996 or Cayman - opinions

[cashflyer]

Opinions..... everyone has one.

I've been secretly (the SC does not know) looking at getting into a newer 911 and the type 996 has depreciated enough that it is in my price range.

The problem is, a standard (non S) used Cayman is in about the same price range. And I like both cars.

What does the Pelican Trust think about the merits or detriments of each?

The 911 is the Porsche flagship, and the Cayman is not.
But the 996 had problems that people still associate with the series, and the Cayman is not saddled with the same stigma.

The 996 has a 320hp 3.6 litre rear engine.
The Cayman has a 265hp 2.7 litre mid engine.


My intended use is as a fun daily driver. Fun. And Daily.
Instead of my pickup truck, which is less fun.




These two cars are the same price.
The 996 is a 2002 model with 98k on the odometer.
The Cayman is a 2007 model with 85k on the odometer.

[dewolf]

If the Cayman has the M96 engine then I assume you already know it has a chance of blowing the IMSB. But after owning a Boxster I gotta say I'd take the Cayman anyday.

[KNS]

I've been going back and forth between a 964 and a 996 for a while now and I think I've settled on getting a '02-'04 996 hopefully sometime next year (the '84 is staying). I'll be using it in the same way you describe and take it to the track as well.

As to the Caymen, I like the rear engine, the extra space and could use the back seats once in a while.

Plus, Wayne's book on the 996 will be coming out here in the near future!

[Por_sha911]

Cayman. Period.

[RWebb]

unless you are the butler for 2 small kids, Cayman

[recycled sixtie]

I have tried the 996(tiptronic) but have a Boxster 2001 base but have never tried the Cayman(similar to the Boxster). I found the 996 too heavy but is practical is terms of the 2 occasional seats . A 2 seater is more sporty and the mid engine has great handling. Water cooled 911 is uninspiring but the old air cooled 911 was way more fun. Let us know your impressions of driving them both, that is the Cayman and the 996.

[Halm]

If it was a Cayman S, I would probably go that way. But an '02 with the Aero kit is pretty sweet. Budget $1500-2,000 for a new clutch and IMS and don't look back. 996 all the way.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I've never driven a Cayman, but I've owned a Boxster and four 996s. The Boxster was honestly just more fun, and I suspect that the Cayman is even more so. If you don't need the back seats, I'd probably prefer the Cayman. But hey, take them both for a drive. They're both great cars, you really can't go wrong.

What is your price range in dollars? If you're considering a Cayman I assume $25k-ish? If so, you should be able to find an early 996 with 50-60k pretty easily, even a 2002+ model if you do some looking. The one you pictured, even with the aero kit, should be a $16-18k car tops.

[AnnLindel]

the extra space and could use the back seats once in a while

[Shadetree930]

I have driven both. They have no soul. Stay air-cooled.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Shadetree930

I have driven both. They have no soul. Stay air-cooled.

As the former owner of a 1970 911T I heartily disagree. Unless no soul = working A/C, reliable, cruise control, etc.

[89911]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I've never driven a Cayman, but I've owned a Boxster and four 996s. The Boxster was honestly just more fun, and I suspect that the Cayman is even more so. If you don't need the back seats, I'd probably prefer the Cayman. But hey, take them both for a drive. They're both great cars, you really can't go wrong.

What is your price range in dollars? If you're considering a Cayman I assume $25k-ish? If so, you should be able to find an early 996 with 50-60k pretty easily, even a 2002+ model if you do some looking. The one you pictured, even with the aero kit, should be a $16-18k car tops.

Just Trying to see where you are coming from. Unless your car history is incorrect, you have owned 4 996's and one Boxster and currently own none but are still recommending one of these? Everyone has there reasons for selling, but if you have the car you want, why look further? Currently on my 14ths year of owning my 911 and feel its in a class of it own in terms of road feel, looks, and desirability. If you want to call it soul, feel free. After your 3rd or 4th 996, when did you feel it was time to get out of them altogether? Some cars I can almost anticipate the wedding, honeymoon, and divorce time before I buy them and I see this in most any other Porsche. All this being said, I would hold out for a Cayman S!

[Brando]

Used Caymans are quite affordable. if you shop the market enough you can find a steal. I got my 2006 Cayman S for a steal ($4k below average). I've driven Boxsters and 996s. only a few Caymans. The Cayman S has more power than the Boxster, less than the 996/7 but makes up for the (very small) shortfall with the superior handling. The car just feels way more stable in the high-speed turns and it just feels like there is no end to the smiles and fun.

If you will do anything more than go fast in a straight line or a very wide turn, pick the Cayman S. If you want straight-line acceleration and need two rear seats for children less than 6 get the 996/997.

[Nostril Cheese]

Cayman. Lighter, better handling. Install a 996 engine and you're set.

[Bill Douglas]

The Caymam seems kinda fun. Whereas the 996 seems a sad-ass model.

[450knotOffice]

I own both (Actually, I have an air cooled 911 too). Have for years. Pros and Cons to both.

The 996 is faster and handles damn well. To the naysayers who say it has no soul - you're full of you-know-what. It has plenty of it. As long as the suspension is not old - and preferably ROW M30 - the car handles beautifully. Find one with the X74 package, and it's almost GT3ish.

The Cayman is much more cramped on the inside, and is not really as practical, but BOY OH BOY does it handle!! That car is just stupid fast and easy to drive on mountain roads. It is a weapon. Any 911 driver won't believe how well Porsche has designed this chassis. It does anything you ask of it. You can turn in at unheard of speeds and it sticks. You can let off the gas or even tap the brake pedal mid corner (if you get scared) and all it does is tighten its line. Mid corner corrections are merely a flick of the wrist away. Going wide? Turn the wheel a little more. Yes, it doesn't come out of the corner as hard as a 911, but then what does?

Both are awesome cars. Drive good examples of both.

[HardDrive]

The Cayman is a better sports car.

But I think you will quickly find the benefits of having a GT car.

I did a similar comparison a few years ago, and ended up in a 911.

[JTO]

I found the standard Cayman to feel slow compared to a 911
Troy

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

The Caymam seems kinda fun. Whereas the 996 seems a sad-ass model.

Sad-ass from a reputation perspective? Or is it looks? Performance?

[dewolf]

1st Drive Cayman Turbo 2.7L.mov - YouTube