Targa...why or why not? - Page 2

Moses · 02-13-2005, 08:27 AM

Coupes have the best lines, cabs the worst. When I drive my friends coupe, I feel claustrophobic.

Like Belushi said; Targa!...Targa!...Targa!

vanwyk4257 · vanwyk4257's Garage

My early car that I'm working on at present is a coupe, and the lines are beautiful. That being said, my next purchase which will be more of a driver will be an SC or Carrera Targa for many of the reasons others have cited here. Good luck in your search!

cyprusx · 02-13-2005, 10:42 AM

Nothing beats a Targa. It is pure bliss and has the best characteristics of both the coupe and cab. I specifically sought out a Targa and I would again...

Mike Feinstein · Mike Feinstein's Garage

Having owned a coupe and a cab, I finally found the perfect combo in my Targa. This one is the keeper. It's a street/track car (about 50/50) and I can't imagine a better combo. I've never found or noticed chassis flex of any discernable kind (with strut brace and bolt in rollbar installed) at the track. Have Cars Inc. rebuild your Targa top one time and all the issues simply go away. I've since put probably 2X it's value into making it into the perfect machine for me (3.6, suspension, etc., etc.,)....and I have NO regrets. Was not inclined to make this kind of investment in my coupe (930) or cab (964).

On a 70 degree Sunday morning in North Georgia, there's simply no better way to start the day.

Mike Kast · Mike Kast's Garage

Damn Mr. Feinstein,
That is a pretty car!

hkspwrsche · 02-13-2005, 01:07 PM

Because of the percieved value difference you can get a much better condition targa for the price. If your not going to race regularly I think you'd be better off with a targa. The coupe does have a timeless roof line and it is stiffer and lighter. Once I figured out I wasnt going to build a race car I started the sale process on the coupe with intentions on buying a cabrio or possibly a targa. For me the targa looks better in black because the trim blends together and there is also the memories of riding in one long ago that was a black targa... The car is just as functional and fun either way.
It's funny how this divide has been created as long as targas have been around.
The NSX was unavailable as a coupe in the usa in 95 since they werent selling and 96 were special order only.. Why? no one wanted the coupe unless it was for racing and most are weekend toys to cruise around... If we were on an NSX forum we'd be starting from the opposite end of the spectrum saying yeah the coupes arent as bad as everyone says..plus they're stiffer but, you'd really be better off getting an NSX T car for resale... Imagine that.. a brand where the targas are worth more...
Just go out on a warm day and test drive a targa with the top off then a coupe...and remember that most 911's don't have decent a/c if it's still on the car..... Then decide what you're going to use the car for...Good luck

Moses · 02-13-2005, 01:41 PM

Steve87-911 · Steve87-911's Garage

Mike Feinstein - that is one of the nicest looking 911s I've ever seen. Black targas with polished fuchs really do it for me. And blue ones too

.

One thing, these cars all attract attention, regardless of body style. I can rarely go for a drive without people staring and/or waving. Even non-pcar drivers give a wave or a nod. Last week as I picked up my son from school, and as we approached my car, three other 10 yr old kids had their hands and faces pressed against the windows to get a closer look. I didn't know whether to scream at them to get their greasy paws off my car or congratulate them on their good taste.

JBO · 02-13-2005, 02:33 PM

Depends on what you want out of it. I love my targa, and would not buy a cab because I don't like the way they look - bad with the top up and better but not great with it down because it can't lay flat, like a vette for example. If you are going to race or autox you probably should get a coupe. If you are going to do a lot of pleasure cruising in nice weather get the targa. My targa top stays off for weeks at a time, and i don't drive the car in the rain. It was perfect for what i was looking for. If the car is to be a daily driver I would probably go for the coupe, because the targas have more wind noise and it is hard to get them not to leak, though it can be done. In my search I did not notice any real difference in value between the coupe and the targa (the cabs seem to go a little higher), and value is all over the map for cars of this age as it is so dependant on condition/maint. history and mileage. The lower mileage, better cared for car will be the one that sells higher, weather it's a coupe or a targa, and based on my search it will be rare that you find 2 cars of the same year in equal condition. I would have bought a coupe if I had found the right one before finding the targa, but I wanted the targa. I know I would have been happy with either.

wholberg · wholberg's Garage

Three reasons to buy a Targa:

I am about 6'2". In a coupe and cabriolet, my head touches the roof (or canvas), but in a Targa, I have 2-3 inches to spare.

I also think that with the solid rear window, wind turbulance at speed is less than with a cabriolet (although Porsche cabs are better than most).

You can claim (to your S.O.) that the targa bar acts as a roll bar, and so is safer than a cab even with the top off .

Even though I am a Targa guy, I have nothing bad to say about Coupes or Cabriolets. They are all Porsches.

HarryD · 02-13-2005, 03:11 PM

Simply put, there are two types of people inthe world: Those that like Targas; and those that don't.

Decide which camp YOU belong in and move on!

For me, part of the "magic" is in the removable top.

'nuff said.

1973911s · 02-13-2005, 03:35 PM

I have owned two Targa's and love the open feel. The lines of the coupes are great, not sure which way I will go again.

Sold to North Carolina.

Hugh R · 02-13-2005, 03:42 PM

Rear visibility is great in a Targa. Never having owned a coupe or a cab, I really can't say.

porsche911s1971 · 02-13-2005, 08:29 PM

Living here in San Diego, my 71s Targa and I are very happy together.

I could not imagine being cooped up in a Coupe!

"Even a blind man knows when the sun is shining" - Jerry Garcia

UTKarmann_Ghia · 02-13-2005, 09:41 PM

When I bought mine almost 2 years ago, I didnt know that Targas normally cost less...it never occurred to me that a Targa would be worth less than a coupe which you couldnt take the top off of...weird. Well, 2 years later and I'm still smitten. Here in Denver, we get very little rain so it's a great place to own a Targa.

You're telling me this car doesnt have sweeeeeet lines? My @ss it doesnt!

KobaltBlau · 02-13-2005, 10:08 PM

There are several 3.6 targas around here: Mike Feinstein, Bill Verburg (OK 3.8), Moses. Interesting...

austin552 · austin552's Garage

Call me a pigeon, but I prefer the coupe. I am sure having the top off is nice on Summer days as well as A/C and stereo.
Coupes lines are clean where as the targa's big black bar and rear glass seem out of place to me. The cab seems like a luxury version. I prefer the more basic, straight forward, too the point like Porsche approach... My head is in the car not in the clouds.
just my opinion.

Banjobolt · 02-13-2005, 10:32 PM

Do you like to look at your car or drive it?

That's how I made my decision. Sure a Coupe is prettier. No question about it. But I like to drive, not just polish, and that settled it.

Of course, silly of me to say that, since my 69 is up on jackstands and will be for some time. At least I have it running finally...

austin552 · austin552's Garage

Both. Can't polish primer bro. Mine is running and stands are put away. Most importantly: Regardless of what top we choose there all Porsches.
Pease

911S Targa · 911S Targa's Garage