I've driven a 981 base 2.7 and I was very surprised by how much fun it was. I own a 996 911 with 300HP so I have a good comparison. Compared to my 996, the 981 Cayman felt very close, albeit a bit less torque in the lower RPM range, but it sounded better, had excellent high end acceleration, and handled much better. I wouldn't call it blisteringly fast (I have owned some very fast cars), but it was more than satisfying to drive. After driving one, I'd definitely consider the base Cayman as a fun car to eat up the corners. You can get big dumb power in most modern cars, but you don't get anything like the visceral, pure sports car experience of the Cayman. If you can afford multiple cars, this car compliments any garage.
I use to own a 996 as well. I have/had several faster cars. I think your thoughts are spot on. It's a quick car into the powerband and one that is rewarding to drive. It's a car you can push a bit on a backroad without being crazy and bring a smile to your face. It's one of my favorite cars I've owned. Sounds amazing and just fun to drive. Sure, at times more power would always be great, but it doesn't feel slow.
Your comment is so valid in 2024, far too many misconceptions about the base Cayman by people who bought the S and feel the need to justify the premium the paid for effectively the same car. The S is fantastic car with better torque and speed but it is marginal. The S variant is not a fast car by modern standards, neither is the base, Cayman are chassis cars for handling and not power or speed. Yet neither of the engines 2.7 or 3.4 are lacking in performance, power or even torque, you need to dig deeper with the 2.7. Your comment is spot on!
Bought my 2014 981 never tracked Cayman new and still have it. Dealership techs have told me it's 6 cylinder engine and PDK transmission are surpurb. I ordered the twin tailpipes which was a great appearance decision and the upgrade stero system along with a few other amenities. Love the car and wouldn't part with it for any reason. I still get compliments from strangers which is amazing. I remember when I ordered it the dealership techs strongly advised me if I had no plans to ever track it to definitely buy the 2.7 with 275 h.p. because it has more than enough street pep. It was a wise decision. Ironically, check it out, this particular 2014 Cayman was approx $2500 more than the 2014 Boxster. That will never happen again.
Hi Jon. Your channel was recommended by the guys at Boost Brothers. Have a 987.1 CaymenS so really looking forward to the series. Keep up the good work. Mick. Northern Ireland 👍
I purchased a 2015 Boxster 981 base 6 speed manual in August and love it. It has more than enough power for back street driving. Since we don't have the autobahn in New England I don't see me going 165 MPH. I also don't plan on bringing it to a track. I had a 2002 BMW M Roadster a few years ago and at that time I thought it was a nice drive until I got behind the wheel of this car. I was actually looking for the new Miatas but there were none available and the dealership had no idea when the 2023 models would be available. Across the street from the Mazda dealership was a Porsche dealership and I saw a boxster out front so I stopped in to check it out. I went home to do more research on the Porsche and decided to make the plunge. When I called the dealership I was told it sold. I checked on line and found one in Pennsylvania that was Porsche certified and close to the specs I wanted so I purchased it. I really love the car and enjoy cruising the back roads. This years I'm hoping to cruise the mountain roads of Maine and New Hampshire.
I have a 2010 Gen 2 987 Cayman S, which I bought in the fall of 2009. I changed (ordered) to 18" wheels as they will allow big brakes if desired. If you want to go 17" aftermarket wheels that will lower gear the ratio further with wider rims and lower aspect ratio tires. You won't be able to install big brakes and you'll need to lower the car also. I prefer 17" or 18" wheels and the first GT4 came with 18" wheels for a good reason. The smaller displacement Cayman and Boxster have more HP per liter than the 3.4 due to them coming with the same size TB. I installed the GT3 TB (and more) and I'm sure things got evened out. I entered this information due to a lot of people complaining about the final gearing/spacing issue and I can understand it for track applications. I hear they are manufacturing a different ring and pinion setup in England for track duty and we can hope for those that require it, may be able to have it imported to the USA.
I recently test drove 981 Boxster for an hour - had a nice kick to it when you step on the accelerator - great sound. Plenty quick enough - very easy to do crazy speeds without meaning to. The S probably just means the fun is over faster on the road and you can't really use that power. Agree that the gear ratios are very long - I can see why people order the PDK because you can pretty much leave the thing in 3rd gear at all times on the road meaning there isn't much gear changing action anyway. Do you find the clutch very heavy? Unfortunately I only managed 20 mpg on test drive in the base! I was hoping for high 20s low 30s.
Excellent series! Love it! I love seeing "lesser" trims of a car get some attention. Everything is all about the GT4 or Cayman S. I am more intrigued by these kinds of builds!
