Evora or Cayman/Boxster?
Discussion
I have had extensive test drives in Cayman and Boxster 981S . The former I tried and was very impressed with the car, however didn’t feel true excitement. It’s a very capable car and point to point on the real world roads wasn’t much slower than my previous 997 GT3.
However I test then drove an Evora S and ultimately felt it was the right car for me. Loved it.
Since then have also had Evora 400 auto which once again was a stunning car.
I do however still have a hankering to own a 981S Boxster, as that did make me smile and preferred it over the Cayman. I would only have one with PASM and PSE mind you, and prices have held string since launch of 4 cylinder 718.
I wouldn’t have a Porsche without a Porsche warranty due to potential engine problems, albeit 5% risk aledgedly
So in summary the 981 versions are very capable cars, but ultimately don’t have the soul of Lotus’s , which ultimately makes the Lotus the more enjoyable car.
However I test then drove an Evora S and ultimately felt it was the right car for me. Loved it.
Since then have also had Evora 400 auto which once again was a stunning car.
I do however still have a hankering to own a 981S Boxster, as that did make me smile and preferred it over the Cayman. I would only have one with PASM and PSE mind you, and prices have held string since launch of 4 cylinder 718.
I wouldn’t have a Porsche without a Porsche warranty due to potential engine problems, albeit 5% risk aledgedly
So in summary the 981 versions are very capable cars, but ultimately don’t have the soul of Lotus’s , which ultimately makes the Lotus the more enjoyable car.
Edited by DaveGB on Sunday 12th August 21:16
I've not long sold my Cayman (981) for an Evora 400.
Both cars offer a lot, but to me, the Evora experience, particularly in the 400 format, is more akin to a mini supercar feel than the Porsche.
The car is lower and just feels a bit more exotic with the exposed mid engine etc.
That said, the Cayman probably represent better value for money from new and a new Cayman S sensibly optioned would be over 10k cheaper than a 400.
After having a couple of Porkers, I just wanted to dip my toe in the world of Lotus and so far I'm enjoying it.
There is definitely a rarity value with the Lotus, that you don't get with a Porsche.
I think the current Evora's and 718 Porkers are fairly well sorted and I wouldn't expect too many major issues with either, although in the case of the Lotus you would probably have a few more niggles to resolve initially, but on the flip side, there certainly seems a bit more tech to go wrong in the Porsche that could prove expensive without a warranty.
I think with both cars you still have plan for issues, albeit probably not engine related and personally (this may surprise people), I'd actually rather run an Evora without a warranty than a Porsche!!
Both cars offer a lot, but to me, the Evora experience, particularly in the 400 format, is more akin to a mini supercar feel than the Porsche.
The car is lower and just feels a bit more exotic with the exposed mid engine etc.
That said, the Cayman probably represent better value for money from new and a new Cayman S sensibly optioned would be over 10k cheaper than a 400.
After having a couple of Porkers, I just wanted to dip my toe in the world of Lotus and so far I'm enjoying it.
There is definitely a rarity value with the Lotus, that you don't get with a Porsche.
I think the current Evora's and 718 Porkers are fairly well sorted and I wouldn't expect too many major issues with either, although in the case of the Lotus you would probably have a few more niggles to resolve initially, but on the flip side, there certainly seems a bit more tech to go wrong in the Porsche that could prove expensive without a warranty.
I think with both cars you still have plan for issues, albeit probably not engine related and personally (this may surprise people), I'd actually rather run an Evora without a warranty than a Porsche!!
fillpoke2 said:
I'm torn between buying a 2010 Evora n/a or a Cayman/Boxster. Has anybody on here owned both and hence able to give an opinion? I'm wanting to use the car as a daily so reliability and running costs count as well as performance. Thanks for any help....
I have had an Evora, an Elise 111R and currently a 2006 Boxster S.My absolute favourite was the Elise. For every day use I think the Evora or the Boxster/Cayman is fine. When I had the Evora, I missed the opportunity to get the roof down, so for me I would lean to Boxster - although not as precise as an Evora. Evora is still also an incredibly rare sight. My Evora experience was somewhat soured by the clutch giving up at just over 30,000 miles.
I don't think you will be disappointed whatever you choose. If I went back to Lotus now, I would be looking at an Elise S2/3. I avoided Boxsters for years as I thought they were too ubiquitous but I can see why they are so popular.
