Cayman 2.7 or 2.9 for first Porsche
Discussion
I’m looking to get my first Porsche within the next year, and a base level Cayman appeals to me. It will be a weekend car and used for occasional European road trips etc. I’ve not had chance to drive one yet, but from what I have read it seems to fit between my previous two sports cars, an S2 Exige (too hardcore for longer trips) and a 350Z (not precise enough to drive and a lazy feeling engine). I think the base Cayman would offer similar straight line performance to my 350Z due to less weight, which is sufficient for what I want on the road so I don’t think I need an S. The supposedly better reliability of the 2.7 and 2.9 are also a big factor.
So then the decision comes down to 2.7 Gen 1 verses 2.9 Gen 2. Both of these don’t seem to be immune from engine problems but hopefully less likely. Price wise the difference seems to be about £15k for a 2.7 and £23k for a 2.9, so a sizeable difference in purchase price. I prefer the Gen 2 looks, but the performance difference on paper doesn’t seem that much. I’m interested to hear how these are different to drive. Another consideration is that I might need to carry a baby in the passenger seat occasionally.
2.7 pros – cheaper purchase price, less likely to bore score, more character?, less depreciation
2.7 cons – 6-speed box not standard, potential IMS but unlikely, no ISOFIX?
2.9 pros – better looking, 6 speed box standard, bit more power, no IMS, ISOFIX standard?
2.9 cons - more expensive, more likely to bore score?, greater depreciation
Is there anything else I’m missing? Any thoughts from people who have owned or driven both?
I also understand a Porsche warranty is desirable, but what are the downsides to this. I’d probably have to pay a premium for a car with it, and as I understand it, I’d have to use official Porsche servicing (more expensive) and cannot modify the car in anyway. Now, I feel the need for a good exhaust is essential for me, so this would void the warranty unless I get an expensive PSE. Presumably a Carnewal modification would void it as well?
The wildcard option is an early 996 C2 manual and slush fund ready for an engine rebuild.
So then the decision comes down to 2.7 Gen 1 verses 2.9 Gen 2. Both of these don’t seem to be immune from engine problems but hopefully less likely. Price wise the difference seems to be about £15k for a 2.7 and £23k for a 2.9, so a sizeable difference in purchase price. I prefer the Gen 2 looks, but the performance difference on paper doesn’t seem that much. I’m interested to hear how these are different to drive. Another consideration is that I might need to carry a baby in the passenger seat occasionally.
2.7 pros – cheaper purchase price, less likely to bore score, more character?, less depreciation
2.7 cons – 6-speed box not standard, potential IMS but unlikely, no ISOFIX?
2.9 pros – better looking, 6 speed box standard, bit more power, no IMS, ISOFIX standard?
2.9 cons - more expensive, more likely to bore score?, greater depreciation
Is there anything else I’m missing? Any thoughts from people who have owned or driven both?
I also understand a Porsche warranty is desirable, but what are the downsides to this. I’d probably have to pay a premium for a car with it, and as I understand it, I’d have to use official Porsche servicing (more expensive) and cannot modify the car in anyway. Now, I feel the need for a good exhaust is essential for me, so this would void the warranty unless I get an expensive PSE. Presumably a Carnewal modification would void it as well?
The wildcard option is an early 996 C2 manual and slush fund ready for an engine rebuild.
I've currently got the Gen 2. 2.9 PDK - had it from new, nearly 3 years on and it's been fantastic, if I could do it again, I would go manual though. I think the manual box suits the 2.9 engine more as you really need to work it to get the best out of it.
PDK has evolved a lot and is more sorted in the 981 - still impressive in the 987 gen 2 (I've got sport design wheel with the paddles - which is a must IMO)
PDK has evolved a lot and is more sorted in the 981 - still impressive in the 987 gen 2 (I've got sport design wheel with the paddles - which is a must IMO)
miskalachi said:
I've currently got the Gen 2. 2.9 PDK - had it from new, nearly 3 years on and it's been fantastic, if I could do it again, I would go manual though. I think the manual box suits the 2.9 engine more as you really need to work it to get the best out of it.
PDK has evolved a lot and is more sorted in the 981 - still impressive in the 987 gen 2 (I've got sport design wheel with the paddles - which is a must IMO)
Thanks, definitely want a manual, both my Exige and previous Type R's required working the box hard so no problem there.PDK has evolved a lot and is more sorted in the 981 - still impressive in the 987 gen 2 (I've got sport design wheel with the paddles - which is a must IMO)
I bought a 2.9 last year after going through similar thoughts. I started off thinking I'd get a 2.7 but as time went on I read more about the Gen2 cars, the changes made and decided to stump up the extra cash. Mostly because the cars were newer, lower mileage and basically just less "used".
Mine had a Porsche warranty which I'm not renewing this year. It's very reassuring in your first year of ownership but I'm less convinced now so I've decided to have an emergency fund rather than a piece of paper from Porsche. Come back in 2 years and see if I've made the right call....
Brian
Mine had a Porsche warranty which I'm not renewing this year. It's very reassuring in your first year of ownership but I'm less convinced now so I've decided to have an emergency fund rather than a piece of paper from Porsche. Come back in 2 years and see if I've made the right call....
Brian
I've had a 2.7 for getting on five years now. Similar to you I came from a Lotus. I've kept a blog (of sorts) since I got it. It's not massive, but you might find some stuff in there useful.
http://juansolo.co.uk/motas/porker.html
http://juansolo.co.uk/motas/porker.html
Edited by juansolo on Thursday 12th March 18:03
I had both a 2.7 and a 2.9......ran them both for 3 years/80,000+ miles
Both from brand new so under warranty, but never had any issues with them.
