981 Cayman S vs GT350
 

Which one would you have?

Neither. I would rather have a Nissan GTR!

Apples vs. oranges.

For daily drive, tracking, or attacking innocent bystanders?
You've got to specify...

I'd choose 981 Cayman S. 1000%. The GT350 is a super sweet powerhouse, but I don't imagine it would come anywhere near Porsche's refinement, handling and pussy-magnetness. Yes that is a word.

No other cars are options here people ... ahem GTR

You can only have one fun toy that fixes your performance niche. Back roads, normal everyday trips, track days, etc.

981 Cayman S has a resemblance to our Z's body style imho so I choose it :D

In that case, it's time to expand your options :stirthepot:

Slurpppp. Needs salt.

Yes, definitely more and better cars out there.

The Nissan GTR is an amazing piece of engineering, with a somewhat dated but distinctive appearance. I think it's too expensive for what it is, and cannot see it holding its value (but neither will the ubiquitous Mustang Cobra). For peformance, GTR looks great on paper . . . until you get to one particular line on the spec sheet. It weighs twice what my car does, and for why??? That's why, on the track, they are known for eating their own transmissions and needing long periods to cool brakes between sessions. Tire temperature management has to be critical on this car in high performance situations, too. For me, that makes the entry from Stuttgart a far better option. Looks, cachet, comfort, and performance in one tidy package. Yes, it screams "dentist", but at least affluent dentist.

The GT350 R is a good derivative of a proven winner. I'm not sure what it is good for besides getting nods from owners of lesser Mustangs. It will still get eaten alive on the 1/4 mile by modded cars that look far slower. But to me Ford made a better choice than FCA's Hellcat pair. Your mileage may vary.

I'd take a hard look at the Alfa Giulia Q. Saw one this week and was truly impressed. You get to bank a healthy difference, too.

I will second the GTR ...a used GTR will rape both the cars mentioned.

Those two cars, plus the gtr are different driving experiences. You should drive each one and see what is preferred

Also, what is "best" is affected by your priorities

I'm sure they're all good cars.

I don't care about numbers. Faster in a straight line this, better around a track that, it means nothing to me. For me a car is about the driving thrills, fun-per-dollar ratio, and ownership experience and nothing more.

In that case, you need a Mazda Miata.

It's too slow, doesn't sound good, and is too softly sprung.

I do love the look though, especially the folding hardtop version.

Everyone is ducking the original question hard by the way.

We cant answer your question then. "Fun per dollar ratio" " driving thrills" and "ownership experience" are totally subjective not objective like the performance numbers. So it hinges entirely on your opinion ...go test drive them both and see which one you fancy!

Since were talking opinion...I personally feel that the fun per dollar ratio, driving thrills and ownership experience can not be beat after you own a Z....The porsche is overpriced, looks real similar to a Z, has only marginally better performance (which apparently you don't care about anyhow) , not close to being as reliable as a Z, costs a ton more, maintenance is a PITA, after market $$, repair $$... Mustang? everyone owns one, boring ,too common, costs way too much for a rustang, and is muscle car/drag car not a sports car...IMOP

That rustang revs to 8250. It has recaro seats, massive brembo brakes, and a magnetic ride suspension. I also think it looks and sounds amazing. It's just ... well ... big. The proportions are huge and that turns me off. Hard to drive a car like that fast on a twisty back road which is where I enjoy my cars the most. Then there's build quality. I'm not sure I trust Ford.

Drove a 981 Cayman GTS already and it was amazing. Great free revving engine that has a musical tone. Quick. Very refined. Interior and exterior are good looking without being too over the top. The H6 in there has been replaced with a turbo h4, so I think resale might be pretty damn good on these in the future. I guess the concern there is Porsche parts and maintenance. Cost of ownership could be significant.

Well, I have both a 2014 370z touring sport and a 2013 Boxster 981S. The Cayman S has about 10 more HP than the Boxster S. Other than that they are identical. I enjoy both cars equally. One thing the Porsche has over the Z is its intoxication tone of the flat 6 engine roars right behind you because of its mid-engine design. Both cars can go fast, but I think the Porsche is bit quicker, especially when cornering. Porsche interior is more refined and has better quality.
Yes, the cost of ownership is definitely higher with the Porsche. For example, the cost of materials of changing oil is twice on the Porsche compares to the Z. The main reason is the 981 takes almost 10 quarts of synthetic oil, and its oil filter costs about twice as an ordinary filter. Since I wrench myself the maintenance cost is not too bad. Based on the paper works I got from the previous owner Porsche charge him $350 for an oil change, OUCH!..

How reliable has your Boxster been?

Which car do you have more fun in?

Which car do you enjoy owning more? Why?

I feel like I just wrote test questions for a car SAT or something.

triso07, no one is ducking your original question,we have given you suggestions. That on its own should be answer enough. Only you can answer your own question and fill in the various voids. If your heart and mind is set on one of these two vehicles, maybe you should speak to the owners of such vehicles. Otherwise, do some more research and check out vehicle specific forums. GL with your search.

