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Cayman ComparisonsThis sub forum is for messages specifically about comparing the Cayman to other cars. For example how the Cayman compares to the 350Z or S2000 or SLK, etc.
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I am about to trade three of my cars including my S2000 for one of these options. Given anequivalent price point (Carrera - used), why would you have/did purchase the Cayman? Is there a concern that thevalue of the Cayman will drop rather quickly like the boxster at a certain point?
I am little gun shy here because I bought a 'cool' BMW Z3 Coupe(the hatchback...). I loved the shape though as I find out, it apparently was an acquired taste. Meaning that the depreciation was approximately $13k in a little over a year. I bought it used.
My S2000 has been reasonably immune to depreciation ($2k drop per year) so I have been rather pleased with that.
It's not just about depreciation, but overall ride quality, practicality (don't laugh), etc., I want a hi-speed touring car with a very 'live' feeling like the S2000 but will not punish me over roads with the merest imperfections.
J; I bought the Cayman S for two reasons. 1. I have always wanted to own a Pcar and after going to look at Boxsters I found out about the Cayman and it was a done deal. 2. ITook the wife and she really liked the car as well. Tried the 911 but decided that the back seats are useless (for us). It was her decesion to get the Cayman over the 911 (she hates soft tops). This will be the only (possibly) that I get but then usually will have them for 15-20 years so I didn't even consider depreciation.
Get the Carrera then. It is much more roomy. You also have two extra kids-only seats, a good place for storage (Cayman has more luggage space, but the the floor of the rear hatch is too irregular due to the engine.) And since you are worried about resale value, having a 911 won't hurt.
My rationale for buying the Cayman excluded depreciation; I intend to drive the car hard and keep it for the foreseeable future. I've driven Carreras and while I find their superior torque and hp attractive, I prefer the balance and look of the Cayman. For what its worth, Irecommend you base your decision on the enjoyment you'll get from driving the car of your choice, not the dollars you'll recoup when you sell it.
I debated this for the last month since I started making the numbers (lease, buy, depreciation, etc.) on the Cayman S. Prior to that I was convinced of being a Cayman buyer since I love midengine cars (I have a Lotus Elise that I will keep).
I loved the car when I drove it, but as many I felt it could take a lot more power and felt slower than the Elise at sub <80mph speeds. I still was convinced on buying it but the killer was speccing one to my liking for a modern daily driver. Adding PASM and the typical performanace and comfort features made the MSRP >$76K, and on top of that the residuals that Porsche uses for the Cayman are 10% lower than for the Carrera S while not recognizing more than $70K as initial value of the car.
Therefore, the cost of owning the Cayman S I wanted came very close to the cost of owning a Carrera S specced the same way.
I drove many times the Carrera S, and although is not a perfectly balanced car is unique, has a lot of character, and serves perfectly the double duty of Sportscar and GT. On top of that I was able to get 10% off MSRP on a new 06 Carrera S sitting on the dealer lot, that will make my depreciation hit even lower (I never own cars for more than 3 years or beyond warranty).
So for the time being I will cure my midengine passion with the Elise and enjoy comfort and convenience with my kids in the back of the Carrera S until the Cayman RS (or similar) shows up and makes me trade in earlier than usual....
I still believe the Cayman S is the better track car and if you get a no thrills one (less than $63K) is great value too.
PASM - Porsche Active Suspension Management
This active damping system offers continuous adjustment of individual damping forces based on current road conditions and driving style.
The driver can choose from two setup modes, ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’, using a separate ‘damper’ button on the center console. ‘Normal’ mode is designed for general road driving and circuits with uneven tarmac. ‘Sport’ mode is intended for smoother track surfaces, where the harder settings help eliminate pitch and roll.
In either mode, PASM continuously evaluates the current conditions while automatically selecting the corresponding damper rates from the respective set of mapped values.
A range of sensors are used to monitor the movement of the body under acceleration, braking and cornering maneuvers, as well as on poor road surfaces. The PASM control unit then evaluates this data and modifies the damping force on each individual wheel in accordance with the selected mode. The result is a significant reduction in body movement as well as a better grip on the road.
For example: if ‘Sport’ mode is selected, the suspension is automatically set to a harder damper rating. If the quality of the track surface falls below a certain threshold, the system immediately changes to a softer rating within the ‘Sport’ setup range. When the quality of the tarmac improves once more, PASM automatically returns to the original, harder rating.
