Cabriolet or Targa?

[C4 MRC]

I have just returned to the club after some years away - previously owned Boxster S, 3.2 SC & a 993, I am ready to buy again and have been thinking about an 02-04 996 C4 cab or Targa, mainly for light Spring/Summer use and a few track days a year. I have only driven a C2 996 and have no experience of the C4 cab or Targa but they seem to fit what I may use them for. I would appreciate some feedback from those that have owned either model with what they see as the +/- of each and what to look out for (I would only buy a good history - 50,000 mile example) - thanks

 

[ian996]

Hi there!
I have a C2 cab that fits your bill for sale - if you may be interested? I know it's not a C4 but just in case!
Ian

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

A Targa would be 2WD..........

 

[C4 MRC]

Yes I do realise that!

 

[Mark Elder]

ORIGINAL: Richard Hamilton

A Targa would be 2WD..........

oh - interesting. I'd discovered they were only "4" in 997 form. I can understand it being low volume so not wanting to have too many variants, but interesting there was a decision to swap from "2 only" to "4 only" at the 996 to 7 change.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

I would say don't restrict yourself to C4 cabs. For the sort of use you plan, a C2 would be fine. You also get a bit more storage area in the front. Probably better suited to track days too.

Sorry I can't help with user experiences, but all mine have been coupes.

 

[dawnrogers]

I have a C2 cab... love it! drove C4 before buying this but I totally love the C2 cab.. not much help just an opinion..good luck.

 

[Image]

Another happy C2 Cab owner ... no need to worry about road holding, just make sure you keep it well shod. ... I also have a hard top, but the fit of the fabric roof is so good even in the depth of winter I never feel the need to put hardtop back on. enjoy. Image

 

[patch]

I've had one 2 and three 4's and am now with an '02 cab4 - a lovely car but I did not specify a 4, it just happened to be the most attractive one I found at the time. Go with either. Have test driven various targas and remain unconvinced, it's a large sunroof with more light when closed... go cab or coupe.
happy hunting
des

 

[jukn]

On my second C4 cab and loved them both. Went for the 4 because of the road holding, very planted.
Only problem i do have is the lack of boot space so lots of squashy bags required if you go anywhere, and if the wind deflector is fitted you lose some of the back seat storage. This would be less of a problem with 2.
I really enjoy the feel of open top motoring and hav had a number of other rag tops before the two porkies so am a bit biased towards the cab.
Hope this may be of help?

 

[dennis C4S Cab]

Cab is the only way to go, usually has a hard top, which in Winter is brilliant and looks good. This also gives a longer life to your fabric top.

Go Cab

 

[tempers]

This is my first 911 so I can't really compare it to other models but the C4 sticks to the road like glue and it has a real feel good factor with the top down even on cold days with the heating up and deflector on. Superb!

A bit obvious I know but a hard top is a must along with some way of storing it; either a wall bag or stand if you've got the space.

Best of luck with the purchase.

 

[deepsi]

Had my C4 cab (2002) since Sept. The one sunny day was fantastic. Hard top been great ever since. Go 4 it!

 

[Targatronic]

have a 996 targa - main reason at 1st to choose was the rear seats - much more comfortable for the kids than cab - Also the glass roof gives more rigidity and also keeps interior bright adn spacy - really love the targa - gazing at stars / mountains as you go past even if roof is closed

 

[John Ware]

You'll find they squeak a bit with the hardtop on. The body flexes more than the roof. Not a lot and not a big deal but just so you are aware. Also, AFAIK all 996 Cabs came with a hardtop as standard, although as you're going post-facelift you'll have the glass rear window so won't need to worry about it so much.

 

[TOMC]

Hi

I had a 52 plate Targa for a couple of years absolutely loved it - wanted a cab initially but the Targa seemed a lot more rigid.

The roof is brilliant & with the added benefit of the openning rear window was far more practical too!

 

[Michael Downing]

Have now owned my C4S Cab for 7 years, 37,000 miles, and about 7 or 8 track days. Have only used a Targa as a service loan car, although that was for 2 days.

There's no other way to put it; I love my Cab. Wouldn't swap it for anything, and people have tried hard to persuade me.

The targa was fun, but a disappointment in that it didn't feel any better than the Cab, but didn't give me a properly open roof and squeaked a lot. Maybe I had a bad one, though.

 

[bobafett]

Ive got won and adore it, i have quite a few Porsches now, and the cabs offer the best alround apearl if you have a hard top.

There is a bit of flex, and i mean a bit, though ignore it your getting a tan!!!!

Sorry Targa's are just sunroof's!!!