2014 Cayman S, now what?

[Lark]

I realize I risk a flogging by posting this on Zpost, but I went from a Z43.0si to the Boxster S. While I absolutely loved my Z4, I can say that I have never looked back. The Boxster S is like a rat with sneakers. But that is the beauty of having different makes and models. Different strokes for different folks.

What about a 991 Turbo?

[David70]

I think he said manual, no turbo, 2012 or newer and less than $70k Canadian. This removes a lot of the suggestions.

[nesrevival]

isn't it hard to find non-turbo 2012 or above?

[baege]

Originally Posted by nesrevival

isn't it hard to find non-turbo 2012 or above?

indeed it is

I am not sure why no one makes a 3000lb ish, stylish nimble sports car with 300 ft/lbs of normal aspiration sourced torque from about 2000 rpm on...I think that car would sell like hot cakes

nothing on the market like it right now

C7 has the torque but it weighs more like 3400 lbs...
my cayman hits the 3000 lb mark but falls short on torque.

[inTgr8r]

^ this....

I remember when the 1er was first being talked about & everyone had hopes for a spec like this.

[David70]

Originally Posted by baege

indeed it is

I am not sure why no one makes a 3000lb ish, stylish nimble sports car with 300 ft/lbs of normal aspiration sourced torque from about 2000 rpm on...I think that car would sell like hot cakes

nothing on the market like it right now

C7 has the torque but it weighs more like 3400 lbs...
my cayman hits the 3000 lb mark but falls short on torque.

Cayman S close with the weight and almost the torque. 911 S over the weight but hits the torque. Neither at really low rpms.

Only way I know to hit big torque numbers without a turbo or supercharger (especially at low rpms) is for relatively big displacement engine. Put a big engine in a car you want be stay at 3000 lbs. (or less) and you end up with a really small, expensive car, and the market isn't that large. Add in mpg, weight, cost benefits of smaller turbo engines and I think the population of NA engines will keep getting smaller.

Even GM has talked about future Corvette's at least having a turbo 6 option.

[HEY32G]

I just configured this M4 on BMW's web site. $70,400. Seems like the best solution to me. Or let me put it this way, if I wanted to find the best car for my $70k, I'd be at my BMW dealership placing an order.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...tionId=5557925

[KevinM]

If you really are set on a normally aspirated engine and don't mind driving a Corvette, the C7 seems the best option.

I know you said no turbos, but do yourself a favor and test drive a F8X M3 or M4. You probably won't find a manual to test drive, but you'll get the idea by driving an DCT-equipped sample. I've only had naturally aspirated cars (and will be keeping both my current Ms as I love them), but I love the S55 in the F8X and will be adding one next year.

[baege]

Update:

test drove an e89 3.0sdrive and a M235i today. Both manual.

the e89 30sdrive was not my deal, I came from a e86 Z4 coupe 3.0si and I could feel the extra weight of the e89 in both acceleration and handling. Somehow I also didn't like the driving position all that much. Car was overall not a good fit for me.


M235i: yup my sensitivity to turbos was there again, I could feel turbo lag just as I had when I drove the 135i 5 years ago. The m235i may actually be quicker than my CS but FOR ME, its normally aspirated engine is much more fun and visceral. I will avoid turbos until they stop making NA or supercharged engines.

so really the only cars left standing are the S5 and the C7.

[TennesseeZ4]

Just noted this post, and have to input a vehicle that I consider in the same class of car you are looking for. The C63 AMG.

No lag of any kind, superb chassis, and the right body class. Just go drive one; it may be one of the best cars that I have ever driven (yes, including my Z4). But if you want that size, no turbo lag, and have something that will fit your price point, you deserve to enjoy a few minutes behind the wheel of the C63.

CarGurus has a rather long list of late model vehicles for consideration. Do yourself a favor and drive one before you buy.

[Huz-Z]

You would probably find an E89 SDrive 35i or 35IS to be a lot better in the power department. I expect in the handling area though its very different from any E85 or E86 variant, as the E89 is really more of a GT car, base on what I've read.

[KevinC]

My buddy has a C7, and I was absolutely shocked at how massive of an improvement it is over his former C6. A really nice car, and screaming performance bargain for the money.

That said, I could never own one myself. Being a follicly-challenged guy in my late 50's makes me a prime candidate, but I really don't want to have to start wearing double-knit sansabelt slacks and white-tassled loafers. Just not my style! I'm a T-shirt, 501's, and funky Adidas kind of guy. Works better with combo below.