Cayman v. 944 Turbo
Discussion
A friend of mine is geting his brand new Cayman S next week. Since I own a 944 Turbo, the banter has been flowing and we are both keen to find out how the two cars compare.
My feel is the 944 would have more straight line speed and probably see the Cayman off where acceleration is concerned (once of course the boost kicks in!). Reviews I have read say that the Cayman handles like its on rails, and while the 944 is no slouch (in fact, a true great possibly...) I would think the Cayman would win there. Should be intersting to see which is quicker and which "feels quicker".
As for general "feel"... I really don't think there will be much competition here! Of course, its totally subjective, but judging from driving boxsters I would think the older Turbo will feel more special. Such great feel and after a long hard drive the feeling of achievement is great!
Anyone here with more than the armchair analysis I have provided?
I will post up what we did once its done! Any suggestions about where to go? We aren't considering speeding or doing any truly eye watering speeeds. Just some quick B-roads. Since we're Londoners do take into consideration that we won't want to drive for over 2 hours to get to where we can test the cars out! If there are any favourite haunts out there, please do let me me know.
My feel is the 944 would have more straight line speed and probably see the Cayman off where acceleration is concerned (once of course the boost kicks in!). Reviews I have read say that the Cayman handles like its on rails, and while the 944 is no slouch (in fact, a true great possibly...) I would think the Cayman would win there. Should be intersting to see which is quicker and which "feels quicker".
As for general "feel"... I really don't think there will be much competition here! Of course, its totally subjective, but judging from driving boxsters I would think the older Turbo will feel more special. Such great feel and after a long hard drive the feeling of achievement is great!
Anyone here with more than the armchair analysis I have provided?
I will post up what we did once its done! Any suggestions about where to go? We aren't considering speeding or doing any truly eye watering speeeds. Just some quick B-roads. Since we're Londoners do take into consideration that we won't want to drive for over 2 hours to get to where we can test the cars out! If there are any favourite haunts out there, please do let me me know.
Alex said:
I don't have a Porsche myself, but have 2 mates with 944 Turbos, and 1 with a Cayman S.
Unless the 944 is suitably modified, it won't see which way the Cayman went.
Unless the 944 is suitably modified, it won't see which way the Cayman went.
In a straight line too? I really am quite keen to see how the two cars compare... I would have thought it would be closer! Then again, there is 13 years of technology separating the two!
I have to admit my drives in Boxsters have always felt more sterile forlack of any other word than other classic Porsches I have driven.
Edited by AdvocatusDiaboli on Monday 31st July 12:11
Alex said:
A Cayman S has 295bhp compared to a standard 951 with 250bhp.
First time I had a ride in my mate's Cayman, I was amazed how fast it felt. I used to have a Griff 500, and the Cayman S felt as quick as that.
First time I had a ride in my mate's Cayman, I was amazed how fast it felt. I used to have a Griff 500, and the Cayman S felt as quick as that.
Certainly wasn't expecting that. This Cayman isn't a manual though...its a tiptronic. Autocar suggest just 5.9 for it without the manual box... 944 Turbo's are put down at 5.7 secs. However, 0-60 is always purely academic and I really don't place much important in them. I am keen to see what 30 - 70 feels like... my 944 Turbo really does feel fab in those ranges!
I would say the Cayman is exceptionally quick in mid range speed tests. I'm now used to how my one behaves and if I'm in the right gear it wil fly, especially with the sport mode switched on 
As mentioned above, technology moves on and I would doubt a 944 turbo would get near my car in real world driving. However, a well driven 944 turbo may be a different animal on a track and I may see this on August 12th at Bedford when we are using the full GT circuit for PCGB track day. Will be fun
and am more than happy to move over if a 944 T wants to go past as I like to see a well driven sports car being used as it should.
If you happen to live in the east of London then come out to Brentwood, Billericay, Stock, Hanningfield area as there are some great roads in that area and some decent pubs to grab some refreshment in.
Yex
As mentioned above, technology moves on and I would doubt a 944 turbo would get near my car in real world driving. However, a well driven 944 turbo may be a different animal on a track and I may see this on August 12th at Bedford when we are using the full GT circuit for PCGB track day. Will be fun
and am more than happy to move over if a 944 T wants to go past as I like to see a well driven sports car being used as it should. If you happen to live in the east of London then come out to Brentwood, Billericay, Stock, Hanningfield area as there are some great roads in that area and some decent pubs to grab some refreshment in.
