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06-09-2009, 10:48 PM
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Porsche Person
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Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
Hi guys,
Looking for some feedback/opinions from the community.
I am shopping for another car and was contemplating between a brand new CS or a used GT3 (997).
Personally, I prefer the look of the CS to 911s, and will not consider a Carrera, given how amazing (relatively) the new CS appears performance-wise. However, I absolutely adore the engine, exhaust note, etc. etc. of the GT3 (it's an absolute monster).
Arghhhh!! Decisions, decisions....
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06-09-2009, 11:01 PM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
What is the proposed use of the car? If you plan to do much track work, the GT3 has some clear advantages. I recommend you drive both for an extended period in the conditions that you intend to use the car.
Also, if resale value is a concern a used GT3 is going to retain Much more value than a brand new Cayman S over the course of a couple years or more.
As a Daily Driver, the CS might be more comfortable and tossable on narrow roads. Both are great cars!
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06-10-2009, 12:18 AM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
I'm in the market for a 997 GT3 right now. Will be either trading in the CS or just selling it, whichever benefits me more.
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06-10-2009, 12:24 AM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
What would the price difference be between the two cars? If the Cayman is sufficiently cheaper, you can tune / mod it significantly and approach the level of performance you'd get with the GT3 I think, although others here are much more experienced than me and could definitely chime in and help you in this respect.
Both are awesome cars and you really can't go wrong with either of them. If you do get the GT3, you are probably getting the "best" Porsche available (at least according to the experts), so what will you get after that? Will this be your first Porsche? If so, I'd get the Cayman and have something to look up to when switching time comes around
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06-10-2009, 01:14 AM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
Youngn: Why did you decide to trade in your CS for a GT3?
Grant/acg: I think the cayman is a great all-round car. I won't be doing much trackwork with either car cos where i live cars are very very costly. A CS is about USD$225,000 and a brand new GT3 about 380k. A little too pricey to blow on the track; I would get something cheaper and strictly limited to track use like a 2-eleven or something. Personally, I feel that doing drastic performance mods to the CS is out of the question because it voids the warranty here and does not work in favor of resale value.
Also, i feel that a used GT3 might be "better value" because of the current economic situation i.e., people selling off pretty new costly cars below normal market value.
I love my cars and I will be driving them on a daily basis (more or less).
Another issue: I don't really like used cars cos unless you're really lucky, you don't get exactly the specs you want (even more so with a GT3 cos there aren't that many around)
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06-10-2009, 03:50 AM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
Did you drive both?
Personally i'd get the GT3. Probably because I have a CS now and the GT1 block in the GT3 is really like non other. Oh and its my dream car too..Sorry i'm such little help.
Honestly though, go drive both. I haven't driven a GT3 but a Carrera S and while the extra power was cool I hated the feel and drive compared to the CS. However, if i needed more space I really wouldn't hesitate to get into a 911 platform. They still are very good but the geometry of the CS is hard to beat in feel.
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06-10-2009, 04:45 AM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
I cannot imagine struggling with this choice. If you prefer styling of CS vs. 911 then go with emotion and get a CS. I know you did not ask but I would get the GT3. Hot car.
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06-10-2009, 05:48 AM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
A decision based solely on the performance levels of these two cars should not take more than about 5 seconds. When you factor in all the subjective, personal preferences, well, it's just your choice. As for value, anything used will be a much better value, assuming you don't buy any expensive problems.
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06-10-2009, 06:22 AM
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Admin & Founder
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
Both are great cars and I assume you are talking about a 997 GT3 Gen 1, not the recently released but not yet shipping Gen 2 since you said used, although a 996 GT3 is another possibility. There are advantages and disadvantages for each. For example you'll have a full warranty on a new car, the GT3's may be expired or about to expire making any repairs more costly for the next few years. The 2010 Cayman has DFI and other upgrades, the GT3 doesn't. The GT3 has the old split case motor, but while I agree the split case motor is better than the M96/M97 it is too early to say whether or not the new DFI motor is worse/same/better than the split case. The GT3 will be easier to get track goodies for and in the right hands will be a better track car, in a novice's hands the Cayman will be a better track car. The GT3 being used will not depreciate at the rate or as fast as the Cayman will, but the GT3 will also be more expensive to license and insure. The list goes on, but as you can see there isn't a clear "winner", it simply comes down to what is important to you. As others have suggested you should drive both. Some find the ride of the GT3 to be "too stiff" or "too jarring" for longer trips, with the Cayman you could get PASM and have a wide range of suspension characteristics, again the list goes on. What is important to YOU may not be important to ME or to anyone else here, so rely on your own judgement after you have checked out both cars. Don't buy into hype on either car as in all likelihood both cars would work for you, it is simply a matter of your preference.
