Perception of Speed

"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
10/13/2016 at 08:34 • Filed to: None

This past weekend, I rented a Porsche Cayman in LA with my girlfriend. We spent two days just cruising around checking out some local restaurants and some potential apartments followed by a third day of Canyon carving out to Malibu. This car served us quite well and made the trip more enjoyable for sure. The thing I liked the best was just how solid the car felt and that the suspension was not uncomfortable but still handled really well. Steering, clutch, and throttle inputs were all as responsive (or more) than my Miata, which I typically never get out of rentals. The biggest thing I noticed though was the perception of speed in this car.

For some reason, the Porsche never actually felt much faster/quicker than my own car. It didn’t have mind-melting acceleration or brutal delivery of power. But it certainly is significantly faster, louder, and meaner. This car is like a Miata, but with balls. However, if I paid attention to the speedometer rather than the feel of the car, I could quickly notice how the car got to 80mph much faster than anticipated and still had plenty to go. This car begged to be beat on to get up to speed and it truly performed when not babied around.

Front trunks are the best!

Since the car is mid-engined, there actually was a front trunk and a rear trunk so it was quite practical for grocery shopping. I went into the trip thinking that the car would be harsh, have no space for things, and just be a frivolous car to to enjoy for the weekend. But I learned that this could really be quite the practical daily driver (assuming it’s reliable enough). No idea on the gas mileage since it wouldnt fill past 3/4 tank but it couldnt have been that low.

What are these??

There were some other odd things about the car. Like the power-retractable spoiler on the rear, left side of the steering wheel ignition cylinder, and that weird button thing on the roof. Still no idea what that did. I did click the buttons but nothing seemingly happened. It was also odd having reverse Up and left on the shifter, I did mix up first and reverse a couple times in parking lots leading to confusion momentarily. Overall though, it was a normal sports car and provided a wonderful driving experience.

DISCUSSION (25)

bhtooefr > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/13/2016 at 08:41

That’s actually one thing I don’t like about modern sports cars - because of their emphasis on driving well at high speed, they sacrifice low speed fun.

Technically, they’re very impressive, and I really like the packaging of things like the Cayman, but ultimately, not for me.

MarqCars > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/13/2016 at 08:41

The buttons on the roof look like they could be coded to operate garage doors but I may be wrong.

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > MarqCars
10/13/2016 at 08:42

That’s what I think it is too.

Klaus Schmoll > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/13/2016 at 08:47

I got to drive a base Cayman a few years ago, like you said, it’s not so much the sheer acceleration that defines this car. An e61 535d felt almost faster, due to the low end diesel torque. It’s how planted this thing is on the road what surprised me.

Tripper > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/13/2016 at 08:47

For some reason, the Porsche never actually felt much faster/quicker than my own car. It didn’t have mind-melting acceleration or brutal delivery of power.

I feel that way about most German sports cars. They’re so solid that they don’t seem fast until you get into the really fast cars.

Rust and Dust - Oppositelock Forever > MarqCars
10/13/2016 at 08:55

Yup, looks like VW/Audi’s Homelink garage door system (that always fell out of B5.5 Passat sunvisors):

Kinja'd!!!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Rust and Dust - Oppositelock Forever
10/13/2016 at 09:01

Ahh okay so it wasnt anything interesting then. I imagined it was some crazy setting for the car that altered suspension geometry or fuel delivery or who knows what. My imagination ran wild lol.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > bhtooefr
10/13/2016 at 09:04

Oh it certainly still had the low speed fun on the right roads. I think it was just the right balance. I am used to a Miata so it still was quick, even at low speeds. It never felt actually slower than my car and it was quick to respond to inputs. But yeah, higher speeds definitely shined more in this car. And when I got back in my car, the only speed difference I noticed was straight line acceleration from a dead stop.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Tripper
10/13/2016 at 09:06

Plus the clutch was so heavy, shifting a bunch at low speeds felt like chore. I almost couldnt drive my Miata when I got home because of how light it felt. Absolutely crazy how I felt exactly the same, but in the other direction when I went from a Smart car rental back to my Miata.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Klaus Schmoll
10/13/2016 at 09:08

If only this car had summer tires. Oh man would this thing be able to corner then! I was getting lots of tire squealing around tight turns and the tires heated up more than I wanted. I am used to my car just getting tail happy and the tires not complaining one bit so it was a different experience just having it stick and complain.

Tripper > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/13/2016 at 09:14

I have the opposite problem. I’m used to operating a heavy feeling clutch, so when I drive something with an easy clutch I snap into gear too quickly for the first few shifts.

Mid Engine > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/13/2016 at 09:17

Cayman owner chiming in.. I’ll address some of your questions/observations.

Why does the car only fill up to three quarters? Because you have to twist the gas nozzle upside down (pointing towards the sky) to completely fill it up. Why? Beats me, because Porsche.

Those three buttons on the roof liner are programable, same as HomeLink on other cars.

The power retractable spoiler is programmed to raise up when you hit 75mph, or alternatively you can flick the button and raise it on your own.

The ignition is on the left because racing tradition. In the old days you would have to run from the paddock to your car, hop in, fire up the car, off you go. Having the ignition on the left hand side (in theory) saved you a second or two. It’s a quirk, one I kinda like.

