Looking at R&T data, the Cayman S is a bit quicker than the Competition Package M3 and achieves significantly better handling numbers.

Cayman S vs M3 Competiton Package:
0-60 mph 4.8s, 4.8s
0-1/4 mi 13.3s @ 106.2 mph, 13.4s @ 105.6 mph
Skidpad 0.96g, 0.88g
Slalom 71.7 mph, 67.3 mph

 

I believe 18's and 19's have the same tire width at 235F/265R. I guess the # variance can be attributed to different driving condition and driver.

 

I love the look of the Cayman S. I would gladly choose it over the C6 Z06. Other than HP/acceleration, I just love everything else in the Cayman S that much better than the Z06. Having uber HP and TQ is great, but they are less valuable to those who can't put them to good use or don't have the roads to use them. Even in my BS each time I get a little playful with the throttle or take a semi-hard corner, I immediately look around to make sure I am clear of cops before I can breathe easily again. I can't imagine I would be able to come close to fully use Z06's HP, or what kind of trouble I would get myself in if I did. If I can't use Z06's HP, I might as well spend the money on a nicer interior, better overall car feel, better styling (imo), etc., etc...

Now, if I lived in TX or Montana w/ abundant straight roads and little police enforcement, or if I did 10+ track events/yr, I might feel differently which car I would choose.

 

Not bad compared to the M3 considering the M3 has alot more room.

Looks could go either way with each car, I don't know if the Cayman is good enough to buy over an M3 or Vette, unless you want to be one of a kind on your block.

 

We all know one thing, Porsche will be making big $$$ on every car they sell. End of story.

 

Jeez can we stop with the constant Z06 love fest in every thread? Yes the Z06 is a great car , but people have different tastes

 

The 19's are wider, with more grip...

I suppose the slalom number shouldn't really improve, but it's a possibility if the increase in grip was actually significant.

Porsche is one of the few car manufacturers that actually makes a larger wheel improve the car.

 

17" 205/55ZR17 front 235/50ZR17 rear
18" 235/40ZR18 front 265/40ZR18 rear
19" 235/35ZR19 front 265/35ZR19 rear

It is worth noting that Porsche uses several different tires for the BS: PilotSport, Potenza 050, Conn. SportContact (or something like that), and Dunlop something...

BS is made in both Finland and Germany, where any of the 4 tires could be used. If what I read is true, the CS is made in the Finland plant only where PilotSport is not used.

I'm going to check the back issue of R&T to see what tires were on the BS.

 

I wouldn't choose a Cayman S over a Z06, but if you were to offer me a Carrera S I would take it. Mid 12's is fine with me, not to mention the better overall package (status, better interior, etc) of the Carrera S. I like the Z06 quite a bit, but the interior is still straight out of a truck, and what you are going to be staring at 95% of the time.

 

the Z06 is a great car but