Couldn't really tell any difference between performance. Wasn't bothered between 5 or 6 speed box either,,,,thoguh 2.9 better on fuel slightly.
Re the child seat thing, in both the 2.7 and 2.9 you had to pay Porsche a huge amount (knocking on £1K) to have something that switched off the passenger airbag in order to have a child seat. I didn't ever have this - just used the GF's car at the time when taking her child out.
Both from brand new so under warranty, but never had any issues with them.
Couldn't really tell any difference between performance. Wasn't bothered between 5 or 6 speed box either,,,,thoguh 2.9 better on fuel slightly.
Re the child seat thing, in both the 2.7 and 2.9 you had to pay Porsche a huge amount (knocking on £1K) to have something that switched off the passenger airbag in order to have a child seat. I didn't ever have this - just used the GF's car at the time when taking her child out.
juansolo said:
I've had a 2.7 for getting on five years now. Similar to you I came from a Lotus. I've kept a blog (of sorts) since I got it. It's not massive, but you might find some stuff in there useful.
http://juansolo.co.uk/motas/porker.html
Thanks, that blog was an interesting read. I'd think I'd want 17" wheels whichever way I went, but one of your comments stated that Gen 2 ride comfort was better. Did they change the suspension as well as the engines? I thought it was mostly engine and cosmetic changes?http://juansolo.co.uk/motas/porker.html
Edited by juansolo on Thursday 12th March 18:03
Jasper3.0 said:
Pick up my new to me 2.9 manual on Saturday.
Took me ages to find a none poverty spec car. 34k on the clock, sport steering wheel, sport seats, comfort pack and infotainment complete with xenons.
Not sleeeeeeeping now .......
I bet, please provide some pictures once you've picked it up, if you can stop driving it for long enough!Took me ages to find a none poverty spec car. 34k on the clock, sport steering wheel, sport seats, comfort pack and infotainment complete with xenons.
Not sleeeeeeeping now .......
Many thanks for all the responses, can't say I'm any closer to deciding which way but some food for thought. Interesting comments about most being poverty spec, I had thought about that but makes sense in a way as a base model. Can't say I'm too fussed on options, but I would really like xenons which I think were options on both models.
Sorry to jump on the bandwagon OP - to those that have also owned/driven a 3.4s, is there performance days and nights apart from the 2.7/2.9? I am seriouslty considering a Cayman and that is my question -looking around £20k ideally but can go higher. Bore score obviously a concern on gen 1.
I found this page http://caymanregister.org/faq.php?faq=models a good starter on the changes although it is for the US market. Personally I didn't worry too much about the "poverty spec" thing, but I'm probably a bit of a luddite where options go.
Having said that, one thing I would strongly suggest is that you get a car with PASM even if it's the only option. The difference is quite marked and as a newcomer to these things I'm still impressed a year later. I find I'm using it in standard mode for general pottering about over our potholed roads but when you get some decent tarmac and switch on it makes a very noticeable difference to the car.
Brian
Having said that, one thing I would strongly suggest is that you get a car with PASM even if it's the only option. The difference is quite marked and as a newcomer to these things I'm still impressed a year later. I find I'm using it in standard mode for general pottering about over our potholed roads but when you get some decent tarmac and switch on it makes a very noticeable difference to the car.
Brian
I test drove a Gen I 2.7 and 3.4 before deciding on my 2.9 Gen II. What tipped over to the 2.9 Gen II was the update of the car of over the Gen I models and also the engine reliability of the 3.4 Gen I. I've had my Gen II now coming up to 2 yrs and keeping it for a least another year (Carnewal GT exhaust going on in 3 weeks). When i got the car, finding one with a list of options was hard. Mine has; Full Leather standard seats, silver seats belts, lower winger mirrors in silver and sound plus package. not much, i agree but i'm happy with it. Had my steering wheel retrimmed. by Royals, so you can do some subtle mods.
What ever you decide, sure you'll enjoy the car. Post photo's when you get one, we all like photo's !
What ever you decide, sure you'll enjoy the car. Post photo's when you get one, we all like photo's !
PompeyPaul said:
Sorry to jump on the bandwagon OP - to those that have also owned/driven a 3.4s, is there performance days and nights apart from the 2.7/2.9? I am seriouslty considering a Cayman and that is my question -looking around £20k ideally but can go higher. Bore score obviously a concern on gen 1.
The performance difference is certainly noticible. The 3.4 has quite a bit more torque and doesn't require it's neck to be wrung in the same way that the 2.7/2.9 does. If you like to rev the nuts off an engine, though, then the smaller capacity models are a safer option. anonymous said:
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I took my 2.7 on a long Euro tour last year and will be going again this year,I must admit I did find the engine a little lacking in top end go on the autobahns and found myself dropping down a cog more often than I'd liked to get going but it's fun to rag the 2.7 as it's such a sweet revving unit that delivers power right to the redline.
Loved my faultless 2008 2.7, the sort of power that you could really exploit on the road. All in one of the cheapest cars I've ever run too!
I had the airbag on/off switch and isofix fitted by my local OPC, I negotiated a price of almost exactly £500 and had a 981 Boxster courtesy car for the day (notably less steering feel and embarrassing throttle blipping as you slowed for traffic lights (PDK car)).
I had the airbag on/off switch and isofix fitted by my local OPC, I negotiated a price of almost exactly £500 and had a 981 Boxster courtesy car for the day (notably less steering feel and embarrassing throttle blipping as you slowed for traffic lights (PDK car)).
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