I can tell you that I just opted for a GTS, but that's because I was looking for a Sporty Porsche that also fit my everyday needs (ie backseat). I've also owned a C2S and Boxster S in the past and had a preference for the rear-engine platform.

But since you're going for the performance aspect, and not any DD needs, I'd sway you towards the CaymanR. While the hp is less, the overall lap performance is similar. And at such a lower price-point, you can easily (and reliably) modify the Cayman for much less than the difference with the GTS.

Are you looking for 6-spd or PDK?

Also, your comments about pricing a GTS brings you to GT3 territory? That sounds well and good, but once you spec a GT3, it will go up even more as well.

At the end of the day, the GT3 is the ultimate track platform from Porsche. If tracking is what you want, find a good 09/10 GT3. If a decent track/road car is what you want, then decide on the price range and then choose between the 911 and CaymanR. If you go 911, decide whether the powerkit and WB of the GTS are really wanted or if the standard C2S is your starting point.

I would caution to carefully consider the CL wheels of the GTS though (and since I mentioned the GT3, I guess this applies to it as well), especially if you will track. Regardless of the merits of the CL design, there isn't a large list of aftermarket CL wheels available that you might want to use for the track, much less the issues with removing/installing them when you need to put on new tires or change wheels out. While it's not a requirement to use your Porsche dealer for all CL/wheel-related maintenance, it does remove some of the headache.

 

I have a GT3 and I test drove the Cayman R on an autocross circuit and found it to be a very good car for the money. If I were choosing between the two and wanted to track the car, I think I might go for the Cayman R. I still prefer my GT3, however, but since that isn't what the question was, I would go with the Cayman R. It was very well balanced and had great feel

Just my $0.02 based on having experience in both cars in question - GTS and Cayman R.

 

I would do the used GT3..

GTS is going to take a huge hit in value since this is the first year of it.and long term value is unknown.
and in order for it to retain any value you can't put miles on it..
or lease it and have alot of fun.

 

Hi,
check out some of the extensive comments on the GTS from one of the UK Porsche forums:
http://www.porkers.co.uk/topic.asp?t=958423&f=48&h=11

also this data shows Cayman R not much faster around track than a GTS

All times quoted are by SportAuto at Hockenheim (Short). Cayman R is on Potenza RE050A tyres with steel brakes.

Porsche 997 GT2 RS 1:08.40
Porsche 997 GT3 RS (Gen2) 1:09.50
Porsche 997 GT2 1:09.70
Ferrari 430 Scuderia 1:10.30
Porsche 997 GT3 (Gen2) 1:10.40
Porsche 996 GT3 RS 1:11.80
Porsche 997 Turbo Cabriolet (Gen2) 1:11.90
- Porsche Cayman R 1:12.40 -
Porsche 996 GT2 1:12.60
Ferrari F430 1:12.70
Audi R8 V10 Spyder 1:12.70
Porsche 997 911 Sport Classic 1:12.80
Porsche 997 Carrera GTS (PDK +Sport Chrono) 1:12.90
Porsche 997 Turbo Cabriolet (Gen 1) 1:13.10
Lotus Evora S 1:13.20
Porsche 996 Turbo 1:14.60

Some comments on the Cayman R:

http://www.porkers.co.uk/topic.asp?p...&t=984718&h=11

Good luck with your choice!

 

Both are great cars. The GTS is more of a grand touring car that can get it done on the track. The Cay R is a surgical tool for canyon carving and attacking the Ring. They will turn similar lap times on most tracks with the Cay R being more nimble/tossable and the GTS heavier, more powerful, and with more creature comforts.

Pick your pleasure.

 

I wonder what the specific setup differences are between these cars and how much they affected times. Items such as LSD, PCCB, etc can have a measurable effect on the results.

 

Perhaps. Advantage PDK everywhere, Advantage LSD on tight corners where wheel spin becomes a problem. I see little or no Advantage with PCCB on a few quick qualifying laps. 24hrs at Daytona... different story.

 

If you often go to tracks choose the Cayman R but if you use your car on the road you should choose the Carrera GTS, that looks awesome!

 

One has to wonder if once the sales person “knew” the OP’s needs, he just started trying to push the more expensive car. I view the GTS as a very nice street car with more power, not a “track toy”. The mid engine Porsches have better balance but less power, and the rear engine cars are more difficult to drive (well) but have more power. If a track toy is what you want, then I would suggest a test drive of both. If the preference is for the mid engine then go with the Cayman R, if the preference is for the rear engine car then go with a used GT3 or GT3 RS.

Also, be careful how you option the Cayman R. The weight difference between the Cayman R and the Cayman S is slight. So if you start adding back weight, a lot of your performance improvement disappears.

 

Cayman R, GTS, GT3...can't go wrong with any of them. My preference would be the GTS for overall fun factor and still civil on the streets. If you're a track junky, the Cayman will make it easy, the GT3 will be more challenging and a lot more fun.

 

Since your interested in performance and not comfort I would get the Cayman R.

 

I appreciate the replies from everyone. I'm researching across the net and have found some interesting posts. If I option a Cayman R, it will be performance options, trust me. But, like I said before, slapping the performance options I really desire onto the GTS really pushes the price up quick. There are a lot of lovers of the GTS. It would seem to be a very desirable model. I haven't run across a lot Cayman R owners on the forums I've visited yet. Decisions....

 

I'll give you one other thing to think about - resale. When the new Porsche models come out next year, the existing models will take a hit. The GTS and Cayman R are typical 'end of the line' models that Porsche and others offer to keep sales alive. I'll bet the new Porsche 911 S is quicker than the GTS with around the same hp, and according to rumors I've heard, lighter. The new Cayman S will probably be the same or possibly higher hp than the R, but won't be lighter or quicker around the track.

My guess is the Cayman R will hold resale better, because it is the 'ultimate' Cayman, and will remain so for some time.

 

I fully agree with your comments regarding the new Carrera coming out next yr being faster,lighter etc with new looks which will drive prices down on the older model. However I have yet to see one spy pic of a new Cayman or any news for that matter. I have pics of the new gen Boxster but not the Cayman. Ive heard rumors they are killing the Cayman line and just sticking with the Boxster but who knows. I try not to put to much faith in rumors but I am concerned the Cayman days may be limited

 

I can't see that. The Cayman only had one chassis thus far. If they already have the Boxter, why not throw a hard top on it, and carry on. I disapprove of that rumor. Disregard.