Seems I forgot to include the survey on the RX last week. Perhaps it’s for the best that we move onto something a bit more refined. I’ve long believed that to have fun behind the wheel, the bare essentials will do just fine. That usually means a lesser model. And when you hear “cheap Porsche”, you might groan. But I’m willing to bet one of these are all the Porsche you need.
The 2005 911 Carrera S vs the 2014 Porsche Cayman
See the Porsche 911 Carrera S listing here
See the Porsche Cayman listing here
More and more, cars are becoming a thing that we share. Could be on social media, at the local lot, and yes, big car shows. No doubt your chest pumps up slightly when someone admires your ride. But like glory, it’s fleeting. You might have the newest, baddest ride today, but before long, a newer, badder one comes out.
That’s why it’s important to choose a car that you love. When the huzzahs fade and you’re left alone on the back roads, are you still going to be in love? I think if you select one of these, the answer could be yes.
2005 Porsche Carrera 911 S
For these rides, let’s do Cars & Bids. Both feature six-speed manuals, are painted a nice shade of blue, and are well beyond their “cool” date. Up first is this convertible 997.1:
- 36,000 miles
- Good things like the Sport Chrono Pack, the right transmission, and a sport exhaust
- Current bid is to $21,000. Here’s one that’s similar, listed at $65k.
- For the lower mileage, there is a lot of wear on the car, both in and out.
- Tires that date to 2015 – change them.
- A minor accident in 2010 – unknown damage.
Not bad, though still somewhat of a mystery. You know I can’t bring you basic clean cars here. But the combo of color, manual, and topless means that you could have the perfect dance partner for the back roads.
Unless…
2014 Porsche Cayman
No bloody S, GTS, Turbo, or GT4 designation. Just Cayman. But before you thumb your nose at this one:
- 28,600 miles
- Lived in California until 2021, so little or no road salt
- Manual, and beautiful blue
- Everything you need, nothing you don’t: 19-inch BBS CH-R II wheels, H&R lowering springs, a Borla S-Type cat-back exhaust system, and clear front reflectors.
- Down on power though, just 275 horsepower and 213 lb-ft.
- Nothing terrible – clean CarFax, older tires, bad trunk lift struts. All easily fixable.
- Currently bid to $29,000. These can go from the mid $40s on up.
A basic Cayman will not give you nose bleeds – this car is pretty slow. But it sounds good, and feels great. Plus it has BBS wheels, an exhaust – it’s perfect to hop in and blow away the week’s bad news.
The old Porsche Cayman vs 911 debate
The 911 is a bit faster, and the top goes bye-bye, but it’s in worse shape and much older.
The Porsche Cayman in any form is a wonderful car, but when you’re in a GT4 it’s just so serious. You can’t ever cruise, you must drive. This base car takes away the pressures of looking cool. Like marriage, only you need to know how good the relationship really is.
The Cayman has its engine in the proper place, so it makes a slightly better driver’s car. But hey, a 911 is iconic.
So, what’s your choice for impressing no one but yourself?
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