Picture Gallery: 2007 Porsche Cayman
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When the Cayman S was announced by Porsche, there were critics and there were fans. The critics complained that the Cayman would never sell, especially with a price very close to that of the 911, but a detuned engine ensured that sales of the 911 would not be affected. The fans loved the style and potential of the Cayman’s driving dynamics in a less expensive package than the 911.
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How fitting it is for me to be driving a yellow Cayman with my own yellow rocket (a Honda S2000) sitting in wait for warmer weather. I’ll have to rely on my memory of the past summer for a comparison as these machines are similar in spec on paper.
With a base price of $69,600 the Cayman is certainly more attainable than the Targa I drove a few weeks back and, to the untrained eye, may be mistaken for a 911 as well.
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My tester is equipped with the basics: a 5-speed manual transmission mated to Porsche’s 2.7 litre flat 6. The engine generates 245hp and 201 lb-ft of torque and propels the Cayman from 0-100km/h in just under 6 seconds. This is the sweet spot in power-to-weight ratios in my opinion as it allows for a bit of fun without the constant reminder of the possibility of meeting Bubba at the local jailhouse.
After driving over 300km this weekend in the Cayman I can honestly say this baby is plenty powerful for around-town fun, or at the racetrack. The Cayman S must be an absolute blast with the added horsepower it provides.
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As you sit in the driver’s seat of the Cayman, which is height adjustable as well as the standard fore-aft and backrest adjustments, you look out over a gorgeous view of the curvaceous front fenders that gives you the feeling you are in control of a legendary Le Mans touring car.
The 5-speed manual transmission in the Cayman is one of the slickest transmissions I have driven, period. It is not as short and sweet as the S2000’s transmission but the gates are very well defined and the throws short enough to be satisfying. When cold the gears are a little tough to engage but as the revs climb the gears slip in with a satisfying clunk: wonderful.
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Power delivery is intoxicating in the Cayman, with smooth power right through the power band with a little extra oomph as you hit 4000-plus rpm. Turning 3000rpm on the highway at 120km/h in fifth gear, the Cayman pulls easily to pass without having to switch gears unless you are in a serious hurry.
The Cayman is more about driving feel than it is about sheer power and acceleration and this is where it really shines. The suspension is firm but does not beat you up and weight transfer is smooth in transitions.
The steering is heavy but direct and as you turn in, it simply becomes razor sharp as the car takes a set and powers into and out of the curve. For me, the Cayman is a much more entertaining drive than the 911 Targa I drove a few weeks ago.
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The chassis is unbelievably stiff, the steering feel is direct and the connection of man and machine is sublime with the differential and transmission whine a constant reminder you are driving something special.
Perhaps Porsche could send me a 911 with a manual transmission to change my mind in this matter; until then, I will proclaim the Cayman more fun to drive — even with less power than the 911.
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Generally not a concern of buyers of this type of vehicle, cargo capacity is plentiful enough with trunk space in both the front and rear of the vehicle to allow you to carry a large amount of groceries home, as I found out when we went to Costco and forgot what vehicle we had taken. Golf clubs might be a stretch in the Cayman though, which is a little unfortunate but an optional roof rack is available if need be.
Not only does the Cayman have the power, handling and looks that get you noticed at every stop light, but fuel mileage is also extremely reasonable. Rated at 6.8L/100km highway and 10.1L/100km city, I averaged 10.8L/100km with a heavy right foot. Good job!
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One can certainly argue that Porches tend to be pricey when comparing numbers on a spec sheet. If sheer numbers are your motivation for a sports car purchase, a Cayman could be a tough sell with vehicles like the Corvette C6 available with gobs of power for similar pricing.
With any vehicle purchase decision I would always recommend a buyer to test drive as many vehicles as possible before making a conclusion. The Cayman, although not the most powerful vehicle in this price bracket, has a feel to it that just may entice you to leave that power behind.
*Rating out of 5:
| 2007 Porsche Cayman | |
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Porsche Cayman
MSRP as tested: $69,760
For more information on Porsche and the Cayman visit Porsche Canada
to our site.
March 01, 2007, 10:37:33 pm Yeah, from behind the NAC. I thought it was usually chained/blocked off though. At least it seemed that way whenever I bike by. Anyway, great location for a photo shoot and great pics. Congrats!
March 02, 2007, 07:06:34 am I think I'd go for a Boxster with a hard top rather than a Cayman. No interest in a convertible but just personal preference I think that Boxster looks better.
In the real world I would get a last gen M3 over either of them.
March 02, 2007, 09:45:15 am Since when was it ok for automotive journalists to compare test cars with their own personal cars?
"own yellow rocket (a Honda S2000)"
"It is not as short and sweet as the S2000’s transmission"
I wasn't aware this article was a comparison test.
This screams of bias. It is also something you would never encounter in a piece of reputable automotive journalism (for example: Car & Driver). It seems like everyone with Canadian Driver and on this forum is so eager to blurt out what car they drive (Miatas, Civics, Jettas, S2000s, Boxsters etc..). I am disappointed that I have to go south of the border or accross the Atlantic to get good objective journalism.
March 02, 2007, 10:35:45 am It's called "providing a point of reference".
March 02, 2007, 10:42:33 am I call it benchmarking. Determining the best in an area and comparing it to the vehicle being tested. I think it offers great insight into the car's competitiveness. Some of it may be subjective to bias and whatnot, but that's the personality of the article. If you want true objective writing, the specs and brochures do wonders.
