Porsche Cayman S 987 Gen 2 vs 981 3.4: Episode 6 Diary of a Porsche Specialist

[@2000viperrt]

Love my 987.2 Cayman with the 6 speed. The curves on the 987 are perfect.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

I totally understand where you are coming from, the shape of the 987 Cayman is perfect, not too big, not too small - just right!

[@bladerunner6282]

IMO, the 2009-2012 cayman S is the sweetspot for the cayman (manual), thus far.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Blade Runner, yes I agree - it is the perfect combo of modern tech and analogue drivers feel. The shape is also svelte and sophisticated, not too big, yet not small either. Cheers, Raj

[@BobC59]

Okay, last comment while I obsess. I love how the 987 seems much more the classic sports car inside and out - and the way it drives. But I also love the updated look of the 981 in the cabin. Both look great outside. I now know I’d be thrilled to own either one and am deliriously happy to own one now. Good video, thank you and cheers!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Ideal world scenario would be to have one of each, they are so different but great in their own ways

[@patrickodonnell9388]

I love the 987 because it's classic looks and simple interior. I have a meteor gray 987.1 and I truly love it. My car is just the cayman 5 speed 2007 but it's still alot of fun to drive on the roads in have here in Southern Indiana. I'm 6.2 and I just fit if I were any taller I don't think I could drive it comfortably.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Drivers seat position/size is the only major drawback of the 987 vs 981. I have had 6.2 buyers leave devastated because they couldn't get comfortable behind the wheel. The 987 Cayman is a surefire future classic Porsche in my opinion. Thanks for watching buddy! Raj

[@savariaxa]

I have a 987.1 2008 base Cayman 245 HP drive it daily looks still as new these 2.7 l engines are mostly flawless no IMS no bore scoring this will be a future classic for me the best design Porsche has ever made !

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

@@savariaxa I still haven't tried the base 987.1 Cayman with a manual box, I think I need to having read your comment! Thanks buddy

[@BobC59]

Thanks for those remarks. I jumped into the Porsche game with both feet last week: 2014 Cayman S manual w/22k miles. Had I seen this first, I may well have gone for the 987.2. Im here now, and despite having to replace a PADM mount ($2,000) right away, I am completely in love with the car! I was looking for a Boxster for a more outdoor type experience at first, but drove a couple Cayman S’s and was hooked. In hindsight tho, this and similar videos have me wondering if the 987.2 would have been a better start. I left a Miata and S2000 because they were so tight for my aging 6’1” long-legged frame, and also wanted to try a mid-engine car. I have loads of space in the 981 and I even have the seat forward a couple inches to fully press the clutch pedal! Despite the initial repair and some dreary weather keeping miles low to begin, I’m so glad to have finally discovered the joy of driving the Cayman/Boxster series! I am sure I’ll be looking around for a 987 to try out, despite my immediate infatuation with the 981. Porsche, where have you been all my life?!!!

[@jamesmarshall3311]

Thanks for making the effort and producing such a comprehensive video. A very interesting comparison and both are great cars. I have a 987.1 S myself, 2006 vintage, with the alternate 19 inch wheels to your sport design units, they are the Lobster claw design off the 997 Carrera S. Very attractive they are, and I am also lucky to have a full Capristo exhaust on mine along with Eibach 30mm lowering springs for that more aggressive stance. I am in my third year of ownership and have not had a single issue with it. The 981 makes for a nice update and I do like the sculpted doors and slightly more aggressive front, though I prefer the rear end on the 987. The interior in the 981 is decidedly an upgrade, but nothing wrong with the 987`s more traditional and simpler layout. The 981 is also quite a bit more expensive than the 987, so that has to figure into the comparison.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Hey James! It sounds like you have your ultimate specification 987 Cayman S, the lobsters with the lowered stance definitely sets the shape of the coupe off. 3 years without an issue is fantastic! Even if something did crop up, it would hopefully something that would be simple for you or a Porsche Specialist to rectify, that has been my experience anyway, there is so much great information out there and also plenty of parts availability - the underestimated beauty of owning a Porsche! I totally agree about your point on cost difference, the 981 is significantly more than the 987.1, and should be taken into account. Buy a good 987.1 Cayman S and you would never have to look back in regret! Cheers, Raj

[@julianjwt]

