Over the past few years I've joined in on a number of online web sites for cars that I've owned. This includes a number of Mercedes, currently for my wife's CLS 500; the Z4 roadster I traded for my CS; and RX-8 and several Miatas. Going through many of the posts here, I get more and more distressed by those folks, maybe some wannabes, who rail on about what they find lacking in their Caymans. No, it isn't the fastest car one can buy for the money, but it is by no means slow. So, a Corvette (POS... ask my neighbor after his abs locked up his rf brake at 35mph) is faster by maybe 1 sec. 0-60 in the hands of a competent driver; a Carrera or Carrera S are also faster in a straight line, but so is a GT3. If that's what one wants then buy one of those, or a Mustang GT500, Evo, whatever. On balance, the Cayman is a better car than most in the category of true "sports cars". It is quick, relatively frugal on gas, well-made, comfortable, somewhat practical with its luggage space. But, no, it isn't very luxurious compared to a Benz, Lexus, etc. It's a driver's car.
Then there are those who injudicially modify their cars and then complain when they break. Nothing wrong with after-market add-ons to make it more of "your car", but that's precisely why Porsche is the "king of ala carte" and their parts fit from the get-go.
But remember, it's a car, a mechanical device that not maintained or abused, will break, wear out, etc.
When I had my RX-8, the complaints from others abounded... no power, no torque, etc., but now competitive in the Rolex). The Z4 folks were much the same... needs more power, RFs a wretched (I agree), etc. The only generally happy folks were those with Miatas... cheap, easy to maintain, fun to drive, even if most thought it to be a chick's car (check out Spec Miata).
I'm sure that when the new M3 comes out, there will be lots of Cayman owners complaining about how lacking their car is compared to it.
I for one really like the CS and enjoy driving mine. It will go as fast as I'm capable of driving it. I can exceed the speed limits where I live, even on I-95, in 2nd gear (well, almost). I've run to 100 in 6th gear during break-in without wanting for more... more than a dozen times.
The car is a ball to drive, makes me feel like I know a thing or two about driving. I'll take it to a Dark Side DE in November and see if I can get it over 135 on the straight!
The short of this is that if you don't like your car, sell or trade it for whatever makes you happy, but for pete's sake, quit carping about your poor decision. I'll be keeping mine for a while.
Just know that almost every respected auotmotive "authority" thinks the Cayman & CS, is a wonderful sports car, maybe the best for money. I've read almost all of them, Automobile, C&D, R&T, Top Gear, CAR, MT, plus a number of webzine reviews. Today, by chance, I looked at the AOL (ugh)review and was surprised to see a rave review that really says it all.
Check it out.
http://autos.aol.com/porsche-cayman-s-2007:8728-review

Have fun and enjoy or just GTF out of here. Oh, it you have an issue, feel free to seek advice from K-man or others.

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'07 CS, Meteor Grey, stone grey, 19" Carrera Sport with meteor grey spokes/polished rim, headrest crests, bi-xenons, Bose, power seats, rain sensor, fire extinguisher, heated seats, dimming mirrors, FabSpeed Maxflo II catback
'06 CLS 500, white, beige
'04 Black Ranger Edge

Interesting musings

Forget the whiners. Some people will never be happy. I'm sure there are Ferrari owners who complain too.

Just check out the journalists who compare the CS vs Z4M ... Z4M might be quicker, CS always wins. Its the whole car that matters, not just some numbers.

That is exactly what this link says...
http://autos.aol.com/porsche-cayman-s-2007:8728-review

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'07 CS, Meteor Grey, stone grey, 19" Carrera Sport with meteor grey spokes/polished rim, headrest crests, bi-xenons, Bose, power seats, rain sensor, fire extinguisher, heated seats, dimming mirrors, FabSpeed Maxflo II catback
'06 CLS 500, white, beige
'04 Black Ranger Edge

After owning a C6 Vette, my CS is definitely a more complete car, in my opinion. No disrespect for the Vette, they are also great cars and I never had a single problem with mine. The CS is just somehow that much better and more balanced.

That said, I have to admit the CS would be an absolute blast with a little more power. I'm not complaining, mind you. If the power difference really bothered me, I'd have kept the Vette.

I know

I think the best review I have read on this car is from TTAC. Porsche Cayman S Revisited | The Truth About Cars

I quote:

"The second complaint is the car’s lack of soul. The Cayman is a thoroughly German sports car. In other words, it’s all about the driving, not the car. Yes, you become one with the motorized scalpel that transforms you into a corner carving God. But there’s nothing about the Cayman that tugs at your heart strings. ... The new engine sound is magnificent— in a brutally efficient sort of way. ... In short, the Porsche Cayman S is nothing less– and strangely nothing more– than the ultimate driving machine."

I know some people don't like the "it’s all about the driving, not the car." part because they want their ipods, but that assessment is about the best I've read on the car.

that review surprises me as i am absolutely in love, but then again i have always had a thing for German design and efficiency. there are much worse things to be than soulless…

…and now is the time on sprockets when we dance!
*dance*dance*

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Thats actually, IMO, a compliment. When comparing to Z4M and others, there is lots of drama ... drifting, whatever. In the CS, no drama.

You got to put it into context with the entire article

"You don’t need any special skills to make the Cayman dance. You can accelerate, point, turn. Brake, turn, accelerate. Turn, accelerate, accelerate. Cha cha cha. Unlike a Corvette C6 or BMW Z4M, the Cayman is the perfect partner; always ready to subsume its personality to flatter yours. In that sense, it's also the perfect teacher. With its reptilian grip, unflappable suspension, seat belt imprinting brakes and benign limits, you don’t have to get it right to A) live B) have fun and live."

No drama = no soul

So good to see that there are "true believers" out there and no just a bunch of whinners who would **** in gift horse's mouth. The Cayman (base and S) is a helluva car, a damn fine sports car even in stock form.

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'07 CS, Meteor Grey, stone grey, 19" Carrera Sport with meteor grey spokes/polished rim, headrest crests, bi-xenons, Bose, power seats, rain sensor, fire extinguisher, heated seats, dimming mirrors, FabSpeed Maxflo II catback
'06 CLS 500, white, beige
'04 Black Ranger Edge

When taking delivery of my Cayman S, I was very unhappy with the way it was out-of-the-box. However, it only took some new wheels (to suit my taste), short shift knob (to suit my arm) and upgraded electronics (nav, ipod, blue, rear-cam, amp, mods4cars) to utterly blast my socks off.

Reading what each individual has done in each area (performance, exterior, interior, exhaust, etc.) utterly fascinates and keeps me coming back to this site for more. Keep up the good work, you brothers in speed, report back what you find and... may the Porsche be with you.

-Stevie

i am totally a newbie to not have heard this before - so fun! thanks!

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