Early 997 c2 vs 2006/2007 cayman
Discussion
A quandry...
Had my eye on a 996 for some time, but with time and a wee bit more money, am now looking at a 997 with a budget of around 22-25k. Was thinking of a nice C2/C2s from an indy - this car would be for a daily commute to a train station, so only a few miles, and then for weekend fun. Missus has a 5door for us and small child, so the small back seats aren't an issue.
Then, all of a sudden, I started looking at Boxsters, which in turn led to Caymans.
Can anybody give some constructive advice around a Cayman for the same money (22-25k) vs an early doors 997. I realise the 997 will be a bit older, maybe a bit leggier, but I am trying to work out whether it has to be a 911 for me or not.
2 seats is fine, so the Cayman has no issue there, but is it too track-focused to be a daily motor of any sort? Likewise I think it may be even more fun than a meaty c2s at the weekend?
Would buy either from an indie for either car or an OPC (if I went Cayman as 997s haven't dropped that far yet)
I knwo all about RMS/IMS/bore scoring etc and the pitfalls. I guess what I am looking for is advice around living with a Cayman over a 997. is it seen as less exotic? Is it more fun? Is it more of a grind due to being smaller.
Will be test-driving both at OPC in the south soon, but wanted to get owners opinions. I think I am in love with both, and specs/stats are only making it harder!
Cheers.
Had my eye on a 996 for some time, but with time and a wee bit more money, am now looking at a 997 with a budget of around 22-25k. Was thinking of a nice C2/C2s from an indy - this car would be for a daily commute to a train station, so only a few miles, and then for weekend fun. Missus has a 5door for us and small child, so the small back seats aren't an issue.
Then, all of a sudden, I started looking at Boxsters, which in turn led to Caymans.
Can anybody give some constructive advice around a Cayman for the same money (22-25k) vs an early doors 997. I realise the 997 will be a bit older, maybe a bit leggier, but I am trying to work out whether it has to be a 911 for me or not.
2 seats is fine, so the Cayman has no issue there, but is it too track-focused to be a daily motor of any sort? Likewise I think it may be even more fun than a meaty c2s at the weekend?
Would buy either from an indie for either car or an OPC (if I went Cayman as 997s haven't dropped that far yet)
I knwo all about RMS/IMS/bore scoring etc and the pitfalls. I guess what I am looking for is advice around living with a Cayman over a 997. is it seen as less exotic? Is it more fun? Is it more of a grind due to being smaller.
Will be test-driving both at OPC in the south soon, but wanted to get owners opinions. I think I am in love with both, and specs/stats are only making it harder!
Cheers.
you will get a newer cayman S for £22k (2007/57plate perhaps)if it were my money thats what i would have knowing the pitfalls of the 996 and early 997.although the cayman can suffer borescoring like the 997 it seems to happen less likewise the 3.6 is less like to fail over the 997s.
you need to drive both to see if you prefer mid or rear engine at the end of the day.
you need to drive both to see if you prefer mid or rear engine at the end of the day.
From my experience, own a 997 c2 and have driven a Cayman s lots, Cayman is more instantly hoonable, great balance a load of fun and flatters the average driver that I am, it's certainly not overtly track focused and would be a great daily drive. The 911 takes abit more getting used to but ultimately more rewarding and imo a little bit more special.
for me it was a 911 itch that I had to scratch, I prefer the looks and the extra interior space turns out to be more practical than you might think.
Best bet is to reserve your judgement until you've sat in and driven both.
Lots of great deals to be had, worth looking at private also but get an independent inspection. Don't worry too much about the much hyped engine stuff, if its a real concern budget in a warranty, some of the indys have reasonably comprehensive ones as standard.
Enjoy your search esp in the knowledge that eithere way you'll end up with an outstanding motor!
I've had both.
Cayman is amazing - wonderfully balanced and a great handling car. Feels like a sports car.
911 is faster - and it feels it. But it also feels more GT as its got a more roomey cabin (space in the back). It also has more kudos.
Test drive both and pick your fave as they both feel different and are great cars for different reasons.
Cayman is amazing - wonderfully balanced and a great handling car. Feels like a sports car.
911 is faster - and it feels it. But it also feels more GT as its got a more roomey cabin (space in the back). It also has more kudos.
Test drive both and pick your fave as they both feel different and are great cars for different reasons.
What they said - I had exactly the same quandry. Was a 56 C2S, vs. 08 Cayman S (and save about 5k). I opted for the Cayman and am happy with my choice. I'm sure I'd have been equally happy with a 997, but the Cayman felt easier to use at maximum attack on the road, and, since I'd just moved in with my missus, I knew rear seats wouldn't be as useful as the rear trunk / frunk combination the Cayman offers.
The 911 itch hasn't been scratched, and one day it will be, but for me, right now, the Cayman was the better choice. Good luck - enjoy the search!
The 911 itch hasn't been scratched, and one day it will be, but for me, right now, the Cayman was the better choice. Good luck - enjoy the search!
cheers guys, I am leaning towards the Cayman, but my 6ft4, 17stone frame could be an issue here... need to sit in one and find out. I do a trip each month up to Scotland and the GT aspect of the 911 really comes into play there, but then the short drive each day to the station just begs for Cayman-hooning on a B road.
Choices!
Choices!
Have you always wanted a 911? If so then the Cayman, no matter how good they may be, will not scratch that itch. I always wanted a 911, Caymans & Boxsters never really entered into the equation for me.
If you aren't fussed about owning a 911 then you need to drive both & see which you prefer, I have never driven a Cayman but I'm guessing from what others have written that they are very different to a 911. You will end up with a great car either way, enjoy
If you aren't fussed about owning a 911 then you need to drive both & see which you prefer, I have never driven a Cayman but I'm guessing from what others have written that they are very different to a 911. You will end up with a great car either way, enjoy
worldwidewebs said:
The seats go further back in a 911 so you get more legroom, if that makes a difference
Not to get too exotic but I am all legs, so it could be an issue.I shall visit OPC this weekend and have a look. I need to be able to relax on a long drive up north but I enjoy sitting bolt upright for a more vigorous commute to the station :-)
carparkno1 said:
Not to get too exotic but I am all legs, so it could be an issue.
I shall visit OPC this weekend and have a look. I need to be able to relax on a long drive up north but I enjoy sitting bolt upright for a more vigorous commute to the station :-)
I'm also freakishly long and fitted in the Cayman just fine. I felt very comfy in it, although passengers said I looked squashed up in it haha. 911 does have a bit more room.I shall visit OPC this weekend and have a look. I need to be able to relax on a long drive up north but I enjoy sitting bolt upright for a more vigorous commute to the station :-)
Enjoy the test drives.
carparkno1 said:
Not to get too exotic but I am all legs, so it could be an issue.
I shall visit OPC this weekend and have a look. I need to be able to relax on a long drive up north but I enjoy sitting bolt upright for a more vigorous commute to the station :-)
PASM is definitely an option worth considering on either car then - makes the Cayman 10mm lower, so looks better, but softens the ride. 18s will help a bit here too. I'd definitely recommend you test a car with PASM though - and also note that Michelins are, supposedly, the quietest tyres. My RE050s make a fair racket at a motorway cruise.I shall visit OPC this weekend and have a look. I need to be able to relax on a long drive up north but I enjoy sitting bolt upright for a more vigorous commute to the station :-)
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff