997.2 3.6 v 987.2 3.4 Cayman v 981 Cayman GTS- Views? - Page 1 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

Morning all. As the title says, has any one got any experience in the named cars and what did they think? Bit of a back story. Bought a 987.1 2.7 just over three years ago as a step into Porsche ownership. Ended up being a bit of a dog but with the help of my sadly now passed away father and lots of 'learning as I go' I got her back to being a great car. She has wanted for nothing and is now (in my opinion) a great involving drive and we have had three great Summer driving trips. Two round Scotland and one back to Stuttgart. https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... I'm at the point now where I need to think hard before I make any more changes to her as the next would be to the Interior and a full spring and damper change, Numeric Short Shifter and possibly new manifolds. Big ££££'s This has got be thinking about changing the car for a better base for the next stage. My main car is a Jag XJR that has a whole heard of dead cow inside and the Cayman, being the base feels a bit cheap to the touch. Brings nothing to the driving experience but when your driving mates are in 997's and 991's I long for a bit more of a premium interior (and my drivers seat has has a crap repair to fag burn). This brings me to my three options. A Gen2 Cayman S with the leather interior an heated sports seats that I can put Ohlins on and Exhaust and manifold at a later date. This keeps me sub £30k and no finance. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211221... A 997.2 That looks good but lots of owners and not many miles between MOT's in the last 5 years. Fishy? I would need to do some money jiggling with a bit of finance for 12 month for this. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210150... A 981 GTS That is Porsche Used and would be peace of mind for 2 years but am unsure the long gearing stories and electric steering assistance would diminish the engagement I get at the moment. This is not going to be a daily drive. Same financial jiggling. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210291... I think the 997 looks better than the 987 but I really don't need the back seats but accept that they are there for that 'one time you stuff a mate or small relative in the back' All opinions welcome as my head is going towards the Cayman S at the moment unless the 997 will 'feel' significantly faster down a good B road. P.S. would love a Cayman R in Meteor Grey with full cow and carbon seats but how long would I have to wait for that Unicorn to appear!!

If you’re coming from a 987 watch the steering on the 981s as it is quite different. Being used to a proper hydraulic rack and trying the early 981 EPAS does lose some feedback.

The 997 is tempting but the 981 would be my choice of the three, back to back I think they are more fun but you don't necessarily need the gts if you want to spend a bit less. The steering thing is a PH thing not as good but not terrible, it is overdone, honestly! A Cayman R would be another fine choice if you like the 987, it's definitely more engaging on the road than the 981 if a little less capable. Edited by testdrive on Monday 19th December 22:08

Wait it out for a few more months on a Meteor R. One sold recently. They come up perhaps one each quarter in that colour. Full cow no guarantee but I'd stick it out for what you REALLY want, you'll kick yourself otherwise and will always be thinking 'if only I'd waited'