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I'm currently in the market to find a manual Targa 4 GTS and wanted to see which version would be better for what I'm looking for. A little background, I'm on a list at my local dealer to buy a GT3 touring but have no idea when that will materialize. So my attention has gone towards getting something for off track and landed on the Targa bc I just love everything about the looks for fun in the sun.
Based on the trim levels and style, I arrived at the 4 GTS model. My question to all of you would be, should I be looking to get the last NA models in 2016 and go for something more new in the 2018/2019 models? Since I would be driving the Targa with the top down majority of the time, I want the exhaust notes to be loud and feel like you are driving a GT3. Since the GT3 is NA, do you think the 991.1 Targa would sound best bc of the 3.8 NA engine or does the added power of the turbo make the 2018/19 make up for the loss of the NA motor, which I'm sure sounds great as well. Then there's the obvious reduction in price between the older models vs newer which I would take into consideration but it ultimately wouldn't influence my decision one way or the other but would be great to save money!
Anyone install an aftermarket exhaust on either one??
The N/A vs turbo sound debate has been beaten to death around here but I'll give my 0.02. If you're looking for a top down experience, then I'd look at a 991.1 cabrio instead of targa. The targa is more handsome for sure, but the added weight on the N/A motor does make it feel more sluggish (although not hugely noticeable). The targa takes less of a performance penalty with the 991.2 turbo engine, although the sound will undoubtedly be muffled (an aftermarket exhaust can improve things).
The N/A vs turbo sound debate has been beaten to death around here but I'll give my 0.02. If you're looking for a top down experience, then I'd look at a 991.1 cabrio instead of targa. The targa is more handsome for sure, but the added weight on the N/A motor does make it feel more sluggish (although not hugely noticeable). The targa takes less of a performance penalty with the 991.2 turbo engine, although the sound will undoubtedly be muffled (an aftermarket exhaust can improve things).
Ha I do not intend to stir up another NA vs turbo debate but rather see what the feedback is on best sound for a targa. I don't see myself driving a cab around town but feel a Targa is a nice in between hard top and cab.
To me, the only 911 I would spend my $$ on is a Targa. After driving the 981 & 991.2 platforms on the Track, the 981 is just so much more predictable, responsive & balanced versus a rear engine 911.
So I purchased a 2019 Targa 4GTS to tour around the country, and am very pleased with the car, for what we use it for. Our 991.2 GTS with the Twin Turbos has plenty of power and still sounds good. Yet I will agree that my Normally Aspirated 981 Cayman sounds a little better to me.
I think you would be happy with either, and its more of an issue of availability, as a Targa 4GTS with manual tranny are few and far between. Good luck with your search!
" top down majority of the time" If that's the case get a Cabriolet. Lighter, cheaper, less to go wrong. Targa makes sense if you need a top up a lot car, or live up north.
I have a 2018 991.2 GT3 manual with a Fabspeed center pipe. I also have a 2019 991.2 Targa GTS with manual and Soul Performance cats. I love both cars. The GT3 sounds ferocious and I drive it very aggressive on the street because it begs for it. After an hour or so my ears are ringing and I feel like I just ran a race. As a result, I only drive it occasionally and it's a special experience when I do. Today was one of those days.
The Targa with the Soul cats is also very aggressive sounding and it's loud on the outside of the car and less so on the inside. The cats really let you hear the turbo whine like the GT2 RS does. If the sound gets to you after a while, you just close the valves and you basically have a stock exhaust. Mine is also Softronic tuned and is supposed to have 560 HP. It pulls very hard and has loads of torque but as you know, you hit the wall at 7,300 when the GT3 is just starting to sing at the rpm. I also wish it had the flat shifting option that the GT3 does.
They are both different experiences but I can tell you that I daily the Targa unless the weather is crappy. 90% of the time with the top off. It's a very comfortable and capable car, especially with the 18 way seats, and the AWD makes it so sure footed.
My vote would be the Targa 4 GTS and then add the cats for $3,000. That way when you get your GT3 Touring, it will be a totally different car and it will be more special.
I have a 2018 991.2 GT3 manual with a Fabspeed center pipe. I also have a 2019 991.2 Targa GTS with manual and Soul Performance cats. I love both cars. The GT3 sounds ferocious and I drive it very aggressive on the street because it begs for it. After an hour or so my ears are ringing and I feel like I just ran a race. As a result, I only drive it occasionally and it's a special experience when I do. Today was one of those days.
The Targa with the Soul cats is also very aggressive sounding and it's loud on the outside of the car and less so on the inside. The cats really let you hear the turbo whine like the GT2 RS does. If the sound gets to you after a while, you just close the valves and you basically have a stock exhaust. Mine is also Softronic tuned and is supposed to have 560 HP. It pulls very hard and has loads of torque but as you know, you hit the wall at 7,300 when the GT3 is just starting to sing at the rpm. I also wish it had the flat shifting option that the GT3 does.
They are both different experiences but I can tell you that I daily the Targa unless the weather is crappy. 90% of the time with the top off. It's a very comfortable and capable car, especially with the 18 way seats, and the AWD makes it so sure footed.
My vote would be the Targa 4 GTS and then add the cats for $3,000. That way when you get your GT3 Touring, it will be a totally different car and it will be more special.
thank you for the feedback, exactly what I wanted to hear. Good to know both are different but awesome experiences. Now I just got to find the right Targa that isn't totally overpriced! Came close to one in ATL but that particular dealer sucked and deal didn't happen!
It's hard if not impossible to find anything that isn't overpriced. My local dealer just took in a 992 Targa with 1,200 miles and he was going to list it for $44,000 over sticker. It is a PDK car.
991.1 Targa felt anemic when I test drove. 991.2 with 450hp felt so much better. 550hp and now we are getting somewhere! 2:32-2:33 at Road America with stock suspension, attests to this! And then driving home with the top down/open.... outstanding!
10-12-2021, 03:35 PM
Targa: which one?
