Cayman S vs F355

I think the question is very valid, and one I have asked myself. I was THIS close to ordering a Cayman S when a few years ago, and I bought a 355 instead. At the time, the Cayman was significantly cheaper (about 65k vs. 80-85k).

The Cayman is a "better" car. It is reliable, well balanced, durable, it drives wonderfully, and it sounds really nice too. It is easily a daily driver and the interior will not fall apart if left in the sun for 20 minutes. In fact, you would be a fool not to drive the thing all the time. In the real world it is every bit as fast as a 355.

That being said, the Cayman... or to me ANY Porsche this side of a CGT, will never have the sense of occasion that the 355 does. The Cayman is a better car than the 355, but something like a GT3 is light years beyond. And still, it will not have the same effect; I would not trade my 355 GTS F1 for a GT3.

Porsche makes fantastic cars. Ferrari makes emotion turned mechanical. I completely understand why Porsche people are Porsche people. What's not to like? I wish I liked the 911 on an emotional level, but I have just never been a big fan. But it is such a good car. Same with the Cayman, a fabulous machine.

But it's not a 355, and it never will be. Even if Porsche wises up and develops the Cayman to its potential, it will still never match the 355 for emotion.

 

there is a reason why the Cayman's sister, the Boxster, can now be bought for $10K.

 

Uh...the Cayman ain't gonna sound like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrAyCgOQhjM

 

"Porsche makes fantastic cars. Ferrari makes emotion turned mechanical."


That quote belongs in a book

 

Ive driven caymans many times and for long drives, and honestly its a better overall feeling car then a 911, probably feels closer to the 355 since its a mid engine car. I also drove a 997 gt3 and if u guys think porches cant sing then u gotta take one of those for a ride, 415hp 3.6 flat six screaming to 8000rpm. Gt3 is as solid of a car package as u can put together. I think a gt3 is a better comparison to the 355 or even the 360, the prices have dropped and u can find some in the $70K's. But hey look at me, as a crazy porsche fanatic why am i looking at ferrari's

 

The Cayman will DESTROY a 355 any day of the week, and do it in reverse for good measure. No it's not a Ferrari, and it doesn't have that lovely sound either. But in terms of OVERALL performance..the 355 will be left gasping for air.

You guys really need a dose of reaility when it comes to your 355's. Great cars..deffinatly..one of Ferrari's best. But there are MANY cars out there that are a far better product in EVERY catagory besides the name on the hood.

 

In the short time that I have had my 355, I have a guy in an NSX chase me down to give me thumbs up. I had two motorcycle guys do rubber necking to the point where they have to stop in traffic just to look at the 355. I have a ten year old kid smile ear to ear when he gets to sit in my car while his parents take pictures. Yesterday, I dropped my girl off at her friend's house for a sleep over. The 9 year old girl opened the door, looked at me and said "cool car" (her father drives a Porsche which she does not think is cool). The first day that I had it, a CHP tailed me and then passed me slowly with a thumb-up sign.

I don't imagine that kind of treatment with a Cayman. Yes, the Cayman is a better, and more reliable car.

 

I bought my F355 knowing it could be outperformed by countless more modern cars...and was completely comfortable with that fact. I'm done engaging in the HP / performance wars. Give me something with soul & character any day of the week.

For instance, today a few of us were out for a drive and a Ford F150 SVT decides he wants to keep up. Fine, whatever, he tails along as we drive 6/10s through some twisties and later over arrow-straight roads. We finally get to an intersection and this yokel is laughing his ass off as he pulls up alongside of us - as if to say "see, you're not so fast". I just thought, "Ok, think whatever you like and tell all your buddies...I don't care".

One of the gents driving with us 3 in Ferraris had a brand new 911 GT3 RS. Ridiculously fast and cool car but would I trade my F355 for it in an even swap? Never, no way, no how. Guess who folks pointed at and took pictures of during our drive...yep, the 3 old banger Ferraris (308, 348, 355). I'm not sure anyone even noticed the P-bug, engineering marvel that it is.

 

Both your posts are all related to vanity. You like the Ferrari because of the looks and attention it brings you. Don't deny it because you said it yourselves in your posts.

Really niether one of you have the right to even talk about a real performance car because obviously none of that matters to you. Your more of the "look at me in my expensive car" type of driver.

If impressing 9 year olds is the key to your selfesteam issues, then you have found the right car.

