I traded my 2004 996 cab with numerous options last week (second guessing myself until I took delivery) for my new basalt black Cayman S with sport chrono, Bose, 19 Carrera S wheels, 6 speed.....WHAT A CAR. I really did not expect this much car. The 996 was a great car and I really enjoyed driving it but this Cayman S feels totally different. I have had a 944, 964 and two 996s....nothing even compares. I would describe the feel as more like the 964 yet 10 times more refined. It is the smoothest car I have ever driven. It drives like an older 911 in that it is nimble, quick and has fantastic handling characteristics. This car feels very sturdy and tight. The shifting is almost effortless. I could not be more satisfied. How would you describe your Cayman S?

I feel the same way comming from a 993 TT and having spent track time in the 997. This car drives like my 993 in terms of road feel and feedback. It is awesome and I like the car more everytime I drive it. Wish it had my turbo engine in it though!

Dr. Z you did a wonderful job of describing the Cayman S. After 8 Porsches and a bunch of other sports cars I can only add that this is my ultimate.

As a new Porsche owner, my initial showroom/test drive impressions were - 'great looking sports coupe and plenty quick enough'Since having driven one at the limitsduring the Porsche Driving Experience, I cansay it is the most dynamically balanced andrewarding car I've ever driven - At 140MPH it cruises as smoothly asmost cars would at 70MPH - its stability under heavy braking is amazing and on the twisty bits it rides as if it was on rails.


I was told my previous BMWs were the 'ultimate driving machines' - I Don't Think So!


Submariner

I also had 2 996s before my Cayman and I am still amazed by how different this Croc is. It is sooooooo.... much better and entertaining. It's like I'm a better driver when I sit behind the wheel!

As a bonus, I get more options and still pay less...

She ismore nimble than a ballet dancer and hotter than a super model what more could you want!!!! (Yes my girlfriend is VERY jealous)


-Aaron

I still love BMWs but the Cayman S really is the ultimate driving machine. It is nice to hear from former 911 owners becasue while I came to the same conclusion, I didn't have extended seat time in any of the Carreras I drove. This Porsche just seems like the perfect sports car to me.


Alan

My father had two 911s, a 73 T and a 77 S. Both cars were compact, nimble, very connected to the road. The Cayman, even though it is a mid-engine, is mucher closer in 'feel' to the original 911 experience than the current 911 iterations. Welcome Dr.Z.

My Croc replaces a 2001 C4 and replaces is not accurate. The Cayman is in all aspects more fun, nimble and auditory than the 911. Don't get me wrong, the 911 is a fine vehicle and always will be. For me, your average enthisiast, the Cayman is more fun than ever expected.

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PACayman
Factory: 2006 Cayman S / Lapis Blue / Stone Grey Full Leather & Heated Sport Seats with Crest.
Sport Wheel / Bose / Bi-Xenon / TPMS / Carerra S 19" with Colored Crest / PASM / Sport Chrono / Climate Control

After Market: Clear Bra / Aluminum Pedals / Sport Tip / De-Snork / Clear Markers

The Cayman is my first Porsch, but I am very happy with it. I have had other sport cars, a Camaro, a Subaru RX Turbo, 2 Audi A4s and and an Audi S6 but the Cayman is by far the best driver.

Absolutely sublime and brilliant. Like a frosty crisp morning in Duckshire with Keira Svelt and a mate brambling the pepminster.

I have no idea what this means but it is Top Gear speak for "nice car", I think.

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

All of these positive things said about the car make me look forward to my delivery even more. I test drove the car and read a lot about it here and in other reviews. I am really looking forward to this!! : )

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My Garage:
01 Audi S4
08 Cobalt CS w all the goodies

I still find it fascinating how "easy" people describe their Cayman. I feel the same way, of course.

It reminds me of a few things, and points to the heart of why the Cayman is brilliant.

One thought, from my flying experience, is "cockpit workload." Everything seems to be in the right spot. The seating position is perfect, things are nicely within reach, blinker arm is a subconscious flick of the finger. I don't have to "work" to do anything, which allows me to concentrate on driving. I test drove an 02 C4S and the car just didn't fit compared to the CS. It was like a bad pair of underwear vs. a good one.

The other thought is how self-described "average" drivers say how easy it is to drive the car (and sometimes drive it hard). While other cars may have more performance potential, driving performance is all about "exploitable" potential. Even top drivers have a hard time with a car that is not very exploitable, even if the performance window is higher.

I love my CS for both reasons. The car fits very well and is highly exploitable.