Daily Driver - Porsche 993 vs Cayman 2.9
Discussion
Well after many years of reading various pistonhead threads I find myself thinking maybe its time for me to start my own. The topic of my thread is a discussion of choosing a new daily drive.
I’ve owned various cars from BMW’s, Honda S2000 to my current car a Porsche 993tt, after owning the 993tt for the past 4yrs and thoroughly enjoying it I can’t help think its time to change for something a little more affordable.
I’ve flirted with the idea of leaving Porsche and looked at either the BMW Mk1 Z4 Coupe 3.0si or possibly a Lotus Europa but the lack of a bike rack or roof system is starting to rule them out to which ever choice I make - it’ll need to tick a lot of boxes.
It’ll primarily be a road car with little or no track use so a Mk1/2 GT3 is out due to stiff suspension set up and our shocking condition of roads (thanks Mr Chancellor). But after spending time with the 993tt I find myself very much still in the Porsche camp but looking for something more user friendly and equally reliable. After reading various horror stories concerning IMS/RMS and various DFI issues rule out any models with either the M96 or M97 engines which bring us to the meat of the debate.
I’m looking at either staying with the classic 993 but looking at a slim bodied C2 or C4 or thanks to the imminent Cayman release a Gen 2 Porsche Cayman 2.9.
I’d be very interested to hear from anyone who may have traded from a 993 to the Cayman 2.9 or even the other way round.
I know a lot of people will say go for either C2 or C4 which ever is in the best condition or maybe go for a Mk1 Cayman S but lets put a few things straight, first the 993 debate – I've currently got an AWD 993 but in Turbo spec the ride is harsh and it can be quite a handful round town so something a little more city friendly is needed and as far as C2 vs C4 goes I’m looking for advise rather than buy the best one you can find and then the other model comes along a month later, and like I said slim body only.
Now the Cayman debate – I’ve driven both and came away feeling that I could never go for a PDK so it has to be manual and as far as the S having more power goes I loved the lightness and nimbleness of the 2.9 against the S and I quite like the fact it isn't DFI and is the new 9A1 engine so hopefully should be pretty reliable. So there you go -
Cayman 2.9 or Porsche 993 C2/4? what the hell maybe a 968 as a wild card but that's it!
I’ve owned various cars from BMW’s, Honda S2000 to my current car a Porsche 993tt, after owning the 993tt for the past 4yrs and thoroughly enjoying it I can’t help think its time to change for something a little more affordable.
I’ve flirted with the idea of leaving Porsche and looked at either the BMW Mk1 Z4 Coupe 3.0si or possibly a Lotus Europa but the lack of a bike rack or roof system is starting to rule them out to which ever choice I make - it’ll need to tick a lot of boxes.
It’ll primarily be a road car with little or no track use so a Mk1/2 GT3 is out due to stiff suspension set up and our shocking condition of roads (thanks Mr Chancellor). But after spending time with the 993tt I find myself very much still in the Porsche camp but looking for something more user friendly and equally reliable. After reading various horror stories concerning IMS/RMS and various DFI issues rule out any models with either the M96 or M97 engines which bring us to the meat of the debate.
I’m looking at either staying with the classic 993 but looking at a slim bodied C2 or C4 or thanks to the imminent Cayman release a Gen 2 Porsche Cayman 2.9.
I’d be very interested to hear from anyone who may have traded from a 993 to the Cayman 2.9 or even the other way round.
I know a lot of people will say go for either C2 or C4 which ever is in the best condition or maybe go for a Mk1 Cayman S but lets put a few things straight, first the 993 debate – I've currently got an AWD 993 but in Turbo spec the ride is harsh and it can be quite a handful round town so something a little more city friendly is needed and as far as C2 vs C4 goes I’m looking for advise rather than buy the best one you can find and then the other model comes along a month later, and like I said slim body only.
Now the Cayman debate – I’ve driven both and came away feeling that I could never go for a PDK so it has to be manual and as far as the S having more power goes I loved the lightness and nimbleness of the 2.9 against the S and I quite like the fact it isn't DFI and is the new 9A1 engine so hopefully should be pretty reliable. So there you go -
Cayman 2.9 or Porsche 993 C2/4? what the hell maybe a 968 as a wild card but that's it!
I’d always take the 993tt over the 996, I appreciate the 996 turbo uses a different engine than the rest of the 996 (not inc GT3) but feel not only the performance is similar but the 993 values are holding firm and they look great. However the the thread is for a more user friendly daily driver that will be a bit lighter on the wallet.
cheers
cheers
I think you have to consider the age of the cars. 993s are not exactly young, and the older cars get the more they need fixing - and hence the more they cost.
Also, I used to have a 964 and I doubt there is that much difference in user friendliness as a daily car between a 964 and 993 - and I found it became a bit too harsh as a daily car. I don't know that a 993 is really going to be much more user friendly than a 993 turbo - it will simply be slower.
The reason I mentioned a 996 turbo is because I'd be genuinely surprised if the running costs are much higher than a NA 993. But fair enough if you're not interested in them.
Given your choices, I would think the Cayman would make a more user friendly, less expensive daily driver than a 993.
Also, I used to have a 964 and I doubt there is that much difference in user friendliness as a daily car between a 964 and 993 - and I found it became a bit too harsh as a daily car. I don't know that a 993 is really going to be much more user friendly than a 993 turbo - it will simply be slower.
The reason I mentioned a 996 turbo is because I'd be genuinely surprised if the running costs are much higher than a NA 993. But fair enough if you're not interested in them.
Given your choices, I would think the Cayman would make a more user friendly, less expensive daily driver than a 993.
I dont see a 993 Carrera being easier to live with or much cheaper to run than a 993T. In fact, the likely rise in value of the Turbo would probably more than offset any higher running costs.
It sounds like you are craving something a little more refined and modern but with some Porsche character.
A Cayman 2.9 sounds perfectly reasonable as long as you are not a speed junky.
It sounds like you are craving something a little more refined and modern but with some Porsche character.
A Cayman 2.9 sounds perfectly reasonable as long as you are not a speed junky.
davek_964 said:
I think you have to consider the age of the cars. 993s are not exactly young, and the older cars get the more they need fixing - and hence the more they cost.
Also, I used to have a 964 and I doubt there is that much difference in user friendliness as a daily car between a 964 and 993 - and I found it became a bit too harsh as a daily car. I don't know that a 993 is really going to be much more user friendly than a 993 turbo - it will simply be slower.
The reason I mentioned a 996 turbo is because I'd be genuinely surprised if the running costs are much higher than a NA 993. But fair enough if you're not interested in them.
Given your choices, I would think the Cayman would make a more user friendly, less expensive daily driver than a 993.
That's a fair point about harshness, that's the reason for looking at the slim bodied 993 that runs on a slightly softer set. I had considered a 996 turbo and think their fantastic cars but in the budget I’m looking at I’d either stay classic or make the change to the increasingly interesting Cayman. Also, I used to have a 964 and I doubt there is that much difference in user friendliness as a daily car between a 964 and 993 - and I found it became a bit too harsh as a daily car. I don't know that a 993 is really going to be much more user friendly than a 993 turbo - it will simply be slower.
The reason I mentioned a 996 turbo is because I'd be genuinely surprised if the running costs are much higher than a NA 993. But fair enough if you're not interested in them.
Given your choices, I would think the Cayman would make a more user friendly, less expensive daily driver than a 993.
Edited by pablo993 on Wednesday 9th January 19:53
mollytherocker said:
I dont see a 993 Carrera being easier to live with or much cheaper to run than a 993T. In fact, the likely rise in value of the Turbo would probably more than offset any higher running costs.
It sounds like you are craving something a little more refined and modern but with some Porsche character.
A Cayman 2.9 sounds perfectly reasonable as long as you are not a speed junky.
I know what you mean about values and another reason to consider the depreciating busting 993 as they to are holding firm. As far as the modern option goes Its all about the twisties so the 2.9 is fine. Hopefully will come across someone who’s made the choice already.It sounds like you are craving something a little more refined and modern but with some Porsche character.
A Cayman 2.9 sounds perfectly reasonable as long as you are not a speed junky.
Thanks all so far for the input
Keep the 993 turbo mate. Its complete porn. New Cayman is just a bit too chintzy. If you're really struggling with 993 around town use it at weekend and buy a golf diesel or gti auto/pdk for everyday use.