The 987 is classic and sculptured. The 981 (and 718) as modern and chiselled. The 987 is hands down the more beautiful shape, especially in the stance of the 987R. I really dislike the 981 center column for how the blank buttons are shown.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Julian, appreciate your views, I love the 987 shape as well, a classic design that isn't over the top or ostentatious. A 987R is a beautiful car, I still need to find one to stock, hopefully one day soon! The blank buttons on the 981s are frustrating! I have seen some spoof labels for the blank ones, rocket launcher symbol etc ;-)

[@robsx4280]

Another great really informative video not sure how I missed these before.. Big day Friday new Pads all round and Discs if decide are needed, on my 2011 3.4S.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Rob, good luck with the new brakes! Cheers, Raj

[@jasonbarracks8023]

Nice Video, it really depends on specifically what you require because they are both lovely cars. I'm 6 foot 4 so I have to lean towards the 981 but I like the driving rawness and styling of the 987.2. But the 981 has better interior, infotainment, comfort and driving position. So it would have to be the 981 S Manual I think......

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thank you for sharing Jason, all valid points of course. My personal favourite is the 981 S PDK with Sport Design wheel. Cheers! Raj

[@JohnS-q3d]

Hi Raj, great video - thanks! I stumbled across it as I’m looking to potentially upgrade to a 981 Cayman S and currently own a 987.2 Cayman S. Every time I seem to find what I’m looking for I just can’t seem to go through with the upgrade (my personality trait tells me newer is better). I don’t think I’ll find another 987 like what I have on the market again which holds me back - I guess that says it all really! I just love the retro analogue style of the 987 and the classic lines. I think after the novelty of a 981 has worn off I’ll want to go back to a 987.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks, glad the video shows that both are great, newer isn't always better. I love both but see your swaying to keep what you have as reasonable. It is hard to find really exceptional 987.2 now, in the UK anyway! Raj

[@uweheinrich6784]

Totally agree with your PDK assessment!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Hi Uwe, Thanks for watching and commenting! Raj

[@uweheinrich6784]

I often re-watch your channel, as you have some of the best Porsche content and always present bits and pieces of information that is not included in other Porsche channels......If you come to Southern California for vacation, please let me know and we can meet up.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

@@uweheinrich6784 Wow that is great to hear and thank you for the continued support. I can't believe I filmed this 3 years ago now, would love to film some of these comparisons again, with different examples! Thanks for the invite to meet up too, one day! Raj

[@uweheinrich6784]

👍@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE

[@uweheinrich6784]

@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE 👍

[@ponti1000]

Every generation has pros and cons, and what they say about every gen being better in almost every way than the last is true. That said, 981 is the beautiful balance between 987 and 781 to me. All of them are gorgeous and drool worthy.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Raj

[@warrenlucier5796]

The 981 wheelbase is 60 mm longer than the 987 and this may be where the interior gathered more room. One would have to measure the door from the leading edge to the strike plate at the rear door jamb for determining this. The height is slightly lower and track is slightly wider for the 981 vs 987, but not by very much. I'd like to drive a 981 to see what is different about them (dynamically) to me other than the visuals. I own a 987.2 Cayman S and the exterior design it has is more liking to me, but the dash in the 981 has an appeal to me; not that the 987 isn't just fine to me though.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

I think you are right Warren in the wheelbase extension really helped expand the cabin space. I like both platforms very much, for the same positives you highlight for each. Thanks, Raj

[@PrettyFlyPhotography]

Really like the red dials as a detail within the predominantly black cockpit. Great video 👏

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks for your kind words and feedback of the red dials, they really elevate the cabin, just like the red seat belts too! Cheers

[@socalnsx]

always like the Cayman, but when the 981 came out I loved it......Got myself one couple years ago!!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Good choice SoCal! Enjoy it, Raj

[@BobC59]

15:45 - PADM is a clever idea, but the “dynamic mounting” costs around $2,000 apiece to replace. And according to my experience and some threads, they do fail on some cars. All this for some “extra feel” in the drivetrain is superfluous - a little “project creep” in the engineering dept., German ingenuity run amuck! I’d trade those mounts for the 987’s steering feel all day long!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

The PADM units do fail, we’ve replaced a few over the years! They cost just over £700 each here in the UK and are around an hour labour to replace. Cheers

[@BobC59]

@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE The previous owner and I each paid about $1,200 USD plus 3-4 hours labor. I was told a 4-wheel alignment was required with the service too

[@thedudeabides1443]

