As the Cayman was developed from the Boxster, its steel monocoque chassis was very rigid and offered a superb base for the all-round MacPherson strut suspension to work from. Lateral control arms further help locate the rear suspension, while Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) was also an option, and one which continues to divide opinion to this day.
S gets bigger, redder brakes, wheels often upgraded
There's little point in upgrading the standard suspension for road driving as it's already very well balanced. For track use, firmer springs and dampers will make a difference to body lean. The first-gen S Sport Edition, and Porsche Design Edition 1 limited model, sit on 10mm lowered suspension, while the R sits 20mm lower than the S on standard 19-inch alloy wheels.
The first-gen and second-gen Caymans have 17-inch alloys as standard, while the S models had 18-inch wheels or 19-inch items as an option. Most Caymans will have 18-inch alloys fitted as options and the S usually has 19-inch optional alloys to improve the looks but not the ride quality.
To counter to ride on 19-inch alloy wheels, the PASM gives a softer ride in Normal mode but is reckoned to be too firm in Sport mode for road use. The PASM system also comes with a stiffer front anti-roll bar to help with turn in to corners, so for track driving a car with PASM fitted is a good bet. However, on earlier generation Caymans, the hydraulic power steering pump can overheat with track driving, though a modified pump is available from specialists to cure this. Track driving also takes it toll on first-gen track rod ends, which were upgraded with larger items for second-gen cars. When replacing a first-gen Cayman's track rod ends, it's worth swapping to the larger second-gen items to avoid this problem in the future.
Softer PASM setting handy with bigger wheels
All Porsche Cayman brakes are powerful, with the original 2.7 sporting 298mm front vented discs and 299mm rears with anti-lock for all models. The first-gen S upgrades with 318mm front discs and is identifiable by its red-painted brake calipers. These sizes remained throughout Cayman production, with the only other choice the option of carbon ceramic brake discs, but this is an incredibly rare sight due to the cost of the option when the car was new.
A set of replacement tyres from a premium brand will set you back around £800, but PHers report the Cayman will only need new tyres at around the 18,000-miles mark in normal road driving conditions.
PHer's view:
"My second-gen 2.9 has the smaller 18-inch wheels and rides very well. It really comes alive on the B-roads, the whole chassis works so well when you're moving at pace. I do think the chassis can handle so much more power. Also, the brakes feel different to other modern cars, purely because they are not over servoed."
Gio
Buying guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior