Drove a 2008 Cayman S Last Week!

Last Friday my car was at the dealership getting all new tires (PS2's) and an alignment. They gave me a new Cayman S (Tip and 19" wheels) as a loaner car.

I was very impressed with the car. Handles great. Maybe even better than the Boxster, dare I say. You can see how the coup really adds to the rigidityof the car (but I would greatly miss the convertible top) The car really-really instills a lot of confidence. Very well balanced and sure footed.

It was a very easy and immediate transition from the Boxster to the Cayman. I don't think I would be saying the same if it was a 997.

This is the first time I have ever driven Porsche's TipTronic. I liked it a lot from a convenience perspective and up shifting. Very responsive. But, I did not like it from a downshift perspective. I like to row gears on the downshift. Heel/toe, blip the throttle, and downshift. Much more fun. I would never buy a Tip but I can see why people would like it for traffic, convenience and spouses who share the car.

My wife drove it and loved it. She has NO interest in learning to drive stick, so this was a big plus for her benefit.

I don't think I felt the extra 15 HP (295 vs my 280) but the car was very fast and sounded great.

I still like my Boxster better....but the Cayman was very impressive.