Yex
Yex said:
I would say the Cayman is exceptionally quick in mid range speed tests. I'm now used to how my one behaves and if I'm in the right gear it wil fly, especially with the sport mode switched on
As mentioned above, technology moves on and I would doubt a 944 turbo would get near my car in real world driving. However, a well driven 944 turbo may be a different animal on a track and I may see this on August 12th at Bedford when we are using the full GT circuit for PCGB track day. Will be fun and am more than happy to move over if a 944 T wants to go past as I like to see a well driven sports car being used as it should.
If you happen to live in the east of London then come out to Brentwood, Billericay, Stock, Hanningfield area as there are some great roads in that area and some decent pubs to grab some refreshment in.
Yex
As mentioned above, technology moves on and I would doubt a 944 turbo would get near my car in real world driving. However, a well driven 944 turbo may be a different animal on a track and I may see this on August 12th at Bedford when we are using the full GT circuit for PCGB track day. Will be fun
and am more than happy to move over if a 944 T wants to go past as I like to see a well driven sports car being used as it should. If you happen to live in the east of London then come out to Brentwood, Billericay, Stock, Hanningfield area as there are some great roads in that area and some decent pubs to grab some refreshment in.
Yex
Yex, thanks for this. Any particular routes you could recommend? I am keen to get this party started! Much depends on driver input, but since I will be driving both cars I will be able to tell which suits me better in any event.
AdvocatusDiaboli said:
Yex said:
I would say the Cayman is exceptionally quick in mid range speed tests. I'm now used to how my one behaves and if I'm in the right gear it wil fly, especially with the sport mode switched on
As mentioned above, technology moves on and I would doubt a 944 turbo would get near my car in real world driving. However, a well driven 944 turbo may be a different animal on a track and I may see this on August 12th at Bedford when we are using the full GT circuit for PCGB track day. Will be fun and am more than happy to move over if a 944 T wants to go past as I like to see a well driven sports car being used as it should.
If you happen to live in the east of London then come out to Brentwood, Billericay, Stock, Hanningfield area as there are some great roads in that area and some decent pubs to grab some refreshment in.
Yex
As mentioned above, technology moves on and I would doubt a 944 turbo would get near my car in real world driving. However, a well driven 944 turbo may be a different animal on a track and I may see this on August 12th at Bedford when we are using the full GT circuit for PCGB track day. Will be fun
and am more than happy to move over if a 944 T wants to go past as I like to see a well driven sports car being used as it should. If you happen to live in the east of London then come out to Brentwood, Billericay, Stock, Hanningfield area as there are some great roads in that area and some decent pubs to grab some refreshment in.
Yex
Yex, thanks for this. Any particular routes you could recommend? I am keen to get this party started! Much depends on driver input, but since I will be driving both cars I will be able to tell which suits me better in any event.
HTH
No specific routes I could list but the roads round the reservoir are all good. Come out of London on A12 which becomes the A127 at Romford then go for about 15 miles turn off to Billericay on A176 which is just after the old Fortune of War roundabout. You can't miss it as it is blocked off and you can only go left or straight over now. Straight through Billericay high street keeping train station on left and then onto Stock. About 1/2 mile out of town the road is quite entertaining but take it easy in Stock as full of wrinklies including my god parents. The Bakers Arms in stock does good food if you need a refuel. Follow signs to West or South Hanningfield and the roads will get you to the reservoir where you can play for a while. Enjoy,
Yex
Yex said:
HTH
No specific routes I could list but the roads round the reservoir are all good. Come out of London on A12 which becomes the A127 at Romford then go for about 15 miles turn off to Billericay on A176 which is just after the old Fortune of War roundabout. You can't miss it as it is blocked off and you can only go left or straight over now. Straight through Billericay high street keeping train station on left and then onto Stock. About 1/2 mile out of town the road is quite entertaining but take it easy in Stock as full of wrinklies including my god parents. The Bakers Arms in stock does good food if you need a refuel. Follow signs to West or South Hanningfield and the roads will get you to the reservoir where you can play for a while. Enjoy,
Yex
Thanks mate. Will do this. Hope visibility is good. While I love B road, I am not so crazy about the ones that have tall hedges on the corners!
