I had also pointed out the Merc GT as a peer to the F-Type R but agree with you that the additional 40% premium isn't warranted unless you simply want to be able to claim to own the AMG GT. There is a meme somewhere around here that says something like "Did my $70K Corvette REALLY just kick the **** of your $150K AMG?" It would have been a contender vs. my R if the price had been more reasonable but it does drive and perform VERY similarly to our Rs. I guess I probably should have also listed the Aston-Martin DB11s as those are also super nice GTs but at a $200K+ price point, they are well out of reach of the mortal man.

Another component is that the Mercs & AMs use the same steering rack that is under recall so...
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...-recalled.html

 

Another point to consider - Cayman will always be seen as a cheap Porsche by most people.

 

I just went through this exact scenario minus the Alfa. I was coming from an Mercedes E63. I decided I wanted something with a little more in the looks department without losing the power.

In my shopping it was tough to find a perfect Cayman S, since the options are all over the place. I got frustrated and never found the perfect car. They were great to drive, you are glued to the road, but it never stuck you in your seat with raw power.

The Evora is nice looking but it wasn't timeless. It was a much better drive than the exige or Elise for comfort, but it was missing something. It was something I felt I would enjoy for a short period of time and never would enjoy putting lots of miles on. I realized I would only want the 400 and that was outside my price range.

The F-Type was a blend of everything, looks, power, and driving experience. Only part that felt like a downgrade was the interior, but that was coming from the Benz. The looks are unique, and you rarely see another one around. The sounds is all you need to hear, the V8 is pure sex. It gets lots of attention, much more than the Evora and Cayman.

 

I moved from SL, and it was downgrade on interior materials. However, it shouldn't be held against F-type, as Benz have some of the best interiors around. The leather on SL's seats... you could make love to it.

 

I actually had and 4c and absolutely loved it. The only problem which was a big one was that my wife absolutely hated it. She didn't like the lack of luxury but thought it was an absolutely beautiful car. The f type is completely different as other people have said the Alfa is a great 4th to have.

 

That was the elephant in the room, I didnt want to say it myself. 911 drivers in particular look down their noses at the Cayman, even though the Cayman reviews as the better car.



With the F Type, the occasional R owner might look down their nose at the V6 S (or V6, or 4 potter), but there are so few of F Type owners about that it is only us enthusiasts who can tell the difference.

 

Are you referring to the "Artico leather" in the Mercedes? Very durable -because it is vinyl -very good vinyl (seriously). I always find the German leathers too stiff.
The Windsor leather in the F-Pace (the premium leather) is superbly smooth and soft.

 

Yes its a joke to compare Mercedes Benz with their MBtex (yes Germanic Vinyl) to Jaguar, a company founded on providing Rolls Royce interiors to the masses. Jaguar used the same Connolly Leathers. and the mantra is Pace-Space-Grace. I have the original e-type Connolly hides.


Germans did not know the art of luxury till they started to buy British car firms for that very reason. And why ze fatherland has never produced a Rolls Royce, or even Range Rover. Uni-moog, Gwagen yes. Even the Italians got their leather from Connolly.

 

 

Thanks all! Many spot on comments. 911 owners do look down on any Porsche that's not a 911. The Alfa 4C is a 4th car- but that is exactly what I am looking for- a 4th car. The Lotus Evora does grab attention- and I don't mind that a bit.

I need to test drive the F Type (both 8 and 6). I am hoping it is not too much of a GT car. I already have a GT car with my Audi S5 for long drives. I am only looking for around-town fun. Will let all of you great folks know how it turns out. I do know your F Types are gorgeous beyond belief!! Enjoy them!

 

The F-Type is, to my perception, more GT than sports, but you talk about "around-town fun" and I wonder how any of these would suit. If the 4C is a 4th car, the Evora would be a 5th. Visibility in the F-Type is not great. It's better suited to open road than in town, but it's a looker and can be used as a daily driver. That's how I use it. I just have to make some allowances.