Very interesting... I have not driven the new z4 nor have I driven a miata, might have to check those out now

 

The Porsche does have a less connected feel in the clutch and shifter and the S has a shifter directly on top of the trans where the cayman does not. The Cayman manages to be quiet and comfortable and still stick to the road and handle well. The S feels like a gocart in both handling and the comfort department. The foot box area of the cayman may be tight because it was originaly tighter for the boxster with extra support in the floor area for no roof. This is only speculation. That was the case in the Porsche targa top and cabrio. much tighter because of added floor reinforcement. I promise you that you get used to the ergo of the tighter footwell in about 2 days. If it didnt work out for you I recommend you drive a lightly modded 911 from the 80's or 90's. Much more raw feel.

 

If I wanted more of a day-to-day street car (ie. no track day stuff), the new Z4 would be pretty compelling. But it's base Cayman territory on price. You get more luxury and power, less handling nimbleness. Looks are subjective.

I found the SLK (no matter the engine) to be pretty horrible to drive personally.

I still love the Miata, but I can't imagine anybody would consider that an upgrade from the S2000 unless they were autocross fanatics.

Actually the thing that was the closest competitor to the CS for me was the 135i. I hate how it looks, but it's a great drive. Tons of grunty power, handles great, nice interior and way cheaper than the CS. In the end I just couldn't love it though, but you might want to check it out if you haven't already.

 

I was orginally looking for a 993 but the ones in my area are not the prettiest I've seen.

 

Unless on a track, the Z4 in PLENTY good handling as compared to a Cayman. The new Z4 is really a phenomenal car. I hated the last one, but the new one is great. If my s2000 wasn't worked to the gills, I would consider upgrading. However, the s2000 to me, is special, and I will never get rid of it. On a tight mountain road, the only car (in normal person pricerange) IMHO that is more fun than the s2000 MAYBE the new Miata.

 

Oh no question. Again, it all depends on your sensitivity to "handling". If you track or you're used to the kind of nimbleness a track-focused car has, then I think you'd feel that the Z4 is a bit numb. But for every day use, the Z4 is *worlds* better than most cars out there for handling. I just consider it a great grand touring car.

 

I didn't say the handling dynamics were as good (pretty close) but what can you expect when you get real a/c, a nice interior and sound deadening. Overall it's a very worthwhile mixture of all elements I want in a car.

 

Heh. I think you're being generous; the Elise's handling dynamics are virtually unbeatable I think, but yeah, the Cayman does pretty well for being a comparative luxury barge.

 

only on this forum would someone refer to the Cayman S as a luxury barge. lol

for those people, the CS Clubsport should tickle your fancy when it gets here.

 

That's why I love it here. The guys over on planet-9 are all "blah blah I am SHOCKED that my Cayman occasionally smokes when I start it up and I'm thinking of returning it immediately!" I kid... mostly. There are actually a bunch of ex-S2k guys over there.