The Mk1 Porsche Cayman S: Sports car bargain or a knock-off 911?
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- The 987 was the first generation of Porsche's mid-engined sports car and today clean examples can be had for less than the price of a new Ford Fiesta. But is the Cayman worth your money, or will you spend the rest of your life wishing you'd saved up for a 911? (Spoiler alert: no.)
Big thanks to Mortimers for lending me the car. Check out their website: www.mortimersp...
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What is it with Porsches that they always look so goddamn good in what would normally be considered a 'boring' silver colour...
I was a little bummed when they said they were giving me a silver one. I shouldn't have been 🔥
I agree. Somehow that color looks brilliant on the Cayman.
I have 2008s. I get so many compliments on how it looks. Its been a great car.
"Arctic Silver" reflects the ambient light, never boring, always changing.
Those specific wheels look very good on a silver mk1. I believe that combo was the one in the brochures and website
This must be the first comprehensive Mk1 Cayman review I've come across. Keep up the good work!
then you didn't search much
there are a lot of other good ones too
Small, 6 cylinder, mid engined, rear wheel drive, manual gearshift, the right amount of power, good build quality, feels waaaayyyy more special than any hot hatch. What more should anyone need?
I adore it.
Well said. All the car anyone could ever need
Andreas Jonson mines the same, had quick Audi’s and BMW’s- they aren’t bad but they don’t force you to switch off the stereo and listen to the engine on just about every drive! I have a choice between my wife’s Range Rover and my Cayman S and I chose the Cayman every time
@@officerponcherrello1182 Yes that's totally true! I love my Fiesta ST, superfun comuter car, but I can't really take it as seriously as the 987, and it isn't.
Cars are fun!
And when he said the current going price... this could be a nice second car for me. 🤔
I own a cayman R 987 best Porsche I’ve had & ive owned 911s & 997. This cayman feels quicker, more reliable & handles like a go kart, it’s unreal. If a GT 911 is out of your budget then the Cayman S or R remapped at 350 BHP is better.
I own one and can happily say I would not trade it for an equal year 911 :)
I agree and have had both. I wouldn't trade my 987S for a new 718. The 911 has become a GT.
Me also. Prefer my 987 Cayman.
I have an 06S and would not trade it for an equal year 911 unless I planned to sell the 911, repurchase the CS and keep the cash.
I have an 07 Cayman S and I wouldn't swap mine for an 07 911 :)
Connorsdad same here
Have a 2007 Cayman S as well and would not swap for a 911. Love the way it drives and brings a smile to my face every time I start her up!
Agreed. I have the 06 S and I gotta say, I wouldn't want to swap with a 911 because (1) the body lines are just too good on the Cayman (the 911 looks bulky when compared side by side) and (2) the Cayman handles better and feels more spritely, albeit I haven't driven a 911 from 07, but I suspect that it shares the common rear-engine feel.
@@peterkatz4903 Any problem with bore score there some very nice 07 and 08 here in my area but worried about ims and bore score
@@johnburch4842 I have not had any problems with bore score or IMS. 2007 had an upgraded IMS which seems to have less problems than previous models. I was a little freaked out about all the negative comments on Porsche forums but the problems are way overblown and if a car did have a problem, it would have shown up by now. I would just make sure to get a Pre-Purchase Inspection from a Porsche specialist mechanic to double-check all the potentuial trouble spots. This is by far the best value and affordable Porsche Cayman and, at this stage, it is hard to lose on it, imo. I would definitely get the 'S' model over the standard Cayman. Good luck!
This was my car!!!... watching this, make me wish i'd kept it!! great video... Nice one!!
Well said. I'm really happy the CS is starting to get some love nowadays. I'm a happy owner of the 987 S in speed yellow 6spd. I think even though the purists are out there, these highly deserve a upgraded exhaust to really get the most of it!
"Poor mans 911" is from people who have not driven both.
Or either...
