Porsche Cayman

Hotrodz · 11-01-2019, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JARblue

What Porsche and what Lotus?

Depends on what the shopper is looking for. If it were me, I would be looking at a used 911 Carrera S. There are plenty of them on the market and in good condition. My first pick in Lotus would be the Evora given my size, followed by the Exige.

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k.alexander · 11-01-2019, 11:06 AM

Thanks for input everyone, keep it coming, especially those who test drove and/or own(ed) one.

To answer everyone's questions, no sadly, I can't drop $80k on a car and not feel it. I can in theory afford the Pcar, and frankly, if I end up going this route, I'll prob be looking for '17 or '18 low miles car anyway as people say the initial depreciation is downright depressing. I can do the basic maintenance myself, plus a friend (see below) just told me of a guy who used to work at Porsche who has for years now had a garage 10 min away from me where he specializes in german cars, and is reasonably priced.

Side story: hung out with a few friends yesterday, one has an '08 (I think) Cayenne which he got of a lease about 4 yrs old and 40k on it, he now has 155k on it and is looking to sell it, wants to get a Panamera. I got good idea of repairs and maintenance that he's had to do on it. Then so happens that another acquaintance had a '14 Panamera -- drove that last night -- that he is currently selling b/c he just bought an '08 911 4S Cab (in retrospect, although almost no alcohol was involved, this may have been the funnest Halloween ever

Then walked into the office this morning and one of my bosses is there with a brand new 718 Boxster S fully fully f'in loaded. Just drove that also and I'll say it sure is an impressive car if I can swing for the S with not to mention some of the performance options.

I have no intention of modding the car in any way. I'm looking for a DD primarily, and hope to start doing at least a few track events a year, which would of course require brakes, brake fluids, tires. But between the Z already being a great cruiser/GT car, and the uncertainty of what's happening in the US over the next year or two with the 718 models featuring 4T I AM REALLY TORN.

ZCanadian · 11-01-2019, 11:33 AM

It's definitely a tough decision. First world problems, though! ;-)

I was where you were at before buying the 4C. That car won my heart, and I couldn't do the Cayman after seeing the Alfa. But it's not really a suitable daily - neither is any Lotus although the Evora comes close (but is still a Toyota made of Tupperware). If we could get it here, the new Alpine 110 might be a suitable comparison. But we can't, so it's moot.

Will the Cayman give you enough storage? The Z is positively cavernous by 2-seater sports car standards. And not particularly low or small to get in and out of. I test drove a GT4 the other day (again, couldn't see myself parting with my 4C for it, nice as it was). it definitely is going to be more difficult to live with than the 370Z. Also, consider the visibility out of the mid-engine car if you are dailying it. Backing out of parking spaces and merging/changing lanes "by the force" gets old fast, if that sort of thing figures into your commute.

The Porsche is a performance car which you can track, and also comfortably cruise anywhere in. The more performance-oriented you spec it, the less daily/GT-worthy it becomes. If you want something with amazing performance and is still a comfortable daily, then you move into 911 territory (or a McLaren, or a Merc AMG GTR, or even go with a less expensive performance saloon car in an Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio, or a BMW //M-something or Audi S5..., any of which will match or better the Cayman you are looking at in terms of performance and handling). I know - I'm not making your decision any easier! :-P

When the decision comes down to dollars / performance / and utility there are always compromises to be made. I always liked the saying "Good, cheap, fast - pick 2" with regard to having work done. You can have a good job cheap, but it won't be fast, or a fast job cheap but it won't be good. Or a good job fast, but it won't be cheap. I think you'll find a comparable result in your deliberations!

In the end, if your heart is set on the Porsche, and you can at least live with its cost to buy and maintain and the compromises that it may demand of you, then go for it. That is the kind of decision that you need to make with your heart, and not your head.

There's no wrong answer, except to wait because you're afraid of making the wrong decision!

Interesting thread. Looking forward to more input.

Oh, and be wary of Rennlist - it's not nearly as friendly, helpful, and accommodating as this board. ;-)

Hotrodz · 11-01-2019, 11:46 AM

^^^Agreed!!! I am glad you jumped in as I forgot about the Alfa...great car for the not so tall. As for the Audi s5 I own a 14 and the car rocks but you will pay the same kind of tax that comes with a P car. Or you can just do a v8 Corvette. The reviews are amazing and it is supposed to rival the German and Italian supercars in street manners. $80k will get you all the upgrades.

