Porsche Cayman vs Nissan Z
 

In the $30-$40k range, you can buy a brand new Nissan 370z. On the higher end of that range, you can also get a slightly used '09 Cayman and in the midranges, you can get a slightly used Cayman S from years anywhere from '06 to '09. The Nissan Z has better numbers, but the Cayman is put in an entirely different class of motorsport when it comes to comparison. Thus far, the Porsche Cayman goes undefeated in all of its comparisons, not only to more affordable cars such as the Z, but also to cars in the higher price range of new Caymans (50's, 60's). I myself err toward the Cayman and its refined passion for sportsmanship, on the basis of its perfect balance and mid-engined format. As far as value, however, the guys at Porsche will charge you for almost everything. For example, if you want automatic climate control, that is an option. Xenon headlamps, that is an option. Things that are found for free on other cars are all options on the Cayman. So the conclusion I reach is that, as far as passion goes, the 370z is just a riceburner compared to the undeniable king of the circuit, the Cayman. Thing is, the open highways are nothing like a circuit, and how often will that highest-corner-exit-speed-in-the-world come into play on the roads? At the same time, the interior of the Cayman, even including less options, seems much more suited to daily driving than the low quality, japanese, let's-just-get-by interior of the 370z. However, in value, getting a new car is in essence better than used if they are both the same price. So, assuming one has the option of a used Cayman and a new 370z who will be able to maintain the car no matter which it is, what is the better choice? I hope that, thus far, I have stirred some indignant rebuttals within any users of this forum, for the very reason I posted this biased thread on a 370z forum instead of an impartial forum is because I would like to see the opinions of those biased toward the 370z.

Thank you for your input.

Are you a troll? Because this has been hashed out millions of times before on this forum.

I've been a member on this forum since last year, why would you accuse me of trolling? And I had never imagined such a question being asked here. Perhaps if it has been, however, it hasn't been asked on the same foundation of circumstances as in my inquiry. I do apologize if this bothers you, I didn't mean to bring about redundancy in your forums.

Stick to driving your garbage truck. Old hash that makes no sense, and is strictly a personal preference on all accords. You're simply stirring the pot for you own gratification; synonymous with spammers.

The reason for me posting this thread was to see if I could be convinced otherwise. If there is a choice between a Cayman and a 370z, I am trying to see why one would choose the latter. I am not trying to start problems, and if others see it that way, they should realize that they are the only ones trying to bring about conflict.

Enthusiast automobiles appeal to the emotional level of the owner/driver. Simply choose the one that engages the most emotions for you. Writing about it without experiencing neither will yield zero results in your quest—other than endless posts that lead nowhere.

Both cars are good. But, get yourself a Cayman...our mind is made up. No need for any of us to convince you otherwise. :tup:

Even though you can try to bargain shop a used cayman its maintenance cost are still that of a $50 - 60k car from porsche none less. So while I shop within my means and bought a car I can afford to maintain the guy who bought the 5 yr old porsche is letting it go to trash because he wants to stretch that next oil change or the timing isn't that bad.

to me, looks are more important than anything else
and i think the z looks better than the cayman.

I've known like 4 or 5 ppl that owned a Z and none had any major issues. My cousin had a Porsche Boxster a few years ago whose engine caught on fire. He had been to the Porsche dealership 2-3 times complaining about engine noise and they said it was nothing. Then his engine caught on fire. Luckily he wasn't hurt and still had like a few hundred miles on his warranty to it was replaced for free. Just giving my experience with Porsche.

HEy! I drive a garbage truck too. Why are you copying me?

So, when did the 370 beat you? Was your girlfriend/wife with you? Were you embarassed? I'm so sorry, really.

You, of course, know the difference between a porcupine and a Porsche, right? A porcupine has many pricks on the outside, but a Porsche has only one on the inside.

this is what nissan had to say about this topic :D
it's one of their commercials in europe

http://i54.tinypic.com/1444jk2.jpg

hahahaah

In all seriousness, i have no issues examining both cars.. but you have to realize nissan 370z and porsche Cayman are going after different market segments with different expectations.

