370Z vs 135i vs cayman S vs 911 VS s2000
02-11-2009, 01:17 PM
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02-11-2009, 03:55 PM
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Old Chuck and trebien, thanks, that makes a lot more sense now. Maybe b/c they all sorta look the same to me, I've just never been that big into porshes and couldn't really figure out how the times worked out as they did. In any case, thanks for the break down/ explanation. 
02-12-2009, 04:33 AM
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Um, no. That's a previous model Cayman S, with a standard 6 spd manual tranny and 295 HP - not the new one - in fact, he grabs a gear at 2:36. Dyno tests have shown the car to have right around 295 HP... so no fudging there. However, the car only weighs around 3000 pounds, and coupled with the mid-engine platform is a handling dream. The 370Z might have 30HP more... but it also has 300 pounds more weight to drag around, and the same torque. Both cars have about the same power/weight ratio. If it was a new Cayman, it would have wiped the field.
The 911 is a NEW model, with the PDK tranny. However, they neutered it with the base tire package, 235/265 18"s... Also, it was plain as day in the video that the 911 was NOT being driven hard and to it's limits. With the PDK, more power, and less weight than a 370Z, it could (and should) have taken it on the longer straights.
The 370Z was, indeed, the best possible Z for this test - light as possible, but with the sport pack. I doubt the aero pack would give any significant benefits, if not actually slow it down.
And the "best" and "ta" times are off for the 911... they don't compute.
So basically, we have a previous model Cayman S, a neutered 911 driven softly, and the best possible 370Z configuration.
The 911 is a NEW model, with the PDK tranny. However, they neutered it with the base tire package, 235/265 18"s... Also, it was plain as day in the video that the 911 was NOT being driven hard and to it's limits. With the PDK, more power, and less weight than a 370Z, it could (and should) have taken it on the longer straights.
The 370Z was, indeed, the best possible Z for this test - light as possible, but with the sport pack. I doubt the aero pack would give any significant benefits, if not actually slow it down.
And the "best" and "ta" times are off for the 911... they don't compute.
So basically, we have a previous model Cayman S, a neutered 911 driven softly, and the best possible 370Z configuration.
02-12-2009, 05:43 AM
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It is in the details
Stepuckey, Trebien is correct in his assessment. He knows his Porsches by his post. The Cayman S is no slouch. Motor Trend recently called it possibly the best sports car in the world. It would be the fastest Porsche if Porsche would not underpower it so not to outshine the beloved 911. With the Porsche, the options are unreal and you can build up or build down any model so as Trebien wrote, the 911 was not up to what you would expect for the model. However, as you add options you also shoot the price up to unheard of prices. A Cayman S can cost from the high 50's to to high 70's. Porsche ceramic brakes alone can cost $8,000. The point is to add to what Trebien said: you have to look close to see what you are comparing. Things are not always as they seem. However, as much as I admire the P cars for their weight and handling, I think the 370 for its price is an exceptional deal.
02-12-2009, 06:54 AM
#26
You people are forgetting the most important factor here.....PRICE!!!!
The 370 held strong against 2 cars that cost 20-30k more. That's pretty impressive.
Personally, the looks of the 370z kill it for me but I've always been a fan of the value. The Cayman's looks are also ghastly and for that price I would laugh right in the sales guy's face.......can't doubt it's performance though. The carrera is boring as hell but always worthy of a mention since it's a carrera in all......As for the S2000, that's so last year.
The 370 held strong against 2 cars that cost 20-30k more. That's pretty impressive.
Personally, the looks of the 370z kill it for me but I've always been a fan of the value. The Cayman's looks are also ghastly and for that price I would laugh right in the sales guy's face.......can't doubt it's performance though. The carrera is boring as hell but always worthy of a mention since it's a carrera in all......As for the S2000, that's so last year.
02-12-2009, 07:22 AM
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You people are forgetting the most important factor here.....PRICE!!!!
The 370 held strong against 2 cars that cost 20-30k more. That's pretty impressive.
Personally, the looks of the 370z kill it for me but I've always been a fan of the value. The Cayman's looks are also ghastly and for that price I would laugh right in the sales guy's face.......can't doubt it's performance though. The carrera is boring as hell but always worthy of a mention since it's a carrera in all......As for the S2000, that's so last year.
The 370 held strong against 2 cars that cost 20-30k more. That's pretty impressive.
Personally, the looks of the 370z kill it for me but I've always been a fan of the value. The Cayman's looks are also ghastly and for that price I would laugh right in the sales guy's face.......can't doubt it's performance though. The carrera is boring as hell but always worthy of a mention since it's a carrera in all......As for the S2000, that's so last year.
02-12-2009, 10:46 AM
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As for looks, well of course that's subjective. However, I feel the Cayman S is one of the most beautiful designs out there... the way the light hits the curves.
One of the reasons I know my Porsche's is because I'm shopping for a used CS. You can find certified pre-owned 2006 models with a 6 yr/100K mile warranty for around $40K. And a lot of them have less than 20K miles... they were weekend cars. That's where my money is going. But brand new, no doubt the 370Z is a great deal. However, in my reality, I look at used vehicles as well. It'll just get beat up on a track, anyway...
Also, for reference, C&D tested a 2009 base 911 with PDK (like in the video)and it went to 60 in 4.1 and the quarter in 12.5 seconds... ouch. So yes, the 911 should have easily passed both cars in the test. It was under-driven...
Honestly, I think the Cayman was a little under-driven as well. It should have pulled through the corners faster. It's extremely difficult to get that car to swing it's tail out... since it's mid-engined and balanced so well. Yet, it happens twice in the video... So, yeah... always consider the source.
