Welcome. First of all, it's Porsche, with a c. Secondly, are you looking for a new or used car? Convertible or coupe? What is your approximate budget? Are you looking for a daily driver, or a weekend car? Do you intend to track it?

Once you have answered these questions, people will be better able to assist you.

 

My bad its early lol. And im looking used for the moment, a coupe with PDK and daily driver.

 

I’ve owned the B58 engine in a couple of BMWs, the M140i and 740i. I would say that the B58 is an absolute peach and you won’t find the Porsche as refined If that’s your thing.

 

Intersting. So for an all-round daily the b58 is better than some entry level Porsche's?

 

There's three generations of Cayman
(987) MY 2006 - 2012 engines: all flat-6 2.7 / 3.2 / 3.4 L displacements, transmissions available are M6 or A5 (2009 had updates ["987.2" and PDK replaced the A5 / tiptronic)
(981) MY 2013 - 2016 engines: all flat-6 2.7 / 3.4 L displacements, transmissions available are M6 or PDK (A7)
(982) MY 2017 - 2024 (this is the start of the "718" designation on model badging, transmissions are M6 or PDK (A7)
engines 2017 - 2019 are flat-4 turbocharged 2.0 / 2.5 L displacement, starting in 2020 the GTS / GT4 models have the flat-6 4.0 L engine and for '22 the GT4RS has the highest output 4.0 flat-6

 

There's three generations of Cayman
(987) MY 2006 - 2012 engines: all flat-6 2.7 / 3.2 / 3.4 L displacements, transmissions available are M6 or A5
(981) MY 2013 - 2016 engines: all flat 6 2.7 / 3.4 L displacements, transmissions available are M6 or PDK (A7)
(982) MY 2017 - 2024 (this is the start of the "718" designation on model badging, transmissions are M6 or PDK (A7)
engines 2017 - 2019 are flat 4 turbocharged 2.0 / 2.5 L displacement, starting in 2020 the GTS / GT4 models have the flat 6 4.0 L engine and for '22 the GT4RS has the highest output 4.0 flat 6

The 987.2 (2009+) had a PDK, not Tiptronic.

 

So you want a Cayman. There are three generations:

987 - Model years 2005-2012. Base, S, R
981 - Model years 2013 to 2016. Base, S, GTS, GT4
982 (718) - Model year 2017 to present. Variations Base, S, GTS (2.5 L), GTS (4.0 L), GT4, GT4RS

With a budget of $40-50 K USD, and current insane prices, you are probably looking at the 987 generation or possibly a Base 981.

The early 987's used the M96 engine, which had issues with the intermediate shaft bearing (IMS). Not a huge percentage were affected, but as a failure takes out the engine, it is something to look out for. I believe they switched engines in 2008. There were also common issues of inner door panel delamination and headlight hazing. I don't know of any specific issues to watch out for with 981's, perhaps others can help.

 

Well, you have a wealth of choices. Through the model years, the Caymans have become more powerful and with more technology. The post 2020 GTS, GT4 and GT4RS are all 6s and I think you will find they are way beyond your proposed budget (but it doesn't hurt to look). Those who use their 718s as DDs seem to really enjoy getting from point A to B and I think the PDK would be ideal for that. I think Porsche designed the Boxster/Cayman more for sport and as an introduction to the brand, so I'd approach the idea of using them as a DD with that in mind.

 

another point is Porsche has a wide range of optional equipment - so the builds can be basic or could extensively optioned.

the big-ticket items -

seats (14 way / 18 way or Lightweight Bucket Seats ($$$$)
audio systems (Burmester is the most expensive)
special paint colors ($$$$)

for example on the current GTS 4.0, it would be conceivable to add 40% above the base price in options (paint, LWBS, PDK, Burmester and various other options) - so pricing on used can vary depending on mileage, and equipment it was built out with

 

Once you narrow down your choices you should check out the cockpit (if it's used) and make sure the seat config is to your liking. Different bodies; different seats.... If you go new try out the three seat models at your dealer (if they have any in stock). Welcome to our madness. This is an exciting platform for the sports car World. Looking forward to see what floats your boat.....

