Hi all,

I'm about to pull the trigger and trade my BMW 335xi for a cobalt blue Cayman. I test drove the basic cayman and was very impressed with the handling, especially in the corners. I've been eyeing porsche since I'm 4 years old, and I'm about to treat myself big time.

I know I will sacrifice some power coming from a 335xi, but I just can't help it...

I will probably put the deposit down later today....

It's not all about power. Or, if it is, this is not your car. My sports car prior to the Cayman S was a C6 ZO6, so the power differential is beyond substantial. I haven't driven a 335, but I'm sure the power difference compared to the base Cayman is noticeable, especially the low-end torque. But if you're on track, or otherwise driving fast, keeping the Porsche in its power band is just part of driving it. And I think you will find the differences in handling, braking, and steering, offset the power difference in terms of the overall driving experience.

I love them both. The torque on the 335 is great, but I prefer the cayman's handling and feel. I drove the cayman only once, but for quite a long time; I was amazed on how nimble and secure it feels. Compared to the 335xi, the cayman feels like it drives on rails, especially around corners. Driving the 335 home was like driving a soggy sponge.

I was also looking at the new M3 (which I know is in a whole different power league), but the prices and leasing deals are outrages.

My wife told me to visit the porsche dealer to to see what they would offer. They presented me with great numbers, and a good deal on the car they have in the showroom.

The dealer is calling me today to let me know how many miles are on the car. The battery is dead on the car, and he wasn't sure if it had 20 or miles on the clock.

Make sure the dealer gives you a new battery. Once lead-acid batteries go dead and stay that way for awhile they're not as effective at holding a charge.

It's not all about the power. The Cayman handles like a go-kart! I've driven a 335 and the power is pretty intoxicating for factory, but the handling just doesn't cut it for me.

I'm in agreement with the others...power doesn't mean **** without impressive handling. As good as some of the more powerful cars out there are, I personally believe it will be a while before the handling truly catches up to the power. The CS is in near perfect balance.

Similiar to the other forum member who traded in his C6 ZO6, I also traded in my 08 Corvette that had around 450 horsepower. I miss the power, but the trade off is well worth it. After all, how fast can you go, and where do you use all that power.

I'd rather have something that handles incredibly, shifts like a dream, and is not all over the place like the Corvettes are on Long Island.

CobaltCroc,

WHo said you can't return from the dark side.

Seriously, I think you'll have more fun with your Cayman than you can imagine. I have a CS but I have driven a friend's Cayman and for most normal situations it's just a great car.

BTW Cobalt Blue Rules! ....The force will be with you...always.

Craig

Well, I did it! The dealership is giving me a good deal on the 335 and a great deal on the cobalt blue cayman sitting in the showroom. The car has 30 miles on the clock.

It has the CS 18' wheels, bi-xenon, rear wiper, and the preferred package plus.

I'll be picking it up an Saturday!!

Congratulations, I am very recent to the porsche scene myself and I am truly amazed by handling and feel. It might not be as aggressive as one would expect maybe but everything else about it just makes sence! No second thoughts here.

Enjoy it!

Congratulations.....! Too bad the weather is supposed to stink on Satuday.

Make sure you sign up for the Zone 1 group. There are lots of friendly owners out here that love to get together, talk and drive.

Enjoy,

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Thanks all,

I know, the forecast calls for rain - all day on Saturday. But I'm sure the grin on my face is still going to be huge, even with the wipers on.

BTW, my 5 year old daughter will be riding with me once in a while, any body here doing the same?

I have the britax booster seat, pretty much the same as the porsche kid seat, does anybody uses the porsche seat?

Thanks again.

Philip

I take my daughters in my Cayman whenever I can. I use a booster (detached bottom of Babysmart seat) for all of them. (ages 6, 8, and 10) My 10 year old doesn't really need it to be safe, but she rides higher and can see out of the windows with it. The airbag disables when any of them are in the seat. My youngest rode in the full seat until a year ago, so 5 might be on the edge of where a booster is appropriate or not.

Every ride is special one-on-one Daddy time since our family truckster is a Honda Odyssey and we have 4 kids.

My little guy doesn't ride with me yet...


This was a year ago, so his feet are closer to the pedals now.

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2007 Speed Yellow Cayman GT 2.7 (retired)
2008 Guards Red Cayman GT 3.4
"Carpe Cayman"

Thanks for the info! Good to know that other dads are sharing the porsche with their kids as well.

Cute kid by the way, congrats.

Is it legal to have a young child in the front seat? My wife is telling me they must be 12years old in New York City to ride with me. I have 2 daughters 7 & 8, that I would love to take with me, one at a time of course. I would appreciate any sound advice.