Coupe Vs. Targa?

defcon65 · 10-05-2005, 10:21 AM

I think I struck a nerve here yesterday with a deprecating comment about a 911 Targa. Several voiced their differing opinion on targas and raised some points I hadn't previously considered.
As an expectant 911 owner, what are the pros and cons on the coupe model vs. the targa?

thanks,

Joe

Superman · 10-05-2005, 10:23 AM

Blondes, brunettes or redheads?

kstylianos · 10-05-2005, 10:28 AM

A wise man once told me, 'A Targa is just a parts car for a coupe.'

gerry100 · 10-05-2005, 10:39 AM

I've heard that Targa bodies flex more - a negative for track work.

Of couse there is the advantage of open air motoring, which may be even more important in the pre '89 cars since the AC is marginal.

The look is polarizing - some think they are cool and unique looking, others think they are goofy and would never own one.

kach22i · kach22i's Garage

Chances are you will not be driving your collector car in bad weather, rain, snow, and so forth.

Chances are it will be your summer ride of choice.

Chances are the A/C is pulled or will be pulled in a 30 year old car.

Chances are you will not be tracking this car or racing in the streets.

Chances are you will enjoy a Convertible or Targa very much.

Chances are the coupe's classic beauty will beckon you just the same.

Take your chances, own one of each in your life time.

boomvang · boomvang's Garage

I would say look at both, don't limit yourself to one style. I wanted a coupe, wound up with a Targa. I also wanted any color except for black. Wound up with black. I have no regrets, none. Buy the best example of either that you can afford. You will not regret it, either.

KobaltBlau · 10-05-2005, 10:54 AM

Please search, this is a tired one. Here are some threads:

4 pages:
coupe or targa?

2 pages:
Advantage of Targa over a Coupe

3 pages:
What do you like best...Cabrio, Targa, or Coupe?

AbbyAk · 10-05-2005, 10:59 AM

I have owned each and will own both. I sold my 71T Targa, and realize how nice it was. Now , temporarily Porscheless, I will first find a coupe, and then (will have to butter up wife-better to beg forgiveness than ask permission) a targa. The lines of the coupe are incredible, but he retro look of the targa (esp early models) is fantastic as well...

Jubbie · 10-05-2005, 11:21 AM

The targa is one of the best convertables that you can buy from that era. It is a great open top feeling with out that wind blasting the back of your head. I have not noticed where body flex has hurt me.

My dad has an 65' 912 coupe and it is great to drive also.

But, it is still a convertable. The tops require maintaince and they are loud and leaky if you don't. I have gone the hard top conversion route and between that and new seals it got pricey.

I love the targa and would not trade it for a coupe, unless it was a really nice 930...

defcon65 · 10-05-2005, 11:44 AM

Kobalt, I didn't realize it was such a huge issue. I'm sure Porsche guys NEVER talk about the same stuff over and over and over. And over.

KobaltBlau · 10-05-2005, 11:53 AM

Ha, of course we talk about the same stuff over and over. I guess I'm more partial to the discussions that can have a conclusion or discovery of some sort. targa vs coupe is a "religous war" in my opinion. if you think you'd enjoy the top off, buy a targa. if you don't or hate the looks of a targa, get a coupe. If the car is going to be track only, there is no benefit for a targa. The targa seals can wear out and the top may need to be rebuilt but for $1000-$1500 you have a totally fresh, tight top and seals (you probably wouldn't need all the seals anyway), which isn't really that much money in the scope of these cars. Targas are more secure than a typical convertible. Targas flex a little but less than a lot of convertibles from other car makers. Not too many people will notice any performance difference from chassis flex on the street or the track, it basically takes club racing for that to make a lot of difference and very few club racers are driven on the street.

My .0002 $

yelcab1 · 10-05-2005, 12:10 PM

Had a cab, prefer a coupe. Could possibly own a targa if it is a second Porsche. But, all in all, I think a 1993 RSA would do it for me, and that is not a targa.

Neal Boysen · 12:14 PM

My thoughts... I have wanted an early 911 for a long time, since high school. Well I found one - a 71 T Targa from the original owner that I picked up for $6500.00. I would have preferred a coupe but I couldn't pass this up... and I love it! Yea it has a little wind noise and it leaks a little (try not to drive in the rain) but it is a 34 year old car and I do need to replace the seals and recover the top. Driving with the top off is also very cool! As far flex is concerned, right now this is more car than I am driver so that is not an issue for me. Bottom line, find a nice one (coupe or Targa) and buy it. If you've ever wanted a PORSCHE you won't be sorry with either!

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

targa are great strret cars, coupes are great track cars

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

targa are great street cars, coupes are great track cars

VaSteve · 10-05-2005, 12:30 PM

I have a Targa. I love it. The only thing I regret is that I recovered the top, so now I don't fold it and storage becomes more of an issue. Well, that and I don't have enough money to also buy a coupe to really thrash on the track.

hkspwrsche · 10-05-2005, 12:50 PM

I used to love the targas when I was younger and then wanted a coupe after reading all the track flex stuff. and then never tracked it. Now Ive got a targa. It just so happened that the first one I rode in was a black targa and I realized that it works for me better. SO now I have a targa.
It's not impossible to track a targa. Serious track work you'll want a roll bar which fixes any flex and if you go that route take a look at thoms car here: http://www.rennlight.com/hardtop/
I think you can get a better condition targa than coupe for the same price generally.

hkspwrsche · 10-05-2005, 12:51 PM

one more thing.. I recovered my top for $79 dollars.. everything else was in great shape. Ive seen some others that would need more. but, if you buy the best one you can you'll have less issues.

N11Porsche · N11Porsche's Garage

This is a very subjective question. But since you asked for "opinions"..........

Buy a Targa if the sunroof of a coupe isn't enough sun for you AND if you don't mind driving around in a car that looks like a bathtub.

If the sunroof gives you enough of the "open air" feeling and you enjoy driving around in the classic Porsche form, then buy a coupe.

Bob's Flat-Six · Bob's Flat-Six's Garage

The roof line of a coupe is Killer with it's rear side glass, IMO. A cab is a draw with the coupe and the Speedster probably passes both.

Targas are unique with a roof that we will probably never see again in the automotive world.

They out sold coupes I'm pretty sure when there was no Cab available.
When you think about it, If your buying a 911 for good weather driving on the weekends, a Targa makes a lot of sense.

I think the problems associated with them leaking, wind noise and maintenance costs , plus the competition in the looks department, Have given them stiff compitition.

I'd still rather have a super clean Targa than a so so coupe or cab.