RE: Porsche 718 Cayman T vs. Alpine A110
Discussion
Lightness is highly addictive however the stats are cut.
Just the general ease of use at the controls not to mention everything else so I can see the benefits of the Alpine here.
As an aside did PH have this exact Alpine in Newbury a week or so ago? That plate caught my attention as it passed.
Just the general ease of use at the controls not to mention everything else so I can see the benefits of the Alpine here.
As an aside did PH have this exact Alpine in Newbury a week or so ago? That plate caught my attention as it passed.
rockin said:
Gandahar said:
Slight problem with the Porsche is the stigma of the driver not being able to drive ...
What a pathetic post.apart from what i see on the road i can count a few friends and family. for the most part i tell them too! no problem, that's not why they got the car.
I track a seriously modified GT4 that I believe would be a match for a 718GT4RS if P were to manufacture such a thing.
I also own a MkIV MX5 .. rather than a Boxster.
I greatly admire the Alpine and have no hang-ups on PDK / twin clutch auto transmissions.
I would rather drive on normal roads a 996 Gen1 GT3 Clubsport that a 991 Gen2 GT3 .... the 996 is plenty fast enough ... and ultimately much more special.
And I'm really interested in the Alpine. Well done to them. A great alternative to the P machine.
I also own a MkIV MX5 .. rather than a Boxster.
I greatly admire the Alpine and have no hang-ups on PDK / twin clutch auto transmissions.
I would rather drive on normal roads a 996 Gen1 GT3 Clubsport that a 991 Gen2 GT3 .... the 996 is plenty fast enough ... and ultimately much more special.
And I'm really interested in the Alpine. Well done to them. A great alternative to the P machine.
It's great that someone is at last producing a serious lightweight car (Lotus excepted). We've (me and wife) got back today from a two week tour of europe in our 981CS. It is a great car for this type of trip. I'm not sure that would be manageable in the Apline from what I've read of its luggage accommodation. That alone puts me off.
mr pg said:
It's great that someone is at last producing a serious lightweight car (Lotus excepted). We've (me and wife) got back today from a two week tour of europe in our 981CS. It is a great car for this type of trip. I'm not sure that would be manageable in the Apline from what I've read of its luggage accommodation. That alone puts me off.
Sure the 981 has much more luggage accommodation than the Alpine - more than most hatchbacks in truth. But the Alpine is absolutely fine for long holidays abroad, it's got as much luggage space as practically any other 2 seater sportscar. We've managed a 3 week trip abroad with plenty of room to spare (there's a lot of space behind the seats if you aren't 2metres tall). Personally having owned both a 981 and an Alpine I'd choose the Alpine as the more agreeable companion on a long trip.rockin said:
Gandahar said:
Slight problem with the Porsche is the stigma of the driver not being able to drive ...
What a pathetic post.I wouldn't buy either of these over an Elise - The Boxster is a bit dull and the Alpine needs 3 pedals and a stick.
rockin said:
Gandahar said:
Slight problem with the Porsche is the stigma of the driver not being able to drive ...
What a pathetic post.Not that it matters that much but the Alpine will leave the manual Cayman T for dust on a number of B roads I drive on regularly. Even with a PDK, I would struggle to see the Cayman being quicker for most regular drivers. For roads which pitch and has bumps and rapid direction changes, the lack of weight makes such a difference and this is where the Cayman cannot compete regardless of whether it is just 200kg difference or more (you can debate as the method use to weigh them both but the Cayman is lardy in comparison however you look at it - don't believe the Porsche hype).
I've had a manual 981 CGTS on the same roads in the Pennines, Wales and Yorkshire Moors and the Alpine was a much more capable machine on these types of tracks. The lack of weight and steering feel gives you confidence of what is going on. On track is another thing though but that wasn't Alpine's objective to be fair.
What also makes the Alpine stand out as well is the way it carves these corners - I say carve as it really does feel like you are skiing. It is so different to any modern sports cars I've driven. The Alpine has no manual option which I can understand if you like that and also want a bit more of a challenge but it is so accessible, more fun and engaging but in different ways than you would expect. Go to any challenging mountain pass and you will see the difference - it is simply a better machine than any Cayman.
Sadly, I've just sold mine. I've just had a huge renovation to pay for, lack of garage space and we have a child on the way. Besides, the speed which I can drive the Alpine everywhere is a bit irresponsible. I'm happy to say that the new owner is a well known amateur hill climb racer so it is in good hands. He has never owned a modern sports car before but has been obsessed with these since he saw it at Prescott - you should have seen his face when he drove the Alpine for the first time. He also drives and races classic Porches so I'm glad he is also open minded.
I'm also glad Dan wrote about how comfortable and practical the car can be. It beats any car I've ever owned as a comfortable long range cruiser. It's super quick and cheap to fuel and you can have a lot more fun than any modern Porsche on any B road when you get there. You just need to leave the fancy clothes at home and pack lighter but I can get two weeks worth of luggage in these.
