First post for me in a long time!

Back in 2009 I owned a '99 S2000 for four months and did a big euro trip in it, including the Glossglockner pass in Austria and the Nurburgring. I've owned loads of cars before and since and still think of the S2000 very fondly. Will probably have another one day.

Roll on to the present and I live in Dubai, where S2000's are few and far between, and often quite expensive, for here where most cars are cheap. Currently own a 996 Turbo which is a good car for the type of roads here. It's pretty quick down the straights but fun in the very few corners we have. Limitation is the cost of using it on the Dubai Autodrome due to it being fairly heavy. Plus it's a manual, which really is an arse in the crazy traffic we get.

So, just watched this - http://youtu.be/GfHSuv12UIs

Matt Farah describes the power band as being very top end like, similar to the S2000, which he dislikes. I love revving out an NA engine, although the twin turbo of the 996 is addictive, so the Cayman R seems a good car for me. They are cheap here; I've seen a 2012 PDK with high miles (65k) for £20k! It would be good in traffic and lighter on track. Could be a good compromise and a fair bit newer than my 996 turbo. Downside is the lack of rear seats for my daughter.

Does anyone have experience of the Cayman R? How does it compare with the S2000?

 

If you like the S2000, then you'll like the Cayman R. It's a couple performance clicks above an S2000 without being a completely different type of car. It's slightly larger than an S2000 (though barely heavier), yet still very responsive and nimble. It has a LOT more power and much more composure and balance in the corners. S2000 owners will hate that last statement, but it's true. You can absolutely beat on a Cayman in the corners without it ever feeling threatening or scary. The performance is very inviting and very accessible - something the S2000 never was for me.

I'm not sure where you're finding Cayman Rs for that price, but they're generally $60k USD in the US.

 

I don't know how much you have researched the Cayman R, but here are some of the unique features of it:

No cost lightweight buckets (although probably more than 50% were not optioned with them)
Standard A/C delete
Standard Radio delete
Standard 10mm lower springs and custom shock valving
PASM is NOT an option
Standard body color painted center console and interior trim
Standard red seat belts
Standard red fabric door pull instead of handle
Standard non body color vents and rear wing along with matching Porsche graphics on the side
Standard non body color Cayman R badging on the trunk
Standard black tips on the exhaust
Smaller fuel tank standard in Europe and optional in the US I believe

I think that covers most of it. I owned one for a year and sold it way too cheap:

http://cayman.ridedomain.com/

 

You're going to want AC in Dubai.

How about just a current Cayman S instead? Is Cayman R the only car you are considering?