Bollocks
@@rhysthomas1518 Butthurt? :-)
The people who says that does not even afford any Porsche so they are envious
Kristof Alexy get a 458 the N/A v8 is unmatched
I’ve got a 3.4 987 Boxster S and much of what you say applies equally. Great to drive with plenty of feedback. Goes better than my ability and the speed limit.
I have a modified 987S with 350HP and the car is absolute magic. We have a legend racing driver in Australia by the name of Jim Richards who has won the Targa Tasmania event driving different Porsches and he rates the cayman being so much easier to drive than a gt3 on mountain targa stages that he was only a mere couple of seconds a stage slower than his GT3 in a standard Cayman S. Great compliment.
I’ve got both, a 997 911 carerra S & a Cayman 987S. The 987S is the better handling car 100%. Plus it feels like driving a go cart, it’s so much fun.
Swift engine (S version) , not too heavy and low . Looks like what a 911 used to be !
Thanks for a great review on a delightful car. Just two things... I own a Cayman 987. I always want to drive it and it always puts a smile on my face. If I had to swap it for a 911, I would NOT unless it would make me some good clear profit. Then I would sell the 911 and buy another Cayman!! I'd use whatever profit I made for a roadtrip in the Cayman, which gets 30+ mpg on long runs even when having some priceless motoring fun!
It reminds me of early 718/550 Porsches, Ferrari/Dino 246GTS (so beautiful). I chose my Guards Red 2011 987.2 S two years ago now and it is staying. Uncanny handling in the twisties, gorgeous and fast. So engaging, light and nimble. I love this body style, love the sound, easy on fuel and easy DIY maintenance. 987.2 has the redesigned (NO IMS) engine, PDK and LSD. Mine has Sport Chrono and the GT3 paddle shifter steering wheel which gets rid of that initial silly button shifter wheel on PDK. Some people diss on PDK. Here's my take: I sometimes drive to work in traffic and it is a capable commuter car, easy peasey and stop go traffic is no fun with manual. Most of the time I'm on twisty aggressive little roads early in the morning. Then, light up the 'Sport' mode and PDK holds revs longer, shifts harder and reads your mind! It's that good. Plus full manual mode (Sport+) if you want to go that way. Best of both worlds.
I did detail and paint intake plenum, throttle body and intake runner badges and put a clear engine cover on which gives it a McLaren look through the rear glass - seriously it's spectacular! It's my special lady and sits beside a Red Triumph Thruxton - Hmmm what to take today :)
photo would be nice of that engine bay
@@jimohara654 Sure. What would be a nice way to share a few pics?
Russell King - e mail joh@cqc.co.uk
@@jimohara654 Done. Enjoy :)
British humor and german engineering...- delighted to watch this video. Kind regards from Hamburg and a Porsche Cayman S (2007, night blue) driver, Frank
Hey Jack. I am from South Africa. just wanted to say I think your going to get far. your funny, informative have good content and follow through like a professional. well done!
Keep it up! love watching your videos. Its like watching a real car review and not some click bait thing. Keep it up!
I’ve cornered my 987.1 S so hard that I thought I was going to fly off the cliff-and the car always saves my ass. If I’d have done that in a 911 I’d be dead by now. I’d NEVER trade it for a same-year 911.
You mentioned 'thirsty' in your video. That's only when you get on it. The 3.4 will do 30+ mpg cruising at 70mph and you barely hear it. The thing has slippery aero compared to a new SUV
I regularly get 35mpg taking it easy coming back from my favourite B Roads.
Andy Irwin Never cracked 30. You drive like a...nevermind
@@scottthompson5855 haha, I normally get 20-23mpg. Just saying it's possible to get above 30 on a cruise and then you hit it hard on the B roads
Andy Irwin ;)
I got 38.1 on a run 2 days ago in my manual 2.9 2009 Cayman..
Just brought my first Porsche Cayman from your garage! very good condition and cant wait to drive it!
