Boxster or Cayman - Any regrets?
Discussion
I'm stoked up reading this thread. I've been thinking about a Cayman for a while & I decided yesterday I'm going to buy one. Convertibles just aren't for me & I love the swooping rear of the Cayman, although I've had a good blast in my mates' Boxster & wasa blown away by the quality of the chassis . In context, I'm driving round in a Cooper S, so this is going to be quite a change. First Porsche, I can't wait to start looking for the right one.
HokumPokum said:
because it looks special? i still think the cayman is a better drive.. mind i haven't had extended time in the 981 cayman only the 987 CR
981 Cayman S is not a better drive than a Spyder. They lack the Spyder's finesse.I have done a track day and 1500 + miles in the Cayman now and did 22k in the Spyder. I love the improved interior and the tech, the comfy ride and stunning handling, it looks great too. It is quicker on track with PDK. The Spyder is somehow special though, feels lighter (even if it isn't much I don't think?) and all its controls are perfectly weighted. Hard to describe but Spyder is greater than the sum of its parts.
Goofnik said:
RBT0 said:
Gents, how big is the Cayman front boot? I was wondering if there is enough room for a trolley (the biggest hand luggage allowed for air travelling just to be clear).
No question for the rear one, very, very small.
Thanks in advance...
5.3 cubic feet / 150 litersNo question for the rear one, very, very small.
Thanks in advance...
We get two med size suitcases up front in the 981 cayman and our hand luggage (two laptop backpacks) in the rear with space to spare.
RBT0 said:
how big is the Cayman front boot?
[snip]
No question for the rear one, very, very small.
From our recent, epic, trip:[snip]
No question for the rear one, very, very small.
This was the luggage we were packing. Other than the handbag that lodges behind Mrs Carbon Based's seat, everything goes in and is out of sight. Two cases in the front, with space for fleeces. One holdall and a few other bags in the back.
With a bit of crafty repacking, we then managed to get a case and half of wine (including the wooden box
) and a shed load of biscuits etc (don't ask) with only the camera and courier bags on the luggage shelf.Then there are the cubby holes behind the seats which can take the apparently obligatory hi viz and fire extinguisher, and a brolly in case it rains.
If anyone would like to sign up for an evening class in how to (over)load a Cayman, please reply here.
rob.kellock said:
HokumPokum said:
because it looks special? i still think the cayman is a better drive.. mind i haven't had extended time in the 981 cayman only the 987 CR
981 Cayman S is not a better drive than a Spyder. They lack the Spyder's finesse.I have done a track day and 1500 + miles in the Cayman now and did 22k in the Spyder. I love the improved interior and the tech, the comfy ride and stunning handling, it looks great too. It is quicker on track with PDK. The Spyder is somehow special though, feels lighter (even if it isn't much I don't think?) and all its controls are perfectly weighted. Hard to describe but Spyder is greater than the sum of its parts.
So, do you miss the Spyder? There's not much feedback from those who have sold and moved on. Looking at the Spyders in the classifieds and there's nothing out there in really in the 'launch' spec.
rob.kellock said:
HokumPokum said:
because it looks special? i still think the cayman is a better drive.. mind i haven't had extended time in the 981 cayman only the 987 CR
981 Cayman S is not a better drive than a Spyder. They lack the Spyder's finesse.I have done a track day and 1500 + miles in the Cayman now and did 22k in the Spyder. I love the improved interior and the tech, the comfy ride and stunning handling, it looks great too. It is quicker on track with PDK. The Spyder is somehow special though, feels lighter (even if it isn't much I don't think?) and all its controls are perfectly weighted. Hard to describe but Spyder is greater than the sum of its parts.
I know the Cayman must be a stiffer car and a better drive, but really, who is actually going to say "oh, my very low mid engined stuff suspensioned beautifully balanced Porsche roadster felt really wobbly round that corner" in real world driving conditions?
For me it's an absolute no-brainer (erm, even if I could afford a Cayman). Nothing, but nothing beats that roof down feel. The much better sound of the engine, glancing up at buildings, clouds, trees, hills, the smell of the countryside, the echo of the exhaust off walls or in tunnels, soaking up the sun, parking it up and leaving the roof down, playing rain chicken (as long as we don't stop, it will be OK!) wrapping up warm and getting a whole new perspective on a frosty morning, or a summer night, and the fact that for me a 986 is so achingly pretty with the top down. Especially if the missus is backing it out if the driveway with the roof down!
I've had mine since February, and I'm convinced that I've driven it for at least 50% of miles with the roof down. And that's on a 986 with the plastic window and obligatory "boxster chop" every time I put it down.
WRT strings sticking out, that means the roof is out of adjustment. Mine was, now fixed, no issues since.
For me it's an absolute no-brainer (erm, even if I could afford a Cayman). Nothing, but nothing beats that roof down feel. The much better sound of the engine, glancing up at buildings, clouds, trees, hills, the smell of the countryside, the echo of the exhaust off walls or in tunnels, soaking up the sun, parking it up and leaving the roof down, playing rain chicken (as long as we don't stop, it will be OK!) wrapping up warm and getting a whole new perspective on a frosty morning, or a summer night, and the fact that for me a 986 is so achingly pretty with the top down. Especially if the missus is backing it out if the driveway with the roof down!
I've had mine since February, and I'm convinced that I've driven it for at least 50% of miles with the roof down. And that's on a 986 with the plastic window and obligatory "boxster chop" every time I put it down.
WRT strings sticking out, that means the roof is out of adjustment. Mine was, now fixed, no issues since.
GreenTeam12 said:
Interesting. I can see how a GT3RS will ease the blow…
Maybe for you. I'd own a Boxster or Cayman, but never a 911. Every time I see the back of a 911 I get images of Kenny Everett doing his Rod Stewart impression. That's a deal breaker for me. HokumPokum said:
if you need a convertible, i think nothing else will do.........
really.
really.
HokumPokum said:
did you get the x73 sports suspension and PTV? I was actually comparing the 987 CR which I did have.
No, stock suspension with 20" wheels and no PTV. I think the same observations apply (probably more so) comparing 981 S to 987 Cayman R.I wish I could have kept my Spyder but couldn't afford both. My circumstances have changed recently and I will be able to enjoy the Cayman for 10k+ miles a year in all weathers. Spyders seem quite mileage sensitive, I was too precious about it and the roof is restrictive - it's not a motorway cruiser.
I didn't want PTV as I do a couple of track days a year and it increases wear on tyres and brakes. I certainly didn't feel he car was lacking it at Anglesey last month.
After 4 years in the Spyder, I was also happy not to have sports suspension (not that any used cars seem to have it) and the increased ride comfort is welcome on my longer journeys.
VladD said:
Maybe for you. I'd own a Boxster or Cayman, but never a 911. Every time I see the back of a 911 I get images of Kenny Everett doing his Rod Stewart impression. That's a deal breaker for me.
Exactly that. I have a 981 Box S and absolutely love it, the Cayman was never really going to win out over a soft top. But I do occasionally miss four seats (mostly for the dog but occasionally for the odd friend. Before anybody starts- most of my friends are odd!) I am constantly popping into OPC's, trying to convince myself that I should swap for a 911 but they all look lardy-arsed. I cannot bring myself to like them, at least from the rear. 
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