I had never driven a Porsche Cayman before. Only a Boxster – a 987 Boxster S that we owned a few years back. So, when given the opportunity last month to drive one, I jumped at the chance. Boy, was it fun! It handled so well on the curves, and I could really feel the mid-enginey-ness in its handling. Still, I was a little sad when I drove this car. The current 718 Porsche Cayman no longer has that beautiful flat-six sound that this 981 has.
I have not driven the 718 Cayman, but I hear it is a joy to drive. I have talked to several satisfied 718 owners who say it is very exciting to drive. But, for me, the whole experience is also the sound of the car. Many 718 owners claim it doesn’t matter, but I think it does.
As we head into the world of electric and hybrid cars, I realize that the ‘petrol head’ such as myself is going to lose something; that intoxicating sound of the flat-six, normally-aspirated engine. I suppose that is inevitable, but I still really enjoyed this slightly older model Porsche with its amazing sound and handling. Come with me as I drive the last of a dying breed.