911 coupe vs targa vs cabriolet?

[westcoast911]

What are the major downsides of a Targa vs coupe,or a cabrio vs coupe?

I am finding at least 2 cabrio's or targa's for every coupe i have found. I like the idea of an open roof as I am tall (over 6'3") but I dont want to give up much in the way of performance or structure. And why are the Targa's and cabrio's priced much sharper than the coupes...shouldnt it be the other way around?

Anybody had experience with both?

[Jrboulder]

The opinion of the hardcore Porsche people is that coupes are the quintessential 911's, the targa's are leaky, ugly, rattle traps, and the cabs are for pansies.

YMMV

[jrolstin]

Couldn't have said it better myself...

[yelcab1]

a bit harsh, but acceptable.

[Joe Bob]

My cab was a Zone 8 AX champ....def not a pansy wagon.....

[porwolf]

Not true as far as I experienced it with my 72 and 79 Targas. They are the perfect sport car for road experience, the perfect touring car. Nothing better than have unrestricted view of your surroundings and having the wind in your face. Are they a little softer than coupes? Yes, but for just fun open air driving that is not noticible. Do Targas leak and make noises? Not according the my ecxperience. And I also had coupes! I guess the roof has to fit good and no problems!. I drove my Targas as daily drivers for years, rain or shine, and even took them skiing. No problem! And I never thought they were less comfortable than coupe's. And I had a few of those Porsches too. It seems the diference plays a role more if you want to take the car to the track. If that is what your goal is then get the lightest stiffest car available. One advantage the Targa has over the Cab, besides the roll bar is that you can roll up the widows, heat the car and be as comfortable in cold weather as in a coupe with an open sun roof. Also, the rear Targa window prevents air from blowing you hair forward, unlike in a cab, and when you are in the car driving there is no different feel than being inside a cab. Most of the cab advantage is, in my opinion, on how the car looks from the outside.

[porwolf]

As for pricing: Targas and coupes are more expensive to make. That's why coupes are less expensive.

[Bear911]

911's have always bucked the normal 'roof goes down, price goes up' trend.

However, as these car get older and become less 'every day' cars, I think the cabs will eventually become more desirable (as is the case with other classic cars.)

It's good that Targas are cheap, makes it an easier way of getting into awesome 911 ownership. Don't tell anyone though, we would prefer if the myth is perpetuated. Horrible leaky squishy rattletraps the lot of them!

[Tom F2]

If you want to have fun driving your car, buy a Targa. If you want to look cool at car shows, get a coupe. If you have the money, buy a cabriolet.

This debate never gets tired, does it?

[zippy_gg]

Personally I wanted a cab because the weather in SOCAL simply lends itself to it.
Other than riding my motorcycle with my wife in the back very little beats driving the cab on the Pacific Coast Highway and some of our canyon roads or having an after dinner "stroll" on a warm Summer night... It is just a very sensually rewarding experience, especially as my better half doesn't mind the speed at all.
A Targa would have been nice too, but the cab presented itself first.
A coupe would be a nice addition in the garage, but not a replacement for the cab.
Of course if I lived in a region with a "driving season" things would be different.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by zippy_gg

... Of course if I lived in a region with a "driving season" things would be different.

No

[mspirito]

Any dry day above 45 F the targa is a wonderful drive. Those are the only days I want to be in the 911 anyway!!

[Gustyones]

If mine was a daily driver i would want a coupe. I also like the look of a coupe vs. a cab with the top up; but when it comes to putting the top down and going for a cruise you can't beat the cab. I have no experience with the targa's but for some reason the looks don't appeal to me as much.

[mohanpiyush]

Doesn't buying a targa or a cabrio makes you more susceptible to theft and vandalism in public car parking lots or wherever car is going to be parking out of your sight?

[timchar]

Maintenance will be a little higher with cab and Targa. Plenty of threads on targas leaking and wind noise. Security is always an issue with a cab. The coupe with a sunroof makes sense. Tim

[motorcop]

Ahhh.....the name calling.....love it. Guess I'm a "pansy" because I love my cab. I wonder if the people that are judging the body style actually own one, or are they doing so from the windshield of their daily commuter Honda with a big exhaust pipe?

[88911coupe]

Had an '87 cab that I really liked but really liked the lines of a coupe, so got one of those ('88)as well...still have it 10 years later. I ended up selling the cab but really miss it. Did not give a rat's a$$ what anyone thought as far as cabs and image...

[kidrock]

cabs have the best A/C....especially during those long, hot Texas summers.

[bklyn]

Yes the name calling, must respond here. For the person(s) living in the frigid weather and can only drive the car 2 hours per year, yes a coupe. But today here in Jupiter Florida, it is 78 degrees and my Targa top has been off for the last two weeks- beat that!

[86 911 Targa]

You have opened up a real Pandora's Box with this thread,
and will receive a lot opinions.

Here's my 2¢:

Having owned several Targa's, with the proper top maintenance, have had no issues with leaks, or rattles.

Correct window adjustment, and seal maintenance is imperative.

Here is what helps a LOT!!!!!