Keep my Cayman or trade it in for a Stinger?

[Snicklefritz]

Thanks for the insight! How would you rate the fun factor of your stinger out of a 10?

I have zero experience in a fun car outside of the two Stingers we have. So, of course I rate them highly. I wouldn't put it at 10, because that would mean no other car could possibly excell a fun factor of 10, which I don't believe even though I have only my imagination and reading to start any comparison with the Stinger.

Maybe a 9, though. And the 2.0L Premium an 8 because of lower HP only.

It's interesting, when talking sway bars. That lighter 4 cylinder engine balances the car more nimbly. I've never felt a need to put sways on the Premium. But I early on put a rear Eibach on the GT1, and a year and a half later put the front Eibach on. The front bar was an even more pronounced difference in handling than the rear alone. Yet if I were to put only a single sway bar on it would be the rear, to reduce the "float" and stepping out in the rear. The addition of the front bar improved steering feedback and consistency a great deal and reduced body roll too. Carving curves is much more confidently done with full sways on the GT.

The premium handles better stock than the GT. If I ran summer Michelins on the Premium perhaps I'd feel differently. But I have only run A/S on the Premium.

Currently I have A/S on the GT1 and they handle very well, and grip very well too, close to a PS4S but of course lose out to it in the dry. I read reviews that the Nitto Motivo 365 outperforms the PS4S in the wet. But since I don't hoon in wet conditions, ever, I'll never find out. Ha hah.

 

[Volfy]

@Volfy - just wanted to say I noticed you've had two of the Stinger bodies and g70 ...how do you like the g70 compared to the stingers? They're essentially the same chasis engine correct minus the interior/exterior aesthetics? Must be a great platform if you've liked it enough to own three.

G70 and Stinger do share a lot of corporate DNA, so they have the same powertrain choices and suspension system. The chassis are very similar but not exactly identical. The Stinger has about 3" longer wheelbase, so combined with the hatchback does have roomier passenger/cargo space. However, with such a huge rear opening and lacking a strong rear crossbrace, Stinger chassis is less torsionally rigid. That give the G70 an edge in handling... not by a huge amount but noticeable, especially at the track. Plus our G70 is a 6MT, which is packaged with Brembo brakes and LSD, so pretty much a factory "tuner car". My oldest wanted to learn to drive manual and also get into HPDE (AutoX and track), so for him G70 was a no brainer.

We've since retrofitted the two Stingers to match our G70's Brembos and LSD, plus Riaction coilovers and lightweight Enkei 18's. So they slice and dice about as sharp as this platform can manage with reasonable investment. We have tracked all 3 cars extensively.

As I mentioned previously though, Stinger/G70 are not bona fide track machines. To the extend that they pulled weekend track duty well enough to get our feet wet, they served admirably as learning tools. At the end of the day, these are our daily drivers - first and foremost. That's what they do best; that's what I bought these cars for.

 

[Landshark]

they are really two completely different cars ... one is a light, nimple two seater, one is a somewhat heavy (for a performance car) sporty GT cruiser.

its really what you want out of a car. handling, and the feeling like you're close to the road in a go-kart .... or comfortable high speed luxury.

i had two 928S4's ... my favorite car in the world and i'm glad i was lucky enough to own them, but they were very temperamental. the major mechanical stuff was reliable, but the little things that go wrong can be a PITA and ruin the driving experience (AC, electrical stuff, etc.)

the best solution would be to trade the Camry in for the Stinger. its actually very practical as a daily driver, with a giant hatch if you need to haul a bunch of groceries, etc.

i have a Scorp, and its great!

 

[Snowwhite]

Thanks for the insight! How would you rate the fun factor of your stinger out of a 10?

for street driving? 9/10. very fun around turns and highway ramps, but you feel the weight when it's time to slow down, even with good aftermarket pads. haven't taken it on track but I suspect it wouldn't be as fun as something lighter there.

given your current stable, I agree with those telling you to trade in the Camry instead, if your trunk space can take the hit. a 4cyl Stinger will do everything that Camry does with a good dose of fun thrown in. The only downside to that is the trunk in the Camry is larger than the one in the stinger. Yes, the stinger is a hatch, but it is very shallow. four domestic carryons won't fit where they would in the camry.

 

[Snicklefritz]

... The only downside to that is the trunk in the Camry is larger than the one in the stinger. Yes, the stinger is a hatch, but it is very shallow. four domestic carryons won't fit where they would in the camry.