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OptionZero · 11-01-2019, 11:50 AM

can't lie

i have eyed the Evora GT, the latest version with less weight, titanium exhaust i believe, and wider front fenders

tight driver's compartment might be the biggest drawback because all reports are the handling is nuts

k.alexander · 11-01-2019, 11:52 AM

@ZCanadian Thank you for your post! I wanted to quote portions of it and comment on them, but you're so spot on, and your comments are so well and thoughtfully written that I would just end up commenting and complimenting and agreeing with every sentence/phrase of your post.

That said, a few choice quotes still deserve it.

Yes, first world problems for sure. I, like I am sure many others, work hard, and life is not easy, but man, man, we are lucky, life could be much much worse...knock on wood. It's Friday, and I recommend everyone take a minute and reflect on that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZCanadian

That is the kind of decision that you need to make with your heart, and not your head.

Very true, I've done my research and due diligence. It comes down to a heart driven decision.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZCanadian

There's no wrong answer, except to wait because you're afraid of making the wrong decision!

This is interesting, but decision paralysis is a real thing, and right now I'm leaning towards waiting until at least the spring/summer to see what happens to the 718 line in US.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZCanadian

Oh, and be wary of Rennlist - it's not nearly as friendly, helpful, and accommodating as this board. ;-)

Oh man, for sure! I can already see that after hanging out there for the last week or two. I have to say, online forums are not known for bringing the best out in people, but I've been a member here since early 2009 and this forum is the best!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZCanadian

Interesting thread. Looking forward to more input.

Yes, yes, yes! More input folks please!

PS: Whereas the BMW M/Audi S something were cars I always wanted in the past; I want one more "impractical" 2 seater in my life before I end up driving something that's a 2+2 sports coupe/sedan. Also I am of very little opinion of the reliability of BMW/Audi/Merc--I would not buy those cars with the intention of holding long term. I know I'm considering a potential gamble in that regard on the Porsche. Lastly, I like the classic look of the sports car, which is what the Z, the 718 (and for that matter the 911) offers; I'm not dying to get into a sports coupe in terms of appearance.

CRiZO · 11-01-2019, 12:35 PM

If I were to get a Porsche, it would HAVE to be a flat six.

Cyber370 · 11-01-2019, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRiZO

If I were to get a Porsche, it would HAVE to be a flat six.

Agree 100%. I’m not a fan of the new 718 turbo 4’s with fake engine sounds and all.

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ZCanadian · 11-01-2019, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyber370

Agree 100%. I’m not a fan of the new 718 turbo 4’s with fake engine sounds and all.

I agree on the sound front - the Porsche flat 6 in the 981 Cayman is a special engine. With the sport exhaust, the noise is thrilling.

Which is fine as far as it goes. But performance-wise, the 718 with turbo 4 cylinder literally runs rings around it's older sibling.

Comparison at this link:
http://www.zeperfs.com/en/duel4516-6344.htm

Hilights (981 first, then 718) - both are the "S" PDK variants:
0-100Km/hr times 4.7 vs 4.1 seconds
0-200Km.hr times 16.9 vs 14.3 seconds
60-100Km/hr times 5.0 vs 3.5 seconds
80=160Km/hr times in 4th 11.8 vs 8.1 seconds
" " " in 5th 15.0 vs 10.3 seconds
Nordschleife times 7:55 vs 7:46
Laguna Seca times 1:41.26 vs 1:40.05
Braking distances are in some cases better on the older model, but that could be attributable to test conditions.

I'd like a car that sounded nice AND performed, but hey, if I had to choose between sound and fury, then fury wins every time for me. YMMV.

Hotrodz · 11-01-2019, 01:31 PM

The 2019 or 20 Audi TT is a bad *** car. It is much faster than the Cayman and handles almost as well.

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sunkist350z · 11-01-2019, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotrodz

The 2019 or 20 Audi TT is a bad *** car. It is much faster than the Cayman and handles almost as well.

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The TT maybe faster but it is one hideous and fugly car. Never was a fan of those cars they remind me of an upside down bathtub.

Hotrodz · 11-01-2019, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunkist350z

The TT maybe faster but it is one hideous and fugly car. Never was a fan of those cars they remind me of an upside down bathtub.

They new look way better now than the older ones. I am just providing options and as someone stated before I will choose function over form pretty much every time. That said it has to be sexy as well and that is why the Z is in the sweet spot.

