④ Fuel Economy

12–14 km/L on the highway, and about 10 km/L on local roads. Since the 523i’s fuel economy is poor, I thought the Cayman was an eco car when I first saw its numbers (laughs).

⑤ Ride Comfort and Feel

The car has adjustable damping, ranging from stiff to moderate. For a sports car, I think the ride comfort is quite good.

However, since it has bucket seats and aftermarket suspension, the ride comfort likely differs from a Cayman with stock parts.

As for driving feel, while the 523i “pushes its heavy body with a large engine steadily and confidently,” the Cayman feels like “a light body zooming with a big engine.” (My vocabulary is lacking, haha.)

The 523i often feels electronically assisted, with a noticeable lag in acceleration even when flooring the pedal in comfort mode. Sports mode improves response but not to the Cayman’s level. Compared to the E46 320i my father owned before the 523i, the 523i also felt less responsive.

In contrast, the Cayman’s MT and pure sports car nature make it respond quickly.

On the circuit, I felt the handling, braking, and rigidity stood out.

I haven’t driven other cars on circuits, so I can’t compare, but it felt like the Cayman was telling me, “You can still turn more, grip harder, and brake more.”

The car’s performance was still untapped, but I wasn’t able to keep up. Sorry, Cayman—I’ll get better at driving, I promise.

⑥ Family’s Reaction

My mother was like, “I can’t believe you actually bought a Porsche…” I feel the same way. My father was happy.

When I told my ex-girlfriend about this, she said, “Are you stupid?” And she was right.

⑦ Favorite Points

The sexy rear hips. Also, when I turn on the sports exhaust and lift off the accelerator to hear the “babababa” sound, I even think, “I’m glad to be alive.”

Thank you, Mom and Dad.

5) Options I Would Definitely Choose If Buying Another Porsche

I’m satisfied with the current setup, but since I can’t heel-toe at all and the organ-style accelerator pedal makes it especially difficult, I wish I had the Sports Chrono Package. (For the 981, the Sports Chrono Package enables auto-blip in Sport Plus mode.)

But no more excuses—I’ll work hard to master heel-toe! Experienced MT drivers, please teach me!

7) Things That Bother Me

I’m not a big fan of the orange accents inside. Though when driving, it doesn’t really bother me.

8) Overall Impression

I love everything except the orange interior accents!

9) What Porsche Means to Me

“Something that enriches my life.”

Though I had free use of the 523i, it was my father’s car, so I never participated in imported car gatherings or meetings before. After buying a Porsche, I joined my first meeting. I’ve met new people and expect to continue doing so.

Since buying the Cayman, my work has been going well, so maybe it brings some good luck. I’ll keep working hard to maintain this car.

〘Blog Administrator’s Thoughts〙
Takemaru, who kindly shared this report, messaged me that this blog inspired him to buy a Porsche. Buying a Porsche at a young age and working hard to maintain it—his straightforward love for cars and determination moved me deeply. Thank you very much, Takemaru!