Although I am still a secret Lotus fanboy.
I was in a similar position a couple of years ago, trying to choose between an Evora S and a Cayman R - a slightly newer Evora than the Cayman for the same money. I test drove both (and an Evora 400 just to see what it was like), the Evora felt a little more exotic than the Cayman and with a slightly better chassis. In the end it just came down to which I could find first in the right spec, and the Cayman won.
I had been a long term Porsche owner previously (a couple of 964s) and one of the things that attracts me to Porsche is the so far bullet proof reliability. I do quite a few track days, and in the Cayman I think nothing of driving to Spa, thrashing round the track for a couple of days then driving home. During a trip, I've never had to do more than check fluids and adjust tyre pressures. I'm not sure the Lotus would be so durable.
I had been a long term Porsche owner previously (a couple of 964s) and one of the things that attracts me to Porsche is the so far bullet proof reliability. I do quite a few track days, and in the Cayman I think nothing of driving to Spa, thrashing round the track for a couple of days then driving home. During a trip, I've never had to do more than check fluids and adjust tyre pressures. I'm not sure the Lotus would be so durable.
I have thought about this for a bit. Buy the Evora. If depreciation is as glacial as it used to be, if you don't like it you can always sell it (if patient) without too much of a hit.
There are too many Porsches w
kers in the world (me included)
My old one in Scotland
There are too many Porsches w
kers in the world (me included) My old one in Scotland
Edited by limpsfield on Monday 13th August 13:56
DaveGB said:
I have had extensive test drives in Cayman and Boxster 981S . The former I tried and was very impressed with the car, however didn’t feel true excitement. It’s a very capable car and point to point on the real world roads wasn’t much slower than my previous 997 GT3.
However I test then drove an Evora S and ultimately felt it was the right car for me. Loved it.
Since then have also had Evora 400 auto which once again was a stunning car.
I do however still have a hankering to own a 981S Boxster, as that did make me smile and preferred it over the Cayman. I would only have one with PASM and PSE mind you, and prices have held string since launch of 4 cylinder 718.
I wouldn’t have a Porsche without a Porsche warranty due to potential engine problems, albeit 5% risk aledgedly
So in summary the 981 versions are very capable cars, but ultimately don’t have the soul of Lotus’s , which ultimately makes the Lotus the more enjoyable car.
I didn't think the engines problems effected the 981? In fact they were resolved in the Gen 2 987.However I test then drove an Evora S and ultimately felt it was the right car for me. Loved it.
Since then have also had Evora 400 auto which once again was a stunning car.
I do however still have a hankering to own a 981S Boxster, as that did make me smile and preferred it over the Cayman. I would only have one with PASM and PSE mind you, and prices have held string since launch of 4 cylinder 718.
I wouldn’t have a Porsche without a Porsche warranty due to potential engine problems, albeit 5% risk aledgedly
So in summary the 981 versions are very capable cars, but ultimately don’t have the soul of Lotus’s , which ultimately makes the Lotus the more enjoyable car.
Edited by DaveGB on Sunday 12th August 21:16
If you do decide to take the jump to the 981 make sure you take it for an extended test drive as although it's a very accomplished car you may find it a little underwhelming coming from a Evora 400. Also even with the PSE the exhaust is pretty muted in the cabin. I'd consider a non PSE car with an after market exhaust instead.
ian964 said:
I was in a similar position a couple of years ago, trying to choose between an Evora S and a Cayman R - a slightly newer Evora than the Cayman for the same money. I test drove both (and an Evora 400 just to see what it was like), the Evora felt a little more exotic than the Cayman and with a slightly better chassis. In the end it just came down to which I could find first in the right spec, and the Cayman won.
I had been a long term Porsche owner previously (a couple of 964s) and one of the things that attracts me to Porsche is the so far bullet proof reliability. I do quite a few track days, and in the Cayman I think nothing of driving to Spa, thrashing round the track for a couple of days then driving home. During a trip, I've never had to do more than check fluids and adjust tyre pressures. I'm not sure the Lotus would be so durable.