Really nice review. Having recently sold my 987.1 Cayman S for a 981 Boxster S (wanted the top down experience!) I must say that while I liked my 987.1, I LOVE the 981. Better engine, much better brakes, stiffer chassis and same weight as the old model. And as a bonus, it has VERY similar lines to my favorite Porsche of all time-the Carrera GT.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Sounds like a great upgrade for you, congrats! There really are no major downsides for owning a Boxster S 981, especially if you are prepared to look after that fabric roof! Totally agree about the Carrera GT references too in the style/design. Have you seen my 981 boxster vs 987 boxster vid? I also have a 981 Cayman vs 981 Boxster I need to get on and edit! ;-) Cheers, Raj

[@IrishManJT]

I missed out on buying a black on black 981 Cayman S PDK with 56k on the clock by about an hour two weeks go in Ireland. However, my dealer has now sourced a Agate Grey 981 Cayman S PDK with 30k on the clock for me. Plus it also has GTS lights & PDLS which the black Cayman did not have. Can’t wait to take delivery. 😎

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Agate Grey is a stunning colour, looks like you ended up with the better car! Enjoy it! Raj

[@clu4u]

‘Grey is the new black’ lol. Just collected my 981 Spyder after trading in my 05 S, 142,000 miles.

[@salangchoi02]

both are great cars. I prefer gen1 987 though.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thank you! Provided you have a healthy one, the gen 1 987 is a super sweet car and the engine characteristics are better than any DFI imho. Thanks! Raj

[@daniv.4196]

The 981 is the better car, but which car makes more fun (i dont mean faster) to drive with same options (pdk, sport crono, sport exhaust...)????

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

I would say they are both exceptional with those options, for more drama and immediate excitement it would be the 981, for the better long term companion I would say the 987.2. Cheers, Raj

[@MadelnMachines]

I think I really need to try both back to back if I could ever get the opportunity. I do really love the looks of the 981 generation but did feel it was quite a big car and lacked some of the old school raw feel that I tend to prefer. The 981 seemed to hide it's speed and feedback making it refined less exciting than I thought it should be - a more luxury feeling (with great sound) than sporting feeling like a lot of Audi's and BMWs of the same era. Do you find both the 981 S and 987 S both have heavy clutches with quite a long bite point?

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Made in Machines, they are very well summarised in your comment, these were both PDK, the manuals aren't notably heavy clutched, but do have a long pedal travel. Cheers, Raj

[@angeleternity]

I had a Boxster 987.1 and actually I have a Focus RS. Now I’m looking for a Boxster again, but 981S.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Angel_Cars_20, good choice on new car! Raj

[@clu4u]

Also had a 987.1 BS, 971 Spyder in my garage!

[@raymondmumford6255]

Hey Raj, love the reviews ❤️ Can I ask are the sports seats in the red 981 suitable for bigger guys, or are they too tight? Love the smile when you overtook the car in the 981😃😆

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Raymond! Really like your comments, the sports seats are quite wide actually in the 981s, the 987.2 sports seats are noticeably narrower. Thanks for the overtake comments, I always enjoy overtaking (where safe to do so!). Cheers, Raj

[@thomasferber480]

Thanks for the informative Video. Owning a beautiful 987.2 2.9L MT in yellow and Just Test Drove a 981 GTS PDK - really hard decision thats how I stumbled upon your comparison. Not Sure what to Chose but the 981 got me hooked somehow. Is the big price difference worth it? Anyway I suggest you try to remove the Background noise from this Video so others can enjoy and understand it better ;) worth it.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thank you Thomas, it is a tough comparison for sure, both are incredible as you know. I am sorry about the background noise, I am working on better microphones for future videos, with this one I wanted the engine sounds but unfortunately it did pick up a lot of road noise too! Cheers, Raj

[@thomasferber480]

@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE Yeah, engine sounds are fabulous, but for the video I think you can reduce this to some snippets for the future, the information is also precious :)

[@rsajay6256]

Nice video 👍🏼 Looking hard at a silver 2009 987 gen2 PDK Boxster 80 000km full service history, for sale down the road from me. I'm curious as to the expected clutch lifespan on the manual vs the PDK, any thoughts? What are genuine parts prices like in the UK compared to say BMW? Porsche Lynnwood is literally a short walk from my house, but dealership prices in South Africa can be a bit ridiculous where most things are concerned, so I've been too chicken to walk in and ask pertinent questions... LOL

