[cmmaia]

Hello all,

I am considering a new 2L Cayman PDK on 20" Turbo wheels to be used as a daily driver (highly unlikely to be tracked, but may seldom do so).

- PASM: I am concerned that the 10mm lower ride height might hinder some ramp access. As such, I am considering foregoing PASM altogheter and keeping the stock passive dampers. FWIW, how does "Normal" and "Sport" PASM compare to the stock dampers?

- Sport Chrono Package: This is an expensive option that I don't really know if I'll take the benefit. I am mostly concerned about throttle response and the PDK holding the gears. I know "Sport" mode (either with SCP or not) alters fuel mapping and even without PSE, one notices some tone differences (I will get PSE though). I am just not convinced that "Sport Plus" will offer measurable pleasure/satisfaction over "Sport", other than Launch Control (which I would use 2 or 3 times and then refrain from using). So, my question is: when full throttling, do you notice a difference between "Sport" and "Sport Plus"? What about the PDK behaviour?

- Sport (standard) seats VS Sport Plus seats: I like the look of the standard seats as they are "slimmer" and are quintessencial Porsche. I have, however, heard that the Plus seats are more confortable / have more padding?! Any input on this?

I'll probably ask a few more questions further along the thread, but these are my main indecisions.

Regards,

cmmaia

 

[Porsche2018]

I will give my opinion but a word of gentle advice build the car you want. If you try to add options later it gets costly mighty quick.

PASM: I did not want PASM on my 718 CS because I was concerned about clearance on the road and with my steep driveway. The other issue for me is this car handles so incredibly well I don't believe PASM will make that much of a difference especially if you don't intend to make this a track focused car. Lastly, I would only have specced the PASM if I could also get the front end nose lift option which in not available on the 718.

Sports Chrono: It is a costly option but, I think if resale is a concern or you want to trade up to another Porsche down the road I would consider this option seriously (+PSE/same reason). Most buyers, certainly not all, if their looking for a preowned Porsche want a Porsche specced with both SC & PSE.

Seats: For this option to make an informed choice you need to test each of the seat variants offered to know what works for you and makes you the most comfortable. I recently had to do this to figure out if Full Buckets were the way to go or not. Regarding the 18-ways, and after 8+ months of use, I can tell you they are amazingly comfortable especially if you don't bring along much of your "own" padding.:laugh:

Good luck with the process and I am sure our learned 718 forum members will chime in.

 

[ronaldvetteron]

I am finishing up the configuration on my 5th Cayman. I have owned an 08 CS, Cayman R, 2014 Cayman 2.7L, and presently a 2016 Cayman 2.7L (this was my first ordered Porsche). My 2019 Cayman configuration mirrors much of what I have as options in the 2016 as that configurations was borne of the experiences from the first three.

o Cayman S
o Agate Grey
o Agate Grey interior
o 20" Carrera Wheels
o Colored Center Caps
o Premium Package
o 14 Way Seats
o PDK
o PASM Sport (I have X73 on the 2016 with the same 20mm lowered ride height, and the Cayman R had the same suspension--experienced minimum issues with driveways......ramps; I just am a bit careful entering and exiting)
o Silver Sport Tailpipes

 

[NXM]

Hello all,

I am considering a new 2L Cayman PDK on 20" Turbo wheels to be used as a daily driver (highly unlikely to be tracked, but may seldom do so).

- PASM: I am concerned that the 10mm lower ride height might hinder some ramp access. As such, I am considering foregoing PASM altogheter and keeping the stock passive dampers. FWIW, how does "Normal" and "Sport" PASM compare to the stock dampers?

- Sport Chrono Package: This is an expensive option that I don't really know if I'll take the benefit. I am mostly concerned about throttle response and the PDK holding the gears. I know "Sport" mode (either with SCP or not) alters fuel mapping and even without PSE, one notices some tone differences (I will get PSE though). I am just not convinced that "Sport Plus" will offer measurable pleasure/satisfaction over "Sport", other than Launch Control (which I would use 2 or 3 times and then refrain from using). So, my question is: when full throttling, do you notice a difference between "Sport" and "Sport Plus"? What about the PDK behaviour?

- Sport (standard) seats VS Sport Plus seats: I like the look of the standard seats as they are "slimmer" and are quintessencial Porsche. I have, however, heard that the Plus seats are more confortable / have more padding?! Any input on this?

I'll probably ask a few more questions further along the thread, but these are my main indecisions.

