2015 Cayman S vs M3/M4

[Alvin Mpower]

I am eyeing on a 2015 Cayman S, which is one of my favorite car with the NA 3.4L H6, would love the GTS but the price for GTS is ridiculous rn. At the same dealer there is a 2017 M3 COMP pretty loaded, M3 is at 65k mi priced at 52k and Cayman is priced at 58k with 26k mi. I never drove the Cayman yet but I had driven the M4 COMP before and love the DCT, not sure how Porsche PDK stack up against the DCT. I currently drive a 6MT 440i with a stage 2 BM3 tune, not sure going to the Cayman I would feel under powered. Gonna try go test drive both of them this weekend, any opinion is appreciated.

[Nyc911]

The cayman will feel underpowered compared to the m3 but feel way more connected and analog.
Two very different cars and purposes in my opinion

Drive the cayman a few of my friends but not me have found the cayman claustrophobic.

My views come from owning a 997 C4s and an M3CS

The power of the M3 is really insane but I’d never give up the direct analog feel of the 997 but can’t go wrong w either one or even better get both

[bsmf8x]

The only transmission that feels superior to my out of non-supercars to our DCT, is the PDK. I'd still take the m3 though

[paul.teets3]

I had a Cayman s and I would still own it if I didn't need 4 doors. PDK is superior to the BMW DCT and I like the BMW DCT. It was the most fun that I've ever had driving a car. Take them both for a spin because they are very different vehicles

[Humdizzle]

PDK is the industry benchmark.

but yeah very different vehicles and philosophies. The M3 is a 3-series, its designed from the start to be a daily driver and people mover with cargo space. Then the M division does its sports car stuff to improve it. The cayman is a sports car first, daily driver second... although it does excel at that too if you don't need space for people or things.

[Jason60051]

That seems like a lot of money for a 17 comp with that many miles. I guess it's the market we are in.

[R N M]

Really different cars.

M3 - much faster, more luxurious, much better tech / NAV etc, much more useable

Cayman - sounds amazing with Sport exhaust, great handling, direct feel

Its best to have both 😀

[Redacre]

I've driven both, own a Macan with the PDK, and it is the better transmission compared to the M DCT even after I flashed it.

[slowturbo]

I have not driven that particular gen cayman s, but have driven many other caymans, owned a 996 C4S, and a boxster s as well so I can weigh in. The great thing about Porsche’s is the feel above all else. They have phenomenal inputs (steering, brakes, throttle response), and having the engine screaming behind you is incredibly cool and unique compared to most other cars.

They are also good performance cars, but you really need to drive them hard to get the most out of them. Nearly every N/A Porsche I have driven feels pretty slow unless you are really on it and very high in the rev range. Compared to an m3 or your 440, this will be a MAJOR change. You will feel underwhelmed if you go in with the expectation of it having lots of low end power. For myself, I’d rather have the Porsche on weekends and the M3 every day. That said, I’ve been down that road a couple of times before and if you have the Porsche itch, you probably need to scratch it!

[TractionControlDelete]

Originally Posted by slowturbo

I have not driven that particular gen cayman s, but have driven many other caymans, owned a 996 C4S, and a boxster s as well so I can weigh in. The great thing about Porsche’s is the feel above all else. They have phenomenal inputs (steering, brakes, throttle response), and having the engine screaming behind you is incredibly cool and unique compared to most other cars.

They are also good performance cars, but you really need to drive them hard to get the most out of them. Nearly every N/A Porsche I have driven feels pretty slow unless you are really on it and very high in the rev range. Compared to an m3 or your 440, this will be a MAJOR change. You will feel underwhelmed if you go in with the expectation of it having lots of low end power. For myself, I’d rather have the Porsche on weekends and the M3 every day. That said, I’ve been down that road a couple of times before and if you have the Porsche itch, you probably need to scratch it!

This

[MJET]

We currently own a 06 Cayman S, a 15 Jag F-Type R and a 18 M4 Comp. All great but different. I’ve had the Cayman since 2008 and I just can’t get rid of it. Yes, it’s under powered compared to the others but it’s the most connected driving experience. The steering, brakes, manual transmission, handling and road feedback is perfect for a real road car. The sweet boxer 6 behind you is truly music to the ears.

Drive them both and determine which is best for you and your current situation.

[TractionControlDelete]

Originally Posted by MJET

We currently own a 06 Cayman S, a 15 Jag F-Type R and a 18 M4 Comp. All great but different. I've had the Cayman since 2008 and I just can't get rid of it. Yes, it's under powered compared to the others but it's the most connected driving experience. The steering, brakes, manual transmission, handling and road feedback is perfect for a real road car. The sweet boxer 6 behind you is truly music to the ears.

Drive them both and determine which is best for you and your current situation.

