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      07-13-2023, 09:47 AM   #1
kolosy
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e9x m3 or 987 Cayman S?

I'm looking to pick up a streetable car that I'll mostly use on the track. HPDEs to start, who knows after that. i'm currently running in novice groups but mostly for the in-car instruction -- have done ~6 days total + the porsche 2 day course at Barber.

trying to decide between those two platforms. I can get into both in the mid 20s to start, and then go from there.

M3 Pros (for me):
- super familiar with the platform, have all the tools needed to support and have done a bunch of DIY work on it
- dat V8 sound
- DCT (I've driven stick my whole life but never on track)

M3 Cons
- its pretty heavy
- any car I get for the price is going to be older / higher mileage, and even with fresh RBs i'd be somewhat worried about ringing it out all the time

Cayman Pros
- mid engined!
- substantially lighter (sub 3k lbs)
- more reliable platform from what I understand

Cayamn Cons
- still Porsche parts prices
- the 2006-2008 era has a pretty wimpy engine
- no PDK this generation, so stick is the only viable option

also open to other platform suggestions.
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Last edited by kolosy; 07-13-2023 at 09:54 AM..
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      07-13-2023, 11:36 AM   #2
okusa
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If you are currently novice but have an eye towards eventually running in advance, then e9x is your answer as you can lighten it and add power mods over time. The Cayman offers some interesting benefits chassis wise but that is. That lack of power would get old/frustrating QUICKLY. Just my $.02...
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      07-13-2023, 01:37 PM   #3
CHSe92
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Currently I have an E92 DCT but came from a 987.1S. The M3 is far easier to jump in and go fast more quickly and confidently especially with a DCT.
Both cars need some improvements to be more reliable and comfortable on track including managing heat and fluids but the inherent issues with the M97 engine in the cayman always were in the back of my mind (think oil starvation and bore scoring - NOT really IMS). Whereas I’m more confident pushing the M3 harder without the fear or concern of grenading the engine

In general “BMW tax” is nothing compared to Porsche parts prices however the cayman really wasn’t all that bad.
The ability to bolt on parts from other models without any modification was great - GT3 suspension components and shifters and Porsche cup shift cables etc

Despite it being mid engine it was incredibly easy to DIY. You can easily access nearly every side of the engine so for example a belt service only took 10 minutes, AOS, plugs and coils, exhaust modifications, engine/trans mounts and shift cables were all pretty simple on jack stands in the garage

If you have the Porsche itch, I’d say go for it. It’s not a bad dip into the brand
But for me, I don’t miss the cayman now that I have the M3
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      07-13-2023, 01:44 PM   #4
UPSROD
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Actually great to see someone actually ask a question that involves an E9X car on here!!! The only reason that I come here and it seems that 99% of all threads are about absolutely everything else!
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      07-13-2023, 04:47 PM   #5
omgzirra_exe
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if you're tracking 5-6 times a year the E9X forsure..

if you're the occasional goer... the cayman would be better imo for 2x events a rear.
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      07-13-2023, 05:51 PM   #6
Redd
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Have a friend with both a 987 Cayman S and an E93 M3. He's selling the Cayman, keeping the M3. He said the M3 was just more entertaining.
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