First-time 911 buyer. Originally thought about Midnight Blue Targa-4 but started to consider Carrera-S as Shark Blue gets available in a similar budget. Probably black interior would have better contrast with Shark Blue but too hot for Southern California. Advice and comments are welcome and appreciated. Thank you.

Targa-4, Midnight Blue, Slate Gray/Chalk, MT, 151k
http://www.porsche-code.com/PNL8LTD3

Carrera-S, Shark Blue, Slate Gray/Chalk, MT, 148k
http://www.porsche-code.com/PNMNJAE5

 

The Targa 4 can’t be had in a manual transmission, if that’s what “MT” means. Both are nice specs.

 

Targa is at a different level in term of styling, no mention of its open top functionality.

However keep in mind, the 911 has always seemed to be very sensitive to weight, meaning that Targa model is noticably slower than regular carrera with the same engine. In your case, Carrera S will blow the Targa none S out of water, straight line performance wise.

This is really a style/functionality vs Performance question for you and no one else has the position to answer it for you.

 

The two builds are very nice; however, I see a comparison of an apple and an orange. The Targa is arguably the nicest looking and unique with a great open air experience. The coupe will get the slight nod as far as performance is concerned. IMO, to move forward, OP has two major decisions: manual versus PDK and coupe versus open air experience. I’ve owned a few 991.2 cars: PDK C2S Coupe, PDK GTS Cab and manual Targa 4. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of a manual 992 Cab and likely would have ordered a base Cab IF manual was an option so you know where my head is at ...

 

Targa 4s is 300 lb heavier with less power.

Personally, the Carrera S has just enough power - any less is not enough.

 

Lol. I must resist the desire to take a Turbo for a test drive ! Fortunately, my mindset is to enjoy a third pedal for now so there’s that ...

 

Obviously, you haven't driven a turbo S, LOL...

 

It comes down to whether or not you want the Targa styling and convertible-like functionality. You’re not going to be disappointed in the performance regardless.

 

Ha...it sort of ruins you. I had a Turbo 3 years ago and it's hard to go back from that.

 

Ummm...Yes I have and I have one on order.

 

Yes, my bad. Copy and paste mistake.

 

Then, the reason for not getting a 4S is then.....

Badge?

 

My Turbo S will be unbadged.

I honestly have no idea what you’re getting at.

The Carrera S has just enough power. That’s not to say it can’t have more. Hence the TTS.

 

Besides open-air vs performance, another challenging part for me is the exterior color. It looks like Midnight Blue fits more to my age (mid 50) but really like of Shark Blue which does not seems to match with Targa and may easily get boring. Never had any colored car in my life only white, silver, grey, and so on.

 

IMO - If this isn’t a daily driver, but more of a weekend toy - get the Shark Blue.