First Drive: 2009 Porsche Cayman S

Really nice handler, though the competition is coming coming on strong, and for much less money, but...

That color is simply atrocious IMO!

The closest right now is the new Z. However it will be interesting to see how the new Lotus Evora handles against the Cayman. We know that the Elise Exige has slightly better cornering and handling but that's a car with too many compromises. The Evora,However, is a car that is both larger,has a V6 and offers luxury ammenities that should be a good challenge.

Am I the only person that thinks the Cayman is a great looking car? That being said, I don't think I would ever buy one. Despite being a little too tall to sit in one comfortably (I'm 6'2"), I would always feel like I was too poor to buy the real thing -- a 911.

Hmm... I'm 6'3" and fit inside the Cayman just fine... true, the seat is all the way back, but I can still fit fine. Also, call me crazy, but having driven both, I prefer it to a base 911 (maybe even an S), simply for the outstanding handling. And if you want a real idea of what a "Poor man's Porsche" is, look at the 914 from the 70's...

I have an '07 Cayman S and am 6'2" and fit fine also. I have grown to appreciate the car the more I have driven it. Strangely enough I also find it more practical than a 911 because I seldom would use the midget back seats in the 911 for passengers and therefore find the rear storage of the Cayman much more practical for two sets of golf clubs and generally schlepping around groceries etc. The 911, by comparison, would be a pain to get into the back seats to retrieve shopping and even harder to carry golf clubs. All things equal I would rather have a 911 S, but would choose the Cayman S over the base 911 again.

Exactly... My dad owns a base '06 911 and while it is possible to fit 4 6'0" people inside (trust me, I've done it), it is HIGHLY not recommended to say the least! I would much rather have the added trunk space that comes with the Cayman in lieu of the 911's toddler seats. And now that the new Cayman S has 5 hp less than the 997 Mk.1... whew! Now that's something worth driving. (Still don't know if I would go for the PDK or manual.)
Still... why can't Porsche get off their high horse and put twin turbos in the Boxter/Cayman?

"I would equate it with the 1-series from BMW: too entry-level to do the brand any justice."

I don't think it carries the same stigma as the Boxster. People don't really know what it is. They know it's a Porsche, but you can't tell by looking at it that it's lower in the hierarchy than the 997.

Anyway, as e34 said, who cares? I would take one in a heartbeat. If it handles better than a 911, it's a better sports car.

Drive it for what it is and not for what how people will judge you. The Boxster and Cayman are great handling sports car. It is only the Boxster that's tainted with the image of "cheap man's porsche". The Cayman not so much, still a very respectable car in terms of image but who the hell cares when you're dumping that kind of money. While their not the most powerful the driver is rewarded with a solid and precise package. It may be expensive but it's in a market where money isn't a factor. If you want outstanding performance, dollar for dollar, the new Z is phenomenal, especially with its new interior fit and finish seems to be upgraded so that's a bonus!. Not too fond of that blue though but a hot blonde from New Port Beach or Laguna Beach would suit it perfectly.

interesting color for the choice of blue

I'm currently in the market for a sports car and I find myself constantly going back and forth regarding the 911 and Cayman. As a kid, I have loved what I call the 'pure' 911. That is the rear wheel drive 911. Something about the prone to tail wagging appeals to my inner child. Having test driven both, I have to say that while I love the 911, the Cayman seems more the proper drivers' car as it inspires more confidence on my part. Having the perception of the inherent danger of a tail heavy car, I tend to pull back a lot more and as such am not able to enjoy the experience as much. So, at this point I'm leaning towards a Cayman for the drive and the cost. However, the 911 is a better looking car and I am ashamed to say that I do care about how I'm viewed in the Cayman. That is too poor for a 911, which is not necessarily false (we can all be a tad more frugal). I've never driven a Boxster either but I know of people who swear by theirs.
Plus, now there's that gorgeous Z4 coming from BMW and while I desire a more pure sports car (BMW has increasingly relied on gadgets and gimmicks to be seriously considered) I can't help but putting it amongst the three choices. Plus there's the reliability concern with Porsches' Intermediate Shaft Failures. Decisions, decisions...
Any suggestions?

Get a new Cayman S with DFI and it won't have the engine issues, it is completely redone--with 40% less parts and an incredible 31 MPG fuel rating with 320 hp!

Matte black and gold for me!

First, with the new Cayman S costing just over 60 grand before you begin ticking off the options list, it's hardly a "poor man's" Porsche. Secondly, the very first Porsche (Gmund Porsche) was mid-engined, but for the production version the motor was moved to the back so you could bring the kids along. Rear engine placement was a compromise to what was an excellent design to begin with. All of the prototype racing Porsches had/have the motor in the middle, so it's a streach to say that the only true Porsche has a motor in the rear. And now, auto journalists are beginning to call the Cayman the best sports car in the world, regardless of cost. The Cayman is a real Porsche and probably the best road going Porsche ever made. I have loved the 911 for over 40 years, but I can't deny the fact that the Cayman is the better design.