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Has anyone had in the seat experience with the two on street / track. I'm currently in an 06 Cayman S and am seriously considering swapping for a low mileage 996 GT3 (2004). Just looking for some honest feedback. Was engaged but passed on one that has had the RMS replaced 3 times in 2 years.
Has anyone had in the seat experience with the two on street / track. I'm currently in an 06 Cayman S and am seriously considering swapping for a low mileage 996 GT3 (2004). Just looking for some honest feedback. Was engaged but passed on one that has had the RMS replaced 3 times in 2 years.
I have driven both on street and on track. While the 996 GT3 is a better track car out of the box than a Cayman S, with a few mods the Cayman S is more than its match on the track. Now the street is a whole different story the 996 GT3 will pound you with a kidney punch over every pothole, seam along the highway or any road imperfection, it is NOT a commuter car, you won't be happy with it in that regard. If you are looking for strictly a track toy and will mod it further then go 996 GT3, if you want something to do dual duty street and track, then get the Cayman S and do some mods to it for the track. (or keep the Cayman S as the case may be)
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Has anyone had in the seat experience with the two on street / track. I'm currently in an 06 Cayman S and am seriously considering swapping for a low mileage 996 GT3 (2004). Just looking for some honest feedback. Was engaged but passed on one that has had the RMS replaced 3 times in 2 years.
I've driven both on the street and I've been a passenger in both on the track. They are quite different. The GT3 has a MUCH better engine (more powerful, higher revving and more durable), clutch-type asymetrical LSD, tranny cooler, and more track-ready and adjustable suspension out of the box. I'd give a big advantage to the GT3 for track work.
The Cayman S is perhaps the better roadcar though - better seats and comfort and very delicate steering and mid-engined handling, better safety with PSM. GT3 is not that fun on the street, unless you're really pushing at the limits of safety for yourself and other drivers.
A Cayman S can be made into quite a competent track car (suspenion is the first place to focus), but it will never have the race-derived drivetrain of the GT3, no matter what you spend.
As for the RMS issue - I think that was bad luck with that particular GT3. Overall, the GT3 should have fewer RMS issues than Cayman...
LSD - Limited Slip Differential
A limited slip differential (LSD) is a modified or derived type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in rotational velocity of the output shafts, but does not allow the difference in speed to increase beyond a preset amount. In an automobile, such limited slip differentials are sometimes used in place of a standard differential, where they convey certain dynamic advantages, at the expense of greater complexity.
The main advantage of a limited slip differential is found by considering the case of a standard (or "open") differential where one wheel has no contact with the ground at all. In such a case, the contacting wheel will remain stationary, and the non-contacting wheel will rotate freely– the torque transmitted will be equal at both wheels, but will not exceed the threshold of torque needed to move the vehicle, thus the vehicle will remain stationary. In everyday use on typical roads, such a situation is very unlikely, and so a normal differential suffices. For more demanding use however, such as driving off-road, or for high performance vehicles, such a state of affairs is undesirable, and the LSD can be employed to deal with it. By limiting the velocity difference between a pair of driven wheels, useful torque can be transmitted as long as there is some friction available on at least one of the wheels.
To see the installation of a LSD style unit Click Here -> Article Forthcoming Stay Tuned
PSM - Porsche Stability Management
While it can’t overcome the laws of physics, the revolutionary Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system does lend an added degree of balance and control to the Cayman’s mid-engine driving dynamics, inspiring surefooted confidence in corners and extreme situations.
A standard feature on the Cayman and Cayman S, PSM continuously monitors steering input, road speed, yaw velocity and lateral acceleration to calculate the actual direction of travel. If the car begins to steer off line, PSM instantly intervenes with precision brake inputs on individual wheels to help bring the car back onto the driver’s intended path.
If braking alone isn’t enough to correct the vehicle’s cornering line, PSM then calls on the Cayman’s engine management system, adjusting engine output as needed to help stabilize handling. PSM can also compensate in an instant for mid-corner changes in load resulting from deceleration or braking. When Sport mode is selected with the optional Sport Chrono Package, PSM’s threshold for intervention is raised, allowing for greater driver involvement. If you prefer driving without automatic PSM assistance, the system can be set to standby at any time. In this case, it will only intervene under heavy braking, where both front wheels exceed the ABS threshold.
For all of its technical ability, PSM goes virtually unnoticed in everyday driving situations, preserving the Cayman’s natural agility.
I appreciate everyone's feedback here, good part of what makes it such a great site. I'm not sure that yellow example is still available, I have been watching Porsche Pre-owned for a month or so now and haven't noticed it and also was hoping to source one closer to home (Long Island, NY) so I could see it in person with a shuttle flight or less. My daily commuter is a Volvo 240 that goes 1.5 Miles to a train station and back so this is strictly a 50%/50% weekend/track car. Given where 996 GT3's are trading currently, from a relative value standpoint, it seems a less costly option to begin with a used GT3 than the mods I would need to get my Cayman to equivalent spec., ie +80HP, LSD, shocks/springs. Then there is the issue of longer term reliability and re-sale.
LSD - Limited Slip Differential
A limited slip differential (LSD) is a modified or derived type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in rotational velocity of the output shafts, but does not allow the difference in speed to increase beyond a preset amount. In an automobile, such limited slip differentials are sometimes used in place of a standard differential, where they convey certain dynamic advantages, at the expense of greater complexity.
