[M Speed]

Originally Posted by Traum

Be sure to get yourself a nice meaningful drive in both a Cayman and a 911 before coming down to a conclusive decision on which one you prefer. Both are fantastic cars, although the early Caymans could certainly use a little more power. Still, I had the Porsche bug planted deep in me when I had an opportunity to drive a 987.1 Cayman S at the track. It could easily use (and handle) an extra 50hp, but the handling is so sublime and intuitive that I was instantly sold. And at the time, I was already driving a nicely modified Miata, so I was no stranger to how good handling cars behave.

The 911 drives quite differently than the Cayman, esp the 996 and 997. You really feel that weight out in the back, and it is a different experience. Technically, the MR layout is supposed to be "better", but subjectively, it really just comes down to what you like better.

I would never recommend anyone to go beyond their means just to purchase a car -- it is one of the least financially responsible thing anyone can do. But have you looked into how viable it is to finance your Porsche through HELOC? With interest rates the way they are sitting right now, borrowing costs are really quite minimal. So if you are comfortable with your family's finances and job security, it could be your ticket to bring that Porsche home. I actually know more than 1 person who are doing exactly just that -- take out a HELOC, and used the money to fund a Porsche purchase.

I used to think it was important to pay down the mortgage -- that is to say, pay it off way before the full 30 year duration it was supposed to last. And my wife and I have made some lump sum payments into it in the past when we had some wiggle room. But nowadays, I have absolutely no desire to pay a cent more than what my bi-weekly payment requires because I fully intend to blow that money on a Porsche instead. I'm on "the wrong side" of 40, and delayed gratification doesn't make nearly as much sense as it did in my 20's and 30's anymore.

I hope I'll see you in your Cayman R / 996 / 997 / 997.2 GT3 some time.

Except Covid had made buying vehicles a viable investment...LOL

I also agree that a Cayman is a very good handling. I personally think it out perform 911 in value.