2008, brand new 6 speed manual. Before I pulled the trigger on a Cayman I had to at least drive one.

Impressions? I love the 911 and always have, but imo the Cayman has it beat in almost every category. Other then a little more mid range grunt, I found the 911's driving to be..well heavy. It turned well fast but didn't feel nimble. Heavy is the only word I can think of to describe it. In comparison to the Cayman and even the Boxter which both felt so nimble and "flickable" that I had a hard time getting out.

I know the 911 is only a few hundred lbs difference to it must of been the rear engine vs mid engine? I'm not sure as that is the first 911 I have ever driven, but we did drive awhile and really put it through the paces.

As I think someone mentioned in another thread, the interior was almost identical. All the same quality parts. The 911 did fit me better as it had more head and legroom, other then that I am thrilled to save 30k and get a more nimble car.

I had the exact same impressions. I drove a base 911 coupe. The CS absolutely killed it.Did not like the 911 oversteer at my skill level.The Cayman s zips in and out of traffic like a go-cart on steriods.Very predictable at the limit.Depending on what happens to the Cayman line in the next few years, I might be tempted by a 911 GT3rs or something like that if finances allow but for now the Cayman/Cayman S is a no brainer. If more BMW and Audi buyers test drove the Cayman, there would be a waiting list and the good deals would be gone.

Presumably most Audi and BMW buyers are attracted to a car that seats @ least 4 people, and in most cases has 4 doors.

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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

I did the same thing today! I first drove a 2007 CS, then a 2007 911 Cab. Like you, the 911 seemed to fit my body better - better legroom, better headroom, but the Cayman fit me better.

The whole time I was driving the Cayman, I was giggling and laughing. The sounds, the power, the handling were all so intoxicating. We (took my wife along!) then drove the 911. The 911 felt more refined, but more stodgy (if you could ever say that about a Porsche!) My feelings while driving the 911 weren't as exhilarating. I was quite surprised myself. I guess I'm still too young for a 911 (thank God!). (I'm 37, btw.)

I still love both cars, but now I feel a little more confident in my preference of the Cayman. Now to just pick out options...

My first test drive in the CS was the most intoxicating auto expierence ever except for M school.10 mins into the test drive, I knew that I was screwed.

ditto.
Just dont drive a 911 turbo trust me. Straight line adrenaline is unforgiving. For the rest, Cayman S all the way.

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The first South American modded reptile ~ 350HP - 4.4 sec 0-60 and 12.7 sec 1/4 mile. But looking for extra 100 HP!