There is a difference between going fast and doing it well. The Cayman does both
A 987.2 3.4 boxster or cayman with a couple of mods is goods for 350bhp , still not the fastest car in the world but they are a back lane weapon with some nice sticky tyres ! The dfi engines are the way to go pdk or manual save a bit more get a gen 2 .... get that flat 6 screaming on the right road and you understand just how underrated these cars are by some people.. always wanted a 911 but I’m on my second 987 started with the 2.7 manual and now on a 3.4 pdk , doing regular drive outs with 911’s 2/3 times the price it’s a bargain get one !
Rear Engine is fine on a race track with run off areas and gravel traps - on the road its a "widow maker". Its been known for decades that a mid engine is the correct place to put the engine...
Always dreamed of owning a Porsche, but not only could I not afford one, I thought I'd go broke maintaining one. That is until four years ago when I saw an extremely clean low mileage, one owner 07 Cayman S on a So Cal dealers lot priced at about half from new. Today it has about 45,000 miles on it, so admittedly I don't use it as a daily driver, but when I do take it out I absolutely love it. Oil is changed every 12-15 months & I plan to to adhere to Porsche's recommended maintenance schedules. That said, Porsche service prices are ridiculously expensive & other than factor recalls it'll never see the inside of one. Great video & great sports car! Can't see anything that can approach it.
most people are scared of the porsche tax/mid engine layout but maintenance is surprisingly affordable on those if you wrench yourself
Milcho Markov You can do brake pads and discs yourself they are very easy to do in fact Easier than most other cars , oil change and filters are easy and plugs aren’t too bad to do ... part of the fun is doing a bit yourself if you have a little bit of a mechanical know how , loads of very good clips how to do things on you tube don’t be scared teach yourself something and save a load of cash , my bloody window regulator has gone again !! I fined replacing the regulator harder than servicing pain in the arse but doable ... exhaust bolts are a pain in the arse as well “they will rust and break” !! Replace with stainless steel a good idea ... even front air con rads are pretty easy after you have taken off front bumper. Give it a go save a fortune...
Very few people would swap for a 911 because it’s not a better car. I’ve driven both. Cayman is a better drivers car.
I had the Cayman s when it was new, power round that bend don't lift off ,fun slide will give you butterfly 's in your tummy, perfect balance on this machine stays in line .
No, I have a Cayman S and I won't defo not trade it for a 911. I don't want a rear engine car with a waste of space small back seat, I want the well balanced Cayman S!!!
i love the cayman .. i had the 3.4 ... really great car
This is the first review I've watched from you. You're great! You've got what it takes to be a big channel someday. :)
Buy it.
I had a 2007 Cayman S for three years. Wonderful car. I only sold for a Macan Turbo and I already have a 996turbox50.
Cayman is a great car. Check for IMS and bore scoring. Otherwise it is splendid .
Good observations, I did the same " back off/dead throttle" cornering in my friend's 987.2S and now I have a 986 Mk1 "out of Stuttgart" the car Ferdi and Ferry would build for themselves, a homage to the 550. A mid engined fly weight roadster. Nothing is better than that. Moral, don't drive a mid engine Porsche unless you want to get hooked and wear the "Stuttgart Grin".
I’ve owned an 08 cayman and an 05 Carrera. Both cars are phenomenal, but if I had to choose one to keep in my garage forever, I’d take the Cayman.
Blackporsche roadster I sold the Cayman because I like to drive and experience different vehicles and I can’t afford to keep all the cars I try. I was also offered several thousand more than I paid. I purchased a BMW 1M after selling the Cayman...it’s been a better daily driver but I will have a Cayman in my garage again someday.
I've had mine for 4 years, a 911 it is not but I've enjoyed it and it's not really cost me anything other than fuel and a few other bits here and there. I do like it a lot but it's definitely not better in any way shape or form than a 911 of the same age, then again it was about half the price so it shouldn't be, and I'm perfectly ok with that
I agree wholeheartedly. The whole design is actually BETTER than a 911, and, each piece is doing an appropriate amount of load sharing. Therefore, balance, power and handling is one of the most delicious things available to drive today. Sure, it's dated in many ways (Info stainment, anyone?) but, as a driving machine it's sweetness, lightness and neutrality can be safely regarded as 'best in class'. Buy, drive & enjoy. Don't hate though that costs are killer- they are!
