Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerMan33
I’ve had extensive seat time in a 997.1 C2S MT, currently have a 981 Cayman S MT and am on my 3rd e9xM3.
997 Carrera S vs 981 Cayman S:
911 has significantly more tire/road noise, can be tiring as a daily driver for some. Also, driving normally and up to 7/10ths, you don’t really feel the rear weight bias.
Cayman road noise is manageable as a daily driver, mid engine feel can be experienced driving 5/10ths or more, cayman clearly has a sharper steering response which can be felt in daily driving. 911 maybe iconic but Cayman is surely the superior sports car, unless you go GT3.
Avoid 997.1 not due to IMS (relatively easy fix) but more so due to bore scoring issues which are popping up as these cars are aging & engine rebuild is the only fix $$$. 997.2 engine is reliable!
991.1 is still NA, reliable motor and much better as a daily driver but less analogue than 997. 997.2 & 991.1 both have same engine which is quieter that 997.1, so exhaust modification will improve the flat six sound.
Cayman/Carrera vs E9xM3:
M3 engine is truly special, especially if you have aftermarket/carbon fiber plenum/intake and a mild exhaust. M3 is much better as a daily driver & handling/steering feels soft compared to 911/cayman. M3 will need more & frequent maintenence but parts are cheaper. M3 can carry 4 adults in comfort!
In my opinion M3 & 911/Cayman should not be compared. Get a M3 for daily driver & a 911 or Cayman for weekend/track use.
I’ve tracked my M3 & Cayman multiple times, M3 sounds great as you keep revving it to redline but the 911/cayman handling on the track is much sharper & fun, all being stock! With suspension/brake/bushing modifications, the M3s tracking experience can be significantly elevated!
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This perfectly summarizes my experiences driving some 996s, a 997.1, a cayman S and the latest cayman GTS compared to my m3.
I wouldn’t think of a 997.1 or 996 (other than a turbo) due to bore scoring.