Need more information about PASM? Click this link: FAQ for PASM
If depreciation is a major concern better wait for another 12-18 months on the Carrera as well. Just take a look at 996 prices for an example, and the 986 Boxster can be bought for less than some late 80s 911s.
If depreciation is a major concern better wait for another 12-18 months on the Carrera as well. Just take a look at 996 prices for an example, and the 986 Boxster can be bought for less than some late 80s 911s.
Is not a concern. It is a fact. All cars do depreciate but I wan to make the smartest use of my money. MSRP is only half the story. What I'm saying is that it will cost me the same to own a Cayman S and a Carrera S, and for the time being the Carrera S is the better car if cost is the same. And I'm willing to pay for depreciation b/c I want to own the latest model (and will never own a Porsche without warranty).
Other valid strategy is to wait until the fall and winter next year to pick Cayman S form dealer lots for good discounts.... I just can't wait....
Extreme case example is the cost of owning a $40K Ford over 3 years is probably the same that of Owning a $60K BMW over the same period. The BMW will cost you 40% ($24K) over that period while the Ford will depreciate at least that amount (60%)....
Financials aside, it really depends on what you're looking for in a sports car. The Carrera S is a great car, with the 997 series being the most refined and probably the best handling street 911 ever, especially since it's equipped with PASM standard. It's a lot faster in a straight line, terminal speed, and faster through the twistys as well. The Cayman while lacking in the above attributes, is new and different. It is a different experience in driving due to it's superb balance owed to the mid-engine. If you like to autocross, or would like to autocross, this will be a great car for short twisty courses like you find in AX, where currently the cars to beat are Boxsters and the old 914s, (believe it or not!) and VERY well set up 911s.
I'm getting a Cayman and replacing a 996 turbo because I really like to autocross, and despite the horsepower, the turbo needs room to run, and the Cayman will be just the thing. On the track days I've done with the turbo, there's nothng else like it, but for AX, the Cayman will fit the bill better
brad
Edited by - beez on 01/31/2006 3:25:45 PM
PASM - Porsche Active Suspension Management
This active damping system offers continuous adjustment of individual damping forces based on current road conditions and driving style.
The driver can choose from two setup modes, ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’, using a separate ‘damper’ button on the center console. ‘Normal’ mode is designed for general road driving and circuits with uneven tarmac. ‘Sport’ mode is intended for smoother track surfaces, where the harder settings help eliminate pitch and roll.
In either mode, PASM continuously evaluates the current conditions while automatically selecting the corresponding damper rates from the respective set of mapped values.
A range of sensors are used to monitor the movement of the body under acceleration, braking and cornering maneuvers, as well as on poor road surfaces. The PASM control unit then evaluates this data and modifies the damping force on each individual wheel in accordance with the selected mode. The result is a significant reduction in body movement as well as a better grip on the road.
For example: if ‘Sport’ mode is selected, the suspension is automatically set to a harder damper rating. If the quality of the track surface falls below a certain threshold, the system immediately changes to a softer rating within the ‘Sport’ setup range. When the quality of the tarmac improves once more, PASM automatically returns to the original, harder rating.
Need more information about PASM? Click this link: FAQ for PASM
__________________
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PCA DE Instructor
Great feedback! Though no closer to a decision, I feel much more informed aboutwhy . From a depreciation standpoint, it seems that the '05 Carrera S would be a 'safer' bet and would provide more utility. It really would come down to the handling aspect of the Cayman and styling. The Cayman, for me, would have to be more than just a shade better on handling to override the other concerns. I am open to being convinced though through a test drive. Maybe more than one.
I did this exercise as well. I surfed the net for a 997S with low miles but than I saw the Cayman S in person and found it to be just as attractive IMO. The lowestpriced 997 (aC4) on the lot, spec'd @ $89K, was $23K over my Cayman S and my dealer isn't cgomez's (10%!). The test drive sealed the deal for me....I just couldn't find $23K more worth of happinessfor me in the 997.....not with the way I drive everyday. As for depreciation, I'm hoping others will find my car as desirable as I do. Regardless, you really can't go wrong with this decision.
. From a depreciation standpoint, it seems that the '05 Carrera S would be a 'safer' bet and would provide more utility. It really would come down to the handling aspect of the Cayman and styling. The Cayman, for me, would have to be more than just a shade better on handling to override the other concerns. I am open to being convinced though through a test drive. Maybe more than one. 
