[Rai-zero]

Anyone will say that's not any kind of comparison because the Cayman (list) was $60K and the BRZ was 30K. They'd say look at a $30K Cayman which can find $30K Cayman that are from 2011 so not too old but still that's a 7 year old car to a new car. Also to be fair you can find BRZ (used) for $15K so there's really always a 2x price difference looking at comparable cars (used or new). And it shows in that the Porsche is a much nicer car (I am talking build quality and materials).

My salesman told me that 70-80% of Porsche Cayman/911 are sold with the PDK and that MT are usually not preferred because a lot of people use them as DD cars so they like to have the PDK.

The PDK (mush like my DCT from my M3) does make the car faster, but IMO it's less involving. I know you can use the paddles but 99% of the time (at least I did) just leave it in auto. So you miss out on the real need to pay attention. You don't have to think what gear you are in, what gear you should be in, or plan what gear next or when to change. The PDK does it all and better than you can with a MT. But the 6MT is more fun. I can say without a doubt the PDK is faster but the 6MT is more fun. I didn't test the 6MT Cayman but I am sure this will be the way I'd feel.

So the Cayman while being the least powerful Porsche, just feels fast. I can't say it's as fast or feels as nice of an engine as I had in my V8 M3. But just every speed and every engine RPM seems like it has all the power you want.

No doubt in my mind the Cayman is much quicker in every road speed and every situation and every road or racecourse. It would be like Usain Bolt (Cayman) against a very good track runner (BRZ). I'm not saying the BRZ is a dog, but it's not touching the Cayman (in performance).

Same with the comfort and all around most features the Cayman is better.

But the cost is so much more, you can get a Cayman in the $90K's with options not kidding. So it's just a much different class, I know that, we all agree.

MI still love is the BRZ, not because it's better in any way except one big way, that's the cost. I could buy (two cars) a BRZ and a new Outback for the cost of one Cayman.

I am looking for a car that is very fun and affordable so I could keep my used Legacy for half time and drive the BRZ the other half.

I can afford a Cayman, may still do, I just need to drive them both some more, but for the cost I am leaning towards the BRZ.

I just wanted to drive the Cayman (and will likely drive a Mustang) so I could make an informed decision. I am not saying they are the same league but will say the Cayman v BRS are in the same league on size/weight.