Regards,

cmmaia

I bought the GTS as I wanted PASM/SC/PSE/Sports plus seats.

Once you add all these items to the spec the GTS looks good value.

The sports plus seats are great. So good in fact that I didn't need to spec the expensive 18 way electric seats. They are perfectly good enough without that. My wife who is much smaller than me also finds them great, but as has been said above, you should really test the seat options and not rely solely on advice as this is very personal.

I've not had an issue with the lowered ride height with the PASM and I'm driving every day with speed humps and pot holes in the roads. Yes, I have to slow down for speed humps but no more so than I would do without PASM.

Sport mode is great, sport plus is pretty much useless unless you are using it on the track, although the sport response button is fun on the odd occasion (and can scare the life out of your passenger if they dont know it's coming).

 

[Acky]

-10mm PASM in normal mode is more comfortable than the stock suspension. In sport it is a little bit firmer than stock.
I would recommend -10mm PASM for a daily, especially with 20" wheels.

In my view Sport Chono is way over priced and overrated. For a daily not needed.

Sport Plus seats are holding better and are more comfortable, big recommendation.

 

[RussellHodgson]

Hello all,

I am considering a new 2L Cayman PDK on 20" Turbo wheels to be used as a daily driver (highly unlikely to be tracked, but may seldom do so).

- PASM: I am concerned that the 10mm lower ride height might hinder some ramp access. As such, I am considering foregoing PASM altogheter and keeping the stock passive dampers. FWIW, how does "Normal" and "Sport" PASM compare to the stock dampers?

- Sport Chrono Package: This is an expensive option that I don't really know if I'll take the benefit. I am mostly concerned about throttle response and the PDK holding the gears. I know "Sport" mode (either with SCP or not) alters fuel mapping and even without PSE, one notices some tone differences (I will get PSE though). I am just not convinced that "Sport Plus" will offer measurable pleasure/satisfaction over "Sport", other than Launch Control (which I would use 2 or 3 times and then refrain from using). So, my question is: when full throttling, do you notice a difference between "Sport" and "Sport Plus"? What about the PDK behaviour?

- Sport (standard) seats VS Sport Plus seats: I like the look of the standard seats as they are "slimmer" and are quintessencial Porsche. I have, however, heard that the Plus seats are more confortable / have more padding?! Any input on this?

I'll probably ask a few more questions further along the thread, but these are my main indecisions.

Regards,

cmmaia

I don't have PASM on my CS. The stock suspension is fantastic. I don't feel like I'm missing anything there. If this was to be a track car then I'd get it, but IMO it isn't necessary for a daily driver.

I have the sport chrono - while it is expensive as an option, it is fun to sometimes turn on when entering highways, or at other times for a quick sprint to speed. It you do take it on the track, even once, then it will be worth it.

I have the sports plus seats - they are really comfortable and hold you well - I think they are definitely worth it. See if you can find a car at your dealership that has them and then see what you think.

 

[Blackfield]

Immediately after sitting down on the sport seat plus 2-way, I know it is not for me.
The left bolster on the bottom seat pinches my left thigh and it is not adjustable.

I don't think I would have noticed it if I don't have this problem with my M3 (after almost 2 years of ownership).
It is a shame because the backseat holds my body nicely.

I haven't tried the sport seat plus - 18 ways, I read the bottom bolster can be adjusted.

I feel fine with the sport seat 2-way and 14 ways.

In short, you have to try all of the seats yourself as everyone's body and sitting position are different.

 

[ZuffenHouseRules]

- Sport Chrono Package: This is an expensive option

I had it for 12 years on my 987S and it was a very expensive analog stopwatch...

However the new Package does have more functions and modes, and interacts with PDK in ways that my manual gearbox mind doesn't fully comprehend.

Understand that even without SC you still get a console switch for Normal and Sport modes, and separate switches for options like PSE and PASM if you have them. So SC modes give you programmed combinations of these things which no one can seem to clearly keep track of.

But to my understanding, even the 30-second Sport Response mode provides no actual performance boost from what you can achieve with default Sport mode, downshifting to raise rpms, and default ECU-managed functions like keeping the turbo spooled on lift-off.

That 918-style selector knob on the wheel sure looks cool (but doesn't work like the one on 918).

note: please consider this a respectfully dissenting minority view to add balance on this discussion. Like any option, the value of SC is a subjective measure of personal taste (and likely higher if you have PDK and run quarter-mile traps)....I just think SC in particular is not well understood from a performance perspective.

