cabriolet vs coupe purchase regret
#46
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In Florida as well and own a coupe. A cabriolet/targa/coupe decision is personal choice.
I've owned a convertible and I can tell you that tops take a beating from the sun, salt and heat. It helps if you can keep the car under cover when not in use.
I drive my coupe with the windows down 99% of the time and seldom use the a/c, prone to skin cancer so sun isn't my friend. Perfectly satisfied.
You have to be happy with your choice, that's what matters.
I've owned a convertible and I can tell you that tops take a beating from the sun, salt and heat. It helps if you can keep the car under cover when not in use.
I drive my coupe with the windows down 99% of the time and seldom use the a/c, prone to skin cancer so sun isn't my friend. Perfectly satisfied.
You have to be happy with your choice, that's what matters.
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artsd (01-06-2021)
#47
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Thanks for all the feedback everyone! Lots of good personal experience. Seems like cab owners are overall happy with the decision but in the end it is personal. I remember when I first got the 360 Spider I felt strangely exposed because every single person at a traffic light is basically looking right down on you. At first I didn't like the open top but those flat plane V8 engine sounds made me get over that soon enough. Thank you.
#49
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Now have a coupe. The coupe is 1000 times more comfortable over long distance trips. The coupe is stiffer and has probably 100 less parts to break.
On my morning bagel run one day in reston va I happened upon an accident with a tree through the middle of a jag convertible. Chopped the poor lady in half. No verts for me but ymmv.
On my morning bagel run one day in reston va I happened upon an accident with a tree through the middle of a jag convertible. Chopped the poor lady in half. No verts for me but ymmv.
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artsd (01-07-2021)
#50
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I'm partial to cabs!
Objectively - the 991 generation was the biggest improvement between generations for cab design in Porsche's 50+ year history of making 911's. It's actually a retractable hardtop that is magnesium so it adds very little weight and top up experience gives up very little sound or rigidity to the coupe. If you think you might want a cab, a 991 is the one to get!
Objectively - the 991 generation was the biggest improvement between generations for cab design in Porsche's 50+ year history of making 911's. It's actually a retractable hardtop that is magnesium so it adds very little weight and top up experience gives up very little sound or rigidity to the coupe. If you think you might want a cab, a 991 is the one to get!
(not to mention open-air driving on a nice warm day is addictive... even in New England)
Last edited by bb964; 01-07-2021 at 03:45 AM.
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#51
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Only a Cab/Targa for me, I just haven't found the right one yet... 😒
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artsd (01-07-2021)
#52
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Never thought about buying anything but a Cab. I owned a BMW 128i convertible for 15 years before moving to Porsche. My 2013 C2S cab is as quiet with the top up as my wife's X5 as far as wind noise is concerned (obviously, you hear the engine a lot more, but that's intentional). The 991's convertible top design is truly stellar, so if you are worried about noise or operational issues, you shouldn't be. I happen to think that the overall design of the cab with the top down is far more sexy than the coupe, but YMMV.
If you wanted to do serious track stuff, the coupe would be a better choice. If you want to just enjoy driving on a twisty country road, the convertible is the only way to go.
If you wanted to do serious track stuff, the coupe would be a better choice. If you want to just enjoy driving on a twisty country road, the convertible is the only way to go.
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artsd (01-07-2021)
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artsd (01-07-2021)
#54
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I've had 9 Porsches since 1991: 4 cabs, 4 coupes and a 991.2 Targa 4S. For a few years over that time I've had one of each at the same time. That's nice but I don't drive enough (total) to use both as much as I would like. I also drove a '70 E-type Series II roadster in college and had a '15 Miata for one summer until my wife decided it was too small and asked me to go back to a Boxster (which was also a little small for her, especially on trips, so back to 911s).
My take:
1. If I can only have one, it's almost certainly going to be a cab every time and we live in the cold, snowy middle of flyover country. The 991 cabs are actually quite sturdy with the top up. My main (really only) complaint is that no matter how well I treat it, the fabric top over the metal gets wrinkles that drive me crazy. I loved my power retractable hardtop on my '15 Miata for that reason.
2. I was underwhelmed with the Targa. I agree it's better looking than the cab and the top trick is great at parties, but it never felt open enough to me. However, with the windows and wind deflector up the cab is very close (to me) to the Targa experience (but the Targa can never duplicate the feeling of top and windows down).
3. When on a road trip and packing is tight, you can put the top down to load and unload suitcases that "fit" in the back seat but don't like going behind the front seats folded forward. We like taking a couple road trips a year (if things ever normalize we plan to continue) and the convenient access to this extra space should not be underestimated. It is less ideal if it is raining, of course.
4. I am not nor was I ever a "great" driver, so the "better handling", etc of the coupe never plays into my thinking. I was and remain a happy "D" group relaxed driver at PCA DEs. YMMV.
No bad choice. As annoying as PAG/PCNA can be at times, I still like hopping in and going for a ride. Just took it to the bank and Kroger with damp roads and 35 out. The C4 with Sottozeros is quite capable and total body PPF makes me worry less about washing the crud off. I drive it at least every 7-10 days year round. I admit I worry a little about supermarket parking lots, but just park it in the first spot available and hope for the best (but never next to the cart returns, lol). Been lucky so far.
My take:
1. If I can only have one, it's almost certainly going to be a cab every time and we live in the cold, snowy middle of flyover country. The 991 cabs are actually quite sturdy with the top up. My main (really only) complaint is that no matter how well I treat it, the fabric top over the metal gets wrinkles that drive me crazy. I loved my power retractable hardtop on my '15 Miata for that reason.
2. I was underwhelmed with the Targa. I agree it's better looking than the cab and the top trick is great at parties, but it never felt open enough to me. However, with the windows and wind deflector up the cab is very close (to me) to the Targa experience (but the Targa can never duplicate the feeling of top and windows down).
3. When on a road trip and packing is tight, you can put the top down to load and unload suitcases that "fit" in the back seat but don't like going behind the front seats folded forward. We like taking a couple road trips a year (if things ever normalize we plan to continue) and the convenient access to this extra space should not be underestimated. It is less ideal if it is raining, of course.
4. I am not nor was I ever a "great" driver, so the "better handling", etc of the coupe never plays into my thinking. I was and remain a happy "D" group relaxed driver at PCA DEs. YMMV.
No bad choice. As annoying as PAG/PCNA can be at times, I still like hopping in and going for a ride. Just took it to the bank and Kroger with damp roads and 35 out. The C4 with Sottozeros is quite capable and total body PPF makes me worry less about washing the crud off. I drive it at least every 7-10 days year round. I admit I worry a little about supermarket parking lots, but just park it in the first spot available and hope for the best (but never next to the cart returns, lol). Been lucky so far.
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artsd (01-07-2021)
#56
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B Russ (01-07-2021)
#59