The Evora is pretty durable, I have done extensive European road trips driving pretty hard with no issues, and no issues on track. My first Evora was on over 70k miles when I sold it, it put 24k on it in the first year I owned it. Clutch was done under warranty at about 28k miles, second clutch was still fine at 70k miles.I had been a long term Porsche owner previously (a couple of 964s) and one of the things that attracts me to Porsche is the so far bullet proof reliability. I do quite a few track days, and in the Cayman I think nothing of driving to Spa, thrashing round the track for a couple of days then driving home. During a trip, I've never had to do more than check fluids and adjust tyre pressures. I'm not sure the Lotus would be so durable.
There are a few niggles with Evoras though, early ones sometimes have a door latch fail, a pillar trims can crack (easily and cheaply replaced), clutch always sounds noisy at low speed (they all do that sir), seat bolster can wear and air bag covers can warp. These are all pretty trivial IMO.
I had a Cayman S 2007 which was fabulous but felt too similar in drive to my then company car a BMW 330MSport.. both were efficient and effective, excellent to drive but lacking excitement. I switched the Cayman for an S1 Evora S and it is far more entertaining.. huge fun! Its kind of an edgier GT / mini super car feel and it feels more connected with the road.
Both the Cayman and Evora S could do with more power so I have considered Komotec upgrades but not committed as yet..
another factor is that I lost £8K in two years on the Cayman but probably less than that on the Evora in 5 years.
I shall stick with Lotus.
Both the Cayman and Evora S could do with more power so I have considered Komotec upgrades but not committed as yet..
another factor is that I lost £8K in two years on the Cayman but probably less than that on the Evora in 5 years.
I shall stick with Lotus.
rudester said:
I didn't think the engines problems effected the 981? In fact they were resolved in the Gen 2 987.
Unfortunately not the case. IMS and RMS were resolved but now bore scoring is the killer. Friend had one of the last 981S Caymans. Needed a new engine within 3k miles Edited by DaveGB on Saturday 8th September 05:33
DaveGB said:
rudester said:
I didn't think the engines problems effected the 981? In fact they were resolved in the Gen 2 987.
Unfortunately not the case. IMS and RMS were resolved but now bore scoring is the killer. Friend had one of the last 981S Caymans. Needed a new engine within 3k miles Edited by DaveGB on Saturday 8th September 05:33
DaveGB said:
Unfortunately not the case. IMS and RMS were resolved but now bore scoring is the killer. Friend had one of the last 981S Caymans. Needed a new engine within 3k miles
The bore score issue has all but disappeared from gen 2 987's on. To have it occur in a 981 is exceptionally rare/unusual.Edited by DaveGB on Saturday 8th September 05:33
Previously owned a Cayman S Gen 2 and have just bought a 2014 NA Evora (after 6 Elises!).
Cayman S should be a no-brainer on paper because it's better value and comfortably quicker than an NA Evora. Owning one quickly changed my mind though. Quality was poor: corroded front struts, oil leak from crank seal, rust on rear arch (it was 7 years old at the time) and other minor issues. Many signs of cost cutting when you start looking closely and it just never felt special. Sold it after 1 year.
Haven't owned the Evora long enough to comment on reliability but the driving experience is much better than the Cayman (steering, brakes, balance, ride quality etc.) and even though it's not the quickest car, it definitely feels special in a way the Cayman (and 996) never did.
Cayman S should be a no-brainer on paper because it's better value and comfortably quicker than an NA Evora. Owning one quickly changed my mind though. Quality was poor: corroded front struts, oil leak from crank seal, rust on rear arch (it was 7 years old at the time) and other minor issues. Many signs of cost cutting when you start looking closely and it just never felt special. Sold it after 1 year.
Haven't owned the Evora long enough to comment on reliability but the driving experience is much better than the Cayman (steering, brakes, balance, ride quality etc.) and even though it's not the quickest car, it definitely feels special in a way the Cayman (and 996) never did.
MTBMartin said:
Haven't owned the Evora long enough to comment on reliability but the driving experience is much better than the Cayman (steering, brakes, balance, ride quality etc.) and even though it's not the quickest car, it definitely feels special in a way the Cayman (and 996) never did.
