analog clock that comes with the Chrono Package! Such an expensive clock... (j/k) :P

AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. > StoneCold 04/19/2014 at 20:57

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It takes premium and is about $50-60 a tank.

AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 20:59

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If possible, can you test out visibility? The massive B pillars of the 987 were atrocious and I'd love to hear if that's been resolved with the new body and larger rear window!

Stradale > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 21:02

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$89,000.........picks jaw off floor. I would take a less equipped GTS in a heartbeat.

JohnKinnex > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 21:12

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I was looking to get a new car, budget of ~$70K, choice came down to Porsche Cayman in Carmine Red and the C7 Corvette in torch red. When it came down to it, I just loved the styling of the C7. The Cayman is functionally the better car, but I'm just not crazy about how it looks. Call me vain, but I went the c7.

astrocramp > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 21:13

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Interior noise as a daily driver? For instance when talking on the phone over bluetooth, does the engine noise overwhelm? I've heard the Caymans are louder inside than a Boxster.

takeshi > Justin 04/19/2014 at 21:31

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Subjective matters. Our Boxster was sitckered at $80 and we're very happy with it and use its options. As always, one's mileage may vary.

ridgeway > StoneCold 04/19/2014 at 21:33

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I just filled mine up, ~$58. A bit over 14 gallons of premium.

To the post, $89k is pretty well equipped, with everything you're around $100k, but most on dealer lots are in the $70s. I would think at $90k you'd have about everything except maybe some leather bits, PCCB's and/or Burmester.

April_N_ > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/19/2014 at 21:36

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I'm in the same spot. A used Cayman S can be picked up for $35, but is it worth waiting for the new model to start getting down to that price?

That and the 135i vs a new 228i.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. 04/19/2014 at 21:36

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Thankfully, my kids don't have legs.

asbsvc > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 21:36

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You make a good point Patrick. The new Cayman is very pretty. The Blue is fabulous. The Butzi original was a rather pure shape, a shape born in the early 1960s that is still going today. I read in a recent article that designing an automobile requires compliance with over 150(!) different regulations. These regulations (whose wisdom I shall not address), combined with North American tastes (lots of toys, luxury, etc.), have resulted in a very different type of 911. Is it possible that after 50 odd years the 911 simply is not adaptable to a larger, very nearly GT style car? Nice write up by the way.

Reckoning Day > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 21:39

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Saaad 4 you....too bad you couldn't get a real car...sigh.....

April_N_ > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 21:40

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When seeing them on the street the 991 looks so much like a 997.2. I haven't seen them parked right next to each other, and in pictures it looks bigger, but just seeing them on the road they don't look all that large.

Similiarly the GTR is much smaller in person than I thought when pictures were first circulating... and also the Veyron was practically R8 sized and I thought it would be HUGE.

AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/19/2014 at 21:43

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Well, you're all set then!

TheDouble-ClutchBandit > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 21:54

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How does the chassis overall compare to that of say, the C7 'Vette? I figure potential buyers in that price range may look at both cars options. Also, which gearbox do you have? If you have the PDK, do you like the system compared to something like say, the Audi double clutch? I gather from the above text that you have the manual, in which case: Is it a long travel in the gearbox and the clutch? I've heard they're pretty long for a sports car.

CRider > shirosake 04/19/2014 at 21:57

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Horsepower is the main reason, but also torque.

techinsanity2011 > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 22:04

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Will it Elderly?

One_Leaf_Short > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/19/2014 at 22:10

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If you go with the 987, make sure you grab one with the DI engine to avoid the IMS issue. 2009 or newer should be good.

Dolby109 > shirosake 04/19/2014 at 22:13

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Because its all around better, and probably lighter to boot.

There's a reason the Camaro SS with the $4k 1LE option is faster around tracks than the Cayman S.

Shane Elliott > Patrick George 04/19/2014 at 22:22

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What did you have for dinner today?

gCo987 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/19/2014 at 22:31

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I currently own a 987.1 and have driven a 981 while I had mine in for service. While I liked the upgraded interior a lot and appreciated the bit of extra power, I really felt like Porsche went down the path of isolation/luxury a little too much. There's a certain immediacy and rawness lost in the 981. The move to electronic steering isn't as bad as some would have you believe, but there IS a bit of feel lost because of it. Also, while I really like what they did with the tail lights integrating into the spoiler, I prefer the bodywork of the 987 overall.

Even though I enjoyed my time with the 981 I was really happy when I got my own car back. Before hand I had been thinking about saving up to buy a used 981 whenever they came down to my range, but now I plan on keeping my car until either the wheels fall off or I find the absolute perfect 987.2 to replace it with.

If I were in the market now, I'd go with a 987.2 (MY 09-12) because compared to the 987.1 it has slightly more power, doesn't need to worry about the (relatively rare) IMS bearing issue, and is more track ready out of the box (some oiling problems in long high-G corners with the 987.1 unless you modify). The only problem is 987.2 Cayman S's are relatively rare because they were made in lower volumes due to the economic crash.

Crackerjacktype0 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/19/2014 at 22:42

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987s can be easily found for 30k now.

Crackerjacktype0 > BornSwedeDriveSwede 04/19/2014 at 22:45

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They're pretty cheap already, 30k.

meatatarian > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 04/19/2014 at 22:58

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I adore the E90 M3; while it's not the light, nimble sports car it's predecessors were, it is unlike anything else, and I could go on for days about that motor! Definitely a car to hold on to, and probably will hold value well as the only V8 and last NA M3.

I'd highly recommend a Cayman as a fun car; depending on your budget and so forth, an 09-12 S model will probably be the best value in a few years. The 987.2 has the DFI motors which are more powerful and efficient and effectively on par with the 981, while a 987.1 such as mine is down on power vs either. They're great cars from a reliability standpoint as well, though the 06s do very rarely see the IMS bearing issue that mainly affected 986s and 996s. My research showed that the design was improved and the problem all but eliminated for 07+08 cars. The 09-12 DFI motor eliminated that weak point in the design and is considered to be pretty bulletproof.

gCo987 > AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. 04/19/2014 at 23:02

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Well, the chrono package also comes with sport + mode and a slightly higher hard redline... the clock is just a timing bonus XD

AnxiousLogic is a contrarian. > gCo987 04/19/2014 at 23:11

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I was just kidding around because the clock is the most visible difference and its name; the guys at the dealership get a good ribbing from me about it when I visit.

Now, it would be awesome if they offered the package without the analog clock... that'd be as sleeper as a new Porsche can get! :P

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > gCo987 04/19/2014 at 23:12

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Thanks for the good info; I think, for my purposes, that extra rawness would be welcome. And I love the rear haunches of the 987...

gCo987 > TheDouble-ClutchBandit 04/19/2014 at 23:16

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Can't speak to the C7, but the PDK in the 981 I drove a while back is probably the best of its sort I've ever driven. Upshifts are nearly imperceptible, downshifts are ridiculously fast, and if left in full auto, gear selection is darn near telepathic.