Ima not believing. The Stinger's hatch with seats up is 23.3 cuft with the hatch cover removed, Camry trunk is 15.1 cuft.

 

[Snowwhite]

Ima not believing. The Stinger's hatch with seats up is 23.3 cuft with the hatch cover removed, Camry trunk is 15.1 cuft.

everyone keeps saying this. grab some suitcases and try it. I think the 23.3 is without the cargo cover, but even then, I wouldn't want the luggage to be able to roam the cabin in case of a crash.

 

[Volfy]

The RWD diff and driveshafts do take up space in the rear. The north-sound engine config and transmission in the center tunnel also limit space up front. There is just no denying FWD does have a very distinct advantage on interior (passenger/cago) room. Thats why they are so incredibly popular.

 

[kaiju26]

Wanted to preface with thanks everyone for your insights. I think I'm more convinced now that the Stinger will actually be a great choice. Unfortunately I couldn't convince the wife to let the camry go haha and can ultimately only keep either the Cayman or the Stinger.

For me it comes down to the types of roads we have here in Houston and fun factor which both has in their own right. I guess I needed confirmation from someone who owns Stingers perspective and seems like everyone rates it highly in terms of good fun. I don't live near any twisties so I won't be able to take advantage of its amazing handling whereas these wide flat roads I think having a bit of more power and turbo spool will suffice in thrilling me.

I don't have any foreseeable plans to track or autox the weekend car and finding something that is comfortable and can do pulls on the freeway is ultimately what I've decided I want versus a better handling canyon carver.

As some of you stated above another factor I took into consideration is that I'd rate myself a novice amateur mechanic in the event where I would need to take apart that mid engine bay seems daunting. I can do the usual oil changes, airfilters and brake jobs etc. but anything bigger I'd have to send her in so overall long term cost of ownership the Stinger seems like the more economical choice.

I will miss the Porsche...its an absolute gorgeous machine and perhaps I'll get another one some day. Throwing a picture of her below.

 

[LordKOTL]

everyone keeps saying this. grab some suitcases and try it. I think the 23.3 is without the cargo cover, but even then, I wouldn't want the luggage to be able to roam the cabin in case of a crash.

I think you may be right about without the cargo cover adding to the ft³, but even so my trunk area feels more spacious than my dad's Camry--at least length-wise.

My wife and my luggage on out most recent trip (2 max size carry-on backpacks and a medium size suitcase) left more horizontal room in my Stinger than in my dad's Camry--again--front-to-back. This was with the cargo cover.

The other thing about it is the hard trunk deck on the Camry would limit vertical space, while removing the deck lid gives a lot more vertical space if needed.

 

[Devin]

I would've kept the Porsche but the Stinger is fun, so enjoy!

 

[Maljey]

Wanted to preface with thanks everyone for your insights. I think I'm more convinced now that the Stinger will actually be a great choice. Unfortunately I couldn't convince the wife to let the camry go haha and can ultimately only keep either the Cayman or the Stinger.

For me it comes down to the types of roads we have here in Houston and fun factor which both has in their own right. I guess I needed confirmation from someone who owns Stingers perspective and seems like everyone rates it highly in terms of good fun. I don't live near any twisties so I won't be able to take advantage of its amazing handling whereas these wide flat roads I think having a bit of more power and turbo spool will suffice in thrilling me.

I don't have any foreseeable plans to track or autox the weekend car and finding something that is comfortable and can do pulls on the freeway is ultimately what I've decided I want versus a better handling canyon carver.

As some of you stated above another factor I took into consideration is that I'd rate myself a novice amateur mechanic in the event where I would need to take apart that mid engine bay seems daunting. I can do the usual oil changes, airfilters and brake jobs etc. but anything bigger I'd have to send her in so overall long term cost of ownership the Stinger seems like the more economical choice.

I will miss the Porsche...its an absolute gorgeous machine and perhaps I'll get another one some day. Throwing a picture of her below.

Enjoy the Stinger! It doesn't sound like you test drove a Stinger before? You'll have to give us your impressions once you get it! It will definitely pull harder than the base Cayman. Frankly it has more than enough power, stock, for my liking. I have no desire to add anymore. I ended up getting the 2022+ Borla exhaust as I found the Stinger to be too quiet. I love the exhaust but wish the car could rev just a little more to 7K RPM to hear it more.

I wonder what feedback you would have received on a Porsche Cayman forum if you said you were gonna trade the car for a Kia? Hahaha.