Totally agree. Recently had a nice track day with Evora, it was pure fun and quite special. I've owned 986 boxster for over 5 years, and drove many 981 and 987s previously. I would definitely choose Lotus if I would be in a position to buy, it is definitely more special in terms of driving. Porsche reliability also left me a sour experience, not sure about Lotus's fame on this side but would not chose pork over Lotus for reliability.Had a 2011 (11) Evora S and, subsequently, a 2014 (64) Cayman 981 2.7 manual. A fairer comparison would be the 981 3.4.
Evora a fabulous car. Loved the look, sounded good and fabulous to drive. Very comfortable too. Downsides were 2011 one felt under-developed with clutch and gear change issues. 2013 onwards cars seem better built. Fuel consumption wasn’t clever at 22 mpg. Now have an Elise 220 Sport; fabulous but zero practicality
The Cayman was a lovely thing to drive. Felt very precise, was easy to drive and sounded fantastic. Fuel consumption, important on a daily driver, was excellent. 35mpg plus not unusual. The front boot (‘frunk”) in addition to rear hatch made it very practical. Gearing, well documented, was very long and that coupled with a NA engine meant the car had to be “driven” all the time. Servicing was dear, replacement plugs omitted from year 4 service but “recommended” and some stupid design details like exposed aircon condensors in the lower nose.
Drove a 981 3.4 PDK with all of the bells and whistles. Very subjective but didn’t like it. Too “digital”.
Conclusion? A post 2013 Evora if you can although the manual Cayman was a great car.
Evora a fabulous car. Loved the look, sounded good and fabulous to drive. Very comfortable too. Downsides were 2011 one felt under-developed with clutch and gear change issues. 2013 onwards cars seem better built. Fuel consumption wasn’t clever at 22 mpg. Now have an Elise 220 Sport; fabulous but zero practicality
The Cayman was a lovely thing to drive. Felt very precise, was easy to drive and sounded fantastic. Fuel consumption, important on a daily driver, was excellent. 35mpg plus not unusual. The front boot (‘frunk”) in addition to rear hatch made it very practical. Gearing, well documented, was very long and that coupled with a NA engine meant the car had to be “driven” all the time. Servicing was dear, replacement plugs omitted from year 4 service but “recommended” and some stupid design details like exposed aircon condensors in the lower nose.
Drove a 981 3.4 PDK with all of the bells and whistles. Very subjective but didn’t like it. Too “digital”.
Conclusion? A post 2013 Evora if you can although the manual Cayman was a great car.
I've had decent length drives in two Evoras, two Caymans and one Boxster, although haven't owned any. From a driving point of view, I feel the weight distribution and balance of the Cayman and Boxster is better than the Evora, the Cayman brake pedal has better progression and feel, and the gearchange is better. I also think that the Porsche engine better suits a sports car (it was, after all, designed from scratch as a sports car engine). However, I felt that everything else related to driving pleasure was markedly better on the Evora: the road feel, steering feel, linearity of responses (the Porsches have a variable ratio steering rack, and it changes ratios right at the point you're turning into corners - urghh), and the way the car responds to driver input. I also felt the ride was better on the Evora (it's a Lotus!) and the whole package just feels much more like a sports car should in my opinion; I find the Cayman and Boxster too smooth and too Audi-like for my tastes. If I was in the market for a car like this then it would be a clear decision for me.
RobM77 said:
I've had decent length drives in two Evoras, two Caymans and one Boxster, although haven't owned any. From a driving point of view, I feel the weight distribution and balance of the Cayman and Boxster is better than the Evora, the Cayman brake pedal has better progression and feel, and the gearchange is better. I also think that the Porsche engine better suits a sports car (it was, after all, designed from scratch as a sports car engine). However, I felt that everything else related to driving pleasure was markedly better on the Evora: the road feel, steering feel, linearity of responses (the Porsches have a variable ratio steering rack, and it changes ratios right at the point you're turning into corners - urghh), and the way the car responds to driver input. I also felt the ride was better on the Evora (it's a Lotus!) and the whole package just feels much more like a sports car should in my opinion; I find the Cayman and Boxster too smooth and too Audi-like for my tastes. If I was in the market for a car like this then it would be a clear decision for me.
I have to disagree on the brake pedal! Evora was the easiest car to heel and toe I have ever driven. n/a weight balance is about perfect, but I agree that the S is slightly less well balanced and the Cayman a tad better.And then there is the look, I know which looks more special.
Pics pinched from this thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
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