911 991.1 C2S Versus 718 Cayman GTS 2.5 - Page 1 - Porsche General - PistonHeads UK

Bit of a dilemma as the title suggests as looking at either a 911 991.1 3.8 C2S or 718 Cayman GTS 2.5 has anybody had both or driven both? Good points, bad points etc? The 911 is 2015 with the 718 Cayman 2019, both below 30k on the mileage and full Porsche service history. Any pit falls with either? Many thanks

Depends whether you prefer the handling traits of a 911 or mid engine Cayman. The other main difference apart from age is the engine. Turbo Cayman or na Carrera from a purist perspective the na is the choice all day long. Sounds far better too. As ever drive both for at least half a day to see which you prefer the cars may be closely related but really are chalk and cheese.

Isn’t the better comparison between a 991 and a Cayman 4.0 GTS? In either scenario I’d go 991

I have a 991.1 C4S and the key decisions to buy one over a Boxter or Cayman were firstly I wanted a 911 and secondly a non turbo 3.8 6 cylinder. It very much depends what you want - the Cayman, according to many, has superior handling - but as I'm not driving the Mille Miglia every day, it's not an issue, I think the 911 handles pretty well. I have a pal with a 718 and he's very keen to tell me it's 'just as good' as a 911, made on the same production line etc, etc. Every time I see him he makes these points - not sure why.

NDA said: I have a pal with a 718 and he's very keen to tell me it's 'just as good' as a 911, made on the same production line etc, etc. Every time I see him he makes these points - not sure why. Insecurity, same way some pick a 911 over a cayman just because..911. lol

Billy_Whizzzz said: Isn’t the better comparison between a 991 and a Cayman 4.0 GTS? In either scenario I’d go 991 The 4.0 engine in the GTS is a true peach and one of Porsches finest...not quite a GT4 engine but not far off.

NDA said: I have a 991.1 C4S and the key decisions to buy one over a Boxter or Cayman were firstly I wanted a 911 and secondly a non turbo 3.8 6 cylinder. It very much depends what you want - the Cayman, according to many, has superior handling - but as I'm not driving the Mille Miglia every day, it's not an issue, I think the 911 handles pretty well. I have a pal with a 718 and he's very keen to tell me it's 'just as good' as a 911, made on the same production line etc, etc. Every time I see him he makes these points - not sure why. Well I don't know about current models, but my 987 Cayman was built by Valmet Automotive in Finland. Build quality is excellent.

A few years ago I had a Cayman 2.5 as a loaner from OPC. Only for a week but really enjoyed the car , easily as fast on a daily basis as a 991s ( the car I was waiting for thus the loaner) . As a daily the Cayman was fast , feeling more nimble and lighter than an 911 to drive , its smaller footprint perfect for city stuff . Amazingly it managed almost 40 mpg at “motorway speeds “ahh hem . so a step up from 911’s in that department . I did find the interior a bit cramped being used to the extra space of 911’s but the overall carry capacity with the hatch very handy . I was thinking I’d made the wrong choice with the coming 991.1s , but on pick up day when the flat six fired up and the rear traction pushed me down the road I knew the car I’d prefer. The interior space of the 911 suited my needs better also. Couldn’t fault the Cayman , very , very good car that will be newer price for price so potentially less wear and tear, Best drive both first…good luck with choice.

Gt4user said: Insecurity, same way some pick a 911 over a cayman just because..911. lol Not sure - I've always preferred the 'classic' of the range, which is why I went with a 911. I don't think it's insecurity.

NDA said: Gt4user said: Insecurity, same way some pick a 911 over a cayman just because..911. lol Not sure - I've always preferred the 'classic' of the range, which is why I went with a 911. I don't think it's insecurity. Wasn’t aimed at you, more your mate and those that pick a 911 just because it’s a 911.

The GTS will be a more engaging drive . The 911 more of a daily. The engine is in the wrong place in the 911 and you can feel it when on it. However it does bring its own complete character which some prefer. The C2 will sound better (pre-filter). You need to try to know which one is for you. Quality is the same for both. I have both models.

Interesting post... I posted something similar a couple of weeks back, and genuinely I am not much further forward on the thought process. Thankfully, I have my current car until mid/late June so a bit of time still. I have (I think!) narrowed things down a bit, in that I have discounted a 997, and so am more aligned to yourself; 991.1 or a 718 Cayman GTS. Only sticking point for me is that with a £55k top end I am right on the line between 991.1 and the .2 cars appearing as OPC cars. But, the 981 GTS with its soundtrack doesn't seem to want to drop from my search! The risk averse part of me is swaying towards the 718 GTS - its going to be a 2018/19 car, lower miles, more modern tech (CarPlay is important to me) and comes with the 2 year OPC warranty, for not much more than a 981 GTS from an independent. But I have always wanted a 911... I think whichever way I end up going, I am going to have a great car, but likely some sort of regret in the back of my mind for not getting the other one!

2 choices really- 981 GTS or 991.1 GTS. The 991.2 T is also hitting 60k