That is awesome that the GT86 took first place in this contest! I'm one of the First 86 to buy the car, and I'm feeling better and better about that decision every day.

The very first Japanese car I ever sat in was an 82 Celica fastback GT. My wife and I were shopping for a new car and were setting in a new Volvo at a dealership and I suggested to my wife that we should buy the car. She said, not yet, let's wait until we're old!! She said let's check out the Toyota dealership across the street. We left there that day with our first Japanese car; Celica fastback GT. We've owned many cars since then but we have yet to buy a Volvo. I guess we'll wait till we're really old.
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Yeah I remember that. I remember puzzling over it and thinking how unfair it was for you Ozzies :( You probably know that Pontiac is no more; maybe that's a bit of a consolation.

The Achilles heel of the Cayman has always been its lack of an LSD, with an aftermarket unit fitted they are faster around the track and way more fun than a 911, which is why Porsche intentionally crippled it.

Here in SA for interest sake the 86 is 298k (low), 329k (high) and 346k (auto) ZAR
The ST1 is 309k, and the ST3 363k.
So the 86 is better priced.

Last I heard, the Cayman R version came with an LSD. I think it was the engine which was stopping the Cayman from surpassing its big brother.
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I've driven a Cayman R briefly at a Porsche Road Show event (autocross course), and it was a magnificent drive. I can't say the 86 is a better car, but it definitely is a better value for what you get.

If price ($70k+ with taxes) and versatility weren't an issue with the Cayman R, I'd happily own one... Yet the the 86 makes that much more logical sense to me, especially since it would be more affordable to maintain when I'm tracking the car 13-15 (two-day) DE events a year.

I'm completely happy with my FR-S and the simplicity / lack of options which present the purpose more clearly within this car... I'd say that it's a set of tires away from really challenging a Cayman R on a twisty road course (except when it comes to approaching the straights) with equally skilled drivers.

Anyway... I appreciate the OP sharing this exciting review. :)

Great article, and once again confirms everything I love about the 86.

I have to say though I am in deep lust over that Vanquish! It is absolutely stunning in Yellow.

True dat. I see the occasional Aston Martin locally (various models) and they always look stunning in real life, and most of them sound really great too :)

The Cayman R is phenomenal. It makes me happy that Toyota/Subaru chose Porsche as their benchmark. Even if it only came out 1/2 as good it was bound to be great. :)

Porsche more than any other "exotic" manufacturer seems to make cars that are meant to be driven, hard and frequently. If space weren't a concern you could likely easily daily a Carrera S. I doubt you could say the same of a Lamborghini or Ferrari. It's cool to have that "exotic" factor, but Porsche wins in the, "Drive it all week then tear up the track" category when compared to most other cars with the same level of performance.

I think the BMW M cars and some of the AMG Mercs are the only ones that come close and while they're incredible cars they don't have the same swagger as a Porsche.

Nathan

I'm beginning to think that my inner millionaire/Clarkson really wants a Vanquish or DB9. Maybe I can hit that sweet spot eventually where they have depreciated enough I can afford one, but right before they become collectible and the price starts rising....

Unlike others here, when I cross shopped the Cayman and the FRS/BRZ the Cayman won me over.

I find that the Cayman is incredibly neutral almost to a fault. If you are used the feel of oversteer from most Front Engine RWD cars the cayman can feel understeery.

Of all the cars on the road the Cayman is the one I covet the most but I just won't allow myself to spend that kind of money for a fun car. Especially when the FR-S does such an outstanding job.
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Curious what you mean about FR cars oversteering. Are you talking steady-state? In my experience, the majority of FR cars understeer at the limit (my guess is for safety reasons).

... And all those exotics and even Porsche will not match the honesty and simplicity that comes from a car like the 86... Intimidating to go upscale, in more ways than only financially.