The T isn't a bad car I imagine. I've not driven one but given the difference between the 987R and 981 GTS to the standard versions, I can't see how there can be a massive difference in the driving experience here compared to the rest of the 718 range (GT4 aside).
I've had a manual 981 CGTS on the same roads in the Pennines, Wales and Yorkshire Moors and the Alpine was a much more capable machine on these types of tracks. The lack of weight and steering feel gives you confidence of what is going on. On track is another thing though but that wasn't Alpine's objective to be fair.
What also makes the Alpine stand out as well is the way it carves these corners - I say carve as it really does feel like you are skiing. It is so different to any modern sports cars I've driven. The Alpine has no manual option which I can understand if you like that and also want a bit more of a challenge but it is so accessible, more fun and engaging but in different ways than you would expect. Go to any challenging mountain pass and you will see the difference - it is simply a better machine than any Cayman.
Sadly, I've just sold mine. I've just had a huge renovation to pay for, lack of garage space and we have a child on the way. Besides, the speed which I can drive the Alpine everywhere is a bit irresponsible. I'm happy to say that the new owner is a well known amateur hill climb racer so it is in good hands. He has never owned a modern sports car before but has been obsessed with these since he saw it at Prescott - you should have seen his face when he drove the Alpine for the first time. He also drives and races classic Porches so I'm glad he is also open minded.
I'm also glad Dan wrote about how comfortable and practical the car can be. It beats any car I've ever owned as a comfortable long range cruiser. It's super quick and cheap to fuel and you can have a lot more fun than any modern Porsche on any B road when you get there. You just need to leave the fancy clothes at home and pack lighter but I can get two weeks worth of luggage in these.
The T isn't a bad car I imagine. I've not driven one but given the difference between the 987R and 981 GTS to the standard versions, I can't see how there can be a massive difference in the driving experience here compared to the rest of the 718 range (GT4 aside).
Edited by Prestonese on Saturday 27th July 23:13
Prestonese said:
Not that it matters that much but the Alpine will leave the manual Cayman T for dust on a number of B roads I drive on regularly. Even with a PDK, I would struggle to see the Cayman being quicker for most regular drivers. For roads which pitch and has bumps and rapid direction changes, the lack of weight makes such a difference and this is where the Cayman cannot compete regardless of whether it is just 200kg difference or more (you can debate as the method use to weigh them both but the Cayman is lardy in comparison however you look at it - don't believe the Porsche hype).
I've had a manual 981 CGTS on the same roads in the Pennines, Wales and Yorkshire Moors and the Alpine was a much more capable machine on these types of tracks. The lack of weight and steering feel gives you confidence of what is going on. On track is another thing though but that wasn't Alpine's objective to be fair.
What also makes the Alpine stand out as well is the way it carves these corners - I say carve as it really does feel like you are skiing. It is so different to any modern sports cars I've driven. The Alpine has no manual option which I can understand if you like that and also want a bit more of a challenge but it is so accessible, more fun and engaging but in different ways than you would expect. Go to any challenging mountain pass and you will see the difference - it is simply a better machine than any Cayman.
Sadly, I've just sold mine. I've just had a huge renovation to pay for, lack of garage space and we have a child on the way. Besides, the speed which I can drive the Alpine everywhere is a bit irresponsible. I'm happy to say that the new owner is a well known amateur hill climb racer so it is in good hands. He has never owned a modern sports car before but has been obsessed with these since he saw it at Prescott - you should have seen his face when he drove the Alpine for the first time. He also drives and races classic Porches so I'm glad he is also open minded.
I'm also glad Dan wrote about how comfortable and practical the car can be. It beats any car I've ever owned as a comfortable long range cruiser. It's super quick and cheap to fuel and you can have a lot more fun than any modern Porsche on any B road when you get there. You just need to leave the fancy clothes at home and pack lighter but I can get two weeks worth of luggage in these.
The T isn't a bad car I imagine. I've not driven one but given the difference between the 987R and 981 GTS to the standard versions, I can't see how there can be a massive difference in the driving experience here compared to the rest of the 718 range (GT4 aside).
Enlightening post, thanks. Am also currently bleeding £££ to house-builder; but once done, Alpine on the shortlist - have to put £ where mouth is, lest manufacturers give up on this market sector completely. It will be a short-short-list: Alpine / GT86 / 4C (I know they're supposed to be crap, but they're gorgeous - couple of years ago in France, I saw one parked up, was unsure what it was, and took a motorway exit just to go back and check it out - sublime looking thing, ok i'm shallow) / Elise / Caterham etc.; but based purely on what I've read about it, Alpine has to be topping the list. Hasn't one G Murray also bought one? If it's good enough for him ... v much endorse this guy's rationale for buying one:I've had a manual 981 CGTS on the same roads in the Pennines, Wales and Yorkshire Moors and the Alpine was a much more capable machine on these types of tracks. The lack of weight and steering feel gives you confidence of what is going on. On track is another thing though but that wasn't Alpine's objective to be fair.