David C. Gulliver Nope. I owned/own and the 911 is the better car. To state otherwise is just wrong...
@@scottthompson5855 - Of course- You're right. But, the near 50/50 weight balance, the lighter overall chassis, and well noted handling characteristics due to the design and execution of the people's Porsche didn't require 60 years of engineering to perfect. Add in a lower cost of entry, and, Viola'- near perfect car for two along a twisty road. Hmmm, although significantly underpowered, a real track day pleasure too. But, I ALSO think Mazda's RX-8 is a superb driver. Yup, that pesky rotary and it's inconvenient 'blowing up' problem....Offset by 9,000 RPM short shifts and a chassis balanced on the throttle- PRICELESS. Obviously, I'm unhinged, and, overly focused on handling. But, thanks for correcting me.
David C. Gulliver Ha Ha. I love them both too. The GT4 would be a different story on competing with 911. I like the function/dash layout/visual hips of wide body. Just different price points. I am a lover not a hater ;)
@@scottthompson5855 Sadly, regardless of 'yield curves', that succulent GT4 is Never, Evah gonna fit into my budget Porsche family. Not everyone is gonna get so stupid to let me have one at a price I can afford.... Sweet dreams for this aficionado though!
Ooooh, I really LOVE the 2020 'versions' available too, for those of us who miss the howl of a flat 6... Oops- Waaay out of budget, but- LOVIN' all of dem too!!!
No Buddy I have 2006 Cayman S and would not swap it out for 911 of same year. I Believe this is the most beautiful car and have had it now for 15 years.
I would say I dont like the side skirts or profile on the new Cayman's I feel the new 911's look better. If I were to buy a new Porsche now it would have to be a 911. Also I want manual transmission I am old school age 54
Awesome review in every way. Unbelievable that you're only at 7k subscribers right now. Looking forward to more from you man.
The 911 I wanted when I was in high school was a 1986 911 Carrera Cabriolet (911) with 207hp @ 5900 rpm. I have an 06 Cayman S with 291 (295 in US) hp with better handling than my high school dream car.
Pretty much agree with everything this man has had to say about the Cayman S 987, I’ve owned mine for 6 months and absolutely love it! Switchable sports exhaust is a great addition and black with black gloss wheels looks the absolute tits!
That was fun. Thanks. I owned a basalt black metallic 06 987s and loved it. Now have a 997.2 GTS. Both are great cars. The GTS is not twice as good for twice the price...that said not going back. Lol I never used the speedo.
This is actually a great review 👍
The style the content the important information.
I can't fault it.
What a well presented video
I agreed with EVERY word
I drive an 04 Boxster S anniversary edition and it’s got under my skin fast
I put it on stands in a heated garage with its oil changed and covered as Scottish winters with salt and grit and ice / hail/ sleet and snow is no place for your pride and joy
I don’t give a fcuk what others think of that , I have a TT on snow tyres for the winter months
Enjoyed that 🙏🙏🙏
Another cracking video Jack! Keep them coming, big things for 2020! 😎🤙
This guy sounds like Thor from Asgard
Would a Cayman owner swap their car for a 911 from the same year? Yes ... yes I would. So I could sell the 911, buy my Cayman back, and have a few grand left over for a rainy day.
you need way more than 7k. Very concise and well-made videos
Your driving some sweet cars dude .Love the Cayman . Always worth the wait for the next vlog . 👍
Thanks a lot man. Always appreciate your supportive comments 👊
A pleasure mate .👍
I don’t want a 911, I got a 981 Spyder w/3.8 911S motor. Best of both worlds. And don’t get me started on the PCCB. Gawd damn I’m a lucky SOB.
2:37 - might need do a quick edit of the speedometer and turn that 5 into a 4 :)
Yeah that thing was broken, numbers were way off 😉
Turn on the air con man!
My favourite car, in the real world, period. Nice video.
