Which would you choose?

"Arrivederci" (arrividerci)
12/03/2015 at 16:19 • Filed to: Corvette, C6, Grand Sport, Decisions, Cayman

This Saturday, I’m going car shopping. You may already know this because I posted up previously that I was !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , with the intent of buying it if the price was right. The price was certainly right, but for someone else who got there first! Congrats, Cayman thief!

I ended up test driving what I thought would be the perfect Cayman S for me a few weeks ago, only to drive three hours to find that it was sandblasted worse than a Sand Crawler on Tatooine. Knowing that would bother me even if I could get a better price, I decided to pass.

In addition to my Cayman search, I’ve added the C6 Corvette, specifically the LS3 cars (2008-2013), thanks to reading fellow Opponaut’s posts like !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . I’ve found that I can get a LS3 Corvette very reasonably, so that’s going to be the least expensive option, which is still awesome.

Of course, a C6 lacks a little bit of the dynamism of a Porsche. While I’ve basically wanted nothing less than a Cayman S, for about $4000 more than the base LS3 C6, I can score a base 2009 Cayman with a few options and Porsche CPO. That’s the vintage with the updated motor without any IMS worries (since it doesn’t have one!)

Now, the coolest option may be another C6, this time in Grand Sport guise. Some say it may be a neutered Z06, but it could also be a more livable option, unless it’s in Velocity Yellow like this one. Found one for a terrific price, but about $7000 more than the base C6, though five years newer and with 1/3 the mileage.

Which would you choose?

The cheapskate in me says base C6. The snob in me says Porsche. The deal-hawk in me says C6 GS. Ultimately it’ll come down to which car speaks to me the most and who gives me the best deal I think. Worst case, I’ll just keep my BRZ.

DISCUSSION (36)

crowmolly > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 16:24

Auto or manual GS?

Not asking because of the typical mouth-breather GOTTA BE MANUAL FOR LYFE but because the manual GS got a dry sump oil system and upgraded engine internals.

Arrivederci > crowmolly
12/03/2015 at 16:25

All of ‘em are manual. Because GOTTA BE MANUAL FOR LYFE ! :D

Also that dry sump + handbuilt engine is worth it.

asenna > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 16:26

The maintenance costs on the Porsche scare me, the GS is so much nicer than the base vette. I would pick the GS.

crowmolly > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 16:26

OK cool, didn’t know if you were aware of the engine differences.

Arrivederci > asenna
12/03/2015 at 16:28

The fact that it’s CPO honestly sways me a bit. I know that obviously doesn’t cover maintenance, but it does cover any repairs, which could be pricey. Both the C6 and GS are out of basic warranty, though the GS still has powertrain left.

Arrivederci > crowmolly
12/03/2015 at 16:29

I honestly wasn’t until I started researching them a bit. The wide-body turned me onto them first, and then I found out about the engine, dry sump, Z06 brakes, sways and other suspension bits. It’s actually a pretty legit rig from the way it sounds. I’ve yet to drive one, but should fix that on Saturday unless it sells.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 16:30

Definitely Cayman. I love my FR-S and if the Cayman was the benchmark for the Toyobaru, I’m sure it’s got to be simply fantastic to drive.

DylanToback > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 16:32

I have spent a good deal of time with a base 09 Cayman, and I have driven a C6 GS. I would take the Cayman. Hands down.

I found it to have enough power to be fun, but not so much that I could not push it on the road.

JGrabowMSt > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 16:34

C6. You’ll feel less bad about thrashing the crap out of it, and when it breaks, it’ll be cheaper to fix and begin thrashing again.

Need any more persuasion? Do a 3rd gear pull at 40mph in the C6.

Also, you can get a Z06 exhaust, gut it, and bolt it straight on for WAY MORE LOUDER.

asenna > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 16:35

The corvette is basically bulletproof. I don’t no about the caymans but I know the boxsters had issues with their motors

found this http://www.metronews.ca/drive/2013/08/…

Common Issues

Check the transmission, avoiding any Cayman model with the manual gearbox that shifts roughly, grinds during upshifts or exhibits clutch slippage. If the model in question is automatic or PDK dual-clutch equipped, be sure there’s no difficulty in moving the shift lever between its settings. If there is, the Cayman you’re considering probably needs a new motor mount. Some pre-2009 Cayman models suffered a well-documented issue with failure of the engine’s Intermediate Main Shaft (IMS) which could result in catastrophic engine failure. It’s unclear how many units were affected—though Porsche redesigned the engine range without the troublesome IMS from 2009 and on. Inspect the Cayman’s oil level and condition with the assistance of a Porsche mechanic, too. Models used in a track setting with high-grip racing tires may have suffered from oil starvation, which could damage the engine.

Other important checks should include monitoring for oil smoke from the tailpipes at startup, and a check beneath the vehicle for a leaky rear main seal.

pjhusa > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 16:37

Cayman. If that's the one you originally wanted, go through on your purchase.

BeaterGT > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 16:37

Corvette. Doesn’t matter which one.

TractorPillow > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 16:38

Have you actually gotten a chance to drive the cayman and the GS?

FromCanadaWithLove > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 17:02

I’d go for the Cayman personally. I've heard great things about their reliability.

SkyNet > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 17:15

C6 GS. Speed plus reliability and cheap maintenance/repairs.

Master Cylinder > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 17:33

I’ve wanted a Cayman badly basically since it came out. But as much as it pains me to admit it, I think the ‘Vette may be the more sensible choice. I’m cool with doing my own maintenance, even on the Cayman, but the FR Corvette is laid out much better for the home mechanic to do most things.

