Is it crazy take a 3.2 over a Cayman S?

JasonF · 05-13-2011, 06:28 AM

I recently sold my 993 and bought a new Cayman S. It's a "nice" car (fast, comfortable, fun to drive) but for some reason it also leaves me with a sterile detached feeling. The e-throttle is absolutely lazy and I installed an electronic gizmo ("sprint booster") that reduces the lag but even after that, I can't help but think the driving experience is the automotive equivalent of using a condom. I got an incredible deal on the car (19% off MSRP) and so selling it wouldn't kill me (plus, the car has only 3k miles in 6 months of ownership).

Has anyone owned/driven both a Cayman S and a 3.2? I've owned 2 993's and have 'been there done that' with 993's. I'm looking for something that's fun and involving to drive on nice days & weekends. Since I live in NJ, our crowded roads mean that flat out HP really isn't all that important. Thanks!

ivangene · 05-13-2011, 06:35 AM

LOL - sold my 996 pretty well track set up car for a bone stock 3.2..... watch out, you will be looking at early cars next....

all I can say is your friends wont get it.........they will all think you lost your mind or filed bankrupt or something. I DD my 3.2 and I wouldnt trade it for any new car (not thinking about the $ aspect anyhow)

Personally I couldnt be happier... but the next car will be older for sure, gotta get me a longhood someday, might keep the 3.2 though

AVDCAV · AVDCAV's Garage

Agreed " the condom reference was perfect.
Why not just get a decent 3.2
70's. 80's. For the warm months

ivangene · 05-13-2011, 06:38 AM

OH and for the "flat out" performance ... dont be surprised... the 3.2 IS a PORSCHE... and when you step on the loud pedal any thoughts of "its an old car" will disappear along with most any car that was along side of you....I have taken the car to the track and it has no trouble hanging with the new cars... not the really fast ones, but many new cars need to get to pointing me by... here I come

javadog · 05-13-2011, 06:44 AM

I haven't driven a Cayman S but I own a recent Boxster S, so I'm familiar with how the new cars drive. I've also owned a Carrera 3.2.

There is absolutely nothing about the older car that would make me want it more than a later car. I've owned a bunch of 911s, and still own a few, but the newer cars are better in every respect.

JR

89911 · 05-13-2011, 06:45 AM

Having owned a 3.2 (well really a 3.4) for over 12 years I have never once thought about another car. A cayman s is so far superior in performance that it isn't even close. That said, there is something about driving a car with no power steering, torsion bars, midevil suspension that communicates so well with the road. And that is where the love is. Most modern cars, including the BMW's I drive, are like space ships that fly over the road with little interaction. The older Porsches keep giving back that driving experience thats rewards.

ivangene · 05-13-2011, 06:51 AM

as you see its a personal taste thing....some people are always after the newer (better?)

I like to think of it in terms of airplanes....some people want a lear jet, and some want an open cockpit bi-plane....naturally the lear is the best plane, but cant offer the same experence EVER...and since "most" driving is the same speed in both cars (14 mph in Seattle) you have to choose between a cup holder, Nav system and heated seats or metal floors, foggy windows and a deep concern for oil temps

widgeon13 · 05-13-2011, 07:05 AM

I had an M3 and 74 911 w/ a 3.0 and enjoyed the 74 much better than the M3.

luckyluke318 · luckyluke318's Garage

I had a 88 3.2 and went to an early 911 back in 98'. It's an even a better experience. Lighter steering and more involved driving. Be careful though, the earlier cars take more money to set up right. Buy the best one you can or else be prepared to do a restoration.

81TARGAPAUL · 81TARGAPAUL's Garage

Know exactly what you mean. I own an "81 sc, my brother a 91 964 and my dad a 997 S. The 997 is a great car, yet every time i drive it I can't help but think somethings missing. Its just to easy to drive, don't feel involved. I'll take a well sorted older 911 hands down over something newer. More involved in the driving experience, and the anticipation of completing a journey with no major breakdowns coupled with constantly checking for leaks, "weird" noises, and smells can't be beat!

EMJ · 05-13-2011, 07:48 AM

Drove a 370Z earlier in the year - man, what a machine. Got back in my 3.2 daily driver and instantly knew what was missing in the Z: it's got no soul.