Absolutely love porsche..... my 957 cayenne dosent even realise its an SUV......currently looking at 981s, looked at other stuff in my budget but just cant leave the brand now 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
I own a 987 Cayman S and you couldn't pay me to trade it for a 911
thank you so much for mentioning the uselessness of the speedo. it's the same story with the aston martin vantage of about the same vintage (220mph on the speedo). absolutely ridiculous waste of space and granularity. like the cayman only the digital gauge is worth a damn and in the daylight even that one is marginal.
IMO, the high-point of cayman styling falls in the years 2009-2012. no question in my mind.
It is strange that none of the cayman owners looking positive to flip their car with more expensive 911. Porsche is creating a new icon . small, affordable ,goodbalanced, good quality build, fun to drive.which 911 was the ultimate adress in late 90’s.
Does it have a plastic water pump impeller like some other VW stuff, which tends to die and cost a fortune to repair?
The question is, should I swap my e86 BMW Z4 coupe 3.0Si for a Cayman? I love both cars but the iconic Z4 coupe shape is better looking and more unique. The Cayman S is a natural progression as I love naturally aspirated engines and flat six speaks to me like my current straight six...keeping it apologue! Nice content.
Sounds like natural progression to me. Very very different cars dynamically. Take the leap!
I did exactly that - the Z4 coupe styling is timeless and the engine is lovely. Until you drive a Cayman. Admittedly I swapped out for the later 981 model which I think, design wise, is equally as elegant as the e86 but the poise, handling and the sound of that boxer engine is leagues ahead.
i just recently sold my z4 coupe having owned it for nearly 5 years i recently bought a 987.1 cayman s with a full hartech engine rebuild which was key fot me the cayman is a different aninal specially with catless headers and a exhaust sounds like a mini gt3 , i found it vey hard to part with my e86 coupe tried loads of cars inc e92 m3s but didnt feel special enough i love the curves on the 987 definitely a future classic
Yes
The Z4 is no match to the cayman. Try one out and don’t drive it like the BMW: you have to give the Porsche lots of revs. The flat 6 engine only comes alive way above 4000 rpm and develops a very specific “kick” that only these machines have. It is actually absolutely intoxicating.....
I don’t think there’s such a thing as a poor mans Porsche as they all cost similar to maintain so you certainly wouldn’t want to be poor if your buying anything with a Porsche badge on it, even if you can initially buy a particular model cheaper.
Wrong!! I've owned 2 997's and now I'm on my third Cayman. I wouldn't make that mistake again albeit a 987 generation 2 now. And 30 mpg isn't thirsty at all. Good review though, a lot of other points that need a mention.. Bore scoring, oil consumption IMS RMS door membranes gearbox cables etc..
Fair play! Why do you prefer the Cayman?
@@JackScarlett1 Feels better, engine is closer, better sound, lighter and just fits me 🙂
I think that is where the 987.1 base model fits in, it's rarer than the S, offers 90% of the performance of the S, cheaper tax than the S and none of the IMS engine troubles of the S. Surely that is the winner in terms of bang for buck?
@@1530swimmer you may well be right, although as I said, I wouldn't really want any less power than the S had. That said I've not driven a base model
1530swimmer and a lot less risk of bore scoring with the 2.7, I love mine! You just have to rev the tits off it which is always fun
Another brilliant video Jack!
Never really liked Porsches until I discovered I was priced out of G body,964,and 993.
I feel the 996 is the poor mans 911,and yearn to be the poor man driving one.
G body was the worst because I DO remember when you could have gotten one for high 4 figures/ LOW LOW 5 figures.
Now the rattiest project car can cost well over 20.
I'll take a 996.2 for that much,thanks.
Sincerely
The poor man with no 911,just an LS460.
Would not swap my Cayman as I think it looks sexier and handles better than a 911...each to their own.
it looks like the windows are all steamed up
They were. But also my GoPro had a moment.
Careful! You'll make us 987.1 owners blush. We know what we bought, and why. And it's a good thing.
Very enjoyable video Jack. Thank you.
