Cayman R vs Cayman S 2014
 

These two cars look similar but are they? Is the handling of the R superior with the X73 package or is the 2014S with more body stiffness more capable? The R has just 5 more HP and is lower but is that sufficient for a better track car? Does anyone have experience with these two cars?

I would drive them if you can. I think the R is a unique experience. Knowing Porsche though the new model will destroy the old one on track. Have you looked at the time comparisons? I am sure the magazines did plenty. One consideration for me is depreciation. I think the s will depreciate massively in next 10 years. The R seems to be staying in demand and will probably depreciate a lot less

The seating position is also greatly different. The 987 feels like you sit in the car, much more 911ish, and the 981 feels much more like you sit on the car. The front overhang isn't as prominent either. You see the front wings (quarters) in the 987 but in the 981 they just drop away. I've owned both but prefer the 987. It's more connected and more mechanical. I would only sell my CSS to upgrade to an R.

I had an R- and I regret selling it!

My best description would be;

Analog, light, very easy to drive, very tight, stiff, the engine is perfectly setup for the chassis, it's a great car.

I

Would it be possible for a Mod to move this to the Boxster/Cayman forum please?

I didn't know there was a Boxster/Cayman section. Thanks for the reply. I have not have a chance to drive either but did sit in one.

I can't agree with earlier poster that 987 is like 911 seating position. For me, seating position in 987 Cayman is inferior to my 89 911. I am 6' tall, in the Cayman you cannot put seat and seatback far enough back to be comfortable - always felt hunched over wheel, uncomfortable. My 89 car has much better seating position. Also should mention - drove a 981 and they had fixed that problem - much more room. I suggest you sit in both before you buy. This alone would make my next car a 981 over a 987.

As for performance, I expect the R was amazing. But Porsche has moved on, and a 981S is probably better than a 987R. I had an R suspension installed on my S car, to lower it. It was stiff, but not crazy stiff. My biggest problem was the exhaust. 987 S with PDK exhaust was crap - it only sounded like a Porsche when you were on full throttle. The rest of the time it was boring crap. Did I mention crap?. The 981 had sound piped inside car - so even if it sounded crap outside, it sounded good inside.

For me, my next car will be a manual 981, since I can't justify a GT4.

No turbo 4 for me. 981 for the win.

I wanted to test drive a Cayman...any year but the dealer didn't want it taken out in winter. I did sit in a 2009 Cayman S...it didn't feel cramped but I didn't drive it. Adjustable steering wheel was nice.

I have changed the seating in my 86 Carrera from stock to Recarro seat which has plenty of support. My 86 has plenty of sound with just a CAT bypass (only for racing). I was also told the drive by wire throttle has some hesitation compared to an early car. I will have to try to get a test sometime soon.

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I installed a Carnewal modded exhaust in my Cayman S - this definitely helped with my exhaust sound problem - but lost some low to mid range hp in the process.

That's interesting. I dynoed mine before and after and saw ~2hp & ~2 ftlb gains with the Carnewal, which could be within testing error, but certainly not a loss.
This makes sense since the Carnewal is essentially like having PSE on all the time.

Great thread. That is all.

Great article! I was looking for an R test but couldn't find one. The comparison is better than I thought it would be. I felt that an R would have superior handling but it seems that the more powerful GTS was not much better. I would guess that tires would make a difference. The R wheel size 19X9 and 19X10 sould be bigger.

I am sure you are right that it could have added hp / tq - maybe it was just the low end I felt the difference - of course this was strictly seat of the pants opionion. Overall, it was a great mod.

I found it interesting that with the 981 the wheels went to 20's (at least it is an option) but the sidewall height is the same as the 19's - meaning the overall tire diameter is larger. So even though you have a 20, you don't give up sidewall, so still as comfortable

The R's wheel sizes are 19x8.5 & 19x10 while the GTS has 20's that are 1/2" narrower front and rear while being on the same width tires, 235/265.
All the times I've seen (not including P's marketing Ring times) are basically a wash between the two.
The article gets the weights wrong though. In those configs., the R weighs 2895lb. and the GTS weighs 3031lb.
The R does have a smaller more responsive feel, probably due to the weight, suspension tuning, hydraulic steering and maybe the lack of insulation transmitting more of whats going on outside into the cabin.