With the Cayman S/911 thread going, it got me thinking (and shopping, sigh... ) about Cayman's, 911's and Boxsters... my father in law owns a Boxster S and 997 911 S and while I like the boxster, this past weekend I fell in love with the 911. This got me shopping for one. It has me thinking: While I LOVED his car, is it worth the price over something else used, in my case a Supercharged, 400hp, S2000?

This would be my 3rd S2000 and my wife would surely not be amused by my antics, but it got me thinking.. as much as I loved the 911 and loved being in a "Porsche" for the brand, I am not so sure it's worth 20 grand more than a excellent shape used S2000 plus a supercharger. The S would be faster, handle 90-95% as well, when things break it wouldn't be expensive, etc...

BUT - It's not a Porsche, there are some intangibles that are hard to put a dollar amount to.

What do you think??

 

Depends what you're buying the car for. Putzing around and just cruising on the street, the porsche will be more comfy. Going on a track w/ the supercharged S will be cheaper than a porsche.

 

don't think a porsche would go over too well at your work if you are concerned about your coworkers views....

 

S2000 will never be a 911. Both nice cars, but let's be realistic here.

 

I guess I am where you are. I have a supercharged S2k but want a Cayman S.

For me most of it is because I don't like the looks of the S2000, love the looks of the Cayman and am a huge fan of mid engine coming from MR2's.

The problem for me is my car in its current form (roots blower) will spank a Cayman S in acceleration terms, it is a lot of fun and I only have close to 40,000 miles on a new looking 12 year old car. It is hard to just give up a car that runs fantastically and is paid for, for something new and slower with payments. For tags and insurance, the S costs me $250 a year to operate.

I also love the new model's interior over the outgoing, but like the exterior of the 2009-2012's better than the new one. The new one also gets a little criticism from the press about being more clinical and less thrilling than the older model. Fine with me, I'll just pick up a 2010 and save a bundle, but the interior is so much better..............ugh.

I go back and forth about putting mine up for sale and getting a Cayman, but I can't decide. I only put 3,000 miles on the car every year so no hurry. I bought a new daily and that can occupy me for a while, and I will mull it over.

I really enjoy driving the S. I also LOVED my MR2 and when I sold it, well....... I still miss that car. Puts me in no hurry and makes me think the S is the better choice, even though I love the looks of the Cayman and prefer the midengine.

I have yet to take one for a long drive, just to keep myself from wanting one, but I don't know that it would wow me enough to pull the trigger anyway. One short drive and I could tell my car was quicker as it stands.

 

What you get is a very personal decision. As you mentioned, intangibles are difficult to quantify. How much the brand ownership, status, etc. matters is personal. I've never been a big fan of the Cayman aesthetics, but that changed with the 981. I personally wouldn't get a Cayman unless it were the 981. But those just came out, so used ones aren't much cheaper than new ones. I'm not sure the price range you're looking at, but a new 981 S might still be an option, one I'd consider over a used 997. I was looking at used 997 Turbos for a short while, but then they were about the same price as Aston Vantages, which though slower I prefer (I just love the look of the Vantage). Then reality set in...those funds would be much better appropriated towards my kids' college funds. So, I stuck with my S.
You have to decide for yourself which experience you prefer. And by experience, I don't mean just the driving. That ownership experience difference between a "commoners" sports car vs a high end luxury/GT/entry-exotic. The different reactions and treatment you'll get from people, police, etc. I personally have never really been the type to care about the brand name (not talking about reliability reputation, service reputation, etc....referring to "class" of the brand). I'd still buy the Vantage if it were made by Hyundai (assuming Hyundai honored their warranties without forcing me to go through their dealers for everything). But that's me. I have friends that value the class that the car puts them in much higher. Shoot, my wife is somewhat like that. She liked the Aston and Porsche ideas because of their brands. I have a coworker who loves MBs because of the status, even though he readily admits it's not a reliable car (he's had a few already) or that he wouldn't drive it near it's capabilities.
I would conjecture that if you're having a predicament on this decision, that the ownership experience of the Porsche is likely to fulfill you more via subtleties you experience over the long term.

 

I've never driven a 911, but my first thought would be how handy are you with cars. S2000 are fairly simple and easy to work on while Porsche I believe youre in a whole different ball park. You didnt mention what year porche.. Most new high end cars are flodded with computers and dont even have dip sticks.. I just traded my 3series for another S2000. Got tired of pressing buttons to check the oil level. Good luck with your choice!

 

I agree with all that. The appeal of the S2000 is the low cost and value of it.

Yes, I know the S is no 911, but is the 911 worth the extra cost for those intangibles? I'm not a snob but I must admit it would be nice to be in the higher class of car, social, whatever that having a Porsche gets you... On the other hand, when I drove the 911, I liked the power but I can almost guarantee I would get used to it and bored with it.- that factor right there is what steers me away from it. Also the thought of the first mustang or cobalt SS that wants to play, smoking the 997 I just bought doesn't appeal to me either.

But then again, walking out of the restaurant up to the 911 would be a nice feeling. Just not sure if I'm willing to stretch the budget for it.

 

Wouldn't be tracking either car, I always say I will but really I don't have the time.

 

A nicely modified (boosted, suspension, wheels) S is still tops in my book. Fast, reliable, easy to own and a drive to drive for a fraction of what an "out of the box" performance setup runs.