Honestly I started looking at the 981 Boxster to replace my 986S but when I saw the performance figures were roughly the same, I didn’t think it was worth $45k for the sake of getting something more modern.
Yes, there are a couple options, more on the "custom side" but a few guys who make shorter final drives. Guards and OS Giken also make an LSD. We will get there down the road but something we're interested in.
Just scored a loaded blk base model 15 for the wife. yellow brakes and damn near every option. Chrono, heated and ac powerseats. Got second hand w 14k miles. Why does porsches website say sportchrono goes 4.5 0-60 from 4.9. How does a clock on the dash makes it go faster?
The last year Porsche used the IMS on the Cayman/Boxster was 2008. So no IMS issue since. Even the 05-08's really show IMS issues with their dual bearing shaft.
what do you think compare it to the new 718? Been driving turbo cars, i might wanna switch to some good NA. But i cant take my eyes off the 718. And I know many people complaining about the 718 exhaust, this is one of thing that turns me off for the 718.
I like to drive vehicles that our clients do in order to have more ownership insights. The Evora was an incredible handling car, great steering feel but the overall fit/finish and quality wasn't there. I didn't have many issues, low mileage, just small stuff that grew to be annoying. I loved the Evora, one of my favorite vehicles. I'd say on a relative basis, more pure than the Cayman but not as refined. The Cayman is much more comfortable to drive where the Evora was a little more narrow on it's intent.
I have driven a base Cayman 2014 981 with PDK. Very comfortable and peppy. But the 2.7L is just not as fun as the car is bigger and that takes away from. Cayman S would be better. I honestly prefer my 2003 986 boxster. Its a road legal go cart.
I really don't know what to do. One of these or an M4. Similar prices but always been a Porsche fan. But then when you see a 0-60 time for the M4 of 4.1 seconds(same as a Ferrari F430) How can I not have that power in my life. Help me people what do I do
I owned an e46 M3. I'd say Porsche is a more durable product overall compared to BMW. The M4 will be faster and have more potential in terms of power but the Cayman would be the choice if you want something precise that handles better.
I finally took delivery of my 981 cayman yesterday. I picked it up from Porsche Silverstone and got an amazing deal. I must say its plenty fast enough for the UK's tighter roads
Change the pads for better brake feel. I liked this video but why buy the base and then mod it with exhaust, plenum etc? Makes no sense. Just buy the S in the first place.
How are you planing to address the tall gearing on this project? I was looking into www.teambgb.com/GUARD-SHORT-RATIO-GEAR-SETS-FOR-987-981-p/caymangears.htm thoughts? Thanks for the review, look forward to more base 981 Cayman videos.
I always find it interesting that people "Love" their base Porsches but always get the more expensive (S) rims... It's like the 911 owners who delete Cararra model on the rear because they are embarrassed that its a base.
S rims are typically 1" bigger than base rims. My 981's Cayman S rims are 19" and fill the car's wheel wells better than 18". Plus not as spine crushing as 20".
I've driven a 981 base 2.7 and I was very surprised by how much fun it was. I own a 996 911 with 300HP so I have a good comparison. Compared to my 996, the 981 Cayman felt very close, albeit a bit less torque in the lower RPM range, but it sounded better, had excellent high end acceleration, and handled much better. I wouldn't call it blisteringly fast (I have owned some very fast cars), but it was more than satisfying to drive. After driving one, I'd definitely consider the base Cayman as a fun car to eat up the corners. You can get big dumb power in most modern cars, but you don't get anything like the visceral, pure sports car experience of the Cayman. If you can afford multiple cars, this car compliments any garage.
I use to own a 996 as well. I have/had several faster cars. I think your thoughts are spot on. It's a quick car into the powerband and one that is rewarding to drive. It's a car you can push a bit on a backroad without being crazy and bring a smile to your face. It's one of my favorite cars I've owned. Sounds amazing and just fun to drive. Sure, at times more power would always be great, but it doesn't feel slow.
@@Flat6Motorsports Do you have PSE in your 981 cayman? I also have a 2015 base cayman and love it very much. I am considering to install PSE on it.
@@yiminghuang8210 No PSE. We ended up putting a Soul Performance exhaust on it.
@@yiminghuang8210 hi how much do they charge for the PSE? is it a dealer install?
Your comment is so valid in 2024, far too many misconceptions about the base Cayman by people who bought the S and feel the need to justify the premium the paid for effectively the same car. The S is fantastic car with better torque and speed but it is marginal. The S variant is not a fast car by modern standards, neither is the base, Cayman are chassis cars for handling and not power or speed. Yet neither of the engines 2.7 or 3.4 are lacking in performance, power or even torque, you need to dig deeper with the 2.7. Your comment is spot on!
