Cayman or 993?

stealthn · 04-16-2011, 09:05 AM

So I'll be selling my SC this year and looking for a new p-car. I love the 993 but the prices are really holding on them (want a 98 C2S, but too much money still). So for the price of a good 993 I can get a good Cayman (like those too).

So I was wondering what your thoughts are on choices between the two.

Occasional track days, and fun runs, but also a daily driver (when it's not snowing).

I will of course be modding either car for my own pleasure

Bob

rhogg · 08:27 PM

I have been looking at this comparison too, but with no intention of selling my SC. I think 993 prices have risen from last fall and Cayman prices haven't which makes them fairly similar money in the US used market, with the 993 the more expensive of the two.

To my thinking they are very different choices despite similar $
+ 993 Better track car, +2 seats, little or no depreciation, pretty solid mechanicals
+ Cayman Newer with more creature comforts, more modern vehicle dynamics, easier to drive, 2 trunks

I love the looks of both. The easier to drive (lighter controls), hatch and looks of the Cayman appeal to my wife. The +2 seats, lower depreciation, and simpler mechanicals of the 993 appeal to me.

When it comes time to buy the next car I think I will flip a coin and decide if I want to flip it again. If I was feeling extravagant and didn`t have 3 university students around I think I would be headed for a Cayman R, in blue please.

speedracer · 04-16-2011, 06:14 PM

Another one thinking about these two for my next p-car. The wrenching side of me likes the 993 more for simplistic reasons. The back seat is also a bonus.

I also think the 993 will be "the classic" 911 to have in the next 20 years so I think it will appreciate.

On the Cayman side, I love the mid-engine layout, modern design and price point. Early Cayman S's can be had for mid 30's which is incredible considering they were double that just 5 years ago when new..

Tough choice..

Oracle · 04-17-2011, 08:55 PM

A colleague told me his Cayman was truly a car for all seasons, with winter tires the car was good during winters so he basically enjoyed it all year round and something that I hadn't considered is that the cayman will be essentially free of mechanical problems for many years...

Good luck!

s_morrison57 · 04-18-2011, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedracer

Another one thinking about these two for my next p-car. The wrenching side of me likes the 993 more for simplistic reasons. The back seat is also a bonus.

I also think the 993 will be "the classic" 911 to have in the next 20 years so I think it will appreciate.

On the Cayman side, I love the mid-engine layout, modern design and price point. Early Cayman S's can be had for mid 30's which is incredible considering they were double that just 5 years ago when new..

Tough choice..

Where are you looking, I haven't seen any Cayman in the 30's let alone mid 30's

speedracer · 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s_morrison57

Where are you looking, I haven't seen any Cayman in the 30's let alone mid 30's

The US.

A quick search on ebay:

Porsche : Cayman | eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1-ORIG-OWNER-FRESH-NEW-TIRES-SERVICE-HISTORY-SHARP-/350454490470?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item5198b72566

Reg · 04-18-2011, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oracle

A colleague told me his Cayman was truly a car for all seasons, with winter tires the car was good during winters so he basically enjoyed it all year round and something that I hadn't considered is that the cayman will be essentially free of mechanical problems for many years...

Good luck!

I had a MR2 that was great in the snow so long as it was not too deep. As far as the last statement if you look at the 996 and 998 I beg to differ.

Venetian · 04-19-2011, 04:48 PM

If I were making that choice, I would definitely lead towards a 993. A friend has a Cayman(tiptronic however) and I find it a very ordinary car to drive. He also complains about a very limited storage space.

pyoung · 04-22-2011, 09:54 AM

Cayman owner here. After my first Cayman (which was on a 3 year lease), I really evaluated my options. During that three years I had learned a lot about other Porsche models and had driven a few, so I was able to make a more informed decision. What it came down to was a choice between a 993 or a slightly used Cayman. The 993 had a lot of appeal, for a lot of the reasons mentioned above. I really do think they are the pinnacle of classic Porsche characteristics. If I had a proper garage I would have gone with a 993.

What I opted for was a one-year old Cayman with 3,000 miles. I really do like all the driving characteristics of the Cayman and it is really a suitable car for me. And being basically new it doesn't require much except washing and detailing, which I can do in my condo's underground parking.

So, for me, what it came down to was lack of a proper garage... otherwise I'd probably be driving the quintessential Porsche... a 993.

stealthn · 04-23-2011, 03:06 PM

Thanks guys, some good points here.

I think for half of the fun of the p-cars is working on them, so I am leaning toward the 993 just for that reason.

Now if their prices only can back to reality, it would be a much easier decision.

Bob

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Good luck finding a 98 993C2S for a reasonable price.

It took several years for me to find a clean 993 and when it became available, no hesitation on my part: A quick flight to Vancouver with ready cash.

After many years of wrenching on my 911, I can tell you that there is a huge difference between a 911 and a 993 all around. The 993 is much more complicated to work on.

Reality?? Whatever the market is prepared to pay is the reality. Most likely, you'll find 993's in the US. In Canada, how often would one see a nice 993 for sale?
This sea-foam green beauty with a clean history was a real surprise.

For a variety of reasons, I'd seriously consider a Cayman before any other water-cooled Porsche. I think the Cayman is under-appreciated but that may change.

Paul mentioned some good reasons pro and con.

And why does Vic Elford drive a Cayman? I suspect that the mid-engine characteristics plus some performance-extras makes it a real winner.

Instead of chasing the illusive 993, consider the Cayman. And no way would I sell my 911 first before buying another Porsche.