JPS

So I've had a 993 cab for about 10 years. Love it. Not worth getting into the black hole conversation about cab vs. coupe for street. Either are fun.

Let me admit that I've never explored a targa. So this could be folly. But I'm thinking that perhaps it could be a nice compromise between cab and coupe?

I'd love to keep the cab, or have 2 (coupe and cab), but I live in NYC and having 2 cars isn't feasible. I'm considering changing from a cab to a coupe for 2 reasons:
1) Safety of my 4 1/2 year old son riding in the back a few times a year
2) Safety of me on the track running in Red (just DE, not club race)...the rollbar only helps so much when it is needed the most
3) It feels like I might be at a point in driving where the added rigidity of the coupe will be noticeable. I've long felt that the capability of any 911 far exceeds the capability of a DE driver...until a point. Perhaps I've reached that with the cab.

So, how feasible would a targa be for NOT club race, but Red level DE?

Thanks,

AtlJimK

Interested in hearing the gurus' opinions too

Sterling Doc

The 993 Targas had troubles with sealing, and roof alingnment, and are apparently a pain to fix. The 996/997 design is better, & more reliable.

There is extra weight up high, but stiffness in the 996 generation was claimed to be equal to the coupe. My 996 Targa feels very rigid, and is very nice to drive. While I'm sure you're giving up something d/t the weight up high, it's not perceptable to me at a DE pace. It would not be my choice for a race car platform, but makes a nice compromise DE/daily driver, IMO.

cello

Far from a guru, but i have slept at a Holiday Inn Express.....

And tracked a 997 Targa. IMO, you wont like it. Note - I see 993 in your sig line. You don't say which model. I can only speak to the glass roofed targas (someone else can speak to the pre-glass).

The problem with the glass roofed versions is that the extra weight is over your head. At least with a cab the same is below shoulder level. The difference is noticeable having driven/been in both.

We didn't 'go out', we 'set sail'. We didn't 'turn', we 'tacked'. With all the weight 'astern' and 'amidships/aloft', changes in track camber and altitude would require 'trimming' of the suspension to maintain 'bearing' and 'heading' and reduce 'yaw' lest one 'capsize'. This would often allow the 'following sea' to overtake inducing much consternation from the 'helm'....

Anyways, i think you get the drift...

Now if you don't expect too much on the track, great motoring. I just thought I was killing it when DEing.

bobt993

I would suggest not getting a 993 targa for track use. As mentioned they leak and will not be as safe if you have a roll over. Newer models 996/97 are def better.

Frank Bullitt

Amigo of mine bounced his a few times and ended up inverted. The roof crunched down pretty good... enough to scare him away from ever getting another one.

JPS

Thx guys. I clarified the title. Can't afford a 997 targa, and no offense...I know the 996s make a ton of sense right now on paper...more HP, roomier for family, good on the track, all that...but they just don't move me like the 993 does, or even the 997 for that matter.

Turbodan

993 targa is built on the cab chassis so all the negatives of the cab plus some extra weight up high and leaks and ratlles. but great looking car!

John H

Don't do it. I tracked a 97 993 targa and the flex was very noticeable. Not good.