Good review! I have the same one in same spec, great cars
1:34 I own a 981 Cayman GTS manual and no, I would never change it for a 911 unless either it was a 991 GT3 or I could just sell the 911 to buy back my GTS and have more money left than before ;)
Giuliano Noviello Come on man. A 997 is in a different league. Better in every measurable way...as it should be for the money. The biggest plus is the backseat storage that brings useable function to a sports car. These statements are ridiculous and I know because I owned a clone of 987 tested here and now own a 997 GTS. Both are great cars. One is simply better in ALL respects...and you pay for “it”
In the U.S those cars are about 27,000 that is a expensive boat ride. lol
Iv got a 98 boxter 2.5 manual and i wouldnt swap it for 811
This is exactly how I felt about the cayman all this time.
I gearbox on the Porsche Cayman is SHIT... I hate it everyday, but i do love the car.
My dream car by far.
Can’t forget about the fact that Jeremy Clarkson said its back looks like a kangaroo
To be fair, Clarkson is a bit of a twat.
Onan TheBarbarian I would say a lot of a twat.
Clarkson is a twat.
I miss Jack
This guy has said so many incorrect things about this car - first of all, I would NOT trade a Cayman S for a 911, and most owners of these cars very much feel the same. Mid-engine's are more finicky in terms of handling on the edge; don't make it sound like it's THAT much more stable. Third, short ratio's for shifts? One of the biggest complaints for Cayman's is that the gears are too long... Lastly, thirsty on petrol? Lol, it has fantastic mileage and probably the best in the range given the engine size and weight
MDsports10 Your listening comprehension is flawed...Try again
I'd like this car in Spanish red over a 911
Very Good review!👍
I have a 2007 3.4S in white with just 24k miles. It's just sex on wheels sitting there. I wouldn't swop it for anything..
There are now four generations of Cayman? I thought it was three?
If you put a scoop on the roof it would look like a GT1...........
Was the aircon no good? Got a bit misty
Wasn't using the aircon as it spoils the audio - but also something went a bit wrong with the exposure on my GoPro. Looks like I'm driving through a snowstorm by the end 😂🤦♂️
I would say no !
Subscribed. Best in a long time
Cheers mate!
Why all these discussions about the 911the Porsche Cayman is the Porsche to own I drove a few of the older 911’s ones in the 70‘s and end 80‘s and now a Porsche Cayman 987 from 2008 I can tell you the Porsche Cayman is the best Porsche you can buy mid engine not the 911 the first Cayman MK1 I have the base 2.7 and 245 HP is enough best design front and back newer caymans are to futuristic it’s the last classic real Porsche that‘s it my friends 😉
Earned a sub....great job!
Good work
I'd take that deal.
then I'd sell the 911, pocket the difference and buy a Cayman S.
The first mid mount was a 986..just saying
928 was always my favorite car.
I settled for a Z4 BMW and I do love that car.
@@daverunner3397 I had a series 2 928s on a '81 X plate... Sold it for £4k in 1999... Wish I'd kept it as the prices have soared! ;-)
A Porsche 911 996 is also 15k, what would you choose?
Very good question. Will be returning to Mortimers soon to try one and find out, so stay tuned!
I wouldn’t swap my cayman GT for a 911. Not a fooking chance. It blasts a stock 911 no problem.
Great video man, I love the vw beatle
they only porsche cars better then a cayman are the turbo s and the GT cars
Porches wants Soo badly to build the 911 mid engine.
I would not swap my cayman s for a 911
Can you see where you're going? Turn the AC on...!
The reason it looks that way is an exposure issue on my GoPro. I could see, I promise!
Poor man's 911? Well, I'm poor and have no shame, so I'll just need to find a friend with a car lift and I'm good to go! 😂
In out!!! My gaydar alarm just went bonkers as soon as she started talking....lil
911 likes on the video, represents this video well
I’ll keep my 08 Cayman S over a 08 911 best mid engine car on the planet.
911 is often good for the egotistical old men, who probably don’t really comprehend the physics difference between a mid engine vs rear engine layout, ie, center of gravity and weight distribution.