986 Boxster vs 987.2 Cayman a comparison

[thstone]

Great write up! We were all sorry to see your 986 go out to pasture but congrat's on the Cay!

I'd be interested in your thoughts about the difference in driving experience in terms of;

1. Handling differences (987 stiffer chassis, corner turn-in/rotation/exit, do you drive it the same, etc)
2. Suspension differences (987 stock vs PSS9, stock vs adjustable, etc)
3. Transmission differences (PDK vs 5-speed manual - street, track, fun factor, involvement)

[Run]

I just recently did the same thing except I bought a Gen 1 Cayman. I wanted to take the time and really see the differences between my 03 box and the 06 cayman. I plan on selling both for a gen2 or 3 Box/Cayman. A three year MY difference is huge in overall finish and handling. My box is still a great car for it's age but I have to admit I am leaning toward the Cayman.

[jaykay]

Just curious about your bar choice: M030

Would this promote a sharper turn in upfront?

[Topless]

Originally Posted by jaykay

Just curious about your bar choice: M030

Would this promote a sharper turn in upfront?

I ran Tarrett sways for 3 years and then ran M030 for 2 years due to a change in competition class. Running NT-01 tires there was little difference between the two in terms of turn-in or balance but I prefer a softer setup than some. If I were running A7 or RR tires I probably would have wanted the Tarrett sways for better control of the contact patches at higher lateral G forces involved. The more tire grip you have, the more sway bar you want.

On street tires or NT-01s, the M030 is the cats meow IMO.

[Topless]

Originally Posted by thstone

Great write up! We were all sorry to see your 986 go out to pasture but congrat's on the Cay!

I'd be interested in your thoughts about the difference in driving experience in terms of;

1. Handling differences (987 stiffer chassis, corner turn-in/rotation/exit, do you drive it the same, etc)
2. Suspension differences (987 stock vs PSS9, stock vs adjustable, etc)
3. Transmission differences (PDK vs 5-speed manual - street, track, fun factor, involvement)

Well, the 986 suspension was developed and tweaked over about 6 years and it was very balanced and point and shoot. It was also mighty firm on the street. The Cay is still bone stock so it feels great on the street and in the canyons but it's pretty fluffy and imprecise with R-comp tires at the track. I suspect I will firm it up with Cay R struts and sways to get where I want it without going too crazy. PSM still intervenes while trail-braking so we will tweak the threshold a bit or just disable it.

So far the PDK is pretty cool. It definitely reduces driver workload and involvement but the technology is stunning and I am learning to make the most of it. Corner entry is awesome... tap tap.... GAS! I have driven a stick all my life and this is the first "no left pedal" sports car I have liked. I am not sure it is forever though. We'll see.