Considering getting a 981 Cayman S

[repoman89]

^Woops, got my Porsche generations mixed up, as usual

[Obioban]

987 > 981.

The 981 steering kinda sucks and the belt line is too high, kind of making you feel like you're sitting in a bathtub when driving it.

I'd look for a 987, if you want to make the move.

[simon_c]

The 987.2 looks like it could a be a good option but a part of me wants a newerish car with better interior. I do think the 981 has better overall aesthetics as well and I specifically want sapphire metallic blue. I have all white cars and I need some color in my life.

[simon_c]

Interesting, I have always heard about the magical Porsche steering and pedal feel. I don't doubt the e46 is better all around, or at least an equally good answer to the same question, but I find it hard to believe such a light, mid-engine car does not have better feeling from the controls. Of course, on the Porsche forum they are the greatest cars ever.

For the prices, I am not that interested in them. They have indeed been marketed into overrated territory when they are not hand-built and as special as the old days. My father has driven them all working as a mechanic, from the 550 Spyder to the Carrera GT. He enjoyed them, but never seemed that excited about them compared to the Ferraris and Aston Martins.

If an absolutely pure weekend car is the objective, perhaps a Lotus would be the answer?

Lotus Evora 400 was high on the list at one point. Just heard horror stories about owning one but I do like them.

[simon_c]

I’m also considering an AP2 S2000 but just not into verts or JDM. Would be fun to own one but would not sell the E46M for it.

[Maxima SE]

Simon if you are considering a S2k then you should also look into a Z4M. They are very affordable and you are already familiar with the S54. They are a blast to drive !

[01SG]

That's right, they switched to EPS. I was thinking of the 987s.

What about the Elise? They are very cheap to run. The only problem is if you get in an accident, I think the tub cannot be fixed and they are written off for relatively minor hits.

The inter-cooled four-cylinder Esprit is my favorite. But those are very old now and a hassle. The Z4 M is relatively easy to maintain and ticks all the boxes..

[simon_c]

Simon if you are considering a S2k then you should also look into a Z4M. They are very affordable and you are already familiar with the S54. They are a blast to drive !

I've looked into them in the past but I kind of want to step away from BMW as a next car. Buying another car with an S54 would feel too similar to me and I honestly will prob just keep the E46M. I also have a tuned F15 X5 35i in the garage as one of my daily drivers and just need to switch it up a bit.

[Obioban]

That's right, they switched to EPS. I was thinking of the 987s.

What about the Elise? They are very cheap to run. The only problem is if you get in an accident, I think the tub cannot be fixed and they are written off for relatively minor hits.

The inter-cooled four-cylinder Esprit is my favorite. But those are very old now and a hassle. The Z4 M is relatively easy to maintain and ticks all the boxes..

The Elise is not cheap to run, almost entirely because of the carbon clamshell front and rear.

[usdmej]

I helped a friend buy his 997 and when I drove it after he got it (newer w fewer miles than my E46M) I was like “yeah, I’ll take the M.” The 997 had a better exhaust note but that was it.

to further muddy the waters, i've street driven a lightly modded 996 and it felt significantly sportier and more special than my heavily modded E46 M3

[Casa de Mesa]

^Woops, got my Porsche generations mixed up, as usual

Ha, I still do that! I guess I'm not a true Porsche guy.

I was cross shopping Lotus Evoras (400, GT, etc). Google a clutch replacement DIY in one of those. You practically need to disassemble the entire rear of the car. It's not for the faint of heart.

I think a 987.2 Cayman S is a lot of bang for the buck. A well cared for/properly maintained 987.1 is even more bang for the buck. It might be a great two car solution before committing to unloading the M3.

If I had to sell one of my cars, I'd be hard pressed to sell the M3. I'd be hard pressed to sell the CR too though.

[simon_c]

Ha, I still do that! I guess I'm not a true Porsche guy.

I was cross shopping Lotus Evoras (400, GT, etc). Google a clutch replacement DIY in one of those. You practically need to disassemble the entire rear of the car. It's not for the faint of heart.

I think a 987.2 Cayman S is a lot of bang for the buck. A well cared for/properly maintained 987.1 is even more bang for the buck. It might be a great two car solution before committing to unloading the M3.

If I had to sell one of my cars, I'd be hard pressed to sell the M3. I'd be hard pressed to sell the CR too though.

The clutch job is what kept me away from the Evora. Very niche market for those. I haven't looked at the 987.1 or .2 since they just feel a little dated to me on the exterior and interior but maybe I should revisit. 987 seems to fit me better for my needs/wants. I passed up on a pricey 981CS manual today in the right color with most options I was looking for. Wrong coast and just couldn't commit to the price but I'm kinda regretting it. It sold in like a day.

[Nate047]

A 981 just kind of seems like the wrong way to spend money when you could have a very nice 987 or even an extremely nice 986, plus some choice mods on either.

[01SG]

The Elise is not cheap to run, almost entirely because of the carbon clamshell front and rear.

Indeed, I've seen many owners comment about their hesitancy to track the car for that reason.

As for the 996, they are nothing but problems. The IMS is but one. There is bore scoring, cracked cylinders...The s54 can be problematic, but the m96 is a disaster.

And it is so ugly and a pain to work on.

[Casa de Mesa]

Had another thought. Regarding the interior of the 981 being nicer, most people just truly hate the radio/nav unit in the 987. I'll admit, it's not the best looking thing. But like with the E46, there are replacement options. So fixable.

The HVAC vents in the 981 with their multiple fins on top that "cut into the dashboard" to me look less than ideal. I prefer the simplicity of the 987. I'm not sure the 981 will age as well.

Go find a 987 and sit in it. Drive it if you can. They are nicer places to conduct the business of driving than I would have expected.