Contemplating a Cayman test-drive for possible ownership and was wondering from those who have or better yet, have had/driven both, is an R overkill for a car used street only decent roads? Car would not be DD every day so not worried about feeling beat up per se. Test drove 997.2 GT-3 not too long ago and that felt fine to me for my puposes and that's my only frame of reference in modern Porsche. TIA

 

OP:

I have driven all of the above in a setting that provided a lot of feedback for each car. As far as the Cayman - I would prefer the R over the S just because I prefer the way that Porsche has set it up as compared to the S - Lower weight (aluminum doors, etc...), lower ride height (20MM) and increased power to weight ratio. I am biased because I lean more toward an aggressive ride (I own a 997.1 GT3). If you are using it only on the street as a toy, then I still say the R over the S.

If you are looking at a GT3, but not tracking, then I would default to the Cayman R, or if you want a 997 then I would look at the GTS. GT3s are better suited to the track. You really can't test the limits on these things without going there. I do admit that it is fun to run up a GT3 on a good open stretch of highway, but you live in Gatsby's area where that may not be as open to you - not sure on that one. I live in Texas where open stretches of road are easily found.

You have good problems to have right now! Good luck in deciding what to get.

 

Cayman R would be my vote.

 

Hands down R, I may be bias because I own one and use it as a DD.

 

I daily drive a 2007 S. I love it, but if $ wasnt a factor, id get the R.

 

I just drove home a Red R. My opinion may be biased, but get the R.

 

Good advice. When I test-drove the 997.2 GT-3 the dealership owner wanted me to drive the new 2012 GTS there but it wasn't anything "special". The GT-3 felt special and I almost bought a new one out of CA (I'm in NY) but decided it would end up as another garage queen. The Cayman seems to be lower profile and it would seem fine for my 15 mile RT commute 2-3 days per week. No question the GT-3, like my 911 TT coil-overs, mods, etc., would be overkill and not even scratch the surface. I'm sure the S is very fine and the R might be even finer. I'm hoping to test-drive something this Friday if the weather is decent.

 

We drove both the R and S, and going with the R was a no-brainer for us. Reasons:

- Suspension is very good and performance tuned, with the car sitting almost an inch lower, and the ride quality is good enough for a DD. No PASM, just good engineering.

- A bit faster than the S.

- Feels lighter than the S.

- Sounds better than the S. Hard to describe, but sort of smooth, creamy, throaty, raspy.

- Bigger 19" lightweight wheels.

- Looks really hot, especially with the fixed wing. And the aerokit increases downforce 15% front and 40% rear.

- Doesn't cost much more than the S.

- Likely to hold its value better than the S (?).

 

Good probelms to have for sure! what does the heart want? what does the eyes want? what does the wallet want? lol, good luck, i mind f@@ked myself for a whole year before settleing on a 2010gt3 only to have the wife aka "The Dream Krusher!" get in the way and spoil the deal... maybe a good thing because i came home and bought a 2012 Cayman R pdk, and havent really looked back... if you dont get a gt3 get the R! 911 guy's will say its a great starter's porshce lol!

 

Since I was nearly at the mountain-top with my first Porsche, the heavily modified 911 TT, not worried about what other's say or think. I know a good or great car when I see, feel and drive it and I'm sure the Caymans drive great. While I do love the look, sound and feel of the GT-3, the brain tells the rest that it's not the right car for right now. Maybe a drive in the Cayman will stir the heart & soul ?

 

I suggest giving it a shot. The feel of the Cayman is distinctively different than the 911. Both feel like Porsches, but in different ways. And the R definitely has its own unique specialness.

 

For me, I was looking for a daily driver. Would be adding in A/C, Nav anyway, so some of the weight savings in the R would be negated. Wanted ventilated seats, PASM, didn't like the wing or the fabric door pulls, wanted the extra sound insulation, so ended up ordering an S.

 

I find it difficult to believe you'll ever say "Drat." with the S

 

Will be driving both a 6-speed and PDK "R's" tomorrow. The sales guy said they have no "S" and they are harder to find IHO. Not sure about that but at least I'll find out if the Cayman is to my current taste. If it is, then I'll revisit the R vs. S question. Thanks for your feedback so far.

 

Black edition is a good deal, if you can find one.