OP: the 911 does not drive close to a Cayman. Sales guy was being a sales guy to get you to try something.
The 911 is a great drive and has plenty of fantastic attributes, but from a feel and purist of sports car perspective you owe it to yourself to drive a Cayman. Comparing a new 991 to the outgoing 987 Cayman may not be that fair, but there still are significant differences either way (until the new 981 arrives).
I love the Z for what it is: a good value package. I rate it as 75% of a Cayman (which to me is the logical comparison vs. a 911). The Porsche has better steering feel, better rotation, better chassis manners, and is a lighter package. The Z gives you more value per creature comfort and more raw power. Power isn't everything however.
- b