500-Mile Thoughts!

<p class="MsoNormal">Hi Again Just had 5 mins to share some more thoughts. I'll just go at it random-style as things come to me: <p class="MsoNormal"><o ></o > <p class="MsoNormal">Stereo – If you have any interest in music, you HAVE to get the BOSE. In the we have to pay for the upgrade (9 speaker) stereo that the yanks get as standard. It’s naff. There is no bass, poor clarity at higher volumes and an overall disappointment. OK so I may be slightly spoiled by a new B&O system at home, but after a trip in the 330i at the weekend (no HK option fitted) it definitely sticks out as a disappointment. If you are in the , I would also recommend the multi-function steering wheel (but only if you can get it on the Sports sized/shaped wheel!) as the only knob you ever use, the on/off/volume, is on the left-hand side of the dash, and a pain in the *** to reach. Minor things, but I thought worth a mention. <p class="MsoNormal">On a side note, on the motorway (highway) there is virtually no noise of any kind. On Tarmac, at 75mph, there is less engine noise and road noise, and a whole lot less wind noise than there is in the 330i. This will make a great long distance cruiser, as long as you have PASM! <p class="MsoNormal"><o ></o > <p class="MsoNormal">Sport Chrono – No matter what you may have heard or read, it does make a difference. I have to completely disagree with people who say just jam your foot down harder. It’s not that simple. The main reason is that where that theory may (and I don’t believe it does) give you the same response opening the throttle, it’s in the lift off the throttle where you really see the difference. On greasy winter roads I would not recommend driving this car in Sport unless you have the throttle control of Walter. The response is much sharper to inputs, and where you may use a slight lift of the throttle to tighten a line in <st1:city><st1 lace>Normal</st1 lace></st1:city>, in Sport the revs die much quicker, to the point you can feel the nose dip. In a very fast sweeping, wet bend I would fear lift-off oversteer, with the rapid pitch change. <p class="MsoNormal">The engine note also seems harsher in sport mode, but that could just be the extra throttle opening doing that. I haven’t really wanted to hit the limiter just yet, either in normal or sport, so I can’t tell you the difference there, sorry. <p class="MsoNormal"><o ></o > <p class="MsoNormal">Brakes – Strange. It has taken time to gain confidence in the brakes. The peddle travel is further than you first think when really hammering the brakes. During normal use they feel super sharp, and a little brush gives the perfect amount of retardation. But when you want to really stop, from high speed, the travel required seems at odds. Now this could be because they are still relatively new, and I don’t use the brakes a lot, and they just need bedding in further. Or is it normal? The feel is great, and you can really judge easily how hard you need to be on them for a given distance, just strange that you have to go past the accelerator peddle to do anything like a decent stop. <p class="MsoNormal"><o ></o > <p class="MsoNormal">Engine – Really starting to loosen up. It feels more urgent in all gears at all revs. The gearbox is also getting smoother and a real joy to work. During normal driving I find myself changing gear for no reason whatsoever, well maybe to drop a cog or three to hear that wail again. At 5000 rpm there is a very metallic rasp that rips through the car and then the wail/scream beyond that is brutal. I’ve said it before, but it is worth repeating: this car HAS to be driven through a tunnel, repeatedly, on a daily basis. The noise is just that good. It makes to giggle like a demented freak every time I hear it tear past 6000 rpm. <p class="MsoNormal">Talking of gears, I’ve never been in a car where 4^th 5^th and 6^th gears have been so closely spaced. They are so close that changing up and down the box between 2000 and 3000 rpm gives little more than 200 rpm per gear. That is probably why the car feels so eager and flexible through these higher gears than should normally feel right. It suits the car perfectly and makes acceleration through those gears relentless up to and way over 100mph. <p class="MsoNormal"><o ></o > <p class="MsoNormal">I think that’s all for now. Don’t forget to ask if you have any questions. <p class="MsoNormal"><o ></o > <p class="MsoNormal">Click on my name if you want to know what my spec is. <p class="MsoNormal"><o ></o > <p class="MsoNormal">Thanks guys. <p class="MsoNormal"><o ></o > <p class="MsoNormal">Jack

Thanks for the good analysis. For those of us who have orders that are beyond changing it is good information but for those still in the 'not ordered' or 'can change' status your reports can really make a difference. I'm wishing I had popped for the sports mode now but it is too late. How do you rate the car as a long distance cruiser? It usually takes me a 1000 miles or so to feel like I'm one with a car so keep us informed as you it grow to trust each other.

I share SF view - coming from the software background, I can only think of the early adopters as Beta testers for those that follow - given all the excellent reports of the people that have taken possession of the car, my option list would look a bit different. Please keep the reports coming !!!

Jack, Thanks for the info; keep it coming! Your profile spec doesn't list PASM; do you have it? Ruby

Jack, you are beating me on miles but I have noticed the suspension seems to be riding smoother, it may be my imagination or I am just getting used to it but I certainly am not noticing the bumps as much as my first week. I also love the way the engine has loosened, it feels really responsive. Agree with the brakes, they work fine with a small dab for normal use but to really stop they need a firm foot but they really do stop quick. You should join us on the London Tunnel run.