 

Hi, having driven over 100,000 miles in 3 series BMW with 45 series sidewall rubber, I would recommend that you find a go cart track and drive a few laps in a go cart before you test drive a Cayman, it will give you an idea of how it feels to have your buttock cheaks and spine connected directly to the road surface. If you are fine with this, then proceed as planned. If this is too extreme may I suggest you look at the BMW Z4 or Supra

 

Well, I don't know if I would go that far!! My DD is a 2016 328, but it does have the M-sport pack. It's a pretty firm ride. So firm that I keep it in comfort full time, except on track.

But one thing you will feel on a kart in intuitive handling, which the Cayman definitely has! And that is a major upgrade over the F3x series BMWs IMO.

 

I'll add another option (thinking of @Goblin59 comment) is PASM - Porsche Active Suspension Management / and PASM Sport
-this adds the electronically adjustable dampers, in conjunction with lowered ride heights / different spring rates and different sway bars rates (in some models)

the tell tale is there is a switch with a shock absorber icon that's indicative of the PASM option being present. This can have more adjustable qualities for the ride softness / firmness

on the Base models, its an extra cost option and on other models such as the S / GTS / GT4 it will be standard equipment in many cases

 

Don't think PASM/SPASM is/was standard on any Base or S except for the 718 T. It is still an extra cost option on the 718 S.

 

So, that being said, Is there a huge difference between the S and the regular Cayman?

 

Are you looking at 718 or 981 or 987? Answer will be different for each series.

 

Ah, I do miss the tuneability and tune community of the BMW engines - I had an M4 cab (S55) with a stage 1 tune, it was a bit overkill on that car (but fun)!

The Boxster is infinitely more balanced and fun to drive, and the 4.0 flat 6 gets the job done in a much more linear way for me!

 

S55 on e50 from MHD are monsters for sure ! Would opt for an s55 but dont want the crank hub spinning on me lmao. I found a decently spec'd cayman s 2014 im going to look at today.

 

I bought mine a couple months ago, so I'm familiar with the market right now. With your budget and needs, I'd focus on 2009-12 987.2 models. The newer 981 (2014-16) in your price range will be few, and will have higher than average miles on them.

In these to generations, the prime differences between the Base and S models will be 50 HP. The Base models will have 265-275 HP, and the S 320-325. The difference in performance is not as great as it sounds, and the Base cars are still great fun. Depending on the year, the S may have slightly larger brakes than a Base. 987 S came with 18" wheels standard, 19" optional. The 987 Base had 17" standard, but many had the 18" or 19" options. Choices for the narrower 17" tires are limited.

A good primer on the differences by year is on the PCA's Cayman Registry webpage. You don't need to be a member to view it. You may find it helpful. It has not been updated to add the 718 models (2017-current) yet.

Cayman Register - FAQ: Cayman Model History

The most exclusive Porsche Cayman forums on the internet loaded with volumes of technical information and owner experiences.

caymanregister.org

 

a 2009-12 wouldnt be a downgrade from an f30 2017 340i?

 

In terms of raw power and punch it will be. Even the 981 series '13-'16 would be, it is a different experience, but with the stated budget you've be hard pressed to get into a 981, and nigh on impossible to do a 982 series. That said the driving experience on the right roads should be an upgrade

To give you an idea, i test drove a 2015 Boxster GTS (having just stepped out of my M4). In terms of sound, feel, and driving pleasure, I was immediately hooked. But in terms of raw power? That twin turbo mill in the M4 is worlds different, and the GTS felt underwhelming in that department. However, you also have to drive an NA car differently from a turbo car, which I didn't immediately do. Once I adjusted, it was better, but still not in the same power league.

 

Hmm. Cupla' points, if they haven't already been said already. The 2.5L engine in the S 718's will have a bit more punch than the 2.0L but the base 2.0L is a wicked bad monster anyway. The S is just a bit more so.

