German Car Forum

Cayman S - what else?

^ Well yeah, that's kinda obvious for you Pekka!

Down here in SA the Cayman S without even the essential options is more expensive than an M3. That's not good value for money. I really love the Cayman, but there's no way that I'd have it over an M3.
Look people, this is the point of this poll, it's to stimulate discussion as if you were in the decision process of buying. We all know that the Cayman, like every other Porsche is the dynamic benchmark in its class. Indications here are that the new 370Z will come in at $20,000.00 cheaper than a new Cayman S in South Africa. That's not bad considering what you're getting in terms of the engine and chassis departments.

I have no doubt that the low-centre of gravity, mid-engined, laser accuracy of the Cayman will see off a 370Z on the track but that's what you pay for (and expect) when buying a Porsche.

I think the 370Z is terrific value for money, if Nissan SA are sensible and realistic about pricing.

^^ I'm sure you can buy a very recent, very low-mileage Z4M Coupe for less than a new 370Z (which, as a brand new model, will gratify you with the usual first-year-issue and turn you to a Beta-tester..).

The more I consider those three, the more I think that I'd definitely, without any hesitation take the Z4.

^ Very solid and practical point you make about being a first year "Beta-tester". I've found this to be more of an issue with completely new designs and engine combos than with ones that use a combination of proven engine tech within and all new bodyshell.

Some manufacturers do get it right - e.g. Porsche (on the whole) whilst others are quite clever in staggered introduction of technology. The engine in the 370Z does service in the Infiniti G37S and other Nissans so I reckon it'll be a peach in terms of reliability. The only real concern is electronic reliability and interior build quality of initial production examples.

I vote for the Z, simply because the Cayman as Jezza said, isn't as good as porsche could've made it because then it will infringe on big bro 911's territory...not to mention it's EXPENSIVE as hell. The Z4m, while it's great car, the new one is just around the corner.

I choose the 370z simply because I think it looks good and Nissan has the right formula with it, and it's actually attainable by an average person.

The Cayman S with PDK, PASM and PCCB.

Mid-rear engine layout, a semi-auto, semi-active suspensions and ceramic composite brakes, it's what a sport car should be.

Absolutely. But at a significant price.

But you didn't say "if price would be an issue".
The Cayman S (well excluding its weight) seems like everything that Dr. Ferdinand Porsche would have wanted in a sportscar.

Unlike the 911 it's got the engine in the proper place for a sport and racing car, between the driver and rear axle, just as Dr. Porsche belived.

With a proper engine (at least equal power-torque to weight ratio) the Cayman would show the 911 that an ultra-refined Bettle is no match for a thoroughbred. You know it (despite your 911/rear-engine layout admiration), I know it and Porsche knows it.

Personally I'm more impressed with the Z4. I really love the design and the engines. I hope I'll purchase a Z4 3.0Si Coupé next year.

I said that, "money being no object" the Cayman S would be a definitive choice and subsquently pointed out how, even with the barest of options, the Cayman S is more expensive than an M3 in SA. Now, I'm very aware of the advantages / disadvantages of engine layout and placement and yes, the Cayman brings mid-engined dynamism to this group, but it does so at a very high premium. And, c'mon, M3 or Cayman S? No brainer.

Not all of us can afford the best on offer, otherwise we'd all be driving Scuderias. [Ducks flaming balls of contempt from Lambo-loving fellow members]. Similarly, we've expounded on the superiority of the Porsche's layout but have chosen to bear the cost consideration in mind.

As for double-clutch gearboxes? Fine if 1.257 seconds is the be all and end all in your driving experience but there's no way I'd have one over a manual given the option. Spent too much time enjoying double de-clutching and heel-n-toe to give up on that.

The Cayman S is the superior machine here, no doubt. But you'll pay for it.

>
^ No doubt, but while admire the jack-of-traits and (almost) master-of-many aspects, I can't help to admire the purity.

Z4 for me...based on purely aesthetic, emotional appeal.