Build quality vs Porsche
 

I have taken a test drive of a Boxster not impressed a Bmw Z4 not impressed a 2000 Porsche 911 nice car. I own a Bmw 325ci very well put together, nice sedan, well built only182hp. My question is. How is the build quality of a 370 compared to a Cayman. Has any one owned a Cayman who can give me a detailed evaluation. I would purchase a2007 Cayman. I once owned a 1978 280z that had rust problems.

The interior build quality of the Cayman is better than the 370z without a doubt. Fit and finish as well as the quality of materials are top notch and a step above the 370z, but the weakness of the Porsche interior is that it looks somewhat bland and plain compared to the Z's interior which has more character and personality.

I highly suggest sitting in each car to see which one is a better fit as every person's impression may be different to everyone else.

neighbor down the street owns a new 5 series sedan and some new porsche suv. they've been having problems one after another almost every 4-5months.

Miata has the best build quality... the doors...

we need to all learn something from mazzadadadoh

Closing them is solid, and I hear they can repel anti-tank munitions.

+1 here. I test drove a used Cayman S while shopping for a replacement to my aging del Sol. It's spartan inside, and the center stack is a little "button" busy. But like your Bimmer, those faults quickly disappear after you drive it.

Couldn't spend $10k+ on that used car (smelled used, too!) over the Z, however.

I love the Cayman S. If it wasn't so expensive I probably would have gone that route before I purchased my Z. However I do agree with Christian370z, the interior lacks character when compared to the Z. Coming from a BMW you will probably be right at home.

The Z has a more "playful" interior than the Cayman. I definitely would have bought the S over the Z if I could justify the cost. I found a used one for around $39k but I couldn't justify spending that much on a used car. They are great cars, though.

Give me the Z. The S is cool, but I think the Z's fit and finish is very good (not up to the S but close enough for me). The S does not look like a sports car inside, while with the Z, you know whats up.

I want my sport cars to have that sporty theme throughout.

Yeah, I think the Z looks better than the S :)

It's good to see 1,000 threads comparing our Z to a Porsche :driving:

There are enough now to open up another section for this ;)

but the S still gets a thumbs up. and it is good to see the Z compared to the p cars so much.

Isn't it funny how the S and the GT3 are related, but the Z looks more like a GT3?

M4a1 - WHAT are you doing posting. Get out there and eat some camaros and vettes, then tell us the story!!!! but make sure you are 'on the track'.

The Cayman S interior is gorgeous, but I don't miss it too much because of those damn hips that thing has. Not that I think it's a ugly car, but a little too feminine, especially when it's next to a proper Porsche. So basically yeah...Cayman wins in most categories, performance, brand, interior, but loses some larger battles in price, looks, and appeal.

Great car, but I wouldn't buy one...I just pass them at the track instead :driving:

I'm going to test drive a 370 this week. Thank you for all the input.

:icon17:

I drive like a grandma and probably only use 100 of my 412 hp. :rofl2:

Honestly, if the difference in price wasn't an issue, you would be a fool not to take a Cayman S over a 370Z. I've had both at the track and on the street but that's my opinion. I wasn't willing to spend the same money I spent on the Z for a 50k mile used S.

I just think it depends on who you talk to. I would not take the S even if it was priced with the Z4.

NOW, I would take a Exige S for that money, even a used one. In fact, I almost did that...

M4A1 :shakes head: LOL!

I think the Z's build quality is very good, not quite Porsche level, but not too far off. The Z is certainly Porsche tight, though - the chassis feels very solid over bumps and up inclines, and the interior is quiet (no rattles). Maybe when bouncing off race track curbs at 100 mph the Porsche may be more solid, but on the road it's pretty much a draw, IMO.

If Nissan refines the next-gen Z's drive-train a bit, it will really be one heck of a car.

Every porsche I come across online has high milage and very little resale value compared to window sticker. Do you want the porsche statues or are looking for a good sports car that will take you from A to Z for no cost of ownership. Its up to you I suppose. Japanese sports cars are the best for an everyday route to work or a fun place to let loose on the curves. The 370 is the only place to start!!

The driving experience is awesome in a Z...

...but you GOTTA drive a Porsche (esp. a Cayman S). You'll probably take the principle of "just buying a name" and throw it out your window.

I agree: the Germans better upgrade that interior. Maybe it's another angle on keeping the leash on the Cayman so it doesn't eclipse the 911 (could you imagine a Cayman Turbo? :eek: ).

I can imagine, and it is freaking awesome!

hey, the neighbor's p-suv is back. will be good to go for another couple of months... :icon14:

This may be irrelevant, but take a look at the Audi TT-S. Performance rivals the 370 and the interior is fit & finish and style > than the Z, or the S. You can pick one up for around 45k, if you can find one.

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HOLY ****...

That is an awesome find - I had no idea. That S must be phenomenal. Just looked on the website - fuel management looks like a piggyback, correct?

Looks like an uncomplicated install though (except for the CRAMPED engine compartment!). But... $10K? :eek:

sheps58. You are talking about the craftmanship go for Porsche.

I drove a few 10-year-old 911's before deciding on the 370Z. The fit and finish is great. However, one of the P-cars had the 'entire cooling system replaced' at a cost of $10k (this was an original owner with all service records), and another other balked at going into 2nd gear. Checking on Rennlist, I see cooling systems in the 1st gen liquid cooled 911s (996) are suspect, and many had transaxles replaced under the (long expired) warantee due to 2nd gear issues. So, fit and finish is great. Reliability.... not so sure. I bought a new 370Z instead.

The Porsche interior is pretty bland and boring compared to the Z. Fit and finish is good on the Porsche, but like posted above that dosnt always translate to reliability.