In my opinion, Nissan Z will and always appeal to drivers who want a fast affordable, reliable, and legendary car that comes with a established pedigree.

Porsche also have a great racing history but w/ their 911s. That model is night and day difference than the Cayman. The Cayman is Porsche's attempt to gain entry in lower price point, by leveraging their name, history, and prestige. Good for them, but it's no 911.

To some, Cayman will be a great choice, but like any German high end car, be prepared for much higher maintenance costs, and options as described earlier.

I haven't owned a Cayman, but my friend has a 911, and I owned a SL500 previously, so I do speak from experience. Yearly maintenance costs would be around $2000+. If you are willing to play, then, be prepared to pay.

Nissan has made significant advancements to their Z car, and each generation has gotten better. This is my first Z, and I am very pleased with it.

You made a lot of good points and I agree with you on all of them. IMO if you really want a Porsche over a Z, save some money and get a 911. What my cousin says now is if you're gonna get a Porsche get a 911 or don't get one at all.

for the money, i think i would rather have one roadster, one 40th anniversary, and one nismo than just one 911 :)

What about a Carrera GT? I'd want that over the 911

do you know how much it cost to replace the clutch in a Carrera GT?
about the same price as a new camaro LS :eek:

I would rather have a Bugatti Veyron than a Carrera GT :D. I would rather get a GT-R than a 911.

haha. i would rather have 2 million dollars in my bank account than a bugatti veyron :)

Most people buying a bugatti veyron have more than $2 million at their disposal

I am probably as impartial as you will get between the two cars. I looked at the Cayman S. I looked at the 370Z.

The Cayman S came across as a rip-off (a nice one, though!) and the 370Z, a bargain.

The 370Z's interior felt and looked as good to me as the Cayman S's. It wasn't made of the same quality of material, no, but to me, plastic is plastic, etc. as long as it feels the same and holds up.

If money were no object, I would have bought the Cayman S, fully loaded. If money were an object, the 370Z. As it turns out, I bought neither, but the 370Z is far from out-matched in ANY aspect other than paint-quality and name-recognition, in my opinion having looked at both cars without any fan-boyism for either.

All that being said, I couldn't stomach paying $65K for a car that ran 13's and only had 2 seats. No matter who's name was on it or how well it handled.

I didn't say I wanted pay for it. If a car were to magically appear in my garage, I would rather it be a Bugatti Veyron than a Carrera GT. I would of course sell it immediately and keep the $2 million.

To get back on topic, drive both and see which you like better. Whichever one you think would give you the better overall experience (performance, looks, comfort, etc.) should be the one you get. Don't listen to what anyone else says. If you can afford to buy and maintain both then go with what feels better to you. I went through the same thing with my Z purchase recently. I was deciding between the 370Z and G37. Not a single one of my family or friends liked the 370Z over the G37. Cost was a factor to me, but after driving both I liked the 370Z better and bought it when I found a great deal. Now every single person who said I should have gotten the G37 has changed their mind and say that I made the right choice. It's your car, do what makes you happy, not what makes someone else happy.

If you like cruising around with gel in your hair wearing a suit then buy a porsche... If you want a fun car with cheaper mods then go with the 370z...

In the $52-$88k range, you can buy a brand new Porsche Cayman. On the higher end of that range, you can also get a slightly used '10 Nissan GTR and in the midranges, you can get a slightly used Nissan GTR from years anywhere from '08 to '09. The Cayman has better prices, but the GTR is put in an entirely different class of motorsport when it comes to comparison.

Thus far, the Nissan GTR goes undefeated in all of its comparisons, not only to more affordable cars such as the Cayman, but also to cars in the price range of new Cayman R's (67's, 82's). I myself err toward the GTR and its refined passion for sportsmanship, on the basis of its perfect balance and twin turbo monster all wheel drive. As far as value, however, the guys at Porsche will charge you for almost everything. For example, if you want automatic climate control, that is an option. Xenon headlamps, that is an option. Things that are found for free on other cars are all options on the Cayman. So the conclusion I reach is that, as far as passion goes, the Cayman is just a riceburner compared to the undeniable king of the circuit, the GTR.