 

[Porsche2018]

This is what's good about this Forum.........many well reasoned prospectives, and ultimately you choose based upon your unique personal taste and budget. There are no wrong answers.........

 

[JakiChan]

Hello all,

I am considering a new 2L Cayman PDK on 20" Turbo wheels to be used as a daily driver (highly unlikely to be tracked, but may seldom do so).

So firstly, for a daily, I didn't want to go any bigger than necessary. My CS is coming with 19".

- PASM: I am concerned that the 10mm lower ride height might hinder some ramp access. As such, I am considering foregoing PASM altogheter and keeping the stock passive dampers. FWIW, how does "Normal" and "Sport" PASM compare to the stock dampers?

In my experience PASM "normal" was softer than stock, PASM "Sport" was stiffer than stock.

- Sport Chrono Package: This is an expensive option that I don't really know if I'll take the benefit. I am mostly concerned about throttle response and the PDK holding the gears. I know "Sport" mode (either with SCP or not) alters fuel mapping and even without PSE, one notices some tone differences (I will get PSE though). I am just not convinced that "Sport Plus" will offer measurable pleasure/satisfaction over "Sport", other than Launch Control (which I would use 2 or 3 times and then refrain from using). So, my question is: when full throttling, do you notice a difference between "Sport" and "Sport Plus"? What about the PDK behaviour?

I can't tell you that yet, but Sport Chrono gets you the adjustable engine mounts, which is nice.

- Sport (standard) seats VS Sport Plus seats: I like the look of the standard seats as they are "slimmer" and are quintessencial Porsche. I have, however, heard that the Plus seats are more confortable / have more padding?! Any input on this?

I am a big guy. I chose the standard seats. I think the Sport Plus seats look better, but for me they were too snug. I have this problem in my R32, and I want this car to have a bit of a luxury GT feel to it for longer trips.

 

[cmmaia]

Let me just say that I am actually in awe by the amount of opinions I got in half a day! Now this is what I call a friendly forum! Thank you all for your opinions.

Let me give some further details:

- I'll be going with the 20" Turbo wheels based on looks (I know the ride will suffer a bit);

- I think I'll pass PASM (everyone agreed the standard passive setup is halfway between Normal and Sport, so I bet it's a well sorted setup (hey, it's a Porsche afterall); though I would appreciate a 10mm drop or more, it's just not gonna make it on ramps/driveways and whatnot).

- Sport Chrono Package: I think I'll pass too. I won't be trashing the clutch with launch control and I don't believe one can feel any real difference between Sport and Sport Plus. Yes, the rotary knob is cool and all, but very expensive IMO. I believe this table sums it all and can't personally justify the cost-benefit ratio on my application (I can't actually post links or images as I have low post-count - it's a table that describes each mode and compares them). I rather have the pops and cracks of the Sport mode rather than the minute? difference in PDK shift times?

- PSE: I'm a sucker for a sports noise... Yes, as a car nut I would rather have a NA boxer-6 but there's nothing to be ashamed of the Turbo-4. Plus, the better milleage and performance.

- I will probably just go with the standard Sports Seats, 2-way. I am of thin build and, as the cockpit is relatively narrow, these seats will make the interior slightly roomier? I like the clean lines of these seats. But can't go wrong with any I believe.

I'll post my config later... If anyone has any further input, please feel free to share!

 

[TheLip]

@cmmaia, I, too, got my Cayman as a daily driver. I test drove one with 20" wheels and standard suspension, and found the ride to be very jittery (the ultra-low sidewalls are not your spine's friend), and that the car tramlined on rutted roads. I then test drove one with the 19" wheels and thought that it was much better but still a little harsher than I wanted for my purposes. Ultimately I chose the 18" wheels, as they were the most pliant. Plus, I wouldn't feel like I wasted a lot of money if I swapped them out. Those wheels, with the standard suspension, gives an excellent daily driver ride. And when the road gets twisty, they still have far more grip than you can legally use off the track. With traction control on I have still recorded .97g's while driving. One other thing to consider is that a number of members have complained about dented wheels with the 20"s.

The other performance options (PASM, PTV and Sports Chrono) didn't make sense to me financially given that this was not going to be a track car. I did get the 14 way adjustable seats and they are spectacular! That was money well spent, IMO.

 

[Grasshopper]

-10mm PASM in normal mode is more comfortable than the stock suspension. In sport it is a little bit firmer than stock.

