997.1 vs 997.2 vs 991 vs 981 Cayman

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Is color important? I'd have to have one of the blues myself.

The Blue 997 Thread

I'm fairly flexible on color, I more know what I don't want, the dark gray's or black. Not that I don't love black but for whatever reason I don't want it on a 911. I could be happy with a white or silver car but if I stumble upon a unique color all the better. The blues do look good!

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Absolutely love my 2014 Cayman S. I had a 997.1 S years ago, hard to compare given the time gap. But the 997 felt like more of a GT car. The Cayman is pure sports car, razor handling. I like the newer interior as well. The PDK is brilliant, hope it last. Porsche will not service them, full replacement only. That said, there are a few shops that will work on them.
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That's a beautiful ride!

You and MBAtarga have me looking at PDK cars now. I'm surprised how much more affordable they are in the 997.2 over the manual.

[911boost]

My 997.2 is Aqua Blue Metallic and really changes color in different lighting situations.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

^^^ that is a beautiful color for these cars, bright and vibrant without being glaring.

[Deschodt]

>997.1- IMO not worth it for the sword hanging over your head (and impossible retrofit) - **unless** a screaming deal and then who cares, odds are good especially if you paid little.

>997.2- Yup, prettier and more reliable, also pretty rare in numbers when manual and not black ;-) Still feels "small" (good and bad), but so pretty - like a modern 993. Also, 6 speed for the win.

>991- Bigger yes, but 2 men can fit in front without rubbing shoulders, a very good car with a nicer interior than all other candidates and easy to maintain after you learn the bumper pull trick, also imbued with a great "turn in" (better than 997 IMO) reminiscent of a boxster/cayman. Not sure why, maybe a wheel base thing or geometry. Edge > 997.2 in handling IMO. As for the 7 speed - hmm, pretend 7th does not exist and you will be fine.

>981 Prettiest era of caymans. Super handling car, fantastic "turn in" into a corner, but does not have the 911 party trick of weight over the rear wheels and amazing traction. Scarier with PASM off IMO (don't ask). That one is more of a change of direction car, less oomph and traction out of a corner, know what you want from the experience.. Also (sorry), little boy hips, not like a 911. Lastly, my 911s have aged well, my cayman did not (headliner falling, all interior falling apart)

I drove them all and had a cayman and 991 long term. Loved both but for me it would be 997.2 or 991 (assuming .1) tied amongst your choices, probably decided on condition or model/price.

Overall for me it would be a 991.2T - base but more torque, prettier tail lights.. if could swing that, now that prices are up there and GT3s out of my reach forever. Still about 6 figures though - in that price range there's a lot of other fun stuff. Crazy prices.

[911boost]

Thanks Shaun, I really like it and there are not a ton of the blue 997's around, even less GT3's in that color.

[Tidybuoy]

One additional comment - Although I love my Cayman, it is not a good car for someone who is really tall (i.e., 6'2 and up). I have a friend who is 6'4 and he can barely squeeze in.

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by Deschodt

>997.1- IMO not worth it for the sword hanging over your head (and impossible retrofit) - **unless** a screaming deal and then who cares, odds are good especially if you paid little.

>997.2- Yup, prettier and more reliable, also pretty rare in numbers when manual and not black ;-) Still feels "small" (good and bad), but so pretty - like a modern 993. Also, 6 speed for the win.

>991- Bigger yes, but 2 men can fit in front without rubbing shoulders, a very good car with a nicer interior than all other candidates and easy to maintain after you learn the bumper pull trick, also imbued with a great "turn in" (better than 997 IMO) reminiscent of a boxster/cayman. Not sure why, maybe a wheel base thing or geometry. Edge > 997.2 in handling IMO. As for the 7 speed - hmm, pretend 7th does not exist and you will be fine.

>981 Prettiest era of caymans. Super handling car, fantastic "turn in" into a corner, but does not have the 911 party trick of weight over the rear wheels and amazing traction. Scarier with PASM off IMO (don't ask). That one is more of a change of direction car, less oomph and traction out of a corner, know what you want from the experience.. Also (sorry), little boy hips, not like a 911. Lastly, my 911s have aged well, my cayman did not (headliner falling, all interior falling apart)

I drove them all and had a cayman and 991 long term. Loved both but for me it would be 997.2 or 991 (assuming .1) tied amongst your choices, probably decided on condition or model/price.

Overall for me it would be a 991.2T - base but more torque, prettier tail lights.. if could swing that, now that prices are up there and GT3s out of my reach forever. Still about 6 figures though - in that price range there's a lot of other fun stuff. Crazy prices.

Appreciate this! Very helpful..

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Deschodt

>981 Prettiest era of caymans. Super handling car, fantastic "turn in" into a corner, but does not have the 911 party trick of weight over the rear wheels and amazing traction. Scarier with PASM off IMO (don't ask).

Just a tiny nit-pick. I think you meant "PSM" (Porsche Stability Management) not "PASM" which is "Porsche Active Suspension Management".

PSM = nanny to save your butt
PASM = stiffer shocks at the push of a button.