A good friend of mine picked up his new Cayman S last weekend from OPC Reading, I went with him to keep him company and I thought it would be a good excuse to take the RS out for a spin. The pick up went smoothly and the sales person was very thorough with the preparation etc, quite a good example of what an OPC should be doing to make the purchase experience enjoyable.
After we got back to his house, we went for a spin and he was good enough to let me have quite a long drive in it (over an hour). I headed towards some roads I know and like in the Egham / Deepcut area and I must say the drive was a bit of a revalation. I think Porsche have done a fantastic job making the ride compliant enough to be comfortable but still retaining the great feel and feedback you would expect. The chassis was noticeably stiffer than my 2001 Boxster S and the car felt really good over the bumpy B roads, very precise and stuck like glue - had I been in the RS I think I would have been left way behind!!
The car lacked the outright pace of the RS, power delivery seems to have been smoothed out so it swells rather than punches. Once going though it is certainly quick and very confidence inspiring to drive. Gearbox and brakes seemed excellent, precise and full of feel - I think it makes a fantastic road car. Despite the great drive, when we went back into the house I didn't stop for a final glance as I guess the looks didn't do it for me.
Summary:
3+
Grip
Handling
Ride quality
3-
Looks
Price
Depreciation
Would I buy one as a road car ...... not sure, as I think it's too expensive. If it was my money and I needed a 2 seater I would go for a Boxster as you have the added benefit of top down motoring. If I needed the extra seats then it would obviously be a 911. Would be interesting to drive one on track to see how it gets feels when pushed as this was where I felt the Boxster was a bit of a let down.
I think the Cayman is a great car but too expensive for what it is and being new, will take a big depreciation hit in the first few years. There was an 04 GT3 with 5k miles available for the same as the price the Cayman S, I know where my money would go.
Any one else tried one?
After we got back to his house, we went for a spin and he was good enough to let me have quite a long drive in it (over an hour). I headed towards some roads I know and like in the Egham / Deepcut area and I must say the drive was a bit of a revalation. I think Porsche have done a fantastic job making the ride compliant enough to be comfortable but still retaining the great feel and feedback you would expect. The chassis was noticeably stiffer than my 2001 Boxster S and the car felt really good over the bumpy B roads, very precise and stuck like glue - had I been in the RS I think I would have been left way behind!!
The car lacked the outright pace of the RS, power delivery seems to have been smoothed out so it swells rather than punches. Once going though it is certainly quick and very confidence inspiring to drive. Gearbox and brakes seemed excellent, precise and full of feel - I think it makes a fantastic road car. Despite the great drive, when we went back into the house I didn't stop for a final glance as I guess the looks didn't do it for me.
Summary:
3+
Grip
Handling
Ride quality
3-
Looks
Price
Depreciation
Would I buy one as a road car ...... not sure, as I think it's too expensive. If it was my money and I needed a 2 seater I would go for a Boxster as you have the added benefit of top down motoring. If I needed the extra seats then it would obviously be a 911. Would be interesting to drive one on track to see how it gets feels when pushed as this was where I felt the Boxster was a bit of a let down.
I think the Cayman is a great car but too expensive for what it is and being new, will take a big depreciation hit in the first few years. There was an 04 GT3 with 5k miles available for the same as the price the Cayman S, I know where my money would go.
Any one else tried one?