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k.alexander · 11-01-2019, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunkist350z

The TT maybe faster but it is one hideous and fugly car. Never was a fan of those cars they remind me of an upside down bathtub.

Guys I genuinely appreciate the suggestions, and I didn’t want to discourage any, but I agree, the TT is just fugly (to each their own I get, but not to this guy). Plus again, I’m buying as primarily a DD with the intent of holding on long term if not forever. I know the Audi is going to fall apart waaaaay before that.

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ZCanadian · 11-01-2019, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k.alexander

Guys I genuinely appreciate the suggestions, and I didn’t want to discourage any, but I agree, the TT is just fugly (to each their own I get, but not to this guy). Plus again, I’m buying as primarily a DD with the intent of holding on long term if not forever. I know the Audi is going to fall apart waaaaay before that.

Keep it forever. In that case, I won’t suggest an F-Type Jag!

Hotrodz · 11-01-2019, 08:31 PM

Just to throw another obvious two seater out there is the Supra or M4. The Supra seems to be a nice tweener but a little over rated
I have seen one in person and they look way better in person.

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11-01-2019, 11:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
k.alexander Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philadelphia, PA Age: 46 Posts: 240 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z PG M6 Rep Power: 715	Thanks for input everyone, keep it coming, especially those who test drove and/or own(ed) one. To answer everyone's questions, no sadly, I can't drop $80k on a car and not feel it. I can in theory afford the Pcar, and frankly, if I end up going this route, I'll prob be looking for '17 or '18 low miles car anyway as people say the initial depreciation is downright depressing. I can do the basic maintenance myself, plus a friend (see below) just told me of a guy who used to work at Porsche who has for years now had a garage 10 min away from me where he specializes in german cars, and is reasonably priced. Side story: hung out with a few friends yesterday, one has an '08 (I think) Cayenne which he got of a lease about 4 yrs old and 40k on it, he now has 155k on it and is looking to sell it, wants to get a Panamera. I got good idea of repairs and maintenance that he's had to do on it. Then so happens that another acquaintance had a '14 Panamera -- drove that last night -- that he is currently selling b/c he just bought an '08 911 4S Cab (in retrospect, although almost no alcohol was involved, this may have been the funnest Halloween ever Then walked into the office this morning and one of my bosses is there with a brand new 718 Boxster S fully fully f'in loaded. Just drove that also and I'll say it sure is an impressive car if I can swing for the S with not to mention some of the performance options. I have no intention of modding the car in any way. I'm looking for a DD primarily, and hope to start doing at least a few track events a year, which would of course require brakes, brake fluids, tires. But between the Z already being a great cruiser/GT car, and the uncertainty of what's happening in the US over the next year or two with the 718 models featuring 4T I AM REALLY TORN. Hotrodz and ZCanadian like this. __________________ -Are you coming to bed? -I can't. This is important. -What? -Someone is WRONG on the internet.

11-01-2019, 11:33 AM	#3 (permalink)
ZCanadian A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Canada Posts: 1,061 Drives: 2013 370Z Rep Power: 60274	It's definitely a tough decision. First world problems, though! ;-) I was where you were at before buying the 4C. That car won my heart, and I couldn't do the Cayman after seeing the Alfa. But it's not really a suitable daily - neither is any Lotus although the Evora comes close (but is still a Toyota made of Tupperware). If we could get it here, the new Alpine 110 might be a suitable comparison. But we can't, so it's moot. Will the Cayman give you enough storage? The Z is positively cavernous by 2-seater sports car standards. And not particularly low or small to get in and out of. I test drove a GT4 the other day (again, couldn't see myself parting with my 4C for it, nice as it was). it definitely is going to be more difficult to live with than the 370Z. Also, consider the visibility out of the mid-engine car if you are dailying it. Backing out of parking spaces and merging/changing lanes "by the force" gets old fast, if that sort of thing figures into your commute. The Porsche is a performance car which you can track, and also comfortably cruise anywhere in. The more performance-oriented you spec it, the less daily/GT-worthy it becomes. If you want something with amazing performance and is still a comfortable daily, then you move into 911 territory (or a McLaren, or a Merc AMG GTR, or even go with a less expensive performance saloon car in an Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio, or a BMW //M-something or Audi S5..., any of which will match or better the Cayman you are looking at in terms of performance and handling). I know - I'm not making your decision any easier! :-P When the decision comes down to dollars / performance / and utility there are always compromises to be made. I always liked the saying "Good, cheap, fast - pick 2" with regard to having work done. You can have a good job cheap, but it won't be fast, or a fast job cheap but it won't be good. Or a good job fast, but it won't be cheap. I think you'll find a comparable result in your deliberations! In the end, if your heart is set on the Porsche, and you can at least live with its cost to buy and maintain and the compromises that it may demand of you, then go for it. That is the kind of decision that you need to make with your heart, and not your head. There's no wrong answer, except to wait because you're afraid of making the wrong decision! Interesting thread. Looking forward to more input. Oh, and be wary of Rennlist - it's not nearly as friendly, helpful, and accommodating as this board. ;-) k.alexander likes this.

