Cayman R - Laptime vs. 911 GTS & EVO ECOTY 2011
Discussion
Firstly, I won't spoil the ECOTY rankings for this year but something needs to be said about the Cayman R's position in light of it also getting the car of the year award in other publications such as Autocar against other hot metal.
Many people have maligned the Cayman R as a half-baked run out model not worthy of a look well, its placement against the likes of McClaren and the GT3 RS 4.0 in this years test should tell you all you need to know about this car - its a special drive.
The comments on the ride quality compared against the RS should also be noted, it is possible that the R could be a better drive than the mighty RS on your average b-road simply because of its ability to soak up the bumps better.
Lastly, the Cayman R has posted laptimes quicker than the 911 GTS on both of the tracks posted on fastestlaps. The time for hocken is actually faster than a 996 GT3.
What does this mean? does it that the "R" is actually a success story? what other proof is needed that this car is not a special car?
Many people have maligned the Cayman R as a half-baked run out model not worthy of a look well, its placement against the likes of McClaren and the GT3 RS 4.0 in this years test should tell you all you need to know about this car - its a special drive.
The comments on the ride quality compared against the RS should also be noted, it is possible that the R could be a better drive than the mighty RS on your average b-road simply because of its ability to soak up the bumps better.
Lastly, the Cayman R has posted laptimes quicker than the 911 GTS on both of the tracks posted on fastestlaps. The time for hocken is actually faster than a 996 GT3.
What does this mean? does it that the "R" is actually a success story? what other proof is needed that this car is not a special car?
my thoughts are that most people seem to think the cayman r is a special car, i must have missed all the articles in which it has been 'maligned'. I know many people think it could be even better if they just slotted a carrera engine in, i would say they are right since if they did i would buy such a car tomorrow.
but you can buy a standard cayman s on normal suspension plus 18 wheels and then slot a gts lump in.simples.even the 991 gt3 lump will be common to the gen2 997/991engine. that said have driven cayman R back to back with my gen 1 car on 18s and standard suspension and it is not that far apart although stiffer and slightly more power
mayes911 said:
have driven cayman R back to back with my gen 1 car on 18s and standard suspension and it is not that far apart although stiffer and slightly more power
this is the problem isn't it. It is not sufficiently separated from the cayman s, it only has a few more bhp and a bit of weight saving. I would not sell my cayman s to buy a cayman r, particularly since i also hate the aerokit the cayman r has on it. 
...it's placement and entry into various coty's has nothing to do with a bit of marketing money being spent by Porsche to shift some of the many unsold examples sitting about right now (eg Hatfield)?
Don't forget the mags and Porsche are in business, and they aren't always as objective and motivated by informing their loyal readership as we sometimes might hope.
Just a thought.
Don't forget the mags and Porsche are in business, and they aren't always as objective and motivated by informing their loyal readership as we sometimes might hope.
Just a thought.
Some waffle I posted on another board, my suggestion drive one:
Recently went to an OPC driving event (sales event really) but gave me the opportunity to drive my current car then the P cars I was interested in back to back.
Background, have owned a 996 and 2 997's and loved them all, everytime I decide to try something else Ive gone back to a P car. I drive my car everyday all year sun, rain or snow including a 15 minute drive too/from work and each of the porsches has made that drive a buzz, but with some practicality/comfort when required. Been without a Porsche for nearly a year and was time to go back again.
My heart was set on a spyder but also wanted to drive a GTS as had been waiting a year to see where the prices were going to go on these when the 991 was released. Also as it has had some pretty good reviews in the UK press thought might as well drive a Cayman R while i was there. Plan was drive Spyder then cayman then GTS.
I thought I would love the Spyder but was almost worried that in the end when I drove the GTS would decide it was too good to say no to, the Cayman wasnt a serious starter in my mind just thought would have a try in one.
I liked the spyder but it didnt blow me away as had expected in looks or to be honest the drive, maybe was this car but had a very sloppy gearchange and felt a lot of the noise was from the roof, up or down rather than the engine. The Cayman wasnt available when I came back so then went out in the GTS, very nice but felt its was a little 'refined/quiet' , my previous 911's all been pre DFI, but if I did a lot of miles and regular long journeys a great car. Then the CR, I had been suprised when I arrived how striking it appeared compared to a standard Cayman, well within half a mile I knew I had to have one, absolutely stunning, steering, handling, sound, fun.... for what I want in a car it blew the other 2 away (and pretty much most other cars ive driven). The only other porsche I would now consider would be a GT3, have been trying to convince myself for last year I could live with one every day but know it wouldnt work but now I dont think will need to try anymore.
Recently went to an OPC driving event (sales event really) but gave me the opportunity to drive my current car then the P cars I was interested in back to back.