Philcoh, glad I'm not alone with the braking issue. I'm not sure my suspension is softening up, and the boot is getting more rattles. The engine definately is. Ruby, no I don't but have driven one. Jack

JackWood - sounds like you are having a blast - can't wait. I read where you like the Bose - and had a chance to compare it to the upgrade we get standard - it's nice to hear you like your Bose system. I had also heard UK gets mats standard - and US has to pay for them as a extra, do you know if this is right? Also, you wrote "This will make a great long distance cruiser, as long as you have PASM!", I am confused, I thought that the regular suspension was great for cruising basically and feels the same as PASM off. But you seem to be saying something different. I gave PASM a try and thought it would be fun for the track, but not needed for everyday use. Do you have a different opinion about that? I enjoy your review remarks - have fun with your new car!

Well mats are suposed to be extra in the UK also, but some dealers are giving them free when you pick up the car. Not much, but I would begrudge paying this much for a car and not getting mats! PASM Off is a softer setting than stock suspension. The stock suspension is right between the PASM Off and PASM sport. I would be more than willing to accept a little more give in the set up than I have right now for day-to-day commutes, knowing that I can hit the sport button when I want the ultimate handling set up. PASM is one option I would definately have had in retrospect. The standard ride is very good, but there is no denying it is hard. It is really just sharp ridges that send shudders through the car that bug me, and these didn't seem as apparentin the PASM equiped car in normal. In Sport, they were more noticable. I hope that makes sense. Jack

So glad to be able to read your updates Jack. Can't wait to take delivery on the car. Not sure that January will ever get here though. From your comments sounds like I chose the options that I will enjoy.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr id="quote" noshade="noshade" height="1" /> I'm not sure my suspension is softening up, and the boot is getting more rattles. <hr id="quote" noshade="noshade" height="1" /></blockquote> I noticed the boot rattling on my test drive, I hope its not an issue with all the cars,it would do my head in Edited by - Porcheplayer on 12/16/2005 11:06:55 AM

It's a hatchback so sooner or later it will make a little noise.......I guarantee. Fortunately the hatches can be adjusted as to remain near silent.However as time passes, temperature changes, seals compress, etc. these adjustments may have to be made once or twice a year in order for it to remain quiet. They are usually pretty simple and often can be done at home. There are also a few types of weather stripping sprays that can take all the noise out of the seals. BTDT on many previous Porsche hatchbacks.......you can get them to stay quiet with a little effort.

I've got a beater with a hatch backthat never rattles, cost me 1500$ in your money, so the Cayman better not rattle or else it's going back

I am not sure that I agree with you on the Bose issue. I have Bose in my 997 and I think it is a waste of money and as a result decided not to have it in the Cayman. I think the (UK)upgraded system in the Cayman is just as good (or bad if you prefer) as the Bose butit costsa lot less money. The Bose system is very expensive. The relativelyhigh level of engine and mechanicalnoise in the Cayman, plus the high level of road noise work against any hifisystem. Maybe it is better to justlisten to the engine.

I noticed that the car I test-drove had a rattly hatch back as well. In previus cars I have had with this issue it was easily adjusted so not to worry.

Kenh So far I have been suprised with the very low engine noise and very low road noise when just running around on the commute. On the motorway it feels quieter than the BMW from both engine and road. Certainly when you wind it up the noise is there, and for those times the stereo is switched off. But I would definately try to get a Cayman on the road with the upgrade pack and try to listen to music. There is very little mid-range and no bass, meaning that to hear anything you have to really crank the volume, making it tinny and annoying. So yes the radio is off most of the time, because I can't bare to listen to it. The Bose car I have been in sounded far superior in quality and delivery, with a full, warm sound that meant it could be listened to at pretty much any volume. I actually went around the car listening to evey speaker to make sure it was working! I though they had given me the standard system by mistake. Maybe they have! Jack

Jack, I own a Cayman with the upgrade pack.

Thanks Jack, What is the difference in the Sound Pack vs. the Bose Surround Sound? I have the Bose, but didn't see a Sound Pack when I ordered. Russ

Hey Russ, In the US, we get the 'sound pack' as the standard audio setup and can upgrade to the Bose system, where in the UK, they have a standard audio systen and can upgrade either to the 'sound package' or can further upgrade to the Bose system. As to the worth of the Bose system, it's expensive, but I got it on the Cayman based on it's performance in my 2002 turbo, where it came as standard. It's just a quantum leap better than any of the standard systems I've heard in other 996 cars. Brad

I got the "sound pack plus" instead of Bose, having heard the Bose in a 987 Boxster. The Boxster Bose was noticeably worse than the Bose in my 996TT, and I just couldn't justify spending the money on it. Perhaps Cayman Bose is better, but I'm quite happy with the sound pack. I think the wheel size / lower profile rubber could make quite a difference to ride quality, too. Comparing a Boxster on 19" with my Cayman on 18", I definitely preferred the Cayman ride. Brake pedal seems too soft to me - someone else mentioned that all new Porsches are like this, but if so I wish they would go back to the 996 rock-solid brake feel.

Brad, I got it now, thanks for the details. I am hoping the Bose is worth the extra money. Aloha Russ

KenH, granted if you have the sound pack already then that's good. And if you are saying that the Bose would not have been any better than the sound pack, then I am now glad I didn't waste my money, and I will now not regret not having it. However, for me that still makes the acoustics of the stereo a let-down. You would have though that they could have done something far more impressive with 9 speakers. KenH how is the Caymen comparing to the 997 (S?)for you? Are you still running the 997 or has that gone? And what are your experiences of rattles, in both cars? Jack