11-01-2019, 11:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
Hotrodz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NW, AZ Posts: 9,330 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z Nismo Rep Power: 2684385	^^^Agreed!!! I am glad you jumped in as I forgot about the Alfa...great car for the not so tall. As for the Audi s5 I own a 14 and the car rocks but you will pay the same kind of tax that comes with a P car. Or you can just do a v8 Corvette. The reviews are amazing and it is supposed to rival the German and Italian supercars in street manners. $80k will get you all the upgrades. Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk k.alexander, ZCanadian and Zingston like this. __________________ *Fast Intentions TT Installed and Tuned by Seb at SpecialtyZ 610whp 560tq:\|Fast Intentions 3" TT-TDX*\|SpecialtyZ/Fast Intentions 72 Row Oil Cooler\|SZ 6 Puck Clutch & Flywheel\|3GsCustoms\|Z1\|Wavetrac\|Hotchkis\|Whiteline \|Blitz\|Fortune Auto 500\|Fujimura\|SPL\|H&R\|TK\|TWM\|RPM Rollbar\|Sparco\|Next Level Performance\|TrackSpec\|AeroFlow Dynamics\|Pioneer\|

11-01-2019, 11:50 AM	#5 (permalink)
OptionZero A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,255 Drives: 15 370Z Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 214100	can't lie i have eyed the Evora GT, the latest version with less weight, titanium exhaust i believe, and wider front fenders tight driver's compartment might be the biggest drawback because all reports are the handling is nuts Hotrodz likes this. __________________ OptionZero Build Thread

11-01-2019, 01:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
Hotrodz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NW, AZ Posts: 9,330 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z Nismo Rep Power: 2684385	The 2019 or 20 Audi TT is a bad * car. It is much faster than the Cayman and handles almost as well. Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk FL 4Motion and Firebase99 like this. __________________ Fast Intentions TT Installed and Tuned by Seb at SpecialtyZ 610whp 560tq:\|Fast Intentions 3" TT-TDX**\|SpecialtyZ/Fast Intentions 72 Row Oil Cooler\|SZ 6 Puck Clutch & Flywheel\|3GsCustoms\|Z1\|Wavetrac\|Hotchkis\|Whiteline \|Blitz\|Fortune Auto 500\|Fujimura\|SPL\|H&R\|TK\|TWM\|RPM Rollbar\|Sparco\|Next Level Performance\|TrackSpec\|AeroFlow Dynamics\|Pioneer\|

11-01-2019, 12:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
CRiZO Track Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Dallas Posts: 672 Drives: in traffic Rep Power: 20699	If I were to get a Porsche, it would HAVE to be a flat six.

11-01-2019, 08:31 PM	#15 (permalink)
Hotrodz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NW, AZ Posts: 9,330 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z Nismo Rep Power: 2684385	Just to throw another obvious two seater out there is the Supra or M4. The Supra seems to be a nice tweener but a little over rated I have seen one in person and they look way better in person. Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk __________________ *Fast Intentions TT Installed and Tuned by Seb at SpecialtyZ 610whp 560tq:\|Fast Intentions 3" TT-TDX*\|SpecialtyZ/Fast Intentions 72 Row Oil Cooler\|SZ 6 Puck Clutch & Flywheel\|3GsCustoms\|Z1\|Wavetrac\|Hotchkis\|Whiteline \|Blitz\|Fortune Auto 500\|Fujimura\|SPL\|H&R\|TK\|TWM\|RPM Rollbar\|Sparco\|Next Level Performance\|TrackSpec\|AeroFlow Dynamics\|Pioneer\|

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