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PASM - Porsche Active Suspension Management
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This active damping system offers continuous adjustment of individual damping forces based on current road conditions and driving style.
The driver can choose from two setup modes, ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’, using a separate ‘damper’ button on the center console. ‘Normal’ mode is designed for general road driving and circuits with uneven tarmac. ‘Sport’ mode is intended for smoother track surfaces, where the harder settings help eliminate pitch and roll.
In either mode, PASM continuously evaluates the current conditions while automatically selecting the corresponding damper rates from the respective set of mapped values.
A range of sensors are used to monitor the movement of the body under acceleration, braking and cornering maneuvers, as well as on poor road surfaces. The PASM control unit then evaluates this data and modifies the damping force on each individual wheel in accordance with the selected mode. The result is a significant reduction in body movement as well as a better grip on the road.
For example: if ‘Sport’ mode is selected, the suspension is automatically set to a harder damper rating. If the quality of the track surface falls below a certain threshold, the system immediately changes to a softer rating within the ‘Sport’ setup range. When the quality of the tarmac improves once more, PASM automatically returns to the original, harder rating.
Need more information about PASM? Click this link: FAQ for PASM |
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DFI
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Direct Fuel Injection (DFI), is a new technology that Porsche states can cut fuel consumption by up to 15 percent, while increasing power by up to 13 percent. DFI cuts emissions by warming up the catalytic converter more quickly, and ensures a sharper throttle response. Better for your right foot - and the planet, then.
DFI allows much more precise measurement of fuel supply and injection at pressures up to 120 bar; it has numerous combustion modes, with different cycles for cold-starting, low-speed driving and performance driving.
As the name suggests, DFI injects fuel directly into the individual combustion chambers, instead of the intake manifold. The injector valves have an electromagnetic mechanism that controls each injection with astonishing precision, while a high-pressure pump provides the necessary pressure—up to 1,740 psi—to accompany the rapid fire of the fuel injection.
Precise geometry of the injector’s position and its spray pattern is a key factor in helping to improve power, torque and emissions of the engines. The specific placement of the fuel as it enters each chamber creates a swirl that improves the air/fuel mixture, and therefore the overall combustion process.
At engine speeds up to 3500 rpm, a double-injection process is used. In this mode, the required fuel volume is delivered in two successive injections per working stroke. The resulting benefits include faster catalyst warm-up and increased torque in the upper load range.
By forming the air/fuel mix directly in the combustion chamber, DFI contributes to engine cooling. As a result, it is possible to increase the compression ratio and with it the power and efficiency of the engine.
The direct injection process is continuously adjusted. The engine management system reads changes to throttle inputs and performance requirements and, as you drive, the air/fuel mix is monitored and adapted as required. Oxygen sensor circuits within the exhaust system provide accurate emissions control. |
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06-10-2009, 07:48 AM
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Porsche Chatter
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
For those of you looking for a GT3, look no further. I live in Fort Myers, Fl and there happen to be 2 GT3's on a lot here. Both gen's The latter is also an RS model, but the 04 gt3 is well within anyone price range.
here is the link to there web site. The orange one is smokin!!!!!
AutoQuest - GT3 and RS
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06-10-2009, 10:05 AM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
Originally Posted by nebur
Youngn: Why did you decide to trade in your CS for a GT3?
Grant/acg: I think the cayman is a great all-round car. I won't be doing much trackwork with either car cos where i live cars are very very costly. A CS is about USD$225,000 and a brand new GT3 about 380k.
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   In that case, would you like to buy my CS?? I'll give you a good deal
I love my CS but i just started feeling it was time to get out of it and upgrade to something else. I want the Cayenne GTS but my gut kept telling me to stick to a sports car. I've always wanted a GT3 and I dont think I'd have the opportunity later if I were to get the cayenne now, family wise.
By the way, where do you live?
Originally Posted by steeevo
Did you drive both?
Personally i'd get the GT3. Probably because I have a CS now and the GT1 block in the GT3 is really like non other. Oh and its my dream car too..Sorry i'm such little help.
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It's my dream car as well
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06-10-2009, 10:14 AM
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I would get the GT3, hands down.
It is pretty much my dream car, the only Porsche I'd take over a Cayman S. But I track regularly, and a lot of the appeal of the GT3 is it's undeniable, blistering performance. This car has won several awards, including "Best Handling Car", it's simply one of the most razor sharp Porsches ever made. But if you're just tooling around on the street in it, no, you probably won't have a chance to appreciate the higher limits of the GT3's performance envelope.
