Should I trade my 997C2 for a Cayman S?

Mika_Hakkinen · #1 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 05:31 PM

I've been throwing around a few scenarios in my mind, one of them being possibly trading in my 997 for a Cayman.

I haven't even driven a Cayman yet, but I've driven the new Boxster S and enjoyed it immensely. I'm think I'm being lured by the Cayman's balance, handling characteristics on everyday roads. Plus I intend to track the car, and from what I've read the Cayman is no slouch there either compared to the 997C2 3.6 model.

So what do you all think, should I? Would you if you were in my position? I'd basically use it daily, or at least 2-3 days a week, I'm married, expecting to have a child within the next year but will have another vehicle for family outings (possibly A3 w/DSG). I also want to participate in Porsche DE's eventually. Do you think I'd be better off in a Cayman over a 997C2?

Here's the spec on my 997C2:
2006 997C2 [/quote]w/ 3000 miles<o

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Arctic Silver/Black standard interior<o

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Manual trans<o

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Sport seats<o

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Xenons<o

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Sport shifter<o

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Center console in exterior color[/quote]
[/quote]Sport steering wheel[/quote]
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[/quote]And here's how I'd spec the Cayman-[/quote]
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Cayman S <o

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Black/black or grey interior<o

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Manual trans<o

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Sport seats<o

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PASM<o

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Sport Chrono<o

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Sport shifter<o

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Seat belts in red<o

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Fire extinguisher[/quote]
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PCCB (MAYBE -if I can swing the extra 8k)
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As you can see, I tried to stick to performance oriented options. The 997 I ordered was so sparingly optioned because it truly was all I could afford. So should I switch or not? I appreciate whatever advice you all have to give. I've already contacted my Porsche sales rep to setup a test drive. I'll be sure to post feedback here on the forum.[/quote]
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[/quote]Edited by - Mika_Hakkinen on 04/17/2006 11:46:45 AM Edited by - Mika_Hakkinen on 04/17/2006 11:47:56 AM Edited by - Mika_Hakkinen on 04/17/2006 11:49:22 AM Edited by - Mika_Hakkinen on 04/17/2006 11:49:58 AM Edited by - Mika_Hakkinen on 04/17/2006 11:51:00 AM

Edited by - Mika_Hakkinen on 04/17/2006 11:52:19 AM

**fmarshall** · #2 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 05:38 PM

PCCB - if you are concerned about the cost of aquistion, be more concerned about the cost of maintenance. Run off the track in loose dirt/sand and you can waste both ceramic rotors ...

Mika_Hakkinen · #3 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 05:54 PM

For some reason my original post didn't retain it's format making it hard to read the specs on the two cars. I was able to fix; sorry for the inconvenience.

Mika_Hakkinen · #4 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 05:56 PM

Yeah the PCCB's look like a very expensive proposition. As much as I'd like to have them, it would probably make for one option I could do without and not suffer too badly. If I did go with them though, I'd also be sure to change the seatbelts from red to yellow!

PACayman · #5 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 06:22 PM

It's really up to what you like, personally. I sold an '01 C4 for my Cayman. No comparison:
<ul>[*]I enjoy the drivability of the Cayman more[*]The C4's interior was spartan. [*]The rear end of the Cayman is sexier (but the C4 rear is more aggressive)[*]I wanted new [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/teeth_smile.gif[/img][/list]

**Silent Will** · #6 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 07:18 PM

I would due to the fact that I prefer a true 2 seater mid-engined sports car and not so much a GT.

But it all comes down to whatever makes you happy I guess.

Tom Simmons · #7 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 07:24 PM

I traded in a '96 TT that Andial in CA had modified with 3.8L, GT1 turbos, S cams, Carillo rods and lightweight flywheel. It was a real screamer. I drove it sparingly around town, and took it to Porsche DE's several times per year. I now have 2 1/2 Months and 4K mi with my new 'mistress' as my wife likes to call my sportscars. I have not regretted for one minute the trade. Even though the TT was faster, the Cayman is still more fun because of the fantastic handling. It's not that much slower than the TT, and I bet you'll find it's as fast as your C2. And it is now my everyday driver, so I have more time to enjoy than in the TT, where I worried about too many miles and possible resale.

Mika_Hakkinen · #8 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 08:10 PM

I haven't had any track time in my C2 yet, but from my 'spirited driving sessions' so far on back roads, I've been caught out a few times with the front end of my 997 popping up mid corner. Wasn't too confidence inspiring.Plus I don't have PASM and I hated how high the car sits, so I put lowering springs on it.The ride is still good, but looking back on it now, I would've preferred -10mmand a choice of street/race settings with the flick of a switch.

Getting back to the 911's handling characteristics,I probably just need some good instruction at an upcoming PDE to gain the confidence I need to overcome the 911's unique characteristics. But I can't forget about how solid the Boxster S felt when I tested it (several times) back in Feb of '04. I felt confidence right off the bat, and I felt like I could pretty much do anything I wanted to with it.

Two days ago I test drove a Lotus Elise. It was fun, reminded me of my shifter kart I used to own, but at the same time it reminded me of my old AE86 Corolla. The motor was severely lacking.It's hard for me to describe it; the car was definitely raw and focused (just they way I want my car to be), but I came away feeling like it was a bit of a toy. The build quality was not quite what I've become accustomed to, plus the paint jobs were atrocious. Massive orange peel. I understand that these cars are meant to be track day cars and things like orange peel shouldn't be an issue, but all I can say is I was relieved when I slid back into my 997 and drove off saying to myself that buying Porsche was the right decision.

I think no matter what I'll be a Porsche owner for life. Now to go Cayman, or stick w/ my 997.............hmmmm.

Tom Simmons · #9 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 08:20 PM

I had the same problem with my 911. I've had 3 and despite years of trying, I never felt totaaly comfortable and at ease at speed in the corners. I haven't had this one to Heartland Park in Topeka yet (10 days 14 hrs!), but I already know from just driving around town that I'm going to be much more at ease in this one. That says a lot about me as a driver, but we can't all be Paul Newman.

Mika_Hakkinen · #10 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 08:33 PM

Exactly. I like to believe I'm a competent driver, but the fact is I don't live a life which allows me to spend alot of time at the track honing my skills. When I do get the chance to push it, be it the open road or the 3-4 times a year I can attend a PDE, I'm thinking that Cayman could possibly end up a better fit for me.

We'll see, I've never been one of those who continually feels 'the grass is always greener.......', but this is one case where I really need to find out for sure.

Cocodrilo · #11 (**permalink**) 04-17-2006, 11:00 PM

Mika, I took a test drive and the 997 felt to me more connected to the road where as the Cayman felt more connected to the driver [img]/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/tounge_smile.gif[/img]. The handling of the Kman is supreme, another level, you have to