I haven't been able to test this myself but I've read contradictory views on this from reviewers. Some say that the standard suspension is the most comfortable. It seems to me that the PASM suspension (with 10mm reduced travel) logically has to be harder - otherwise it will run out of travel and hit the bump stops. I don't see how having intelligently controlled dampers can make the suspension more comfortable with shorter travel. But maybe I don't understand enough about it.


I stuck with standard suspension because I was worried about losing ground clearance - the 718's front overhang in particular is quite long.


I actually wanted to spec the standard seats (with alcantara) because I think alcantara grips better than leather and looks better. However, I also wanted the adjustable squab angle (being tall) for which you have to have electrically adjustable seats. Unfortunately you can only get alcantara on the standard seats. No idea why.

 

[NXM]

I actually wanted to spec the standard seats (with alcantara) because I think alcantara grips better than leather and looks better. However, I also wanted the adjustable squab angle (being tall) for which you have to have electrically adjustable seats. Unfortunately you can only get alcantara on the standard seats. No idea why.

Go for the GTS then! Get the alcantara on sports plus seats as standard.

 

[Acky]

-10mm PASM in normal mode is definitly more comportable than stock.
The reason are the adaptive dampers.In normal mode when cruising around they are softer than stock.
The -10mm PASM is more a comfort option, that a sport option.
When you stick with 18" ( or 19") you don't need it, but with 20" and daily driving it is recomended for more ride comfort.

-20mm (sport)PASM is stiffer and a sport/performance option.

 

[aeronca65tl]

Obviously, the choices you will make will be up to you. So I will just explain my views on the car I selected. Most of us would say there is no bad choices here....it just depends on your personal preferences.

I am (almost) a first time Porsche buyer. I decided to stay on a self-imposed budget so I only got one option: PDK.
Otherwise, my car has stock seats, standard 18" wheels, standard ride height, the standard audio system (I'm not an audio buff), no Chrono or any other options.

For me this car will only used for the street driving. No track use (I have another dedicated car for racing). We bought ours new in December. It's a 2018 model and we have put about 3000 miles (4800 km) on it. The standard engine provides plenty of power for all situations on public roads.

The car is a bit more noisy inside compared to other cars (in my opinion). If the road is not smooth, you will hear a good deal of road noise from the tires.

The tires on the 20" wheels are the same outer diameter as the tires on the 18" wheels so the standard ride height is the same with all the different wheels. I recently posted about bottoming out my car on a modest "dip" in the road at slow speed. I think you have to be cautious with these cars if you encounter a lot of ramps or bumps.

I have to say I am delighted with the standard car.....and it was relative bargain. I use the standard Sport button all the time. I tend to use a mix of "automatic" and "manual" in the PDK but am starting to use "manual" more and more. I currently own five manual transmission cars and learning the proper technique for manual control of PDK takes a little re-learning.

I'm in my late 60s and am 6 foot (183 cm) tall and about 215 lbs (98 kg). The stock seats are fine in my view but it's a sport car and not a luxury car, so it's not like sitting on your couch at home. We did a 1500 mile trip in ours and we preferred to get out every 150 miles or so and walk around a bit (we did one 300 mile, non-stop stint).
Getting in the car for me requires a technique of "dropping in" with one leg already in the car. The younger and thinner your are, the easier this will be.

My wife is 8 inches shorter than me and very trim. She has no issues getting in and out. In her case, she needs the seat jacked up to the highest setting and almost fully forward to drive it properly (so we tend to set the seat at the opposite extremes).

Overall our base 2.0 Cayman has been excellent. Our local weather has gotten better lately and we are finding the car to be very enjoyable for daily use.

 

[Grasshopper]

-10mm PASM in normal mode is definitly more comportable than stock.
The reason are the adaptive dampers.In normal mode when cruising around they are softer than stock.

Yes but the springs are going to have to be harder than the standard suspension because they have a shorter travel. I would have thought that the ride comfort was more dependent on the springs than the dampers - they're certainly both involved in how hard the ride is. I would have liked to try both versions before deciding but the dealer only had PASM.

 

[LittleBlueGT]

Yes but the springs are going to have to be harder than the standard suspension because they have a shorter travel. I would have thought that the ride comfort was more dependent on the springs than the dampers - they're certainly both involved in how hard the ride is. I would have liked to try both versions before deciding but the dealer only had PASM.

Both springs and dampers have a bearing on ride quality.

Having setup many coil overs myself, I would say that within reason the dampers play the largest factor.