Nothing like the rawness and driver's feel of an old 911.

gchappel · 05-13-2011, 07:55 AM

I have an 85 3.2. I have driven a bunch of the newer cars, including the cayman S.
I still have the 3.2. The new cars are better in every way- faster, stop faster, handle "better". The newer cars are easier to drive, quieter, do not leak oil. They are more comfortable. I have thought about trading for a newer car- still have the 3.2.
There is one major downside for me, living in FL. The AC sucks.
Gary

POORSH · 05-13-2011, 07:59 AM

Why not try a long hood hot rod? You get the speed of a newer car and feel of an older car.

Evans, Marv · 05-13-2011, 08:03 AM

Since decent 3.2L cars aren't overly expensive, maybe you could swing for one of the older cars for awhile and decide between the two. One of two things will happen. You will decide one over the other, and sell the one you decide not to keep & recoupe your money. Who knows though, maybe you'll keep both.

Evans, Marv · 05-13-2011, 08:04 AM

By the way, I think those Caymans are gorgeous cars.

JasonF · 05-13-2011, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivangene

all I can say is your friends wont get it.........they will all think you lost your mind or filed bankrupt or something. I DD my 3.2 and I wouldnt trade it for any new car (not thinking about the $ aspect anyhow)

lol, one thing I can be proud of is not giving a damn about what others think! If people were forced to publish their balance sheets rather than show off their homes, cars, boats, etc...I bet there would be a lot less consumption in our society.

Quote:

Originally Posted by luckyluke318

I had a 88 3.2 and went to an early 911 back in 98'. It's an even a better experience. Lighter steering and more involved driving. Be careful though, the earlier cars take more money to set up right. Buy the best one you can or else be prepared to do a restoration.

I was actually looking at longhoods for a while (I was especially attracted to getting a 73.5 CIS). Prices have gone stratospheric on longhoods and I don't know if chasing makes sense for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 81TARGAPAUL

Know exactly what you mean. I own an "81 sc, my brother a 91 964 and my dad a 997 S. The 997 is a great car, yet every time i drive it I can't help but think somethings missing. Its just to easy to drive, don't feel involved. I'll take a well sorted older 911 hands down over something newer. More involved in the driving experience, and the anticipation of completing a journey with no major breakdowns coupled with constantly checking for leaks, "weird" noises, and smells can't be beat!

I agree, my 997 was a huge disappointment and I couldn't wait to get rid of it. Might as well have bought an M5 - same general experience but with a big boot and rear seats.

ivangene · 05-13-2011, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonf

lol, one thing i can be proud of is not giving a damn about what others think! .

amen brotha!!!

Loomis · Loomis's Garage

The Cayman S is a ridiculously fun track car, and I plan to keep it for a long time. Get a SpeedArt or FVD exhaust - you'll love the sound. You can also do an ECU tune and the throttle will never feel lazy again. Track it and you'll want to keep it!

However, something about not being able to see or really work on the engine left a bit of a void after 18 months of Cayman S ownership. I got a 1986 3.2 to fill that void, and it puts a smile on my face whenever I cruise home with the windows down and the sunroof open. The car is way too fragile/old to track without first doing an engine and tranny rebuild, plus I don't want to modify a pretty nice stock setup. I'll probably fix it up stock instead.

I definitely understand that P cars have gotten very refined and luxurious (as well as high performance!). However, I wouldn't want to drive the 911 in heavy traffic, rain, or areas with high accident potential. The Cayman S is a lot safer and more surefooted. Get a cheap 911 and keep the Cayman S.

al lkosmal · 05-13-2011, 08:26 AM

I have a 73 with a 3.2..................oh yes! A very nice combo.

Regards,

Al

fred cook · fred cook's Garage

My son has a Cayman S and I own a 1980 911SC coupe. Having had the opportunity to drive the Cayman fairly extensively and having owned the SC for over 13 years, I feel qualified to add to the discussion. First the Cayman S. It is a really great car, runs quite well and is comfortable to drive, even having good a/c. That said, I like my SC coupe over the Cayman. The SC is not as fast as the Cayman S but the SC doesn't give up much if anything in the suspension and handling to the Cayman. I like the more open interior of the 911 and (most of all) like having a (inflateable) spare tire on board. If I had a bottomless checkbook, I might buy a Cayman, but it would be "in addtion to" rather than "instead of" the 911.