March 02, 2007, 10:42:38 am
"own yellow rocket (a Honda S2000)"
"It is not as short and sweet as the S2000’s transmission"
I wasn't aware this article was a comparison test.
This screams of bias. It is also something you would never encounter in a piece of reputable automotive journalism (for example: Car & Driver). It seems like everyone with Canadian Driver and on this forum is so eager to blurt out what car they drive (Miatas, Civics, Jettas, S2000s, Boxsters etc..). I am disappointed that I have to go south of the border or accross the Atlantic to get good objective journalism.
March 02, 2007, 10:45:23 am I think someone else mentioned this before so I pointed them to the spec sheet. You HAVE to compare to something otherwise what's the point? I am always comparing if I drive the Santa Fe, I compare it to the Rav4 or CR-V I drove previous, if I compare it to nothing well you get a bunch of drivel that has no context.
March 02, 2007, 10:56:03 am
I'd call it benchmarking if the statement was "The S2000 has ...", PoR if it was "My S2000 has ...", but I won't argue - further.
March 02, 2007, 10:57:12 am
So why did you put what kind of car you drive on your profile then?
March 02, 2007, 11:04:34 am ...anyway, whoever claimed this was unbiased, and reputable automotive journalism? This is just James' way of rubbing all our noses in the fortunate life he lives.
Besides, if you're going to pick on the writers here, at least pick on their sometimes-inaccuracies, or misspellings, or poor grammatical choices, but for god's sake man, don't pick on the guy's bananamobile!
March 02, 2007, 11:08:24 am
March 02, 2007, 12:47:24 pm
So why did you put what kind of car you drive on your profile then?
it is more humble to SHOW than it is to TELL.
March 02, 2007, 11:07:08 pm I found it to be a superb road test: informative, well-written, concise, and appropriate to the vehicle.
March 03, 2007, 01:09:08 am
"own yellow rocket (a Honda S2000)"
"It is not as short and sweet as the S2000’s transmission"
I wasn't aware this article was a comparison test.
This screams of bias. It is also something you would never encounter in a piece of reputable automotive journalism (for example: Car & Driver). It seems like everyone with Canadian Driver and on this forum is so eager to blurt out what car they drive (Miatas, Civics, Jettas, S2000s, Boxsters etc..). I am disappointed that I have to go south of the border or accross the Atlantic to get good objective journalism.
Then you have no idea what the purpose of a road test review is. How the hell are we supposed to tell you guys what a car's like if we can't say it's faster than this one or rides harder than that one?
I'm not so eager to blurt what I drive personally cos I'm on the verge of selling my junker of a car. Good thing I don't compare everything I drive for work to it, cos then even the disappointing Jeep Compass would have looked like a world-beater.
Oh, and since when was it okay for you to tell us how to do our jobs?
March 03, 2007, 07:49:12 am You can't please everybody....
March 03, 2007, 02:24:34 pm When I read an article I do want to see some comparison.
Too often I read articles that have no basis of comparison. They focus on that product alone, the merits and specs, and it generally reads more like a fancy brochure. Not so interesting, entertaining, nor valuable. I like to see the author hold the manufacturer accountable for the product they sell - awknowledge the shortcomings where they may be, point out the strengths/weaknesses, and laud it if called for. Educate the everyday consumer, while keeping the interest of the enthusiast. No easy task.
March 03, 2007, 02:31:36 pm
Too often I read articles that have no basis of comparison. They focus on that product alone, the merits and specs, and it generally reads more like a fancy brochure. Not so interesting, entertaining, nor valuable. I like to see the author hold the manufacturer accountable for the product they sell - awknowledge the shortcomings where they may be, point out the strengths/weaknesses, and laud it if called for. Educate the everyday consumer, while keeping the interest of the enthusiast. No easy task.
March 03, 2007, 04:38:21 pm All I gotta say is 2 feet of snow and the Porsche keeps on chugging along while lesser cars were stuck badly.
March 03, 2007, 06:30:34 pm Hey! Chicken Wing,
Was that you this morning (Sat Mar 3, 8:30am) on Fernbank this morning,in this car?
I saw this car this morning and my first thoughts were "nice car, but too bad its being driven in slush. Either the owner CAN afford to drive it in winter, or CANT afford to not drive it in winter!"
Definitely a rare sight this time of year.
March 03, 2007, 07:17:49 pm Yup that was me.
March 05, 2007, 09:32:00 am Hmmm... I had no idea that I was capable of inciting an uprising on Canadian Driver / Car Talk Canada. I didn't even think people paid much attention to this stuff. Perhaps if I state my point a little more softly: I believe in comparison tests and comparing different automobiles. I think that introducing the comparison vehicle as your own may lead to a loss of credibilty in my eyes. Others may see differently.
March 05, 2007, 09:55:32 am Concerns noted but many of the regulars on this site know JB personally and his because of this his opinions have merit.
March 05, 2007, 09:57:42 am Snowy I tho't ya couldn't AFFORD any more STELLA...wot ya babbling about....
basic transpo and Uber_cars,and EVERTHING IN BE_TWEEN, in an environment all of us can relate to and we enjoy the vicarious experience...doessn't mean we run out and buy everything he LIKES...this is a Man who BOUGHT a YELLOW CAR fer gawdsakes.....
March 05, 2007, 11:37:21 am
I would agree with you, except the cars are in similar segments. An S2000 buyer may cross-shop a Porsche, even if just for kicks.
At least you made your point with clarity
May 27, 2008, 08:22:38 pm What a car; this review made me change my mind about 911.
I'm really amazed by the Cayman's fuel consumption.