It’s not exactly the same as the Cayman, I expect, but my Dad’s Boxster S is a pain to work on, especially if you have to get to things on the engine or transaxle.

Brian Silvestro > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 17:56

All of the answers so far are wrong and they’ve looked over the most important part.

Keep your BRZ and turn it into a racecar. 100 times more fun.

Arrivederci > Brian Silvestro
12/03/2015 at 19:04

This was a consideration for sure - the fiance is against it. She’s pro-Porsche/Vette more than racecar.

Arrivederci > TractorPillow
12/03/2015 at 19:06

I’ve driven a 987.1 Cayman S, but never a 987.2 base Cayman. I’ve also driven a standard C6, but not a GS. Will be interesting to compare them Saturday.

Brian Silvestro > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 19:20

just buy a miata for 5k

5k gets you a really good miata and still under budget

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 19:30

As a former Cayman owner, I have nothing but good things to say about the Cayman. The Boxster/Cayman pair offers a duet of aural and tactile satisfaction that is unmatched in the world of sports cars.

The Vette is of course the track weapon of choice here, but out on real roads you will be relying on its power more than anything else to provide entertainment.

Lets Just Drive > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 19:42

The Cayman will always be nice and it will always be a Porsche. Nicer surfaces and a generally more up-market feel will definitely make it an appealing daily over something like a C6.

That said, it’s really about how you’re going to live with the car. Do you want something which feels nice always, is quick and dynamic and will always carry a degree of badge pedigree, a thing which you’ll keep at or nearly stock for the majority of your time with it? Or do you want a canvas upon which to paint a portrait of speed? The C6 will get you there cheaper and put up serious numbers - ask yourself why the likes of Chris Hayes and Matt Farah both have soup’d Vettes yet neither would spend their cash on a used Cayman. Conversely, look at Paul from Everyday Driver and he’ll tell you, as he has time and again, that if you want a nearly price perfect package without fussing about in the aftermarket, the Cayman will suit you all day long.

So, it really comes down to you but that’s not what you asked. You asked which one we (the readers) would chose, so here goes:

I have a wife and a kid which means the need for some sort of back seat and cargo space is pretty fucking real but neither of these cars is really going to trump the other in this regard; carseats are out. This means I’ve got to assume I’ve already got something else for the mission Family Desert Hauling Storm and then I land on the Corvette because I don’t need something to just drive nice, that’s the family car, I need an outlet for my Daddy And Husband Rage. For me it’s the C6 with a parts budget.

That didn’t help, did it?

MPA > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 19:47

Having had a regular C6 (‘06 MN6), I definitely would love a GS, but if I was going to buy another C6 I’d try to get a Z06.

But I think I would go Cayman because it’s different, and more nimble.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 20:05

I haven’t driven the new C6 GS, but a budy of mine traded his C5 Z06 for one and says it is a better car from every angle, and I loved that Z06, so it has to be an experience.

He tracks his cars, so that may be a factor.

I think you’ve landed on 2 (or 3) really great options, so buy the car that works for you, and only explain your decision to someone willing to give you money towards its purchase, haha.

Voodoo81 > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 20:15

Granted I have driven neither, so my opinion holds even less weight than usual. If it were me, and under the assumption that I understood correctly and the Cayman that we are comparing against the Vettes is the Base Cayman. Then I would take option number 4 and wait for another S to come around. The Corvettes are great cars and offer amazing bang for your buck. But they suffer from some really bad interiors. The Base Cayman as I understand it on the other hand, well to put it plain and simple is just slow for the kind if money that they cost. So if you are thinking of getting a Toy, why not wait for the Toy that you really really want?

R W > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 21:27

Cayman.

911e46z06 > Arrivederci
12/03/2015 at 22:08

Corvettes are fun.

Arrivederci > Lets Just Drive
12/04/2015 at 08:18

That actually helped a lot - thank you! My car is also my outlet rage and I don’t have any kiddos, so no need for a backseat. I bought the BRZ thinking 200hp would be enough for my outlet rage and it just isn’t, so I modified it and now it’s extremely loud and still not quick enough (for me). My biggest concern is that the base Cayman won’t be enough , you know? Both Vettes have more than 150 additional horsepower over the Cayman, which is quite a lot. I just need to check them all out and see which (if any) really speaks to me.

Arrivederci > Master Cylinder
12/04/2015 at 08:32

True, but the thing that’s keeping me from loving this one is that it isn’t the “S” model. Most Porschephiles I know recommend buying the newest “S” model you can afford.

Arrivederci > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow
12/04/2015 at 08:33

It is, honestly. But I just don’t want to be in the same position I am now, wanting more power. 265hp in a 2950lb car should be plenty quick.

Arrivederci > JGrabowMSt
12/04/2015 at 08:34

The LS3 really is a wonderful engine. I have a feeling the power is going to intoxicate me and make the decision for me.

Arrivederci > DylanToback
12/04/2015 at 08:35

That’s a very fair point - in 95% of normal driving circumstances, the power of the Vette wouldn’t even be able to be put fully to use.

Arrivederci > PotbellyJoe and 42 others
12/04/2015 at 08:35

Haha, love it.

Arrivederci > asenna
12/04/2015 at 08:37

RMS has been an issue on a number of these, but is an easy (and cheap) fix whenever you have to replace the clutch. The one I’m looking at is a 2009 model, so no IMS!

Arrivederci > Voodoo81
12/04/2015 at 08:38

Very good point. I certainly don’t want to regret my decision later when I see something “perfect” come around.

Tim > Arrivederci
12/04/2015 at 11:24

Go C6, I bought mine a year ago and have enjoyed it as a daily driver- horsepower is very addictive!