Question: Targa wind buffeting?

[BE911SC]

In my ongoing search for a good '80s 911 I have seen more than a few very nice Targas available. I want a coupe but my question, should I decide on a Targa, is how is it to drive with the top out at freeway speeds? Does the wind buffet the driver or is it not a factor? I assume Targa owners love the open roof, other issues with the removable panel not withstanding.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by BE911SC

In my ongoing search for a good '80s 911 I have seen more than a few very nice Targas available. I want a coupe but my question, should I decide on a Targa, is how is it to drive with the top out at freeway speeds? Does the wind buffet the driver or is it not a factor? I assume Targa owners love the open roof, other issues with the removable panel not withstanding.

We have had several Targas.

Love them.

But leave your hat at home.

Best,

Gerry

[Prince,Caribou]

We have an 88 Carrera Targa. Very little wind, top off & hwy speeds.

However, with the top on there is wind noise.

Take one for a test, at speed with both top on/off.

There are some adjustments.

Good luck
Lawrence

[efhughes3]

Not an issue at all. I can wear a baseball hat with no issues.

[5String43]

We've had three of them, including the present '82, and have loved them all. Wind buffetting is a non-issue. The things are very efficient, areodynamically, so you actually get less wind noise with the top off than with the top on. Also, let it rain - from speeds of 50 mph or so, the rain sweeps right over you. I wear a billed/baseball cap and have no problem at all. I really like these cars. I think it's fair to trust that Porsche had this design figured out.

Further, as my extremely smart wife told me when I was going into all this, "If you're going to buy a sports car, it had better supply open-air driving." Very smart girl. And of course she was right.

[BE911SC]

Excellent, thanks for the replies. Coupe and Targa now occupy equal footing in my search for the right car! (Cab would be fine too if the right one popped up.)

[haggis780]

Much quieter with top off and no problem keeping a hat on..........I was not prepared for how much noise can occur when the top is on..........check the seal on the windshield bar before you buy........it's a little expensive.

[Hugh R]

Wind noise with top on, not much with it off. View from the rear view mirror is very good with a Targa. Lube the locking levers and make sure you have the plastic sleeves that go over the rear locating pins from our host if needed. Help for a better fit. The bigger front locking clips from PP help as well.

[twistoffat]

I have an 87 model Targa and drive with the roof off all the time. As most have said at speeds to 70mph its quieter with the roof off. Over 70 its a great rush with the roof off but with the roof on its quite noisy and my roof and seals are in great condition. The advantage of the Targa is that you get to enjoy the open air feeling and it has a bit more room in the rear than the cabrio. The Coupe is more rigid but the Targa will allow you to hear the flat 6 in all its glory. I´d recommend a test drive in both if you can organise it.

[SC-targa]

We get less wind buffeting in the 911 than in our 1992 Miata when the tops are off.

I find the car to be quieter with the top on, but the Targa top seals make it noisier at speed than a coupe.

When the top is off, the car is slightly quieter with the windows up. I think R&T in 1974 measured it at 1 dBa quieter windows up.

Regards,

Jerry

[Bob Kontak]

I like the Targa with the top off. On a hot day you can run the AC and on a cold day you can run heat (windows up helps contain a little of the cooled/heated air)

[kach22i]

As far as the hat comment, wise to keep your bill on the baseball hat level and not pointed up catching the wind. Otherwise not an issue.

Buffeting and wind noise more of a problem with the top on, at least on my car. Keep it under 140 mph and you will be fine.

[daepp]

I don't drive my 72 Targa if I have to put the top on. I love it at 45 and at 80.

I would like a coupe some day just because. But I am a huge Targa fan. If I had to have just one, it would be a Targa.

To be honest, there are a couple of negatives:
- if you ever plan to track/DE, they are not a stiff. Look up "cowl shimmy".
- the footwells are slightly smaller as there is some additional bracing there.

AFWIW, there are some people who track them. But just cuz it's possible doesn't mean you should.

[86 911 Targa]

Originally Posted by kach22i

As far as the hat comment, wise to keep your bill on the baseball hat level and not pointed up catching the wind. Otherwise not an issue.

Buffeting and wind noise more of a problem with the top on, at least on my car. Keep it under 140 mph and you will be fine.

Baseball cap O.K., with the windows down, top off.

A hat if you are tall, will be on the freeway............

Ask me how I know!

Gerry

[stevedollar]

The turbulence is about typical for a convertible, better than some, worse than others (like a Boxster with a wind block). Put the passenger side window up and the driver's side half way up. If that isn't cool enough for you, put them both half way up. Worth the hassle any way you slice it.

[DRACO A5OG]

+1 over 70 my rear carpet for my down rear seat will raise up

Under 70 very pleasant

[na2ub]

I don't have any wind noise problems with the top on. FYI

[KarlCarrera]

Targa's are also faster.... just ask us.

I originally was in the market for a coupe. When this (my Targa) became available I just couldn't resist. I looked for 3-4 months before pulling the trigger, and couldn't be happier.

The top is off 90% of the time. on a long trip, rather than fold the top, I just put it behind the front seats. Fits just fine.

At just over 6' I have no problem with a hat, (at least so far).

I really like it on cool mornings when I can turn on just a little heat and run around with the top off. If it gets to chilly, I'll put the windows up, and crank up the heat just a little more.

They are more noisy, but I love this car.

Karl
88 Targa

[ScottT80]

I found shopping for my 911, targa owners love to show the cars with the top off.

Jerry, I'd love to here about the 13k mile 1992 Miata. I've had a few Miatas over the years... I prefer the 1.6 liter ones.