What also makes the Alpine stand out as well is the way it carves these corners - I say carve as it really does feel like you are skiing. It is so different to any modern sports cars I've driven. The Alpine has no manual option which I can understand if you like that and also want a bit more of a challenge but it is so accessible, more fun and engaging but in different ways than you would expect. Go to any challenging mountain pass and you will see the difference - it is simply a better machine than any Cayman.
Sadly, I've just sold mine. I've just had a huge renovation to pay for, lack of garage space and we have a child on the way. Besides, the speed which I can drive the Alpine everywhere is a bit irresponsible. I'm happy to say that the new owner is a well known amateur hill climb racer so it is in good hands. He has never owned a modern sports car before but has been obsessed with these since he saw it at Prescott - you should have seen his face when he drove the Alpine for the first time. He also drives and races classic Porches so I'm glad he is also open minded.
I'm also glad Dan wrote about how comfortable and practical the car can be. It beats any car I've ever owned as a comfortable long range cruiser. It's super quick and cheap to fuel and you can have a lot more fun than any modern Porsche on any B road when you get there. You just need to leave the fancy clothes at home and pack lighter but I can get two weeks worth of luggage in these.
The T isn't a bad car I imagine. I've not driven one but given the difference between the 987R and 981 GTS to the standard versions, I can't see how there can be a massive difference in the driving experience here compared to the rest of the 718 range (GT4 aside).
Edited by Prestonese on Saturday 27th July 23:13
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/features/meetin...
Miserablegit said:
The Alpine can see off an S so testing it against the “T” is odd.
Not sure who was driving when you experienced that, but certainly not my experience and not that of others either. The Alpine is great, ugly and automatic granted, but it's got cool and it does go well. But it simply won't keep pace with a 718S on track or the B-roads. The 2.0 litre models yes, that would be a fairer test and that is why most pit it against the T or the base model Cayman rather than the S.
What a lovely, well written (old school style) review! A pleasure to read.
Its feels strange to hear of such a well polished and engineered Porsche to come off second best in a group test for steering feel and feedback. Overall the impression that I get is that the Cayman is a very, very, good car indeed. The Alpine is simply a great one.
The exciting thing is that the Alpine is only at the start of its development. It seems easy to see how the car could be improved for enthusiasts with merely the addition of a sweet manual box, and maybe a slightly more exciting engine, a tune, remap or bit of sound tuning or something. After that the car would seem pretty flawless.
Its so obviously a modern classic. And for all the people that go on about enthusiasts wanting something like the GT86 and then not buying them, its the perfect answer and shows where that car wasn't all that it was cracked up to be.
I'll probably ever own an A110, but i sure would like to.
Its feels strange to hear of such a well polished and engineered Porsche to come off second best in a group test for steering feel and feedback. Overall the impression that I get is that the Cayman is a very, very, good car indeed. The Alpine is simply a great one.
The exciting thing is that the Alpine is only at the start of its development. It seems easy to see how the car could be improved for enthusiasts with merely the addition of a sweet manual box, and maybe a slightly more exciting engine, a tune, remap or bit of sound tuning or something. After that the car would seem pretty flawless.
Its so obviously a modern classic. And for all the people that go on about enthusiasts wanting something like the GT86 and then not buying them, its the perfect answer and shows where that car wasn't all that it was cracked up to be.
I'll probably ever own an A110, but i sure would like to.
tommy1973s said:
Enlightening post, thanks. Am also currently bleeding £££ to house-builder; but once done, Alpine on the shortlist - have to put £ where mouth is, lest manufacturers give up on this market sector completely. It will be a short-short-list: Alpine / GT86 / 4C (I know they're supposed to be crap, but they're gorgeous - couple of years ago in France, I saw one parked up, was unsure what it was, and took a motorway exit just to go back and check it out - sublime looking thing, ok i'm shallow) / Elise / Caterham etc.; but based purely on what I've read about it, Alpine has to be topping the list. Hasn't one G Murray also bought one? If it's good enough for him ... v much endorse this guy's rationale for buying one:
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/features/meetin...
I have to agree that the 4C is lovely to look at but I suspect you would tire of it quickly as a daily or on any road trips. You can live with the Alpine and I think that is the strongest selling point. You get to your destination more comfortably than any car in its class and when you get there, it will be more fun than probably anything other than a Lotus Elise. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/features/meetin...
Venisonpie said:
scoobyc said:
So would a lightly used manual GTS at mid 50's close this gap or even remove it.....
In 981 form it would certainly bring something the Alpine can't answer..£53k for that dog looking Alpine with an auto box and 6.5k rev limit! Joke price!
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