11-08-2019, 07:36 PM | #1 |
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Drove a 2014 981 Cayman S, now I am conflicted
Happened to get a longish test drive on a base 981 Cayman S (NA) with PDK through some really nice roads with twisties and I have to admit that car really impressed me especially how it handles the curves and elevation changes I was honestly not expecting to love it that much. Surprisingly the car didn’t feel too slow either. I wish I would have had the opportunity to mash the pedal on a straightaway but there weren’t any nearby. Am thinking that’s where I would have felt the difference from my M3. Few things that really stood out for me in that car compared to mine were.....
Handling Grip Low seating position (loved this) Now the question I am asking myself is if I should test those waters? Practicality of 4 doors aside, will I regret getting a 981 Cayman S? I honestly hate the backend of the Cayman’s especially the taillights But that can be fixed by adding some to add the GT4 parts. Ideal build for me would be a White Manual with black interior, sports Chrono, 20” wheels and PASM. Any thoughts by those who have gone this route? 718 is not an option so please don’t recommend that Thanks.
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2016 F80 M3 AW/SO (Manual) - Picked up at the Welt 08/28/15 My Amazing European Delivery Story Last edited by ///M///; 11-24-2019 at 12:20 PM.. |
11-09-2019, 12:48 AM | #3 |
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why would you regret it? you can always jump back into an M3 pretty easy. and its not like a 2014 cayman is going to depreciate a ton.
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11-09-2019, 06:18 AM | #4 |
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You already have a good idea of the pros and cons. It will be slower in a straight line than the M3 - if you care about that a lot, then that will be your prime regret if you switch.
A few more things - Is your bmw manual? Porsche manuals are a lot better than BMW so if you're a manual enthusiast that will be a big plus point 981 Caymans sound great when you uncork them with exhaust mods. Another thing the M3 can't hope to match. The rest you already know - bmw wins on practicality, etc etc |
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11-09-2019, 06:32 AM | #5 |
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11-09-2019, 06:39 AM | #6 |
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Cayman enthusiasts some of the most die-hard that I've come across. And many (probably most?) came from higher horsepower cars.
Was in a run group with a track-prepped 981 GTS last time out. Sounded absolutely amazing, plenty quick. So, your test drive perceptions probably legit -- I doubt your enjoyment would be fleeting.
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11-10-2019, 09:04 PM | #7 |
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If you have access to twisty roads on a regular basis & don't need 4 doors, then go for it!. Do remember that most NA engine cars need to be revved out to feel powerful, so may not be as fun in city driving as a turbo engine car (F8x M3). In the twisties, Cayman would be definitely more fun than M3 due to being 500 lbs lighter and mid engine placement.
For most people Porsche is the natural progression from an M3. I'd say get the Cayman, experience it for a year, then go from there... |
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11-11-2019, 11:59 AM | #8 | |
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11-12-2019, 01:39 PM | #12 |
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As seriously as any other yahoo with a subjective opinion on cars. It’s not particularly serious subject matter. Why do you devalue his? Is he a part of the 981 propaganda machine?
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11-12-2019, 09:10 PM | #13 |
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I've been in the same boat for months now. I test drove a 981 S and left with a similar impression. I also wished I had wound it up more but the city test drive didn't allow for it. I'm also considering a 997.2 GTS or S. Same updated interior as the 981 but with a bit more power. I haven't driven one yet though, hoping to do that soon. I've never driven a 911 so I'm not sure how I will like the rear engine config.
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11-13-2019, 07:21 AM | #14 | |
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11-13-2019, 09:32 AM | #15 |
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OP, the weight savings will negate most of the HP you'll give up. As you have noted, the handling and overall driving experience is unmatched by the M3. As someone who drove highly modified M cars I too thought about the HP drop. Trust me, you'll forget all about it once you have some serious seat time in the 981...….Phil
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11-13-2019, 10:11 AM | #16 |
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Test drove one 981 S when I had my E92 M3, and I liked more the E92 M3. Better sound, more powerful, V8 NA, handling not far off and overall faster
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11-13-2019, 11:28 AM | #17 | |
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11-13-2019, 11:55 AM | #18 |
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I still see those going for closer to $100k+.
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11-13-2019, 12:17 PM | #19 |
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Nah... 80s and 90s with reasonable miles. >100 is exception. 997 version is not much less. Check cars.com. Talking model years '15 and '16.
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11-13-2019, 02:07 PM | #20 |
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Agree 100%......it's more fun to drive a lower horsepower car fast than to drive a high horsepower car slow...…...Phil
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11-13-2019, 02:51 PM | #21 | |
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I know I personally leave a safety margin when driving on public roads (even canyons), and don’t enter into corners at max attack with the rear end moving around from trying to max the corner entry speed with aggressive trail braking. Lol Bias disclosure: I’ve track and street driven 997.2 c4s and found it underwhelming and picked euro delivery f80 over 981 S back in dec 2014 |
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11-13-2019, 08:26 PM | #22 |
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Agreed. I’ll take the “slow” car fast approach over fast car slow approach any day. As much as I loved my 991.2S the 991.2T is even better to drive to me.
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