I love the 355 for what it is..a glorious performance machine, that is an absolute wonderful drivers machine. But I will also be the first to give credit where credit is due. Either it be a Ferrari, Corvette, Porsche, Lambo, hell even a Nissan. I guess a true car guy would understand that..but obviouly in the world of the Ferrari owner, nothing is better. How wrong, and how unfortunate for you.

Sorry about the spelling, I had a few..being new years and all. And I didn't drink them with a pinky finger in the air either.

 

Some people will actually shy away from a ferrari because they dont want the attention, I guess for some people its one of the reasons they "would" buy such a car. Personally I wouldn't give a **** if not one person saw me driving a ferrari, I enjoy the drive, the sound, the feel of the car not some dude next to me hoping he throws a thumbs up. Porsche have come a long way from where they were, a GT2 RS is not ugly by any stretch and what its capable of is even more amazing. I can appreciate each machine, ferrari porsche etc. for what they really are.......... One of the best joys in life .

 

Are you always a judgmental prick or is that only when you're a drunk a*hole at the same time?

 

FWIW comparing cars that were designed over a decade apart really isn't that fair when talking pure numbers. When the F355 came out a fast sedan had 250-300hp, now we're talking 550. If you want to compare current era you need to talk F430 VS Cayman and we all know that outcome.


Like Rick I am not afraid to admit that the F355 can be beat (on paper) by many other vehicles but I wouldn't swap mine for any of them. Hell even the mighty F40 would fall to some of the current sports/super cars but it will always be coveted over it's successors.






BTW, I have a 'lowly' Nissan that will make your beloved Porsche (and my 'look at me' F355) look like a Prius. Remember, there is ALWYS something faster, lighter, more powerful and better handling out there but my Ferrari is MY Ferrari.


Rob

 

The F355 design is now over 15 years old. I agree with Rob Z. How would a 993TT compare to a new 997TT? Who is saying the F355 is the fastest car out there? I don't get where the arguement is?

 

Cayman might be quick, but it is ugly, not as bad as the Panamera and the Cayenne, but still ugly... Porsche does still know how to make attractive cars like the GT3 and the 997, but they seem to be going through a trend similar to the Bangle BMWs lately.

 

Ever since i can remember this guy has always been the same. He does not need to be drunk, thats just how he is.

 

IMO the Cayman looks like a Coyote took a sh*t on the side of the road (especially in yellow). Further, it's the only car I've seen that would look equally at home driving in reverse...


Might be a good car but so is a Pontiac Aztec.

 

I can believe that....

 

My God man, lay off the booze, it makes you angry. I read that "vanity" post and saw something totally different; not vanity at all.

My "lowly" 348 makes people smile wherever I take it. The design, the sound, the mystique, and everything that go with it create pure excitement WITHOUT having to win races. If I'd wanted to crush everything on the road, I'd have bought a Z06 and saved a few bucks.

BTW: I do love the Cayman. Nice exterior design, great driver, good performance, hideously boring interior (typical Porsche), great reliability & build quality. Believe me, I wouldn't turn my nose up to one if I found it in my garage, but I'd still be driving the 348.

 

Wow........... I'd like to see at what point a car starts looking good to you. I dont understand the hate for porsche? All you guys that think ferrari's **** dont stink really owe it to yourself to go and at least drive a porsche. I love porsches and i sure as hell love ferrari's too, all these cars were designed for one thing and thats to be enjoyed on the road. If u bought yours to just admire how cute and pretty it is then I have nothing els to say to you. Happy New Year by the way

 

So, world peace is not going to happen in 2011?

 

World peace, maybe. Ferrari and Porsche enthusiasts calling a truce, very unlikely.

 

I have a long time owned 993 that lives along side my F355, love both of them. I just dont talk about my Porsche on this a Ferrari forum, in the same way i never mention the F word on the Porsche forum. And boy they can get nasty Nothing writen here is as nasty.

 

Love the 993. Is it a turbo by chance? I'm a total retro porsche lover - I currently have an 88 targa which is a great car. Sellling my 2007 C4S to get the 355. My wife thinks I have gone mad.

 

Indeed it is a turbo Love it of course because its the last of the air cooled, and it was also the natural F355s rival back in the day.

 

Odd statement. Manufacturers data: 0~60/ Top Speed

Porsche Cayman 5.5 165mph
Porsche Cayman S 4.9 172mph
Porsche Cayman R 4.7 175mph
Ferrari F355 4.6 183mph

I have owned many Porsches and consider them fine cars. The Cayman is one of my current favorites in the Porsche line.