Cayman S or 996 C4S

[wimper]

First things first, let me start by saying hello!! Apologies if this has been covered before, but I've done some searching and not found a specific topic (cue links to previous topics...)

Currently running around in my track day MX5 as my daily driver, but me and the missus are driving to the south of France in the summer, so need something more practical than a car with Plastic seats and no air con.

I was originally looking at a 350z but since a recent promotion has given me a little more money to play with, I have been looking to buy something a little more special, which lead me to Porsches. I only cover about 4k miles per year, so can take a hit on running costs, but it will be my daily driver.

I started looking at facelift 996s and absolutely love the lines of the C4S. I figure that any car at this level will probably be better than my driving skill, so the switch from rear to 4 wheel drive wasn't too much of an issue. It really came down to a design decision, and I prefer the turbo body and the front bumper of the C4S over the std car.

I have also always liked the Cayman. I know some people are a little marmite with it, but personally I love the look of the rear haunches, and that it looks wasted. So I went to Leicester OPC on Friday to have a chat to them. I was frank and they new that they wouldn't be selling me a car, so I just spoke to them about the differences.

Their opinion was that the Cayman was the better handling car, and the C4S would feel like and older car in comparison. Also that they Cayman is a more practical option. I am of the opinion that the Cayman would probably depreciate more, but how much more I am unsure of (just a little worried with how cheap original Boxters are). I am also assuming that part prices will be about the same, but the 996 will have more possibility of going wrong as its older.

So it's over to you. Normally I wouldn't use a forum to say which car, but I now with performance cars it can be more difficult to get a test drive.

Oh and finally, budget will be about 18k, and it will have to be a manual.

Thanks in advance.

Ian

Edited by wimper on Sunday 25th March 09:24

[Whitean3]

I think you have already summed everything up pretty accurately! At the end of the day, it will come down to personal preference. Try and test drive both and see what you think. The C4S will feel dated compared to the Cayman. cayman's hatch is very practical, but the cabin is more claustrophobic than the 911 (to me at least). Rear of the 911 is quite roomy for additional luggage, as long as you don't have massive hard suitcases!

Good luck with your search, think you'll be happy, whicever one you choose!

[mayes911]

at £18k the cayman wont go in to freefall value wise any time soon infact prices have firmed up recently.porsche have stopped making caymans for at least a year until the new model 981 comes out in 2013 so a few years down the line second hand cars will be thin on the ground.as for 996c4s dont think you get a good one for your budget and always be aware of the chance of ims failure on early cars(pre 2006 model year).
imho the cayman s is the one to go for you wont be dissapointed,whereas the c4s imho is turbo look with a chocolate engine infact a turbo can be had for not a lot more dollar with its vastly superior engine

[Callughan]

Both very different to drive depends what you are looking for. Cayman for 18k will also be slightly cheaper to run.

[wimper]

Cheers for the replies both. I think at the moment I'm leaning more towards the Cayman, even though I do love the loom of the turbo body. I think I would be more wise to wait until I can put more money into one.

When you say chocolate engines, do you mean not very strong? I have been reading various reports of different failures, but I was unsure how much to believe. Its normally only when stuff goes wrong that people rant on t'internet.

Think I'll go and hunt for a Cayman buyers guide. Would welcome common things to look out for if anyone wants to add something in.

[mayes911]

go and look at the hartech buyers guide might answer some of your questions as regard reliability.turbo/gt cars engine totally different.

[mayes911]

actually had ims failure on a 2003 car.new engine.beaware not internet bull.

[Raitzi]

Cayman S. It is just so sweet car to drive and it even has two boots. You can not ask much more out of a sports car. Additional plus is that it is likely made in Finland.(guess where I am from )

Edited by Raitzi on Saturday 21st April 11:58

Edited by Raitzi on Saturday 21st April 18:22

[98C4S]

I drove the two cars back to back (ish) before choosing the Cayman S.

It felt nimbler, faster and handled better (in my opinion)

I also found the cabin a nicer place to be - more modern, and I picked up an 07 car, the C4S was an 04.

I would drive the two and make up your own mind. I dont think you could go wrong with either

[Magic919]

For that money, buy the Cayman. Get the 911 later when funds allow. That or buy a cheap Turbo and prepare to spend a few grand along the way.

[RudeDog]

I had a similar dilemma in summer 2010. Budgets at the time were slightly higher but I debated the exact same cars. In the end I went for the Cayman S and haven't regretted it at all.

[Mutt]

South of France and you're not considering a Boxster? Why not? Almost as sharp as a Cayman with open air motoring. More choice for your budget, too.

[barriejames]

C4s seven days a week if you are going to get a Porsche make it a top model, even if older. I like the Boxsters and Caymans but would never splash my hard earned on one. I am on my third 996 though one word sums it up... Carrera the name is known worldwide

[F3RNANDO]

I have to admit trying to get a closer look when I see a Cayman on the road....









....in case the chick driving it is hot!!




Seriously though at 18k its a Boxster S you want on the Riviera - very underated steer.

[C4SHONEY]

Use my c4s daily. Never driven a cayman , sure they are great, but would only move out of mine for 997 turbo or c4s.

C4s will probably be a bit more expensive to run, but the shape is a legend already. For me it just had to be a '911' , sad but true.

E

[Helicopter123]

At £18k, look for a Cayman.

You van always trade up to a 911 later.

[wimper]

F3RNANDO said:

I have to admit trying to get a closer look when I see a Cayman on the road....

....in case the chick driving it is hot!!


Seriously though at 18k its a Boxster S you want on the Riviera - very underated steer.

Haha, don't forget you're taking to a bloke who is currently driving an MX5! I am used I dealing with hairdresser/girls car comments now...

Your right a soft top on the Riviera would be ace, especially when we head over the Pyrenees to see our mates in Barca. It's going to be a wicked road trip.

However, as nice as it would be to have the soft top for the trip, I am tired of living with one day to day. I surf occasionally and want a car that doesn't limit my hobbies again. I know the sky's the limits for getting things in a soft top, but only when it's sunny!!

Cheers for all the comments everyone.

[f1ten]

my mechanic has shown me 2 cayman s engine blocks, pistons failed etc. dont go thinking Caymans are 100% bullet proof.

Remember a 911 is a 911 and as good as a cayman is, its not the daddy.
you want to look back and when your beautiful girlfriend or kids say, what porsche did you used to have? a 911!
My old boss had one in the 80s and he told me about it 5 yrs ago, it was enough to make me realise what I was going to do if someone asked the same question...

[mayes911]

f1ten said:"My old boss had one in the 80s and he told me about it 5 yrs ago, it was enough to make me realise what I was going to do if someone asked the same question"

its 2012 things have moved on since then my teenage nephews are more inspired by a cayman than a 911

Edited by mayes911 on Monday 26th March 20:20

[F3RNANDO]

mayes911 said:

its 2012 things have moved on since then my teenage nephews are more inspired by a cayman than a 911

Time to change your user name then.......maybe something more inspiring??