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06-10-2009, 11:03 AM
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Re: I would get the GT3, hands down.
This is an emotional question.
The stock ground clearance on a GT3 is ridiculously low. It makes a CS look like an SUV. This can make for frustrating "around town" driving.
On the track, a GT3 is the way to go. Don't buy into the "mod a CS" nonsense.
All you need are R compound tires on a GT3 and you are done.
A CS is infinitely more practical for the "real world". Don't listen to the "GT3 daily driver" nonsense. LOL.
I would get a GT3. My dream car. And I would live with the impracticality with a big grin on my face. But only because I have already owned and tracked a CS and I know just how good GT3s can be.
Then again, I live in California. I might stick with used, cheap cars because of the VLF tax. On top of everything else, and extra grand a year to get you tags is absurd.
Get a used CS. Or a used GT3.
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06-10-2009, 11:32 AM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
For me its a no-brainer; GT3.
At a DE last year, I got to take some laps at Arroyo Seco raceway (Demming, NM) in a 997 GT3.
In comparison to my Hoosier'd but otherwise unmodified '06 CS, the performance of the GT3 was shocking. And in the 5 or 6 laps I was able to take, I am pretty sure that I had only extracted a very, very small portion of its true potential.
The two cars are just not in the same league, IMHO, and I would wager it would take a serious amount of coin to bring the Croc up to the performance level of a bog stock GT3.
Brian
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06-10-2009, 12:30 PM
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Re: I would get the GT3, hands down.
Originally Posted by DaveN007
The stock ground clearance on a GT3 is ridiculously low. It makes a CS look like an SUV. This can make for frustrating "around town" driving.
On the track, a GT3 is the way to go. Don't buy into the "mod a CS" nonsense.
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+1 and +1. I got the chance to drive a 997 GT3 on rural roads once, and I've been a passenger twice. Basically that GT3 scrapes on heaves in the road you don't even know exist in the CS, let's not even discuss speed bumps and driveways. Responsiveness-wise my short drive in the GT3 was eye-opening, though. I've never driven another stock car that was so intuitive and responsive. Maybe you could spend a fortune modding a CS to be as good, but why bother? When you're done with the GT3 you'll suffer less depreciation.
Last edited by blueone; 06-10-2009 at 01:59 PM.
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06-10-2009, 01:29 PM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
well are any of you going to give the car lot a call to see if you can buy her ?  what are the differences between the 04 and 07 RS that they have ? I am not knowedgeable enough myself for this.
That RS is awful sweet, way out of my league, but if I could afford I would drive her daily.
nvr forget, if porsche made a cayman GT RS, we would all be wanting one of them. I have been around racing all my life, but that car makes me want to turn into a slobbering fool.
Youngn, if your car was black, I would make you an offer, its very beautiful.
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06-10-2009, 01:35 PM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
Quick queston. Is the Roll Bar standard on the GT3 ?
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06-10-2009, 01:41 PM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
GT3 is far superior to the Cayman. The Cayman has a more compliant ride and more sound insulation, but like mentioned before it is in a completely different league from the Cayman. I'm getting one next year and for driving around town I will add the Techart Front Nose Lift Kit, that should solve issues with scraping. I bought my Cayman S new, never doing that again. The hit I took on depreciation was insane but I did enjoy the car a lot over the past 3 years. With the current market, a used 997 GT3 would be the way to go especially if you've had some serious track time. If you are looking for a pure street use/occasional track car then go with a used Gen 1 Cayman S. The new DFIs havent been around long enough for customers to exploit their weaknesses. Although the new engines are much improved with their new oiling/etc, still cannot beat the old GT1 block IMO.
-Kevin
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06-10-2009, 01:42 PM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
Originally Posted by wilson4tw
Youngn, if your car was black, I would make you an offer, its very beautiful.
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Why thank you
Where are you located in FL? I should be down there in the very near future. You might like the grey more than black
Originally Posted by greycroc
Quick queston. Is the Roll Bar standard on the GT3 ?
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Not standard. Optional
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06-10-2009, 01:44 PM
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Re: Brand New Cayman S vs. GT3
Originally Posted by greycroc
Quick queston. Is the Roll Bar standard on the GT3 ?
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No, you can add the Porsche Tequipment one or a variety of aftermarket choices. The OEM Clubsport package which includes lightweight seats/half roll cage is an option everywhere else in the world except America, lame.
-Kevin
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Last edited by teoh2005; 06-10-2009 at 05:21 PM.
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