Is the transmission fluid change as big of a nightmare as the Mercedes transmission 722.9...?
Because you have to drain the torque tube and drain the pan, but then actually remove the pan, clean pan, change filter,pump the fluid through the same drain hole (so special attachment and pump needed) then get the temp of the engine up to 45C then open drain plug and confirm that it is just "spurting" out and note draining out...subjective, messy, costly, PITA...

Thanks. It was just a joke.

I have a 6sp manual and it is simply drain and fill. I am not sure what is involve of a transmission fluid change with the PDK transmission.

I've driven both & the 981s would be my choice. The power on the the 350 is nuts and fun, but if you're into handling & feel the 981s is tough to beat.

mustang 350r looks badass but iv heard they had overheating issues unless people didnt get the track package. 350r is the only mustang i would get for track purpose only.

but honestly i wouldnt mind have a mid engine cayman for everyday driver/track. handling is superb in cayman, somtimes you dont need a lot of power to have fun. the only downfall is maintenance can be super expensive. a lot of porsche guys eventually sell their cars due to maintenance cost

My understanding of that is people bought '16 tech package cars and then tracked them hard and were shocked when they overheated. If that's all there is to it, then where is the common sense? They offered a track pack that has all the necessary coolers, how is it Fords fault they tracked a car without the track pack?

Common sense is not that common in most people.

I would take the regular base Caymen over the rustang , don't care how much faster the ford is.

I'm never in the market for a car with over two seats, so I picked the Cayman S.

lol well said wilsonp. There is something special about a 2 seater.

Cayman for me also,

look at the boss302 vs same gen cayman and look at how they aged/desirability - clear victor is the P car.

Not a 981 but I have both a 987.1 (07 Cayman S) and a 09 370Z with the sport package. No comparison. The Cayman is a far better driving car in every area. I track the Cayman and would never dream of tracking the Z without some major modifications. The Z is a sloppy tank compared to the fine surgical precision of the Cayman. I enjoy the Z as a DD and love getting the tail to break loose on occasion so I think it will be around for a while. The GTRs that track with us at PCA events are very appealing but I have yet to drive one to make that comparison. Also, the Cayman attracts women far more than the Z so that settles it.

Which Z have you tracked? That makes a huge difference. The Nismo is more suited as a track competitor. But either way. MR > FR It's very hard beating an MR car with all other things being equal

So you enjoy driving the cayman more than the Z? If you had to recommend a new Z or a used cayman you'd go cayman?

Today's NISMO Z compared to a 10-year old Cayman S:
http://www.zeperfs.com/en/duel4693-1326.htm
(keep in mind, the pricing would have been new, and is European list).

Assuming the car is still doing what it should, the Cayman out accelerates and out-brakes the 370Z in almost every range. It's lighter (not surprising, as 10 years ago the safety features were less, as were some of the comfort items). But they are no match for a more modern true sports car.

The newer Caymans (the 981s you originally mention) are considerably better.
Today's NISMO Z vs outgoing generation Cayman S
http://www.zeperfs.com/en/duel4693-4557.htm
I've toyed with them on the track with my car (not the Z) and they are truly impressive. I can still take them but not as easily as the older generation cars, and depends more on on how they are driven. And those drivers probably have a far more comfortable trip to and from the track, or daily driving their Cayman than I do my ride. Driven well, they'd eat a stock Z and spit it out their tuned tailpipes.

The newest, 718 with the turbo 4, is really just as good as the last generation on a race track.

In the end, the question is really what you want out of your car. Reliability? Bragging rights? Looks? Comfort? Tech? Safety? Value? Economical operation? Practicality for daily driving? Back seats? Cargo space? Quarter mile speed? Road course or Auto Cross performance (economical or otherwise)? Doesn't have to be just one, but it pretty much cannot be all of the above in top priority.

It is hard to beat a Porsche for a lot of things. But as they age, it gets harder to keep them doing what they do best, and harder to justify putting the money into keeping them up to the standard you'd like yours to be.

I'll take the Porsche until the warranty runs out. Then the Mustang until it starts rusting in about 3 years.

U got 20 rep points from me for that...well played sir! :bowrofl:

I had a cayman s before my 370z and because I generally enjoy mountain carving i would definitely say the mid engine cayman is tough to beat. As stated above its all about what makes you happy so don't take that as a recommendation just my personal preference. There are obviously many factors to include when deciding but i remember one day i pulled up next to a 370z at a dealership in my cayman and was blown away by the fact that I honestly liked the exterior of the 370Z more not to mention you could nearly buy 2 z's for the price of one cayman. Honestly that day was probably the genesis of my Z madness. I've never owned a mustang and probably never will, they just don't appeal to me because I prefer smaller more nimble sports cars. Buying a car that just goes fast in a straight line isn't my thing. Im sure its fun at first but I think I would get bored quickly

That GT350 doesn't only go fast in a straightline though. It has monster brakes and a great suspension setup. I do hear you on size though. It's a boat. Tough to toss something like around tight corners.

Do you ever regret trading up your Cayman for a Z?