FR-S vs Cayman
 

Is the FR-S going to be close enough from a driving pleasure angle that the extra cost of a Cayman isn't worth it?

For me I can't find two other "normal" hard top cars less than 75k that are as focused on driving pleasure.

I plan on cross shopping these two come spring/summer.

Srsly? :search:

The FR-S was supposedly bench marked with the cayman while the prototype was tested, but I wouldn't really compare the two in any other regards than handling. They're two complete different classes of cars.

Well, even if they are in two classes of cars, they are attracting more than one cross-shopper. My current shopping list to check out next year:

Porsche Cayman S,
Subaru BRZ,
Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca.


Intended competitors or not...if subaru makes an "STi" BRZ, it's very possible that's what I'll choose. We'll see. Just wanted to chime in to point out I'm on the list of folks cross-shopping such cars...I think there may be more of us out there.

just because it states STi doesn't mean it will have a turbo attached to it

Yes, I'm seriously going to cross shop these two. I want a driver focused car, a fun to drive car. I cannot think of another car in the same arena except for an RX-8. Most cars have more than enough power for "fun" and more than enough power for safe and easy highway driving.

They don't compare price wise, power wise, or in amenities (although a base Cayman isn't very "luxurious") but they are close in thought. An Elise is close to a track day only car, a 370z more of a "grand tourer". I find the Cayman and 86 to be cars focused on driving pleasure. So is a Miata, but its a convertible with the attendent issues.

What MX5 issues
 

I don't get this constant picking about MX5 Mazdas,My boyfriend and i just
love our little car as we drive around the eastern suburbs of Sydney (Australia) .

I was looking into the Cayman S before I got my IS. I would have gotten one had I not needed a sedan more than a 2 seater. If you have the money, definitely buy the Cayman even if it is just the base model. Either one will destroy the BRZ/FR-S. Idk if you've read the reviews, but the handling characteristics of the Cayman rivals its big brother the 911. Porsche could have easily made it better than the 911 but then nobody would buy a 911 :p It's severely limited to what it can do which is good news to you because then you can build it up to your liking (if you're into that of course)

here's my friends S model with the Techart kit..god I love this thing, handles like a dream, my IS350 has more umpth though ;)

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot..._3646455_n.jpg

dont bring attention to miatas. its probably the last cheap car that idiots dont really get ahold of them and the prices dont randomly inflate like corollas or civics

I like the Miata. I don't want to have to worry about many autocross and DE sessions requiring a roll bar, I know that sounds dumb, but its one of my main hangups on convertibles. It has kept me from buying a used Boxster, Miata, or MR2.

@jonnyozerozero3
What gets you looking at the Boss vs the Cayman and BRZ?

Subaru used a cayman for a Brz which then tickled down to the
86 which was running with a supra then it got to the Frs whoes according to reviews has diff suspension tuning. Give Subaru the credit for choosing to try and make a great car on par with cayman.

Oddly enough a normal 911doesn't appeal much to me. A GT3? Yes please. Can't afford it and wouldn't want to drive it long distance (600+ miles).

I test drove a Cayman and was pretty happy with it. Shifting feel not as satisfying as I had hoped. Cable linked shifters kind of suck. I suspect that when I get to test drive a FR-S/BRZ I will be about as satisifed as the Cayman.

Luckily boy racers are insecure in their masculinity and the Miata is appealing enough to the female buyer that it scares away the ricer.

P.S. I loved mine, bought my current car for practicality, and am interested in the BRZ because I hope it captures some of the pure fun the Miata was.