And FWIW, it is pronounced Porsh-uh, 2 syllables, since German has no silent e at the end of words.

Welcome to the club!

 

FWIW, I went from an E92 M3 to my base 718 Cayman. I had been looking at spec'ing a new 911T but found the 718 more to my liking. More oldschool "analog" sportscar DNA, if you know what I mean. I drove several variants of 911s, 718s, it was about feel not money. I couldn't stop thinking about the Cayman. The M3's S65 engine is a masterpiece, high revving, awesome sound and performance. The DCT was quite fun to drive in manual. But the car felt heavy and numb to drive at speed. I loved it and had a lump in my throat when I traded it in, but I have not thought about it once since. This Porsche is just that good. Any future Porsche I look at will be in addition-to, not instead-of this one. Try to get out and drive some and see what suits you, there's one for you out there someplace. Good luck!

 

I am currently having a hard time trying to find Caymans to test drive only because I'm only 20 years old, lots of places want me to be at least 21 sometimes even more

 

Maybe hook up with your local PCA group, visit some of their events, chat up some folks. If you become a friendly and familiar face I'm sure someone there will be glad to help you out in some way.

 

I canr find any in my area and ive tried looking on FaceBook:/

 

i highly recommend you go 718. When you get bored you can tune it.

https://www.cars.com/shopping/results/?dealer_id=&keyword=&list_price_max=60000&list_price_min=&makes%5B%5D=porsche&maximum_distance=all&mileage_max=&models%5B%5D=porsche-718_cayman&page_size=20&sort=list_price&stock_type=used&transmission_slugs%5B%5D=automanual&transmission_slugs%5B%5D=automatic&year_max=&year_min=&zip=07828

 

is the turbo 4 really that good? ive only been around NA inline 6s to twin turbo and twin scroll big turbo inline 6s from BMW

 

BMW makes a great turbo motor. The 2.7 dead bottom, especially with an auto, may disappoint a bmw turbo driver.
add to that you can’t tune the 2.7, I’m guessing dissatisfaction.
imo, you’ll never tire of a base 718.

 

Something else you should consider is the older caymans dont have paddles, they have these super weird buttons, a non starter for me. First one I drove this summer felt crazy

 

Some have that. Some have the sport design wheel, which had paddles. 911s and Panameras were same way.

 

Lol salesman thought I was nuts putting it in first gear while upshifting to third

 

I may be wrong but I thought the (pre-2009) 987.1 had buttons with Tiptronic and 2009+ 987.2 had paddles with PDK.

 

Agreed. PDK without paddles would be a deal-breaker for me.

 

I had a 2013 911 with the buttons and swapped the wheel out for a paddle one. The only thing that had to be programed by the dealer was that when you pull both paddles it goes in to neutral. I assume you can do the same with a PDK button cayman.

 

Have had a Z3, 328 and currently an X1 and 435i. Recently bought a new Cayman. Absolutely love my 435i and the inline 6 and prefer it over a flat 6 but won't go back to BMW.

 

Why?

 

I also come from a M235i with full bolt ons with 430HPs, I got a 2018 718 Cayman S and could not be happier but before that I tried the 2.7L and 3.4L 981 and got disappointed with the torque, sound was cool but couldn't get used to the power delivery, then I tried the 718 cayman S with 2.5L turbo engine and was hooked, I tune the ECU and the car is a blast to ride, the suspension, brakes and driving experience in on a different level, you know you are driving a sports car rather than a commute car

 

Yeah the cayman would be my daily. If i have a car i love driving im going to want to drive it alllll the timeeee.

Saw a really nice 718 im going to look at !

 

Question, what option or do all 718s come with this steering wheel?

 

At least sport chrono as it has the rotary drive mode switch. Brings launch control, sports plus mode and dynamic power train mounts.

 

That is a multifunction wheel. Various controls on the wheel instead of using the right side stalk.