Top Gear 370Z v. Cayman article

JonBoy · 10-27-2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sensi09

There's no doubt that the 370Z is the better bargain and in terms of sheer performance, will match or exceed a Cayman S, but in terms of driving dynamics and subjective attributes the Cayman is hard to beat. Oh in case someone missed it, the base Cayman with just 265hp was the car tested.

Cayman S with PDK does 0-60 in 4.1s and the 1/4 mile in 12.5s at 110 mph. It sticks at 0.99g on the skidpad and does 72.5 mph through the slalom. Those numbers blow away a 370Z by a wide margin.

Good luck with beating that. The Cayman S with 6MT is virtually identical to the 370Z in a straight line but the PDK tranny puts it WAY ahead.

Quote:

In terms of dollar amount though, if we're talking about a new Cayman S, I'd rather have a M3 or a used 997 S.

I'm guessing you haven't driven a Cayman yet? It's so much better to drive than an M3 (any year, including the E30) that it's not funny. It doesn't have the grunt and punch of the current M3 with it's big V8 but it's still a way better car to drive (ie, it's much more of a driver's car).

The 997S is generally quicker and torquier but it's actually not as fun to drive, either. Yes, I'd pick a used 997S over a new Cayman S purely because I prefer the extra two seats, extra power, and better looks and because I won't ever take a 997S to a track because I can't afford to wreck it. However, from a pure driving point of view, you'll have to get a 997 GT3 to get a purer driving experience than the Cayman. The Cayman is really that good.

nicknick · 10-27-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonBoy

Cayman S with PDK does 0-60 in 4.1s and the 1/4 mile in 12.5s at 110 mph. It sticks at 0.99g on the skidpad and does 72.5 mph through the slalom. Those numbers blow away a 370Z by a wide margin.

Good luck with beating that. The Cayman S with 6MT is virtually identical to the 370Z in a straight line but the PDK tranny puts it WAY ahead.

I'm guessing you haven't driven a Cayman yet? It's so much better to drive than an M3 (any year, including the E30) that it's not funny. It doesn't have the grunt and punch of the current M3 with it's big V8 but it's still a way better car to drive (ie, it's much more of a driver's car).

The 997S is generally quicker and torquier but it's actually not as fun to drive, either. Yes, I'd pick a used 997S over a new Cayman S purely because I prefer the extra two seats, extra power, and better looks and because I won't ever take a 997S to a track because I can't afford to wreck it. However, from a pure driving point of view, you'll have to get a 997 GT3 to get a purer driving experience than the Cayman. The Cayman is really that good.

It may be good but it is too overpriced.

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