The base 981 Boxster/Cayman have more HP than the original 930 Widow maker. There are faster cars. But the base 981 isn't slow by any means.
Bought my 2014 981 never tracked Cayman new and still have it. Dealership techs have told me it's 6 cylinder engine and PDK transmission are surpurb. I ordered the twin tailpipes which was a great appearance decision and the upgrade stero system along with a few other amenities. Love the car and wouldn't part with it for any reason. I still get compliments from strangers which is amazing. I remember when I ordered it the dealership techs strongly advised me if I had no plans to ever track it to definitely buy the 2.7 with 275 h.p. because it has more than enough street pep. It was a wise decision. Ironically, check it out, this particular 2014 Cayman was approx $2500 more than the 2014 Boxster. That will never happen again.
Very excited to see the build, and even more excited to put it up against our 987 CS when it's done!
Hi Jon. Your channel was recommended by the guys at Boost Brothers. Have a 987.1 CaymenS so really looking forward to the series. Keep up the good work. Mick. Northern Ireland 👍
Can't wait to see the series!
recently subscribed - looking forward to your future videos on the 981 Cayman
I purchased a 2015 Boxster 981 base 6 speed manual in August and love it. It has more than enough power for back street driving. Since we don't have the autobahn in New England I don't see me going 165 MPH. I also don't plan on bringing it to a track. I had a 2002 BMW M Roadster a few years ago and at that time I thought it was a nice drive until I got behind the wheel of this car. I was actually looking for the new Miatas but there were none available and the dealership had no idea when the 2023 models would be available. Across the street from the Mazda dealership was a Porsche dealership and I saw a boxster out front so I stopped in to check it out. I went home to do more research on the Porsche and decided to make the plunge. When I called the dealership I was told it sold. I checked on line and found one in Pennsylvania that was Porsche certified and close to the specs I wanted so I purchased it. I really love the car and enjoy cruising the back roads. This years I'm hoping to cruise the mountain roads of Maine and New Hampshire.
I have a 2010 Gen 2 987 Cayman S, which I bought in the fall of 2009. I changed (ordered) to 18" wheels as they will allow big brakes if desired. If you want to go 17" aftermarket wheels that will lower gear the ratio further with wider rims and lower aspect ratio tires. You won't be able to install big brakes and you'll need to lower the car also. I prefer 17" or 18" wheels and the first GT4 came with 18" wheels for a good reason. The smaller displacement Cayman and Boxster have more HP per liter than the 3.4 due to them coming with the same size TB. I installed the GT3 TB (and more) and I'm sure things got evened out. I entered this information due to a lot of people complaining about the final gearing/spacing issue and I can understand it for track applications. I hear they are manufacturing a different ring and pinion setup in England for track duty and we can hope for those that require it, may be able to have it imported to the USA.
Seems like a lot of fun
I recently test drove 981 Boxster for an hour - had a nice kick to it when you step on the accelerator - great sound. Plenty quick enough - very easy to do crazy speeds without meaning to. The S probably just means the fun is over faster on the road and you can't really use that power. Agree that the gear ratios are very long - I can see why people order the PDK because you can pretty much leave the thing in 3rd gear at all times on the road meaning there isn't much gear changing action anyway. Do you find the clutch very heavy? Unfortunately I only managed 20 mpg on test drive in the base! I was hoping for high 20s low 30s.
Interesting how both you and Jake Raby enjoy the older, smaller engine'd boxsters and cayman series!
Excellent series! Love it! I love seeing "lesser" trims of a car get some attention. Everything is all about the GT4 or Cayman S. I am more intrigued by these kinds of builds!
Great review. We have ‘14 981 and love it. Interested in what you do with yours.
Excellent 😎👍🏻
Honestly I started looking at the 981 Boxster to replace my 986S but when I saw the performance figures were roughly the same, I didn’t think it was worth $45k for the sake of getting something more modern.
look forward to watching it!!! will you be doing any cosmetic modifications?
Thanks, video going up now. Just a couple for now. LED clear side markers, shift knob, wheels, etc. Might do some aero down the road.
Test drove one the other day...... thinking of selling my NSX
Go for it! Night n day difference
Hope you kept the Nsx because it's worth more than a 981 now
I feel the same way about brakes for my 981 S..but rebound is great for S and never felt a need for sway bar
We're going to be putting JRZ 2-way coilovers on here shortly. Hopefully will get to VIR with it this month to feel it out some more.
Is there a potential to swap out the differential for shorter gearing?
Yes, there are a couple options, more on the "custom side" but a few guys who make shorter final drives. Guards and OS Giken also make an LSD. We will get there down the road but something we're interested in.
