2010 Cayman S vs 2010 Carrera S - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

blue2000s · 12-31-2009, 01:39 PM

Thanks for the review.

I have to believe that someone who's looking for the more rewarding road driving experience would shy away from the PDK and choose the involvement of a clutch pedal. But what do I know, the newest Ferraris don't even come with a manual anymore.

What about the driving position is different between the Carrera and Cayman? I thought they were essentially the same car up to the front seats.

What is the current Boxster that you're driving? How does the Cayman compare as far as mechanical communication to your Boxster?

The latest Car and Driver compares the PDK Carrera S and Cayman S on Virginia International Raceway and both return the exact same lap times, which goes to show how well balanced the mid-engine layout is.

landrovered · 12-31-2009, 01:53 PM

The cayman and boxster have the driver in a more recumbant position over the 911 and with the motor directly behind you, it feels more like you are "in" the car, the cabin of the 911 is more spacious, the glass is further away and you sit higher up off the road. There is more room between the seats or at least it feels like it to me. Put it this way, I would drive my mother in the 911 but she could never get in the cayman.

Mechanically the feel of the cayman was just like the boxster (I have a 98) but it felt more planted due to much wider tires and being new it was much tighter. I am pleased that no alarm bells went off concerning the integrity of the boxster. Even though it is older, it is solid.

The biggest difference is the level of modernity and comfort, the boxster we have is Spartan compared with the new gadget laden model.

And lastly, the 345 hp in the cayman kicks the old boxsters butt pretty convincingly. It is amazing!

Adam · 12-31-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landrovered

In sport mode it shifted quickly and positively but I found the switches on the wheel both confusing and although I did not downshift accidentally, I could see how that would happen in the future. Over rev is a real possibility with the current wheel mounted buttons.
Cheers!

Thanks for the review. Just FYI, you can't over-rev a PDK equipped car. The computer won't serve up the gear you're asking for if it will over-rev the engine. I always thought of myself as a stick shift guy (both my cars are sticks) but after doing a lot of autocross and some track time last year I think PDK is the way I would go now. I think PDK is the better choice if someone intends on doing a good deal of track time. Rev matching and heel and toe is pretty easy for me to do on the street and I've practiced so much I now do it everytime I drive, but out on the track the "three pedal shuffle" is difficult because I can't generate enough braking force with only half my foot on the brake and a foot could slip off the brake pedal which could be potentially very bad.

brp987 · 01-01-2010, 12:56 PM

It's too bad prices have come down so much on boxsters because your '98 may only cover tax/reg on a new cayman S. And then you have to consider whether the additional $60k+ really buys that much more car. Alternatively, if I were to blow all of $60k+ improving my '01S, I wouldn't know what to do.

Thanks for the story. You had me dreaming there for a while.

Evan528 · 01-01-2010, 04:14 PM

I have an 08 Cayman S....... absolutely no regrets. Still puts a smile on my face every time I drive it!

Topless · 01-01-2010, 04:33 PM

Good review.
The Cay is definitely more "pure sports car" where the 911 is more refined. I have never been completely comfortable with that whole "tail wags the dog" 911 sensation, even with modern nanny controls. Both are truly world class cars.

So how do I convince my wife that I need to keep the 98 Boxster for track days and drive a new Cay PDK for street legal joy????

landrovered · 01-02-2010, 09:56 AM

What I did was buy the 98 for my wife. She lets me drive it when I want to but it is her daily driver. She is happy happy happy with it. Now she does not squirm when I go to the porsche dealership. She actually supports me in getting one for me. Of course when the 98 dies then it is into the garage it goes for a track day conversion. She can drive the Cayman S if I have a weekend racer at my disposal whenever I want it. I am happy as well. Of course I did hear her mention something about his and hers caymans. I would not be opposed to that idea either.

The key is get something for the wife first, then you do not appear to be selfish.