ChristyT

I currently drive a 991 C2S and a mom-mobile BMW wagon. I posted on here awhile back about possibly buying a 2015 GTS as a sole performance car (we also looked at the GT4). As I wasn't 100% sold on any car, I went with a used car on the Porsche Club site, and bought a beautiful 2014 carrera 2S coupe. It is fast, has sport exahust and all of the driver upgrades (the dynamic chassis for example), and I love it, but I miss my open top car. I used to own a older Porsche cab.

As I have been getting more into racing a car (I did a driving education event this weekend and 250 miles on the track), we have decided to go with more of a part-time track car, and a friend is selling a trackable 2005 M3 at a nice price (manual of course). So, that means I can continue driving the 2S, or I can sell it for about what I paid and move into something else. We thought of keeping the 2S hardtop for a trackable car, but it involves a lot of suspension work, whereas we could have this M3 for a lot, lot less. My first performance car was a 2006 M3, so I am back to my roots, so to speak.

Here is what I need:

1) 4 seats to take my boys to school (who doesn't like being the hot blonde mom in the kiddo drop-off lineup?)
2) something that doesn't suck
3) something that is a skittles color
4) something at or under $100k.
5) Something I can push and have fun with on my commute; it is a 911 and I want performance. It just doesn't have to be at the level of "weekend track car".

As I am coming from 400hp in the coupe, I started looking around, and I can get a 2S cab in the same generation anywhere from 60,000 to 90,000 bucks. I don't need a 4S.

I also see some of the "GTS" style cabs (which look like my current car, in that they have the sport exhaust-clock-software tuning-big bolstered seats) at closer to 100 grand. I am not sure a $35,000 premium for the GTS badge is money well spent, but maybe someone here can compare them.

My local dealer has a 2017 turbocharged 2S for over $100,000, and that car blew up my skirt (literally); it is so much faster than my current 911. I see it has already lost as much value as a 2015 GTS though, so it seems, I don't know, like a bad buy?

Finally, I see the "Targa 4S" a bit over that, which I find curious. To my eyes, the Targa is more expensive but is a lower performing car, so why would it cost more? Most of these are over $100,000

Long story short, how would you compare these?

Value for the money?

Fun to drive (is GTS better than same 2S)? Is Targa significantly worse than GTS?

Can a few of you quantify the differences? From what I see, the GTS has a bit of power on the 2S, but the cab being heavier than my coupe, it is probably a wash.

Does the GTS come with the best suspension automatically?

Does the new turbo 2S blow all of these away and make them irrelevant?

Is the Targa really a debbie downer in terms of performance? It looks really clean, I like it. I also read a review stating that it is 300 lbs heavier than the regular cab.

The trouble with these automotive reviews; they almost always test a car in a vacuum. I think my old BMW 328i wagon is sporty too, if I have only been driving my husband's work van. I bet a few of you have driven the GTS cab, 2S cab, Targa 4S, and new 2S, and therefore hopefully you can help me out!

First group of cars I am considering:

2015 Targa 4S
2015 GTS (cabriolet)
2017 2S (cabriolet)
2015-ish 2S (cabriolet)

MidEngineRules

The Targa is the heaviest 911, hence lowest performing but it's also all wheel drive which aids traction. I have a 2017 Targa 4S and GT4. Worlds apart. Honest the Targa does have 420 hp and isn't slow. Driven hard it's quick. The GT4 always feels quick because it's so visceral. I've owned many highly desired Porsches and have yet to own a cab. Rear seats are very small in cabs and 911s in general.

Bob Z.

Boy, I have no idea of where to start replying as I had to read this a couple times as it is. But maybe I will just speak to what I know for sure: the Targa is not a debbie downer, really. Mine is a 991.2 GTS though with 450hp compared to the base with 370 and 420 hp for the S, and a stick. I have driven them all and come to think of it none are debbie downers and none suck.

ChristyT

sorry, I am a physician; writing isn't my strong suit. Fire away!

Porsche911GTS'16

Of the four options you are considering, I would take the 2015 GTS cab. Yes, I am biased because I have a 2016 GTS cab. I prefer a true top-down driving experience (which the Targa does not offer). I am an NA guy, so that eliminates the 2017 2S. The GTS has the X51 power kit which bumps the HP from 400 to 430. The GTS is a more "rare" car than the S because it is an end of production offering. Some say it is a "parts bin special." Whatever - I say it is a very special car. Keep in mind that the 991.1 GTS is, for all intents and purposes, the same car as the 911 50. You bet your bottom dollar that Porsche wanted a special car for its 50th anniversary edition. The differences between the 911 50 and the 991.1 GTS are purely cosmetic both in the interior and exterior. Same engine and same chassis. The GTS also has less sound deadening than the S. I have heard others on RL say that the GTS also sounds better than the S. I cannot confirm or refute that, having never driven an S. Hearing the mechanical whir of the 430 hp NA flat six with the top down is something special. I also love to smell the engine and the tires as the car gets pushed. From one doc to another, do yourself a favor and get the 2015 GTS STAT!

vodkag

The GTS seems to be the best choice...out of all the choices....I have had a few M cars before, they are great on the track, but the 911s is WAY more precise compared to the M cars.

evilfij

997.1 turbo cab 6MT.

Psorcery

Keep it real. No need to front in a Porsche

chris2

Extra points if you get the JDM Toyota Cavalier lol

DerekS

I have a 991.1 Targa. It does feel a bit slower than the 997.2 C2 it replaced.
However, the fun factor is higher as an overall package.

My chief concern would be trying to put kids in it for school. If your kids have legs the back seat is likely not going to work.

fast1

I've read many posts by owners of cabrio owners about how comfortable their kids were in the rear seat, but unless the driver has short legs or the kids or under 5 years, I don't see how anyone would be comfortable in that rear seat.

Bob Z.

If the 991 never came out that is the car I would pick any day of the week, but since it did...

Have you driven all of the cars you are considering? I am amazed at the number of people who post here asking about choices albeit they have not driven all of them.

Bud Taylor

Always freaks me out. I saw a lady in a jag upside down with a tree through it. At least the targa comes with a roll bar. Im not sure the 911 makes a great DD/kid hauler but if those are your choices i would take the targa. As the targas start to age their value well be relatively lower just like the drop tops. I think as the 992 is released the .1's will depreciate more slowly.

Keadog

I had a Targa and went back to a cab. Personal preference of course.
As far as kids in the back seats (of any 911), I thought kids had to be in some sort of car seat until they are about 30 now? Sounds cumbersome.

Dennis C

Cabriolets have a rollover protection system. It deploys automatically behind the rear seats in the event of a rollover crash.