In light of your experience with the Cayman, what was it that sold you on the Jag and M4? Particularly interested in a the Jag, if you have time

[MJET]

Originally Posted by F82KPowers

In light of your experience with the Cayman, what was it that sold you on the Jag and M4? Particularly interested in a the Jag, if you have time

The Jag and the M4 are newer and the daily drivers. My wife and I swap frequently. The Jag is more of a powerful GT cruiser which makes it a comfortable daily driver......The engine sound and feel is the best I have ever experienced...... Plus you don’t see them on every corner.

The M4 is a cross between the Cayman and the Jag just in a bigger package. The steering, handling and overall driving experience is better than the Jag. The power/engine is excellent although it does not sound or feel as good as the Jag. The brakes are still too touchy for me (this has been a sore spot for me for a while with BMW).

I enjoy them all for different reasons. In the end, I still drive the Jag most for now.

[TractionControlDelete]

Originally Posted by MJET

The Jag and the M4 are newer and the daily drivers. My wife and I swap frequently. The Jag is more of a powerful GT cruiser which makes it a comfortable daily driver......The engine sound and feel is the best I have ever experienced...... Plus you don’t see them on every corner.

The M4 is a cross between the Cayman and the Jag just in a bigger package. The steering, handling and overall driving experience is better than the Jag. The power/engine is excellent although it does not sound or feel as good as the Jag. The brakes are still too touchy for me (this has been a sore spot for me for a while with BMW).

I enjoy them all for different reasons. In the end, I still drive the Jag most for now.

Awesome. Thank you for a thorough answer!

[mdrobc13]

Originally Posted by MJET

We currently own a 06 Cayman S, a 15 Jag F-Type R and a 18 M4 Comp. All great but different. I’ve had the Cayman since 2008 and I just can’t get rid of it. Yes, it’s under powered compared to the others but it’s the most connected driving experience. The steering, brakes, manual transmission, handling and road feedback is perfect for a real road car. The sweet boxer 6 behind you is truly music to the ears.

Drive them both and determine which is best for you and your current situation.

Yes what this guys said/says. Had a 2015 M3 and 2014 Cayman S and also a 2008 M3 and 2009 911 S previously and will say your comments on the Cayman is correct especially the S and GTS NA variants. One of the best driving cars I've owned. Can be a daily driver if you want it and plenty of space if you don't need 4 seats either. Great cars. As you note different vehicles for different causes/purposes.

[sna66]

I just can't get past the cayman being a girls car (personal opinion)

[65fastback]

Originally Posted by sna66

I just can't get past the cayman being a girls car (personal opinion)

I've always thought of drop tops being a chick thing. ( personal option)

[sna66]

Originally Posted by 65fastback

I've always thought of drop tops being a chick thing. ( personal option)

Never seen a chick driving a 400hp rwd car, or any 911, Ferrari, Lamborghini drop top so I thank god these manufacturers don't share your opinion 🤟

[Arcades]

Originally Posted by sna66

Never seen a chick driving a 400hp rwd car, or any 911, Ferrari, Lamborghini drop top so I thank god these manufacturers don't share your opinion 🤟

Are you for real?

You don't travel much do you if your that narrow minded. I have seen plenty of female drivers drive 911s and M cars. Along with all those cars you listed. I personally know 4 of them are M drivers.

Don't be dense.

[sna66]

Originally Posted by Arcades

Are you for real?

You don't travel much do you if your that narrow minded. I have seen plenty of female drivers drive 911s and M cars. Along with all those cars you listed. I personally know 4 of them are M drivers.

Don't be dense.

I'm not gonna stoop to your level… but females driving those cars are rare

[Arcades]

Originally Posted by sna66

I'm not gonna stoop to your level… but females driving those cars are rare

lol wait hang on.

Stoop to my level for being... right? Okay. Do you even know there are specific demographics Porsche targets that buys these cars? "Thank god these manufacturers don't share your opinion" ??? rofl okay dude.

I'll let others read your comment because it is funny you think you are in the right.

Yeah please don't reply because you're digging a bigger hole for yourself. I figured to also add I have you on ignore to save you the embarrassment of digging another hole for yourself.

Also for OP, sorry to derail a little but as with most other's who have posted already. The major thing with the 2015 Cayman and a 2018 F8x is going to be the lack of torque down low. It is extremely noticeable when you are just driving about in the city. While, the power is much more usable, if you are used to the brute nature of the S55 throwing everything (full torque) at you at 2,800 RPM, driving a 981 Cayman S is going to be a big departure from that. On the plus side, the 981 Cayman S has just about everything else (aside from storage) in spades. PDK, suspension, & steering feel is sublime. The newer 718s is better on the early torque part at the cost of losing the NA Flat Six on the base and S models.

[sna66]

Damn, dude got triggered lol