If you can find a mint 993 C2/C4 than these are fantastic too - I've not seen what I regard as an exceptional car for sale for a while. Actually not true Knutsford has a decent 993 C4 but its very very expensive and has a terrible aerokit which I'd want to remove
If you can find a mint 993 C2/C4 than these are fantastic too - I've not seen what I regard as an exceptional car for sale for a while. Actually not true Knutsford has a decent 993 C4 but its very very expensive and has a terrible aerokit which I'd want to remove
anonymous said:
[redacted]
+1A 993 gives you plenty that the cayman doesn't ... starting with real texture, weight and feedback to the controls. As good as a cayman is, in comparison its pedals, gearshift, steering are much too light, have a synthetic and anodyne quality to their operation. I think this is part of the whole flimsy mass produced feeling.
Both great cars though so you cant go wrong IMO. test both and decide, they are so different its untrue.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Now you see my dilemma - Although I'm starting to swing the Cayman way based on upkeep and the fact that even though the 993 is arguably better built its still an age where things are starting to perish. Even today on the way back from work the demister fan stopped working!!
johnycarrera said:
If you no longer fancy the turbo for your commute the Carrera is little different (have had both).
You should be able to easily "straight swap" for a brand new Cayman, I've been tempted to do the same......... But only for a moment or two until the sensible head re-appears!
993? did you find much of a difference in running costs and servicing etc.? Even though the Turbo is a blast I'd be happy with a simpler machine that can still make me smile.You should be able to easily "straight swap" for a brand new Cayman, I've been tempted to do the same......... But only for a moment or two until the sensible head re-appears!
I was in the same sort of position 6 months ago. I went out looking for a 996 at a local OPC and came home with a 2011 Cayman 2.9.
After driving both cars and only really needing two seats is was a very easy decision to make. Every drive is an event, on the boring commute it does over 30mpg and then on a nice back road it's just everything a sports car should be.
After driving both cars and only really needing two seats is was a very easy decision to make. Every drive is an event, on the boring commute it does over 30mpg and then on a nice back road it's just everything a sports car should be.
ANWP said:
I was in the same sort of position 6 months ago. I went out looking for a 996 at a local OPC and came home with a 2011 Cayman 2.9.
After driving both cars and only really needing two seats is was a very easy decision to make. Every drive is an event, on the boring commute it does over 30mpg and then on a nice back road it's just everything a sports car should be.
Hi how you doingAfter driving both cars and only really needing two seats is was a very easy decision to make. Every drive is an event, on the boring commute it does over 30mpg and then on a nice back road it's just everything a sports car should be.
What did you trade in for the 2.9? any issues at all with the cayman?
pablo993 said:
993? did you find much of a difference in running costs and servicing etc.? Even though the Turbo is a blast I'd be happy with a simpler machine that can still make me smile.
Huge difference between running costs, my 993 Carrera cost me fuel tyres brakes and an alternator in 5 years, my Turbo cost me 30 grand in first two years but have completely rebuilt it. It's a keeper for me and I run a wee Abarth 500 to work and when its raining.I love the look of the new Cayman and when I think of the running costs of my 500bhp + turbo it pisses me off as i could just swap it for a brand new S.............When I go on all the PH runs though and, well, just look at it, I realise you can't beat the old air cooled pork for drama.
Keep the Turbo and try a wee Abarth to travel to work, on low power town mode I'm only a tenner a week in fuel and its still a hoot up the back roads
pablo993 said:
ANWP said:
I was in the same sort of position 6 months ago. I went out looking for a 996 at a local OPC and came home with a 2011 Cayman 2.9.
After driving both cars and only really needing two seats is was a very easy decision to make. Every drive is an event, on the boring commute it does over 30mpg and then on a nice back road it's just everything a sports car should be.
Hi how you doingAfter driving both cars and only really needing two seats is was a very easy decision to make. Every drive is an event, on the boring commute it does over 30mpg and then on a nice back road it's just everything a sports car should be.
What did you trade in for the 2.9? any issues at all with the cayman?
There have been three issues in total, all handled by the OPC. Each time they picked the car up for me and then returned it fully cleaned both inside and out, always the same day. The last time the master technician even rang me whilst working on my car to give me a detailed update.
The issues were:
Broken adjuster/reflector inside headlight.
Squeak from the LHS suspension top mount.
Clutch pedal starter inhibitor switch failure.
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