Thing is, the open highways are nothing like a circuit, and how often will that highest-corner-exit-speed-in-the-world come into play on the roads? At the same time, the interior of the GTR, even including less options, seems much more suited to crushing your enemies, seeing them driven before you, and to hearing the lamentation of their women, than the low quality, german, let's-hope-this-glue-doesn't-dissolve-before-the-end-of-the-warranty interior of the Cayman.

However, in value, getting a new car is in essence better than used if they are both the same price. So, assuming one has the option of a used GTR and a new Cayman who will be able to maintain the car no matter which it is, what is the better choice? I hope that, thus far, I have stirred some indignant rebuttals within any users of this forum, for the very reason I posted this biased thread on a 370z forum instead of an impartial forum is because I would like to see the opinions of those biased toward 370z.

Thank you for your input.

I think I'll stick to my brand new 370Z that has a 3 year warranty. BTW have fun paying for those repair bills on your used Porsche. Enjoy your new insurance rates also! It almost sounds like you are trying to convince everyone here that we all made a mistake in our purchase. What kind of a reaction did you think you would get posting this to a 370Z forum? I say you are a troll!

I'd rather go with a new 370 than a used cayman if were talking value here.

and save the 2 grand a year in upkeep....

plus imho the 370 looks better...... i don't test my 0-60 times very often...
or for that matter the top end speed..........

but i do love the handling,styling and stares i receive daily.............

HaHaHa What He Said!!!!

:icon18::shakes head:

Bingo...two OP threads, and both stirring the pot...


Here's your OP from the only other thread you've posted....

My guess is you're pretty far from owning either, as you've been poking around here for over six months (and really not constructively contributing). Why such a long deliberation over the Cayman and the 370Z (or the M3)?. If it's a financial stretch, and not an protracted exploration of which is the better car, just buy the Z and enjoy it. Make up your own mind and be done with the trolling.

Oh, and the bonnet? Well...the Z has had a high waist line since the 350Z, it's part of the aesthetic. Maybe the Cayman does fit you better, as it's not overly accommodating to someone with long legs and torso.

It depends on what you want out of the car, and how long you plan to keep it. I would by a new car if I liked alot and planned on driving it til the wheels fell off. If I just wanted a nice car to drive for a year or 2 and trade it off for a newer/different one, I would go with a used porche. The deprecation has already been eaten by the original buyer.

I say this in all seriousness; you, sir, are a genius.

Please stop accusing me of being a troll. If I was actually trolling I wouldn't care, but I joined this forum for a reason, and that reason is not to get kicked off of it for being accused of trolling by ignorant people that are always on the offensive. The reason I post the way I do is because it generates more response due to the fact that it is more intellectually stimulating. I am going to buy a car, be it now or tomorrow or next week or next month, so what I am doing is looking for information and trying to decide what to do. At this point, I have adequately experienced both 370z's and Caymans in person. If the decision was simple, I wouldn't have posted this thread.

The pre DI/320 HP/PDK Cayman S' are not faster than the Z on the track. The 370Z look MUCH better than the Cayman S and can tuned and significantly reduce the advantage the DI/320 HP/PDK Cayman S' have at the track.

The interior of the Z is not Porsche-like, but it is BMW/Infiniti like. You can tinker with Z yourself in your garage, and it does not have maintenance cost like the CS. If money were not an issue, I would get a daily driver (CX7), a 370Z, and a Pathfinder to tow the Z to the track on the weekend. OR, I would get a GTR.

Like ImportConvert said, I could not stomach paying that much for a Cayman S with two seats. If I pay that much, it is GTR or Z06. If I got a Porsche, it would be GT3. Nuf said.

That's your opinion. I want my two minutes back.

1) All you did by stating that fact is waste more of your own time.
2) You must be a slow reader.

LOL. Pure comedic gold.


My worthless opinion is that some people rather have the refined look of the Porsche. Some just like the idea of driving around the name. I'm not a car enthusiast, but I know what I like when I see it. I think the Z looks better as opposed to the girlish figure of the Cayman. So with that being said, if money was no option, there doesn't seem to be a huge gap in performance, it would come down to the one I like to look at the most. Z for me.