 

[kaiju26]

I would've kept the Porsche but the Stinger is fun, so enjoy!

Hi @Devin any particular reasons why? I actually went out for a pretty long drive in the Cayman to find some back country roads and it was definitely thrilling and made it even harder to decide! Carmax is currently doing its final inspection for the stinger and should call me any day now. Back to the Cayman ripping it in higher rpms in 2nd and 3rd gear and the car just feels so planted and turns so well! Obviously two different machines for two different styles of driving...and where I ultimately take it. If its going to those roads again Cayman hands down...I've only test drove one Stinger GT2 AWD and that was for maybe like two exits on the freeway but the power difference definitely was also exciting when I stepped on the pedal. If I was being honest with myself I don't know how often I'd make it out to those back country roads ...and say I did would you say the stinger do ok? If I went stinger route I'd definitely mod the swaybars first to improve handling. That way I can have best of both worlds? Highway power and occasionally far out drive.

Anyone take their stinger to some twisties? Forget comparing it to the Cayman for now but how would you rate your experience with just the stinger alone on handling out of 1-10? Stock vs suspension mods?

 

[Snicklefritz]

Ima only stock other than sways. I can offer comparison between stock sways and Eibach. GT1 AWD. I could agree with the criticism of the stock Stinger suspension after over half a year of driving on stock. I had already pushed well past 100 MPH a bunch of times and found the "hoppy" feel in the rear diminished the faster I went. Stepping out in turns is another matter. Higher speed won't feel more stable, quite the reverse. You don't actually lose control it just feels unnerving to have the backend scoot out in little jabs in a sustained curve.

When I put the rear Eibach in it was a world of difference. The side stepping almost entirely disappeared. Cornering was done with greater confidence. After a year and a half I put the front Eibach in and that was, as I already pointed out, an even bigger improvement than the rear bar had been - affecting steering feedback at all speeds and points in a curve, and reducing body roll. The increased steering feedback is the single most important improvement to me, because I can feel nearing the loss of adhesion much better than with the stock sway bar.

As far as "twisties" goes. We have a lot of twisties in the nearby mountains. And I've even been on The Tail of the Dragon with the rear Eibach bar and worn Michelin summer in front and almost new in back. Those many curves - 318 in eleven miles, they advertise, but who's counting? - felt very predictable to this tyro curve carver. I knew that what I experienced was a lot of fun for a four-door, long wheel-based GT weighing over two tons, almost a hundred percent stock.

Your going to compare the Porsche to the Stinger. I can't do that. When I experience true nimbleness, then we can talk about differences. Intellectually, I know that the Stinger is quick but not fast through curves compared to coupes with sport / racing suspension. But being my only sporty high performance ride in my already long life, I am completely satisfied with the Stinger in twisty bits. Powering out of a curve with this kind of power - more than you can use - is what is fun. We are not on the timer. Ha hah.

 

[kaiju26]

Ima only stock other than sways. I can offer comparison between stock sways and Eibach. GT1 AWD. I could agree with the criticism of the stock Stinger suspension after over half a year of driving on stock. I had already pushed well past 100 MPH a bunch of times and found the "hoppy" feel in the rear diminished the faster I went. Stepping out in turns is another matter. Higher speed won't feel more stable, quite the reverse. You don't actually lose control it just feels unnerving to have the backend scoot out in little jabs in a sustained curve.

When I put the rear Eibach in it was a world of difference. The side stepping almost entirely disappeared. Cornering was done with greater confidence. After a year and a half I put the front Eibach in and that was, as I already pointed out, an even bigger improvement than the rear bar had been - affecting steering feedback at all speeds and points in a curve, and reducing body roll. The increased steering feedback is the single most important improvement to me, because I can feel nearing the loss of adhesion much better than with the stock sway bar.

As far as "twisties" goes. We have a lot of twisties in the nearby mountains. And I've even been on The Tail of the Dragon with the rear Eibach bar and worn Michelin summer in front and almost new in back. Those many curves - 318 in eleven miles, they advertise, but who's counting? - felt very predictable to this tyro curve carver. I knew that what I experienced was a lot of fun for a four-door, long wheel-based GT weighing over two tons, almost a hundred percent stock.

Your going to compare the Porsche to the Stinger. I can't do that. When I experience true nimbleness, then we can talk about differences. Intellectually, I know that the Stinger is quick but not fast through curves compared to coupes with sport / racing suspension. But being my only sporty high performance ride in my already long life, I am completely satisfied with the Stinger in twisty bits. Powering out of a curve with this kind of power - more than you can use - is what is fun. We are not on the timer. Ha hah.

