"NervesOfThrill" (adrenalingus)
10/13/2014 at 21:51 • Filed to: None
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"NervesOfThrill" (adrenalingus)
10/13/2014 at 21:51 • Filed to: None | 2
| 3 |
Finally got back into town to test drive a Cayman S to compare to the BMW Z4 M I test drove 2 weeks ago.
First time driving a Cayman and color me impressed. This was an '06 Cayman S with Tiptronic. Yeah, Tiptronic. Not my first choice but there are no 6 speeds near me and I need to make some decisions really quick.
PROS
Phenomenal steering feel, feedback and precise handling as everyone knows. I got one of the coolest salesmen in history who basically goaded me into opening the car up so I got to launch it once and put it under hard acceleration multiple times, even through corners. The power is so easy to manage and just seems to roll on as the revs climb.
Interior was much roomier and considerably more comfortable than the Z4 M. More practical too in terms of storage both in the cockpit and the storage areas.
CONS
Let's just skip the Tiptronic since that is a given with the full second pauses between gear changes. The biggest negative for me was the quality of the interior. It just felt cheaper throughout compared to the Z4 M. Not cheap per se, just not as polished as it's rival. I can see why so many of the '06-'08 Caymans have the audio units replaced with modern touchscreen units. It really does upgrade them.
SUMMARY
I think today sealed the deal that if I go with one do-it-all car instead of 2 cars that it will be the Cayman. It is a totally livable daily driver that makes every drive an experience if you want it to be, or a calm cruise if you prefer.
It just feels good to be so close to finally pulling the trigger either way.
Brian Silvestro
> NervesOfThrill
10/13/2014 at 22:03 |
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Yes!!!
Just make sure to get the manual. That Tiptronic is truly awful.
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NervesOfThrill
> Brian Silvestro
10/14/2014 at 00:41 |
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Agree. I went into it with an open mind and secretly hoped it was going to surprise me. No such luck..
davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
> NervesOfThrill
10/14/2014 at 18:06 |
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I drove a Cayman S a while back (perhaps the same year), and as impressed as I was the the feel and the sound and the shifter, I was pretty let down by the cheap feeling color-matched interior (an option). Coming from an E90 M3, I expected the inside of the Porsche to be at least as nice. I wasn't at all sad to get back in my car and drive away, which was a good feeling. I think I may be spoiled for power at this point... However, if I had no need for 4 seats and lots of curvy roads nearby, I'd love to daily a Cayman S. Best of luck finding the right one!