I was on a Costco run just yesterday, you wouldn’t believe how much crap you can stuff in a Cayman!

Finally, the clutch. Yep, you need a strong leg to work it and it does release kinda high, however it doesn’t take long to get used to. The shifter has a long throw, it feels like you’re rowing or raking leaves. I installed a Porsche short shifter kit in my Cayman, voila, wonderful shifts.

Everyone should drive a Cayman, especially on a track.

Jayhawk Jake > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/13/2016 at 09:37

Base Caymans aren’t actually all that powerful so I wouldn’t expect it to feel mind-blowingly fast if you’re coming from a Miata, but I still love these cars regardless.

It’s been a while since I drove one, was there any form of lockout for revers? Up-Left seems pretty standard fare these days for 6 speeds but usually there’s a lockout, either a ring to pull up on or physically pushing the shifter down and over

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Mid Engine
10/13/2016 at 09:38

Ahh, those things make more sense. I am glad I am not the only one who noticed that stuff. I could imagine fitting a ton of things behind the seats, there is a lot of open space there. And I really wish I could have gotten in track time. The time spent on Mulholland Highway definitely showed me how planted this car is and how much fun it can be.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Tripper
10/13/2016 at 09:40

Well yeah, it was actually easier to drive the heavy clutch car (Porsche) and I got used to it quickly. I nearly stalled my Miata at the first street when I got home since it felt so light. My Miata normally doesnt feel that light and it has felt heavy compared to economy cars, so that is why i was perplexed.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Jayhawk Jake
10/13/2016 at 09:43

The lockout was the same as in my Miata (extra force to the side in order to get to reverse). I generally mixed up by putting it in first when I wanted reverse. This was easy to do since first gear can still move the car of course. Whereas when I put it in 6th in my car instead of reverse, the car will go nowhere. I dont particularly like the way my lockout works either. I find it much better when there is a pull up/push down or a button to physically lock out the gear.

Thomas Donohue > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/13/2016 at 09:52

How many miles were on the Cayman? I went from an NB Miata to a 986 Boxster, and the clutch was definitely heavier. I assumed somewhat due to the dual-mass flywheel, and an overall heavier duty transmission. But then I had it replaced ~7k miles later, and then it was just as light (or close) as I remember on the Miata. I couldn’t believe the difference between the new and old clutch, way more difference than any car I had ever owned previously.

I haven’t driven any of the newer stick shift 981 Box/Caymans to compare since I had mine replaced, though I did rent a 2015 Golf in Scotland two years ago. I thought the pedal was disconnected it was so light.

Glad to hear your Turo rental went well...that same car is one of a few I have bookmarked for my next west coast trip, in addition to what seems like a reasonably priced 997.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Thomas Donohue
10/13/2016 at 10:03

This Cayman has around 95k miles on it (that is probably high for a 2009 Porsche). My Miata has an Exedy (OEM replacement spec) clutch with around 10k miles on it. So that may be the difference that I experienced. I did find the Cayman shifter to be a lot more solid and tight though. The Miata 6 speed shifters are not the best and tend to feel a little clunky (mine could probably use a rebuild for the shifter).

If you are planning on renting that particular car, I definitely think it is a good idea. The car could surely use a good detailing and headlight restoration. Plus it had an odd error at some point where it flashed “ENGINE POWER REDUCED” or some shit like that, but it went away and never came back. Overall, a great guy to work with though and a quality Turo experience.

Mid Engine > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/13/2016 at 10:30

The car deserves good tires, I love the Michelin Pilot Super Sports on the Cayman. With the nannies on you cannot get the back end to step out, the g’s will get to you before the tires will break contact.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/13/2016 at 10:35

Cayman is a great car. I prefer it to the 911 to be honest.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Mid Engine
10/13/2016 at 10:50

I actually really wondered how stability/traction control could be turned off. I wasnt really driving hard enough to actually break it loose since my girlfriend would have gotten mad at that. But I didnt find where those buttons were. I could imagine what you are talking about would be awesome though!

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
10/13/2016 at 10:52

Really? Why that preference? I kinda figured the 911 would be just a bit more fun, whereas the Cayman could make a better daily driver.

Mid Engine > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/13/2016 at 11:00

depends on the vintage, my 2007 has PSM Off button at the bottom of the dash console. My ex-girlfriend pressed on it thinking it was a seat warmer, almost crashed the car. It’s fun to experiment with the PSM disabled, but only on a track and you need to be very aware.

Jayhawk Jake > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/13/2016 at 12:38

Gotcha. I seem to recall that the one time I drove a manual Cayman, and I remember the Corvette’s I’ve driven are that way. And yes, I find it tough to know if I’m in first or reverse in that style. I prefer lockouts too, and the ‘ring’ type are fun to play with at a traffic light as a bonus.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)
10/13/2016 at 21:28

Better balance. The 911 feels skittish to me, on edge, and a bit scary. The Cayman feels planted and sure footed, but still super fun without fearing for my life. That being said someone more familiar with the weight distribution of a 911 may prefer it. Having the engine that far back feels alien to me; behind me is great, but behind the axle is not. But I honestly think the Cayman has the potential to be the better car, if only it had some tweaks and the same kind of power that a 911 has.