THE SMART CHOICE
Don’t be tempted to buy a 981 Cayman GT4 just because, well, it’s a GT4. Spend half your budget and hop into a 981 Cayman S instead…
It’s difficult to believe the 981 Boxster/cayman s approaching its tenth birthday. The model still looks fresh, even almost a decade after being unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show. Sharing looks with the 991-generation 911 and the amazing 918 Spyder PHEV helps, of course, but what the 981 brought to the Porsche party was more than skin deep — a chassis forty percent more rigid than the outgoing 987 Boxster/cayman, electronically assisted steering, an electronic parking brake, a truly modern infotainment system and introduction of dynamic transmission mounts (when Sport Chrono was optioned) were just some of the features that went some way toward the 981 feeling hugely more modern than what came before.
As outlined the last issue of 911 & Porsche World, the 981 was a larger leap from the previous Boxster than the 987 had been from the 986. “A 981 Cayman S is where I’d put my money,” reveals RPM Technik’s Sales Director, Greig Daly, referencing the 3.4-litre model, introduced in time for the 2014 model year. “Most are kitted-out with a seven-speed PDK transmission, such as the 2013-registered 28k-mile Basalt Black beauty RPM Technik currently has in stock. Optioned with Sport Chrono Pack Plus, a Sport PDK steering wheel with paddles, Park Assist, loads of other extras and only two owners from new, the car represents excellent value for money at £37k, though higher mileage examples which have passed through more hands can be picked up for less.”
He also acknowledges the appeal of a 981 Cayman S with a six-speed manual gearbox. “It’s a real driver’s car,” he argues. “You’ll pick one up for half the price of a 981 Cayman GT4, but does that mean it’s half the car? Absolutely not. The S is hugely capable, great fun, sounds fantastic and, thanks largely to the mid-engine layout, is light enough on its toes to keep up with newer, more powerful sports cars.”
AUTOMATIC FOR THE PEOPLE
“They hold their value brilliantly,” concurs Ray at Northway Porsche. “As far as the semi-automatic gearboxes are concerned, the jump from an early 987’s
Tiptronic system to the later model’s PDK is obviously very pronounced, but the shift from early PDK to the unit fitted to the 981 Boxster and Cayman is another significant level up. In my opinion, a 981 with PDK is a better drive than one with a manual gearbox.”
Simon Lenton at Dove House Motor Company is another specialist who recommends a 981 Cayman S as a sound buy. “I’ve long felt the GTS is overrated, considering how good an
S is for less money. A 2.7-litre base model Boxster or Cayman is ideal for short journeys, pottering around town or enjoying a casual sunny afternoon drive, but if you an afford the extra spend on a Cayman S, then the 3.4-litre engine, which is the same boxer found in the 991 Carrera, will provide you with significantly more power and a great deal more fun behind the wheel. With the 981 model’s superior handling taken into account, the Cayman S is one of the best performing and best equipped sports cars you get hold of for the money.”
Reflecting Ray’s train of thought, Simon confirms a Pdk-equipped 981 is far more popular with Dove House Motor Company customers. “I like the six-speed manual, but a 981 with seven-speed PDK is simply brilliant. They’re incredibly easy cars for us to sell because the wider car community also appreciates just how great modern PDK is.” At the time of writing, getting into a 981 Cayman S will require spend upward of £32k, but rewarding your purchase is a 321bhp Porsche coupe delivering 273lb-ft torque, a dash to 60mph in 4.4 seconds, a top speed of 175mph and fuel economy reaching 30mpg.