02-12-2009, 12:59 PM
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[QUOTE=trebien;6943571]No doubt, especially new prices. Decently equipped, the 370Z is ~35K, the CS is ~65K and the 911 is ~ 80K.
As for looks, well of course that's subjective. However, I feel the Cayman S is one of the most beautiful designs out there... the way the light hits the curves.
QUOTE]
+1 I agree the caymen s is one of the most beautiful designs(timeless design) out there..IMO better looking than the 911..its a sculpture on wheels..yesterday I saw the special edition orange
Hopefully, someday ill get a cs when im able to afford one.
As for looks, well of course that's subjective. However, I feel the Cayman S is one of the most beautiful designs out there... the way the light hits the curves.
QUOTE]
+1 I agree the caymen s is one of the most beautiful designs(timeless design) out there..IMO better looking than the 911..its a sculpture on wheels..yesterday I saw the special edition orange
Hopefully, someday ill get a cs when im able to afford one.
02-12-2009, 01:33 PM
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I like the 987S as well, but
Trebian, I am sure you have researched the RMS and IMS issues for the 986 and 987. Far too many have been reported and the 6 year 100,000 mile CPO warranty is a real plus. I think you are wise to go that route. Porsche is good about replacing the engines for cars under warranty however, many have been stuck with low milage cars and have to fork out 10-20 for a new engine. The new 2010 987 S with DI and without the IMS may cure the problem but will be awhile before we know. Porsche has always known about the RMS/IMS issues in the 986/7 & RMS in the 996/7 but has not done anything to completely cure the problem. I started looking at the 987 S but these issues and Porsches reluctance to fix low milage out of warranty cars has made me rethink the issue. There are those on this board who have had two engines replaced in their 986 and then traded for the Z for fear of a third. Not all these cars suffer failures but enough do. Some have said over 50% and that may be conservative according to boards and Excellence magazine. In any event, a beautiful car but I may wait till the 2010's have some time on their DI engines or like you look for 6 year coverage. Good luck on your hunt....
02-12-2009, 01:58 PM
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20-30k more, I don't think so. If you find the right dealer you can get a Cayman S preferred pkg, MSRP around 65-66k for 55k. I did it for my dad not to long ago. I've seen a number of 370's in the 40k range.
02-12-2009, 02:21 PM
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You should compare things using the nominal distribution not using the exception. Very few Z in the 40K range and very few CaymanS in the 50K range. On the other hands, there are a lot of Z in a round mid 30K and CaymanS in the 65K range. Most used CaymanS are around 40K. I would say on average most CaymanS will be around 35K more than a Z. Here's an example when you checked every box on the list.
Last edited by WestRace; 02-12-2009 at 02:25 PM.
02-12-2009, 08:43 PM
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02-13-2009, 09:43 AM
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02-13-2009, 04:26 PM
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having tested the 370Z auto and 6spd
I owned an 03 350Z coupe and an 04 roadster and am not very impressed with the 370Z. I tested both auto and 6spd sport pkg and while they are great value sports cars they are a bit boring. The large brakes feel like stock brakes. If you drive the BMW 135 or 335 or M3 you kow its gonna stop exactly where you want. There is a very numb stock family sedan feel about the car. I am sure it wakes up on the track but I'm just a competitive street driver. The automatic throttle blip is as anoying as seat belt and door chimes for street diving.
Think I just have to save up for a GT-R or M3.
BTW I picked up a 2yr old Jaguar XJS R type supercharged 400HP and think I'm spoiled for performance now. It only had 9k mi and full warranty for less than half it cost new.
Think I just have to save up for a GT-R or M3.
BTW I picked up a 2yr old Jaguar XJS R type supercharged 400HP and think I'm spoiled for performance now. It only had 9k mi and full warranty for less than half it cost new.
Last edited by OZ-Z; 02-22-2009 at 08:57 AM.
02-13-2009, 07:05 PM
#37
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Tsukuba 1:09.72 (semi wet conditions)......... 350z
02-14-2009, 05:54 PM
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http://www.fastestlaps.com/car458c5f4375177.html
Tsukuba 1:09.72 (semi wet conditions)......... 350z
Tsukuba 1:09.72 (semi wet conditions)......... 350z
"Anonymous 24/11/07, 19:59:45
lap time in Tsukuba is actually 1:09.06 (source: BMI 22 Nismo beast unleashed) (yes it's the 283bhp version)"
02-16-2009, 10:03 PM
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I dunno how much of a difference this will all make but the 911 was automatic.. or so it seems 1:09 and 4:23 you see only 2 pedals..
I remember street racing on a back road once, there was this acura tl and an auto 350z and I was behind them when they both floored it and I passed both of them.. so, maybe auto does make such a difference.
I remember street racing on a back road once, there was this acura tl and an auto 350z and I was behind them when they both floored it and I passed both of them.. so, maybe auto does make such a difference.
02-17-2009, 04:37 AM
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rtiid22,
The auto in this case did not slow the 911 down. This is not an auto as you think of an auto in the 350 or 370Z. It is a dual clutch manumatic for lack of a better word. It shifts faster then a manual and clocks faster times. It is the future however, I still like to do my own shifting. Formula one cars have used a simular set up for some time as have Ferrari and Lambo's. It is expensive and must be a nightmare to repair or replace. I think Trebien had the right idea in that the 911 was not set up as the other cars with tires and was not run hard.
The auto in this case did not slow the 911 down. This is not an auto as you think of an auto in the 350 or 370Z. It is a dual clutch manumatic for lack of a better word. It shifts faster then a manual and clocks faster times. It is the future however, I still like to do my own shifting. Formula one cars have used a simular set up for some time as have Ferrari and Lambo's. It is expensive and must be a nightmare to repair or replace. I think Trebien had the right idea in that the 911 was not set up as the other cars with tires and was not run hard.