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks for sharing. Clutches in a manual box car should be good for 40-80k miles, all dependant on driving style. I know of clutches that have gone for longer too. The PDK has 2 wet clutches, which have minimal wear, Porsche state 200k miles life for the whole box, including the clutches, with 60k mile transmission fluid changes. Hope this helps! BMW and Porsche parts are around the same region pricewise, however it really is dependant on what the part is to be honest. Good luck with your search! Raj

[@rsajay6256]

@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE many thanks for the information 👍🏽

[@BobC59]

Biggest interior - and operational - difference: hand brake!!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Good point Bob! Thanks

[@cankonukoglu5016]

Thanks mate great video! My budget fits to 987.2 but do you recommand to save more money for 981? Thanks for your support!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Hi Can, thanks for the kind words. Both are great and very different, try to drive both and see which you prefer? Cheers, Raj

[@21r1_tony2]

I have the 987.2 Cayman S with 6MT. Sharkwerks build, would never get rid of it. Check out my IG for pics Flatsix_tony

[@Gizzmo77]

Tyre noise is a shocker.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Sorry! Hopefully it is just my shocking mic setup (gopro mic).

[@Flies2FLL]

This guy's videos are Great! That being said, I can give what I think is constructive criticism. Doug DeMuro does videos where he is driving a car all the time and his monologue is no different than while standing next to the car he is reviewing. This guy's voice while he is driving is "choppy" and it is like he is constantly distracted, he stops, thinks, says a few words, stops, thinks, says a few words... I've noticed that he drives in towns; That must be distracting him. I might suggest finding some country road where there is little traffic and the road is fairly straight and wide and do the driving monologue there. In aviation, we have a thing known as sterile cockpit. While taxiing and below 10,000 feet or when climbing, we have to limit any conversation to things that directly involve what we are doing. Once up at altitude, we are free to talk about sports, how much better the football played in the United States is compared to the soccer played in Europe, the company, how much better the Cayman is compared to the 911...Et cetera, you get the idea. Again, find a place where it is safe to drive and give a monologue there.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thank you for your critique and advice, Raj

[@mattyp3119]

Like with any generation that went well (it can also go badly like the 718) the 981 is a bit of a unicorn car for Porsche not just within the Cayman range but for all their modern cars. It's objectively better. Thats not to say the 987 isn't great, it is, but it's really not fair: 981 is lighter, better handling, more powerful but not just power also usable torque and powerband across all its engines, more modern in design, much better interior quality, etcetc.. and 981 has the gt4 which is a cut above any 987. Not hating on the 987 it's what originally got me into modern porsche but gotta call a spade a spade they made a nearly perfect sports car when they made the 981

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Hi Matty, really appreciate your input into the 987 vs 981 debate. I think I tried to highlight what you cover, they are both great Porsche sportscars, however one is greater than the other. I personally prefer the smaller 987, the styling for me is the perfect balance. However the dynamic prowess at speed is a notch higher with the 981. I really believe that if you own either you will never be left feeling shortchanged! Thanks for your support and time to write your observations, Raj

[@mattyp3119]

@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE totally agree! Both are very very good cars

[@BubuBarong]

The 981 Is way Better in every single way. Prices and scarcity reflect that.

[@williamjackson5357]

I agree, bought a 981 two years ago, loving it

[@clu4u]

15 years of owning a modded 3.2 S, exhaust, ecu, under drive pulley, lightweight flywheel, short shifter, Bilsteins. My 981 Spyder is more GT and a better car, but my 987 was a ‘better Porsche’. Very mechanical feel.

[@Flies2FLL]

The 981 has 325 hp not 320 hp. As if that is a big difference.... Frankly, I like the look of the 981 A LOT MORE than the 987, which appears strange to me in side view. The 981 interior is better, the car is larger yet it is on average about 77 pounds lighter due to the use of more aluminum and high strength steel. The 981 is a far better design, worthy of the extra cost. In any case, If you are going to buy a 987, definitely buy 2009 and later! The 9A1 engine in the '09 and up is literally bulletproof, whereas the M96 in earlier cars seemed to come from the factory with bullet holes~ Yes, I know that only 9% of M96 engines have the infamous IMS bearing issue, but that is 9% too much at these cars price points.....

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

There is a difference between bhp and HP. I am stating the bhp, which is slightly lower. Good advice on the 987 buying too! Thanks Raj

[@malcolmtennant9528]

When you doing your drive car to noisy your voice to soft. Sorry all your great info gone to waste

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Malcolm for the feedback. I'll improve my recording on my future videos. Raj