Pick one -- 370Z vs Porsche Cayman

mts

I've owned both and both are really nice cars. If money isn't a big concern I believe the Cayman S is the better car on almost every count. But, it isn't better by a lot and the money difference can be significant. It isn't just the cost of entry (ie an older used Cayman S entry cost is about the same as a newer Z), but rather running costs IF something goes wrong. A Cayman crate motor is about $15k, a replacement PDK tranny is about $18k. Heck the specific transaxle fluid for a Cayman is about $60/qt. I had a motor dynamite on me and that isn't a fun check to write I can tell you.

I've been lucky enough to own multiple Porsches and I don't believe there is anything like them out there. The real test isn't the initial drive in my opinion, but after you've driven one regularly for a week or two and then you get back into something else.....wow you miss the Porsche. This includes the Cayenne.....an ugly SOB in my opinion, but mine was probably the best all around daily driver I've owned.

I think of the Z as 85-90% of the car as the Cayman S for 50% of the cost or less over time. For most, the Z just makes more sense and it is a heck of a nice car in its own right.

Firebase99

Very well stated. Pretty much sums it up. Is that a 993 you got there?

mab864

Well said mts. I believe you hit the nail on the head. Initial costs and long term costs on the Cayman S would certainly be higher even though most would concur that the Porsche is overall a better performing car. Maintenance costs and dealer location were also a concern for me. I live in a little rural town and the closest Porsche dealer is about 80 miles from my house. It would be an all day deal just having the oil changed. I have 3 Nissan dealerships with 50 miles of my house and the closest is 12 miles away. That's a lot easier (and cheaper) to deal with. And I can change the oil on the Z myself.

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