This response is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks @Snicklefritz ! I'm not out for the fastest lap times just some good fun and a little more power. Good to know it handles well enough in the twisties if I ever decide to venture out from Houston to the back country. Carmax just called me and told me they've completed inspection and are ready for me to come check out the stinger. I may just come home with her tonight

 

[Devin]

Hi @Devin any particular reasons why?

The Stinger is discontinued so the aftermarket will dry up, ans since it is a niche platform it will dry up quicker. At least in my experience with owning a nice platform!

 

[Alpinesting]

The basics of this platform are still in use (Engine, Transmission, Transaxles and the like.) Genesis is axing the g70 but there are

still plenty of parts to be had. This is a multiplatform car using the American model. However, the body panels will get harder

find so that could be a problem. Anyways, the Stinger GT2 is interesting as it will kind of give the feedback as Snickle said going

through the corners. To me, it exudes crisp handling to a point and will give you a warning as the rear end wants to skip out a bit

and you can feel it. The car is a bit heavy, but that is okay as you can adjust this by augmenting with sway bars. I have no such

appetite for that as we are happy with the way it is, and those days of that are long gone. But, there is a strong aftermarket supply of

parts, so you still can improve the suspension to your liking. If we want to take to the twisties, we can hop in our Celica Gts and

have some fun as it is a tossable FWD car and after 25 years we know exactly what to expect. This is a solid car and is so overlooked

and often overmodded. Enjoy the ride if you choose to get one!

 

[Volfy]

Speaking of ToTD... mine has a pair of these, uh, souvenirs... to remember having slayed the Dragon.

At the time, my Stinger already had Riaction coilovers and Whiteline anti-roll bars track-tuned at several local events in the months just prior. However, even though I've got 5 sets of wheels/tires to choose from, I went with arguably the lamest set - square 235/45R18 Bridgestone all-seasons on 18x7.5 OEM rims from my old '09 Genesis sedan. Why? Because comfort on the 2000+mile round trip there and back was far more important than optimizing for the slice & dice once we got there. Especially with full load of family onboard.

Did that diminish the fun we had at the Dragon, and all the other fun roads there? Not enough to matter. Fact is, you do not need the sharpest scalpel to carve some mean twisties. Even with those all-seasons, we were tail-gating Porsches, Audis, Camaros, and Jaguar F-type, trying to get them to move. Some were nice enough to pull over to let us pass; others... not so nice. Good thing is, 11 miles comes up super fast when we were having fun. So we turned right around and try our traffic luck again.

Carving twisties is why I chose the 2.5T RWD. I highly doubt we used any more than 150HP out of the 300HP max. Maybe not even 100HP. A 3.3T engine would've been just dead weight up front. When the turns were that tightly stitched together, there was nowhere in those 11 miles to safely unleash all the horses. Instead, better chassis balance with the lighter 4cyl allows for faster transitions and makes for more neutral handling.

Stop overthinking your choice and quit with the 20 questions about which car scores 7 or 9 out of 10. For 99.5% of the folks reading these forums, any Stinger in any trim/config, will not be the limiting factor. I include myself in that 99.5%, btw. So just go out and enjoy whichever set of wheels you pilot. Even your wife's Camry - with a little proper set up - can be a barrel of fun at the twisties. Heck, there is a late model Camry at the local AutoX that whips my butt every time.

Twisties are all about the driver. Not the car.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Speaking of ToTD... mine has a pair of these, uh, souvenirs... to remember having slayed the Dragon.

All I have are a couple of hats. Ha hah. Oh, and a long-sleeved black T-shirt with a map of the Dragon on the back, that I haven't worn yet. Souvenirs.

I like your assessment of the superior balance of the 4 cylinder engine. That was noticeable right away, even with A/S tires, after five years in the 6 cylinder GT1.

On the Dragon, I never came close even once to WOT with the 3.3L engine - haven't been but the one time, and that predated the 2.0L Premium. The limitation of course was me, as Ima sure somebody who knows competition driving could pound the Dragon with a 6 cylinder Stinger.

 

[kaiju26]

Got her last night! Thanks all for your insights into this car! Already had a blast cruising her home...man is she quick! Gonna miss the porsche but can see myself having loads of fun with the stinger

 

[Alpinesting]

Always liked the white but the better half insisted on the orange! Nice!