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Most enjoyable water cooled cabrio?

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Old 11-21-2018, 07:07 PM
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Montecarlohomme
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Default Most enjoyable water cooled cabrio?

Not sure where to put this so..Esteemed Rennlisters, I am in the market for a 911 cabrio. For context, I have teenage kids who need rides to places frequently with a friend (short but fun journeys, and they can handle being cramped). I have a couple of V12 2 seat Ferraris which won't fit the bill, and a DD C63 6.2 AMG which will, but you know, I really need a convertible 911 for this and other weekend duties.

Has to be water cooled, has to be post 996. I had a 996 TT S which was a good car but just a bit too efficient and not much more fun than the C63. Has to be a cabrio, not a Targa.

choices are:

997 GTS cabrio (manual or PDK)
997.2 TT cabrio (same)
991.1 GTS cabrio (same)

i have almost ruled out the TT as being similar to if improvement on 996 TT S. I think the 997 is more fun if less competent than the 991 and I prefer hydraulic steering. Is there any other model I need to consider? Or, indeed, any other car? Ferrari Cali is a poor relation to my Ferraris, don't like Maserati GranCabrio or M6 or S cabrio. Needs to be fun.

Is the 997 GTS the most fun relatively modern 2+2 cabrio out there?
Old 11-21-2018, 09:18 PM
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NuttyProfessor
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Given the look-at-my-garage context from which you vividly describe, it would behoove you to change the word “need” to “want”.
Old 11-21-2018, 11:35 PM
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Balr14
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The most fun convertible with a back seat I have driven is a ZL1. The power is addictive and it's so easy to break the rear end loose. The 997.2 TT is an excellent car, but tame by comparison.
Old 11-22-2018, 04:27 AM
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Montecarlohomme
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Had to Google ZL1. You don't get those over here in the UK.
Old 11-22-2018, 06:13 AM
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NC3Pedal
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Either 997 Cab will do the trick. I have a 997.2 manual GTS cab and it is a fantastic car. I prefer the 997.2 platform for its hydraulic steering and excellent 6 speed manual. The 991 7 speed manual is sort of a reverse engineered pdk into manual. The 991 electric steering is among the best out there but you do lose a bit of road feedback. I have driven 991's numerous times including at the Experience Center track and I find the 6 speed to be superior. The 997s have a shorter wheelbase for those who value the more traditional Porsche feel.
Old 11-22-2018, 05:04 PM
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Montecarlohomme
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Thanks - sounds like I am on the right track then. I would likely get a PDK because I drive in town quite a lot. Or maybe I will give in to manual temptation, just don't know. I tend to shift with the paddles in PDK/automated manuals.
Old 11-23-2018, 03:14 PM
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Qwksnke
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Off topic, what year C63 do you have? I miss the hell out of my 08 C63

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Old 11-23-2018, 07:59 PM
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Montecarlohomme
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It's a 2014 C63 estate/wagon. Such a fun car with that unhinged engine. I have driven the new C63/C63S, and they are much less fun, by a surprising degree. It's not just the engine, the steering is both much more direct/quick and also hydraulic v electric.

i sold my 996 Turbo and TT S coupe manuals because the C63 was pretty much as enjoyable, so I'm trying to establish whether the GTS will be that step change. I am a journalist and review cars as a small part of my job, so have driven quite a lot of the 911s, the 997 GTS was memorable but it was a while back, I think it was more fun at lower speed than the 997.2 TT. I did really enjoy the 991.2 Targa GTS but that's a different price bracket right now.

if only they had done a cabrio C63 6.2..
Old 11-23-2018, 08:10 PM
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Jon D
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I would also check out a 991.1 GTS Cabriolet. Very different than the 997 choices. You’ll know which is right for you. Obviously 991.1 GTS is more $$ but guessing that’s not your main driver.
Old 11-23-2018, 08:35 PM
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Qwksnke
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Originally Posted by Montecarlohomme
It's a 2014 C63 estate/wagon. Such a fun car with that unhinged engine. I have driven the new C63/C63S, and they are much less fun, by a surprising degree. It's not just the engine, the steering is both much more direct/quick and also hydraulic v electric.
Nice. I still surf the sale websites occasionally looking for another. As much as the 911 was a dream car of mine, it hasn't quite filled the fun to drive factor that my C63 had.
Old 11-24-2018, 01:12 PM
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Montecarlohomme
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I did wonder, thanks yes I will do.
Old 11-24-2018, 01:15 PM
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Montecarlohomme
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Originally Posted by Qwksnke
Nice. I still surf the sale websites occasionally looking for another. As much as the 911 was a dream car of mine, it hasn't quite filled the fun to drive factor that my C63 had.
My only regret with the C63 is not getting the limited slip diff and/or performance pack that has the LSD. The car needs it on tight fast turns. Should have been standard.

Anyhow that was off topic..I will check out the 991.1 GTS v 997 GTS threads!
Old 11-24-2018, 01:17 PM
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Montecarlohomme
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By the way, and this is getting way off my topic, I enjoyed the 991.2 GTS Targa I had for review last year quite a lot more for road driving than the 991.1 GT3 RS. Maybe that's just my taste.
Old 11-26-2018, 12:10 PM
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Montecarlohomme
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Originally Posted by Qwksnke
Nice. I still surf the sale websites occasionally looking for another. As much as the 911 was a dream car of mine, it hasn't quite filled the fun to drive factor that my C63 had.
Qwksnke, it looks from your profile pic like you have a very nice 997. Are you really saying it's not as fun as the C63? If that's the case, I may need to rethink my planned 997 purchase, as extra fun in a 2+2 is the main justification for buying one (as well as telling my wife they are solid places to put your money hem hem). It's aimed to be a fun weekend car. I already sold my 996 TT S because it was no more fun than the C63.
Old 11-26-2018, 02:03 PM
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Balr14
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If you want some real fun and can get one of these, try a Vanderhall Venice. It's mostly a toy, but it's a blast!
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I have a tadpole recumbent trike, so I'm used to sitting a foot from the road, but it can be scary!


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