Looks like my poor old 944 is going to be embarassed by this young upstart Cayman! Time to upgrade to 964 or 993 Turbo. Now, that'll take some beating. Been sniffing around 964 for a while now.
rob05 said:
I think you should give it a miss personally unless your car has very trick parts the cayman will just make your car look a bit silly.
Its not about ego at all mate... We're both car enthusiasts and simply want to compare the two. Neither of us will be the least bit suprised if the Cayman is better. We just want to see by how much...
Give it a miss? Not on your life!
AdvocatusDiaboli said:
Hope visibility is good. While I love B road, I am not so crazy about the ones that have tall hedges on the corners!
Lots of clear lines on these roads with little a few hedges in places. Just remember about being able to stop in the distance you can see.
Now, where do you take that 8 litre Bentley of your's for a drive then.....would love to see that, actually make that hear that
Yex
I never presumed it was about ego,but given the age of your car and due to engine degradation over the years the result will be four gone conclusion at any speed.
I'm not knocking your car by the way just adding a touch of realism to your opening comments.
I'm not knocking your car by the way just adding a touch of realism to your opening comments.
Edited by rob05 on Monday 31st July 15:15
rob05 said:
I never presumed it was about ego,but given the age of your car and due to engine degradation over the years the result will be four gone conclusion at any speed.
I'm not knocking your car by the way just adding a touch of realism to your opening comments.
I'm not knocking your car by the way just adding a touch of realism to your opening comments.
Edited by rob05 on Monday 31st July 15:15
Thanks for that mate. I think my glasses may have been slightly rose-tinted! Still, will post up what we found out.
Yex said:
AdvocatusDiaboli said:
Hope visibility is good. While I love B road, I am not so crazy about the ones that have tall hedges on the corners!
Lots of clear lines on these roads with little a few hedges in places. Just remember about being able to stop in the distance you can see.
Now, where do you take that 8 litre Bentley of your's for a drive then.....would love to see that, actually make that hear that
Yex
It took me 13 years to restore the Lancia! Work on the Bentley starts December 2006. I think it should be on the road circa 2008 - should be a simpler restoration. The car is original and intact. Should be fantastic... I have never heard an 8 litre before, but from what I have read - truly fantastic! Can you imagine? Cruising at 100+ mph in 1931!! Epic. I can't wait.
AdvocatusDiaboli said:
Can you imagine? Cruising at 100+ mph in 1931!! Epic. I can't wait.
I'll wait until you've finished the restoration and gladly come for a ride in the beasty, have the flying coat and goggles somewhere
If you're over this way with the two cars let me know when and if I'm around I'll gladly come out and show you how a run in Cayman goes when you push it
Yex
Yex said:
AdvocatusDiaboli said:
Can you imagine? Cruising at 100+ mph in 1931!! Epic. I can't wait.
I'll wait until you've finished the restoration and gladly come for a ride in the beasty, have the flying coat and goggles somewhere
If you're over this way with the two cars let me know when and if I'm around I'll gladly come out and show you how a run in Cayman goes when you push it
Yex
Consider that done! (For the WO and for the Cayman!)
AdvocatusDiaboli said:
Looks like my poor old 944 is going to be embarassed by this young upstart Cayman! Time to upgrade to 964 or 993 Turbo. Now, that'll take some beating. Been sniffing around 964 for a while now.
Or you could call Lynsey Racing in the US and for under 3k (including shipping and under-declared VAT) you can have all the mods to take your car up to around 390 bhp. - more than enough power to keep up with the Cayman. (on the straights at least)
(new larger hybrid turbo, Mass Air Flow Meter, 3" exhaust, new wastgate, larger injectors to cope with the more fuel needed due to more air from turbo, 3 bar fuel pressure regulators for uprated injectors)
Although you will then want to get the big red brake converson and upgrade the springs / dampers and torsion bars etc to have a chassis to match.
This is the way I shall be going, and also supplementing with an uprated intercooler. I reckon about 4.5k all in for all of the above on top of the 7k needed to buy the car.
I will be keeping this car forever, so losing the money spent on modification upon re-sale is not of particular concern to me, I understand it may well be for others though.
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