While we're talking about the Cayman S

[asterix]

I was dead set on puttng a deposit on the Cayman S this month until I heard that the 07 Boxster S is getting the same engine. Now, while I was buying the CS as a car in it's own right - I am a bit miffed that both cars will have the same output with the cost premium on the CS. The Porsche dealer here in Dubai says that it has seriously upset a few people, not less himself as he's just taken delivery of his own Boxster S! It has also stopped a number of people going for the CS.

So I have two options, three actually.

1. Go with an MY07 Cayman S and get on with it.

2. Wait and see if the Cayman S gets a power hike in the next 6 months.

3. Get a Mk1 GT3 and see what happens.

In Dubai, the specced Cayman S that I would want works out at AED 235,000.00 I could get a good Mk1 GT3 for the same money - however, I really wanted to own my first Porsche from new. Also, having had a Cayman S for a two day test drive - it is very special. Handles beautifully and I was impressed how it was put together. I also realise that if I went down the GT3 route, I'd lose far less money over a two/three period, but I'm not that bothered about that.

I will track and AutoX whatever I get.

What do you think?

Curretly have a Grand Cherokee Overland and a Honda S2000.

Done well with the S2000 in the UAE Championship AutoX - 2nd at the moment in the stock class.

[Geneve]

Surely it depends on your intended use.

- The Cayman is a superb Coupe
- The Boxster is a superb Roadster
- The GT3 Mk1 is simply superb, especially on the right roads/track

[DucatiGary]

gt3gt3gt3gt3gt3gt3gt3gt3gt3gt3gt3gt3gt3gt3gt3gt3gt3

if that wasnt subtle enough for ya

GT3

[asterix]

Gary... I don't get what you're saying.

[DucatiGary]

sorry I must have used joined up letters,

G T 3

that any better?

[asterix]

Ahhh I get it

Seriously though.

Given the toss up and the fact that while a GT3 would be priced ok, I'm still in a small place - Dubai is about the same size as Brighton.

Finding a good one could be difficult and I can't see any other 996 varient being as sharp on track.

[DucatiGary]

im not posting for my pleasure, i remember you on your high horse about 996's and the caymans whoopin their ass etc etc, get a GT3, they are the same price second hand as a new cayman, there is no argument.

as nike once said

just do it.

[adam b]

sounds like you are a serious tracker and maybe the slight rigidity advantage of the Cayman may benefit you over the Boxster - one of the few reasons I can see for paying £4/5k more for the hard top version of the Boxster

Will they increase bhp on the Cayman? Would have to be 15-20bhp to be meaningful whihch means the haloed, untouchable 911 will have to take a hike in 3.6 and 3.8S guises. Bit early for that I woudl have thought?

[asterix]

I've never really considered the Boxster S to be honest - I've had a roadster for a few years now and could happily leave open top motoring behind for a while. I know the Boxter S is an accomplished car but in the real world (drivers being equal - good enough to give them a thrashing) it's only a tad faster than the S2000 for a hell of a lot more money.

The Cayman S, from my brief drives, I think is a different animal though. There is a definate increase in strength and rigidity and it is a very well balanced piece of kit.

The dilema goes on...

Also a bit worried that if I did go down the GT3 route - it would spoil me.

[Merritt]

asterix said:

Also a bit worried that if I did go down the GT3 route - it would spoil me.

Don't worry about that - the only person that makes driving A GT3 look easy is Richard Westbrook... On track with no compooters etc, the GT3 is difficult to drive 'properly' quick. IMHO - There are only a handful of track day drivers that can drive the car to anything close to its limits!

Buy one, you won't regret it

Steve

[asterix]

I have a good mate out here with a Mk1 - he's offered to let me have a drive (last time he offered he had his wife and two little kids in the car - I declined as I wasn't willing to take the risk and they couldn't have got in my car as it's a roadster).

Maybe I should have a blatt.

[Adam B]

asterix said:

I have a good mate out here with a Mk1 - he's offered to let me have a drive (last time he offered he had his wife and two little kids in the car -.

were the kids in the boot?

[asterix]

No - haha - the por blighters were stuffed in those little cubby holes behind the seats - he doesn't have the roll cage fitted.

They seem to love it though. They're only young 5 & 8 I think - he's had belts fitted somehow.