The main advantage of a limited slip differential is found by considering the case of a standard (or "open") differential where one wheel has no contact with the ground at all. In such a case, the contacting wheel will remain stationary, and the non-contacting wheel will rotate freely– the torque transmitted will be equal at both wheels, but will not exceed the threshold of torque needed to move the vehicle, thus the vehicle will remain stationary. In everyday use on typical roads, such a situation is very unlikely, and so a normal differential suffices. For more demanding use however, such as driving off-road, or for high performance vehicles, such a state of affairs is undesirable, and the LSD can be employed to deal with it. By limiting the velocity difference between a pair of driven wheels, useful torque can be transmitted as long as there is some friction available on at least one of the wheels.
To see the installation of a LSD style unit Click Here -> Article Forthcoming Stay Tuned
Has anyone had in the seat experience with the two on street / track. I'm currently in an 06 Cayman S and am seriously considering swapping for a low mileage 996 GT3 (2004). Just looking for some honest feedback. Was engaged but passed on one that has had the RMS replaced 3 times in 2 years.
This has come up before. I would say it depends on what you want in a car. As a track car the GT3 is better set up from the factory and it is going to be quicker in my opinion, regardless what member experiences are to the contrary. Given a good driver the GT3 is faster.
That being said, I think the 996 interior is very dated, and I could not really justify spending money on a car where every time I got into it I wondered why I spent so much money to sit in a car that looked and felt rather old and even cheesy. I was never a fan of the interior design in the first place.
I also think that for me, insurance and maintenance costs were going to be lower with the Cayman, plus I would have a longer warranty.
The Cayman is the better car for the street or as a daily driver, the GT3 is the better car for the track or if you just don't care about things like daily drivability.
IMO if you want a 996 for the street, you should look at a Turbo, it will be more fun on the street and is more daily drivable slightly.
I was torn between a 996 TT and a Cayman S. For me it came down to the amount of money I wanted to spend. The acqusition prices were close, but I figured it would cost me *at least* another 20k in maintenance over the planned 7 years of ownership. Plus the looming prospect of an $8k tranny bill...etc, etc. A 996 GT3 is NOT the same price as a new Cayman S. They are more expensive, all things considered.
If I could justify the cost, there is no question that a used 996 TT or GT3 is a better "value"...but they are still too expensive for me. Unfortunately.
After driving around in my brother's 997TT, I found the 996 interior to be dated, also. The fact that the Cayman shared so much 997 DNA was attractive.
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I'd driver a friend's GT3 on a tight track, so I can offer only limited feedback, but I really enjoyed it in that environment. I told him to let me know if he every considers selling it when the market value is in the 60's, but still waiting for that phone call...otherwise, the GT3 is out of my price range.
I agree, however, that the CS offers a better street + track mix.
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'07 Guards Red Cayman S
'08 Honda Ridgeline RTL
'99 Miata 10th Anniversary Edition
'07 KTM Super Duke 990
'07 KTM 300 XC-W / '06 KTM 450 XC
Now the street is a whole different story the 996 GT3 will pound you with a kidney punch over every pothole, seam along the highway or any road imperfection, it is NOT a commuter car, you won't be happy with it in that regard.
How much stiffer is the ride in the GT3 than the CS with PASM in "sport" mode?
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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John
'07 Cayman S
'89 944 Turbo - sold
'05 Saab 9-5 Aero
Have had both. Just sold the GT3 last year...probably getting another one (997 or GT2 or...). It is a bit more harsh, but I DO know people who have driven them daily although Im not sure it would be something I would do. The GT3 is a much more visceral experience, lots more power, and it pulls up to 170 like the Cayman pulls to 60. It definitely depends on your needs though.
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06 Cayman S
Seal Gray, Black Full Leather, Sport seats heated, Sport wheel, Sport tips, Bose surround, V1, K40 laser jammer, 18% tint, 19" Carrera S wheels.
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Other notables of the family: 996 GT3, '71 914, '73 914, '71 914-6 2.7L, 955S, (3)993's, 964, 944, 356, 06 Elise, E46 M3, 04 S4, 04 Mini CS, 06 A8, 02 GTi 337 Stg 3+, 02 TT, various race cars.
All good points, some of which I've already toiled over others which I hadn't yet considered, so thanks. In regards to the 996 TT I don't think it has the handling or trackability I'm looking for. I actually just drove a low mileage one the other day and found it a little soft versus the Cayman in regards to steering feel and agility and I prefer NA engines over turbos. It was fast but it didn't feel like I was going fast. My personal preference is instantaneous throttle input that translates into forward motion as this is a more natural extension of thought/reaction.
Interior is definitely inferior to the 997 but not a deal breaker for me. I typically spend 99.9% of my time looking out rather than in so driving feel gets a higher weighting , and hey, it's still better IMO than the 08' Z06.
As for street drivability, I don't do a whole lot, an hour or so 1 or 2 times a week when the weather's decent. NY weather and traffic don't favor sports cars. The only upgrade I could see doing in the immediate future would be something like Motons, I have read that the range of adjustability is good from everyday street to hard core track, kinda like PASM but slightly more effort.?.
Karrera4, thanks. Your comment about the more visceral feel of the GT3 is deciding point. I've engaged a few sellers and am waiting to see service records on two at the moment. I'm ready to "pull the trigger" so to speak, it's just about finding a good example.
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