Background, have owned a 996 and 2 997's and loved them all, everytime I decide to try something else Ive gone back to a P car. I drive my car everyday all year sun, rain or snow including a 15 minute drive too/from work and each of the porsches has made that drive a buzz, but with some practicality/comfort when required. Been without a Porsche for nearly a year and was time to go back again.
My heart was set on a spyder but also wanted to drive a GTS as had been waiting a year to see where the prices were going to go on these when the 991 was released. Also as it has had some pretty good reviews in the UK press thought might as well drive a Cayman R while i was there. Plan was drive Spyder then cayman then GTS.
I thought I would love the Spyder but was almost worried that in the end when I drove the GTS would decide it was too good to say no to, the Cayman wasnt a serious starter in my mind just thought would have a try in one.
I liked the spyder but it didnt blow me away as had expected in looks or to be honest the drive, maybe was this car but had a very sloppy gearchange and felt a lot of the noise was from the roof, up or down rather than the engine. The Cayman wasnt available when I came back so then went out in the GTS, very nice but felt its was a little 'refined/quiet' , my previous 911's all been pre DFI, but if I did a lot of miles and regular long journeys a great car. Then the CR, I had been suprised when I arrived how striking it appeared compared to a standard Cayman, well within half a mile I knew I had to have one, absolutely stunning, steering, handling, sound, fun.... for what I want in a car it blew the other 2 away (and pretty much most other cars ive driven). The only other porsche I would now consider would be a GT3, have been trying to convince myself for last year I could live with one every day but know it wouldnt work but now I dont think will need to try anymore.
To be fair, the ring is not really a circuit, its a road. Its not hard on brakes or tyres and there are not the regular big stops and rapid changes of direction that are typical of a circuit. In a GT car power is a big advantage at the ring and the GTS has it over the cayman. Good little cars the Cayman
I'm not surprised the Cayman R was quicker. I've had a GTS and now a Spyder. The Spyder is every bit as quick to 110/120+ as the GTS was. Even at Vmax, my GTS pulled 168 max (consistently too (167/168) over approx 10 runs). A standard Cayman S on the day was 166! I don't rate the powerkit personally. Not a fan of the 3.8dfi unit either. A standard non-dfi gen1 3.6 C2 is the best cooking Carrera i've driven.
<flame suit on>
<flame suit on>
TBKBABAB said:
The only other porsche I would now consider would be a GT3, have been trying to convince myself for last year I could live with one every day but know it wouldnt work but now I dont think will need to try anymore.
The 7.2 GT3 can be easily used every day. I run mine year in year out - even in snow using Winter typres. I don't get why poeple think this should not workDr S said:
The 7.2 GT3 can be easily used every day. I run mine year in year out - even in snow using Winter typres. I don't get why poeple think this should not work
Ive only driven a 7.1 and was seriosuly considering buying one but the way the roads are round here I thought it was too hard, and the killer was I would have ripped the front spolier off everyday where I park, underground car park with steep ramps in and out. Maybe 7.2 with front axle lift would be better but for where/how I drive think the cayman R going to give me 99pct of what I would get out of a GT3. Edited by TBKBABAB on Saturday 12th November 16:48
Steve Rance said:
To be fair, the ring is not really a circuit, its a road. Its not hard on brakes or tyres and there are not the regular big stops and rapid changes of direction that are typical of a circuit. In a GT car power is a big advantage at the ring and the GTS has it over the cayman. Good little cars the Cayman
So GTS for road CR for track?Have spent the last couple days at the wheel of a Cayman R pdk.... up to 100mph it is major league quick (edited to add 4.0s to 60, 9.8s to 100mph)..... quicker than a gen1 997CS and at least as quick as a gen2 7CS pdk.
Despite all the reviews bemoaning a lack of torque, I had no issue with how the car pulled 5th or 6th from 3k rpm or so, and it was hardly a hardship to pull the paddle a couple clicks to engage a lower gear.
Fantastically placeable, great steering, but I don't think the ride is as good as has made out - it gets very choppy on some surfaces and quite bouncy.... think the standard PASM is preferable for 99% road work to be honest. Fun car tho - be a nice toy.
Despite all the reviews bemoaning a lack of torque, I had no issue with how the car pulled 5th or 6th from 3k rpm or so, and it was hardly a hardship to pull the paddle a couple clicks to engage a lower gear.
Fantastically placeable, great steering, but I don't think the ride is as good as has made out - it gets very choppy on some surfaces and quite bouncy.... think the standard PASM is preferable for 99% road work to be honest. Fun car tho - be a nice toy.
Edited by ZeroH on Saturday 12th November 21:10
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