Just scored a loaded blk base model 15 for the wife. yellow brakes and damn near every option. Chrono, heated and ac powerseats. Got second hand w 14k miles. Why does porsches website say sportchrono goes 4.5 0-60 from 4.9. How does a clock on the dash makes it go faster?
The sport chrono package adds a more sophisticated launch control and tuning profile. The clock is just a nice touch!
Jon @ Flat 6 Motorsports I see quick little car. Waiting two more weeks on shipping. Definitely a sharp little car for the money.
What would be the better choice a 997 2007 carerra s or a 2014 base cayman 981 I found both around the same price?
If you want something more modern the 981 in our opinion but the 997 CS is a great all around car. It will be a faster car.
Does your headliner hang down?
Are we past the IMS issues with this year?
The last year Porsche used the IMS on the Cayman/Boxster was 2008. So no IMS issue since. Even the 05-08's really show IMS issues with their dual bearing shaft.
what do you think compare it to the new 718? Been driving turbo cars, i might wanna switch to some good NA. But i cant take my eyes off the 718.
And I know many people complaining about the 718 exhaust, this is one of thing that turns me off for the 718.
The 718 is certainly a quicker car. I guess it really comes down to what type of driving experience you want our of the engine.
Why'd you get rid of the Evora? Subbed.
I like to drive vehicles that our clients do in order to have more ownership insights. The Evora was an incredible handling car, great steering feel but the overall fit/finish and quality wasn't there. I didn't have many issues, low mileage, just small stuff that grew to be annoying. I loved the Evora, one of my favorite vehicles. I'd say on a relative basis, more pure than the Cayman but not as refined. The Cayman is much more comfortable to drive where the Evora was a little more narrow on it's intent.
Great. Thanks. Keep up the good work. I love these videos.
Those are not Cayman S wheels, those are from the Boxster S, and they were an option, which means they are a correct wheel.
I have driven a base Cayman 2014 981 with PDK. Very comfortable and peppy. But the 2.7L is just not as fun as the car is bigger and that takes away from. Cayman S would be better. I honestly prefer my 2003 986 boxster. Its a road legal go cart.
Those are Boxster S wheels not Cayman S wheels. Add a Spint Booster and it will improve access to low end power enormously.
Very Good good eye! I misspoke, was going to make the edit but just let it go!
It will be interesting to see the performance mods you plan for the car.
Subscribe to our channel, we have a log of mods coming in the next 2 weeks and will be posting videos.
I really don't know what to do. One of these or an M4. Similar prices but always been a Porsche fan. But then when you see a 0-60 time for the M4 of 4.1 seconds(same as a Ferrari F430) How can I not have that power in my life. Help me people what do I do
do yourself a favor and stick with porsche . FTW!!!
I owned an e46 M3. I'd say Porsche is a more durable product overall compared to BMW. The M4 will be faster and have more potential in terms of power but the Cayman would be the choice if you want something precise that handles better.
Thanks Jon. I'm now trying to stretch to the S model if I can
I finally took delivery of my 981 cayman yesterday. I picked it up from Porsche Silverstone and got an amazing deal. I must say its plenty fast enough for the UK's tighter roads
In my opinion you did a bad choice my dude. If you think it has plenty of power you should never drive an M4. You will regret your choice :)
the tall gearing on these cars is keeping me from getting one
Change the pads for better brake feel. I liked this video but why buy the base and then mod it with exhaust, plenum etc? Makes no sense. Just buy the S in the first place.
almost 170 miles and you say no, its not a fast car? I'm German, but I only drive slow cars according to you then :-P Stay healthy
How are you planing to address the tall gearing on this project? I was looking into
www.teambgb.com/GUARD-SHORT-RATIO-GEAR-SETS-FOR-987-981-p/caymangears.htm
thoughts? Thanks for the review, look forward to more base 981 Cayman videos.
Rasec1120 interesting. With the added power it isn't as bad anymore. Would still enjoy a closer ratio but I can live with it for now.
987 > all !!111 jk
987 nailed it. Everything after that is de-evolution.
Just don't look at it.
I always find it interesting that people "Love" their base Porsches but always get the more expensive (S) rims...
It's like the 911 owners who delete Cararra model on the rear because they are embarrassed that its a base.
S rims are typically 1" bigger than base rims. My 981's Cayman S rims are 19" and fill the car's wheel wells better than 18". Plus not as spine crushing as 20".
Video stops
3rd gear = 102 mph and it's tall in power range? Well, it was designed for Autobahn driving! Duh...
And the track.
Putz’
Pure driving no car review....want to see how the car looks..not ur face...