In case anyone cares...here are my thoughts on the first week and about 1500 miles on the cayman.

The first few days I thought about what it would have been like if I got the 996TT (very close to a deal before I pulled out). I wondered if I made the right decision. Being a first time porsche owner, there is something appealing about the iconic status of the 911, especially the turbo. But after driving the cayman, I really dont have any regrets. It has a sportier feel than the 911 did. It just feels most like a drivers car to me. There are some times when I would like to punch it and really feel more power, but the overall experience overshadows that one lacking aspect.

For some reason, there has been of crop of 996's showing up where I live. I seem to be less impressed with the styling of the 911 after the initial thought of owning the icon has surpassed. Both cars look great from some angles and awkward at others to me. Overall, I still cannot decide which is the better looking car...but I think I will give the edge to the cayman because I still cant get past the back end of the 911.

I have been impressed with the storage and different places to hide stuff. I especially like the net to keep things from moving around. I continue to look for excuses to drive the car for any reason and each time it seems to become more fun. I wanted a car that stood out from the crowd a little bit...perhaps get a little attention. However, I could now care less about that because of the fun I am having driving the car and tend to be in my own world. The car makes me want to learn how to drive better and I will sign up for the Porsche driving school as soon as I get a chance.

Things you won't miss from the 996

- Dated looking interior
- Lower reliability
- Higher insurance and associated costs

I had a 996TT for four years - sold it when I got the Cayman S... a lot of it depends what you're going to use the car for - for my purposes, the CS is better all around. But the 996TT is still one hell of a car, and there are some nicely priced low-mileage examples to be had. Despite the dated interior, I found it to be very reliable, in fact because it's based on the old air-cooled motor with water-cooled heads, and the same basic motor used in the 997 turbos, GT2s and GT3s, it is pretty bulletproof. But if and when things do (and they will eventually) go wrong, they will be expensive to fix. The overall maintenance costs will be higher in the long run, but I wouldn't call them unreliable.

brad

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21-year PCA Member
PCA DE Instructor

Hozer-

Once the CS is past the 2K mark, and you can rev the engine into its sweet zone (3,500 - 6,500 rmps) and puch it through a serises of tight corners, and you'll know that you've made the better choice. The 996' headlight arrangement is never going to be fondly remembered as "classic". The CS is a new classic. Enjoy.

If you live on the east coast, come play with us in SC/NC during the R'n'C2 (October 12-13, 2007).

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The Croc's Nest:
2008 Targa 4S
2006 Cayman S
2006 Cayenne S