Should I buy a Cayman GTS or a 911?

Question

Accepted Answer

Great question! At $75,981, this **2015 Cayman GTS** is positioned at the upper end of the market—the 981 GTS averages around $64k with sales ranging from $41k–$89k. Here's how it stacks up against 911 alternatives:

## The 911 Options at This Price

For similar money, you're looking at **991.1 Carrera S** models:
- **[2015 911 Carrera S Cabriolet](https://classic.com/veh/2015-porsche-911-carrera-s-wp0cb2a98fs143128-45aak94)** – $72,500 (56k miles)
- **[2014 911 Carrera S Cabriolet](https://classic.com/veh/2014-porsche-911-carrera-s-wp0cb2a93es154827-pJGDxg4)** – $78,500 (40k miles)  
- **[2015 911 Carrera S Coupe](https://classic.com/veh/2015-porsche-911-carrera-s-wp0ab2a98fs110363-WNoejPp)** – $87,991 (28k miles)

The Carrera S has 395hp stock versus the GTS's 340hp—but this particular Cayman has significant mods (IPD plenum, GT3 throttle body, Soul headers, COBB tune) that likely put it right around **360–380hp**, shrinking that gap considerably.

## Which Should You Choose?

**Buy the Cayman GTS if:**
- You want the sharper, more balanced mid-engine chassis—it's widely regarded as the better "sports car"
- You enjoy track days or backroad carving (the GTS has X73 Sport Suspension plus your modifications)
- The 911's rear seats aren't essential (they're tiny anyway!)

**Buy the 911 if:**
- The badge and status matter to you—let's be honest, the 911 is *the* Porsche icon
- You want a more refined GT car for longer trips
- You prefer the rear-engine handling characteristics

## My Take

This particular Cayman GTS punches above its weight with those mods. For pure driving enjoyment, it's hard to beat—the mid-engine layout delivers superior balance, and with the performance upgrades, you're getting 911-grade acceleration with Cayman agility.

The 911 Carrera S is the smarter "investment" (they depreciate slower due to the name), but the GTS is the more engaging driver's car. At $75k with 33k miles and all those upgrades, this Cayman offers serious value—just know you're paying a premium over stock GTS pricing: [https://classic.com/m/porsche/cayman/981/gts/](https://classic.com/m/porsche/cayman/981/gts/)

Does your heart want the purist mid-engine experience, or do you need the 911's legendary status?

Lot 18-548: 2015 Porsche Cayman GTS

Classic cars

Cars for sale

Resources

Lot 18-548: 2015 Porsche Cayman GTS

Become a CLASSIC Insider