Just drove a Cayman, Cayman S and a Boxster S.

[HardDrive]

Cayman was 2007, Cayman S and Boxster S 2008.

Boxster specific comments:
New body is more rigid than my 986 by a mile. New top renders the hard top unnecessary. Very quiet, even on the freeway.

General comments:

The 987 line is a HUGE improvement over the 986. The most striking improvement is the fit, finish and design of the interior. Very tight seams and quality materials throughout. The suspension retains the razor like feel, but its more compliant over rough road. Standard PSM is nice, especially with the S. You spend plenty of time driving in the wet here in Seattle.

Cayman vs Cayman S.

I did not get to drive the cars at velocities that would warrant a comparison of brakes. The engine in the standard Cayman is quite similar to the previous 986 2.7, but the power band starts earlier and pulls harder. Still a nice, fast reving engine.

The S engine is a different animal. The torque is very noticeable. Much more power across the spectrum. Most noticeable at freeway speeds. Above 4000 rpm, the car is pulling hard, regardless of your speed.

IMHO commentary:

When I went to buy a Boxster, most chimed in to 'not waste my time' with a standard Boxster. But I bought a well equipped standard 986 in the exact color combination that I wanted, and it has been fantastic. Folks refer to these cars having a lack of power, but those folks must drive a heck of a lot more aggressively than I do, or they must be track fanatics. I find my car has more than enough power to get me into trouble, and I rather enjoy the higher revs.

If I jump on the Cayman train, I'm probably going to go standard.

If anyone is considering a jump from the 986 series to 987, its worth it if you have the means. The new cars are an improvement across the board on what was, and is, an excellent car.

Just my 2 pence.

[Dantilla]

Thanks. We're considering a Boxster for my wife. Being here in the Northwest, I'm still going to insist on a hard top. Our Miata has one, and we rarely use the soft top.

Still debating on which model. The prices on the early 986s are really attractive, but I do like the improvements the 987 has. It will probably come down to whatever I find with a hard top in colors we like.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

Thanks. We're considering a Boxster for my wife. Being here in the Northwest, I'm still going to insist on a hard top. Our Miata has one, and we rarely use the soft top.

Still debating on which model. The prices on the early 986s are really attractive, but I do like the improvements the 987 has. It will probably come down to whatever I find with a hard top in colors we like.

Does she drive a manual shift?

My 986 is still under CPO until July. Black sport design interior. 35,500 miles at the moment. Previous (first owner) was Jorge Gonzalez, the former CFO of barrier. PM me if you have an interest.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Does she drive a manual shift?

Yup. My fault. She didn't know how to drive a stick before I came along. Now, after driving the miata for a while, she will not consider a Boxster with a Tip.

Sorry, but Silver is out. Too bland, and I already have the Silver 911. Thanks for the offer.

She has been on the fence for a while about attending a Skills Day at Bremerton. I will make it a condition- If I buy her a Boxster, she WILL attend. I suppose that means eventually having to share the helmet with her on Autocross day. At least I hope so!

[Tobra]

you have the same size head as your wife?

[hytem]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Cayman was 2007, Cayman S and Boxster S 2008.

IMHO commentary:

When I went to buy a Boxster, most chimed in to 'not waste my time' with a standard Boxster. But I bought a well equipped standard 986 in the exact color combination that I wanted, and it has been fantastic. Folks refer to these cars having a lack of power, but those folks must drive a heck of a lot more aggressively than I do, or they must be track fanatics. I find my car has more than enough power to get me into trouble, and I rather enjoy the higher revs.

Just my 2 pence.

I would echo your 2 pence on the Boxster. Plenty of power for conventional roads.
I was also looking at a 996 C4 when I bought my 986, and didn't see much difference on the back roads around the dealership. Big price difference.
I do like the bigger interior in the 911 with the rear seats.

Wish they would improve the speedometer in the 986. It's useless to look at.
Saved by the digital readout.

[porsche356a]

What did you decide?

I never drove the Cayman. Maybe I should have...

[450knotOffice]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I LOVE my wife's base Cayman. That car is as tight as a drum and plenty fast. Interestingly, the engine really loosened up (as did the transmission) after about 2000 miles or so and feels noticeably more powerful than it did when new. The handling is out of this world. The steering response and feel, the balance, and the poise are about as close to perfect as can be.

[Brillo]

Originally Posted by hytem

I would echo your 2 pence on the Boxster. Plenty of power for conventional roads.

+1

I also agree the 987 is a vast improvement on looks and finish. Very tempting to update.

[RWebb]

Hmmmm... new Porsche model + financial crisis = yummmm....

maybe I can get a nice used Cayman or the newer Boxster model...

[Moses]

Originally Posted by Wayne at Pelican Parts

and a 2000 one that we are putting a 996 engine into.
-Wayne

Woo hoo! That thing will be a blast to drive.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by RWebb

Hmmmm... new Porsche model + financial crisis = yummmm....

maybe I can get a nice used Cayman or the newer Boxster model...

Well oddly, prices seem to be holding up pretty well in the used market.

Cayennes are another matter....

[jhynesrockmtn]

I still miss my Boxster S. I don't understand all the snobbery about Boxsters and Caymans from the 911 purist crowd. Do they think Porsche can stay in business building one car? It handled great, pulled like stink and was bullet proof while I owned it.

I never felt a need for a hard top and drove mine every day for a couple of years. I generally drove top down year round if it wasn't raining though

[porsche356a]

Back in 2003 or so I got to drive a Boxter S... I had always fallen for the "under powered, fake Porsche, chick car" hype.

That mentality lasted for as long as it took me to drop the clutch, shoot sideways up a hill and have the car catch the slide with a flick of the wheel.