Which 911... Targa... or Cabriolet?

[JGriff]

I am thinking of selling my 914... and buying a 911 instead (which is what I've always wanted, and my wife prefers it over the 914, so it's a win-win!!).

I'm thinking of one between 1979-1987, but am not sure yet if I want a Targa or Cabriolet.

After driving the 914, I definitely like the open-air feel with the roof off. So... I am kinda' leaning towards a Targa, but have also started giving thought to a Cabriolet.

What are the pluses and minuses of both? I would like to do some occassional autocrosses and track/driver's events (i.e. a couple of times per year perhaps). I know that open top cars are not the best choice for competition, but I'm not too concerned about that... I'm looking primarily for experience (to hone and maintain superior driving skills) and to have fun.

I'm guessing that I would have to put in a roll bar or cage in a Cabriolet for auto-x and DE events, right? PCA and POC require it, don't they? Are bolt in cages sufficient (i.e. I would remove most of it when not on the track).

Are roll bars and cages required in Targas as well?

Any and all thoughts are appreciated.

Jim


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Jim Griffin
JGriff@JGriff.com
www.JGriff.com

My Porsche 914

[twin plugged targa]

Roll bars are not needed for auto x but they are for DE/tracks as higher speeds.
Targas do not need roll bars! for either.
I have a Cab. and now wish I had gone for a Targa for less money, which I could have i turn put into mods.
The Cab I beleive flex's more than the Targa, but can you feel this? I dont think so unless you are Danny Sullivan or the like.
Choice of all three, next time around I would buy a Coupe with sunroof and GOOD a/c - if it exists!.
The coupe is safer, stiffer, and quieter, will not leak and has an electric sunroof for the days when the a/c fails or you feel like catching a few rays!
If you are thinking in the lines of performance and looks the Coupe wins hands down!.
This WILL be my next choice!.
Anyone wanna Cab? - seriously!
rgds Ben

Somehow I guess that this thread will develop into something big and long...

Cabriolet is the real thing (my opinion).

[JGriff]

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it. I'll take that as a vote against a Cab.

Has anyone owned one of each... or some combo of such (i.e. Targa vs. sunroof coupe, Cab vs. sunroof coupe), that can offer their comparitive observations?

Naturally, the best would be for me to drive all three types, and then decide, but I'm curious what others have experienced first-hand.

Thanks.

Jim


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Jim Griffin
JGriff@JGriff.com
www.JGriff.com

My Porsche 914

[Kurt B]

Depends on what you're using if for, where you live, and what you want to do with it.
The value of cabs will always remain high. In fact, any convertible retains a certain esteem in the eyes of the public and this is reflected in the value (take a look at 356 models, coup versus cab prices).

But they do flex more which is not good for autoX. If you want to toy with Autox a Cab will be fine, but if you want to maximize your performance later on, get a coupe.

If it's a toss up between a targa and a cab, then a cab seems like a strong choice for retaining value and for having a certain look about it that's more desirable to the general public. It's more headaches too of course, but that's all part of the fun.



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Kurt B
1984 Carrera Cabriolet
911 Page
carrera_cabriolet@yahoo.com

[Clark Griswald]

All depends on what you want. I have both.

I think you captured the trade offs above.
The compelling reason for the Cab is true open air driving on the road. The targa is not the same.

There are two types of people in the world - those that love the wind in their hair, and those that hate it.

You just need to decide which type you are.


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Chuck Moreland '86 Cab - "Sparky", '77 Targa - "Sweet Pea"

[This message has been edited by Clark Griswald (edited 09-05-2001).]

[MRM]

Clark is absolutely right. I have a cab but have driven a Targa. Cabs are certainly more fun with the top down, cruising around the lakes and it is a huge rush blasting down an on ramp onto the freeway.

The Targa is much better for colder weather, is a great way to get an open top without having the wind blasting you full force, and doesn't need a roll bar for high speed events.

Clearly cabs are pricier than Targas or coupes. They are also much more collectible and hold their value better.

My wife doesn't like driving with the top down because she hates the feel of wind whipping through her hair. She would strongly prefer a Targa. I love the wind blasting in my face and never put the top up.

Just depends on what you are going for. If you have a certain price range in mind you might do well to buy an 87 or later coupe with a G50 trans which will cost about the same as a cab with a 915.


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MRM 1984 Carrera Cab Eurospec

[jester911]

I did a lot of talking to porsche owners and did research before I bought my car. I came to the conclusion that a coupe is all around better. I know you targa guys love your cars and that is the reason for different models.
Different strokes for... Anyway I really wanted a cab but for one thing I didnt want to fork out five grand for a new top after somebody took a pocket knive to it. As for the targas if you drive them hard with out the top alot of times they leak afterward.
Sometimes they leak anyway. Of course if you dont drive in the rain then that isnt an issue.
I always thought the targa top takes away from the original lines of the car as well
At any rate I finally bought an 86 sunroof coupe and with the windows and top open it is all that I need.
If you get one from 86 on the ac is better.
Well that is my 2 cents worth. I am sure that all the cab and targa owners will have their say but to each his own.
good luck with your choice


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Jerry
'86 carrera coupe

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Go for the Targa. You can always convert it into a pimpy-looking cab if you decide that's the route for you.






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blue
'81 SC Targa

[Joe Bob]

I got yer pimpy look right here bubba.....

They did not make factory cabs until 83....my cab is very stiff and competes well at Willow Springs. I NEVER put the top up. If it rains, I drive the SUV and rust that out....

Mike Z
83 euro cab
70 914/6
74 914/4 2.0

[expat]

I have an 87 Cab and I love it. With the roof off, the howl from the engine is infectious.
I just want to keep driving. The roar from the engine from 4-6500rpms is spine chilling.
The car gets heaps of looks and praise.
My friends C4 90 Coupe has been prepared really well for racing but you just don't hear the engine nearly as much as in the Cab - such a loss I think.
My cab has not leaked in the 2 months I've had it and we get serious rain in Hong Kong this time of year.
The cab is definitely noisy compared to the coupe.
The targa looks to me like it can't make up its mind what it wants to be. I love the lines of the coupe (lost with the Targa I think)but the sound of the engine in the cab is sooo cool.
My wife loves the Cab and simply pulls her hair back. The kids love the ride in the back too - they think the cab is a racing car. We all have baseball caps to wear in the car to keep the sun of the craniums because it can get real hot in the sun sitting in traffic.
As for the racing side - you'll have to decide what your priorities are - percentage daily driver vs track work. My way of thinking is that everyday I hear the engine roar that I wouldn't get with the coupe or targa.
My 3 cents.
Good luck - I'm sure you'll be stoked with whatever you get.

[86Carrera]

You might want to check out the sunroof coupe. Much stiffer structure and way fewer squeaks and leaks than the Targa.

The sunroof is one of the nicest I've ever come across. First of all it's right over your head and feels much more "open" than most sunroofs. With the windows down it feels truly breezy, to the point where it's more comfortable (and enjoyable) than running the a/c, unless it's very hot outside.

Then there's the surprising lack of turbulance. With the windows up and sunroof wide open there's none at all all the way up to 80mph+. You can light a cigarette with a flame lighter at those speeds, s/r open.

Finally there is no comparison in styling between the Coupe and Targa in my opinion.

If you prefer the styling of the Coupe you might want to try out a sunroof before going for the Targa. One drawback would be availability... out here in CA Targa and Cabs outnumber Coupes in the classifieds 2 - 3 to 1.