Yeah, after thorough interwebz investigationz, 987.2 is the way to go even at +$10k over 987.1. No IMS worries and better oiling under track conditions. OK, decision made, '09+ Cayman only.
BUT,
I drove a BRZ and two '06 Cayman Ss today, and honestly found the BRZ to be more fun to drive. The Cayman Ss (Caymen?) obviously had way more power and quicker acceleration, but felt less engaging and were more remote feeling. BRZ felt lightweight and responsive, Caymen S felt heavier, slower-steering. BRZ is ~2800 lb., Cayman S ~3000 lb., but the BRZ felt like it was more like 500 lb. lighter.
I fully expected some sorta Porsche magic to overwhelm me when I checked out the Caymen, but it just didn't happen. Didn't expect any BRZ magic, but damn, it was there! Subaru felt more *alive* and engaging.
Hmmm...