911 Targa vs Coupe

[turbochad]

I am with Ed on this, a targa can be a great handling car, flex and all. I love my targa, because in Colorado we drive canyon roads and it is so much more fun running the canyons topless.

I have driven well set up coupes and with my stiff sways and t bars, my targa is no disappointment in comparison. It is very crisp, turns in fast, and is predictable at the limits. Like Ed I rarely put the top on my car, with the exception of DE's because it is required without a roll bar. I may put one in as part of my restoration project so I can go topless at High Plains.

I have ridden in Ed's car, and can attest that ruby gets with the program. Why would anyone in San Diego want to drive fast with a roof on? A hot rodded targa provides another level of visceral connectedness when driving topless.

I just can't understand why more people don't build hot rod targas?

[Forza]

If the choice is between a coupe and a targa that are both in really good condition, then it's entirely a matter of personal opinion--and not all that much separates them, in my opinion. Since the majority of US-market SCs & 3.2s, for example, have sunroofs, and the c-pillars in coupes are tremendously narrower than a targa bar, I personally didn't find driving topless targas all that more world-opening than an opened-up 911 coupe.

But I'm a taller 911 driver, so maybe I sit back farther than most, with the targa bar more of a visual impediment. I will agree that I enjoyed my coupe even more after cleaning all sunroof parts and restoring its function: 911s deserve to be opened up in any way possible.

[javadog]

Here's what may have started this thread...

JR

[Pascal]

I am lucky to have both, two Targas, 82SC, 71E and a 70T coupe,each has its own personality. The SC is the best handling because it has had the most work,( lowered,turbo tie rods,7s x 8s,more tire much stiffer, etc.), the E had its hydropneumatic replaced with S suspension, and the coupe is a barn find time capsule that is bone stock down to its 14" Fuchs. The coupe feels the lightest and has the purest old school handling. I love them all,but being a long time convertible lover, on a decent warm sunny day one of the Targas gets the nod, can I feel the flex,of course, but these are not race cars. On a really hot sunny day the coupe is the pick, as sitting in traffic in a targa with a black leather interior can be more than a bit uncomfortable. Targa hair can also be a factor, my wife will always choose the coupe. The tops take only a few minutes and are quite easy to take off/put on. Targas do sell for less,drive both and make your choice. I don't think you can go wrong by buying the best car you can find. Good luck and enjoy!

[Targa4now]

Great thread. Black 911SC targa, tunes, top off, amazing off cam sound of the engine. Say no more. That's how I roll.

[ianc]

If you have another car to drive to work and\or you live in the desert, the targa's it.

If You see some rain now and again and\or only have one car, you'll be wanting a coupe.

ianc

[FLYONWALL9]

Java

I gotta say, I'm not a big fan of red cars. I honestly cant
give a reason as to why.

BUT yours without question is the best looking 911 in red
I think I have ever seen. That paint looks almost wet due
to its shine. If that is orig paint, I'm even more so amazed
and if it has been repainted you surely took it to the correct
place..................

[craigau]

When I started looking for a 1987-89 911 I ruled out a Targa from the beginning. Until, that is, I came across a very rare 1987 factory turbo-look in Fresno, CA. I know it's a bit over the top for some, but those bulging rear fenders seemed to go with the bulbous glass at the back so well (to me, at least), it was love at first site. As for the roof, I can take it off or put it on in seconds, and it never leaks. I have no regrets about opting for a Targa.

[exc911ence]

I agree, Targa's are terrible looking cars... just look at mine!



Seriously though...

I had two coupes (1969 and a sunroof 1975) before my Targa and yes, both coupes were stiffer but the Targa only suffers in comparison to a 911 coupe. It's much stiffer than most other open top cars. Even been in a Miata? I owned a 1990 model and that thing was terrible for cowl shake. Ended up driving it with the hardtop installed most of the time to give the wet-noodle body some rigidity. Anyway...

I had never really liked the way the Targa's looked until I started seeing early ones around with the stainless targa bar. The added piece of jewelry really makes the car, and adds a flair that no coupe of the same era can match. Plus, as mentioned may times above, there is nothing like the wail of the flat-6 pouring over the top of the car and into the open cockpit. Porsche-gasm!

At the end of the day, it's still a 911 regardless of body-style and therefore is the pinnacle of automotive style and design.

[efhughes3]

Hey, we can start the "Silver Bar Club".

[BK911]

My first 911 was a 70T Targa. I wanted a coupe because they look better, so I sold the Targa and got a coupe. I quickly discovered that while the coupe looks better from the outside, the Targa looks better from the inside. And since I liked driving the car more than looking at it, I had to get another Targa. I have been fortunate enough to always have at least one of each, but if I could have only one, definitely a Targa.

[Craig_D]

Ed, you do have one of the nicest looking Targas I've ever seen!! B E A utiful!

- CraigD

[javadog]

Originally Posted by FLYONWALL9

Java

I gotta say, I'm not a big fan of red cars. I honestly cant
give a reason as to why.

BUT yours without question is the best looking 911 in red
I think I have ever seen. That paint looks almost wet due
to its shine. If that is orig paint, I'm even more so amazed
and if it has been repainted you surely took it to the correct
place..................

Thanks, it's not a repaint.

But, it is for sale in the classifieds...

JR

[85Shark]

Have only owned a Targa but making the concession with my wife to have the targa vs. coupe I must say that I have grown to love this car. I concur with Craig_D about Ed's car, I was lurking here while owning my 928 and must say that his car is the one that put me over the top on Targa's. I'm in the process of backdating to mimic Ed's but I don't think that I will go as far as his recent twin plug rebuild.

[efhughes3]

Thanks guys!

[87coupe]

Geez, this is just an all out targa love fest in here. Here's a little representation for us coupe owners

[uk-bass]

I too love the look of the stainless bar!

[Bobboloo]

I don't know who first coined the phrase "Coupes are prettier on the outside but Targas are prettier on the inside" pretty much summed it up for me. I used to be a hard core Coupe only guy until I actually bought and drove a Targa. I was sold. I enjoy driving the Targa more.

Anyone who says that they are slower, heavier or don't handle as well hasn't driven my car. I have no trouble hanging with Coupes driven by comparable drivers.

I'll guarantee that 99% of the people on this board are not capable of pushing a well set up Targa to it's limits, myself included.

Test drive both in comparable years and condition and then make your choice. See which one you actually prefer to drive.

[dshepp806]

Originally Posted by craigau

When I started looking for a 1987-89 911 I ruled out a Targa from the beginning. Until, that is, I came across a very rare 1987 factory turbo-look in Fresno, CA. I know it's a bit over the top for some, but those bulging rear fenders seemed to go with the bulbous glass at the back so well (to me, at least), it was love at first site. As for the roof, I can take it off or put it on in seconds, and it never leaks. I have no regrets about opting for a Targa.

That's the only Targa config that looks great to me,..those wheel wells DO something for sure.......otherwise, I'm up for the Coupe style. But I would take a Targa as the #2 car.

Doyle

[snbush67]

Originally Posted by efhughes3

Hey, we can start the "Silver Bar Club".

I'm in, but I was thinking we would call it BAT Gruppe, BAT for "Bad Ass Targa"




Aloha, Shane