I had a 993 Targa and now I have a 997.2 Targa 4S so I've owned Targas for 10 years or so. Not sure your video does them justice. I don't track, I just use them in the real world on the streets so it comes down to choice. Cabrios for me lose the 911 aesthetic, they lose the rigidity of a true sports car and also the classic line of a 911. The Targa in my opinion is a happy midpoint, I had an SC sunroof coupe which was awesome but it comes down to choice. Whichever you choose a 911 of any variant is a joy to own, I don't think you'd be disappointed. I just wish that I could go back and tell my 28 year old self that the 40k miles '67 911T in Irish Green on offer at £10k with registration 911 ( where I live we have no letters) was a better choice than the GP White 70k miles '79 SC that I bought for £12.750. We all make mistakes.....
While the Targa does add 130lbs of weight vs coupe, the sunroof adds about 60. And all US cars have the sunroof except custom orders and some of the racing variants.
The base chassis for all Targa's come with the improved structural integrity added to all Convertable. It is rigid and I notice zero impact to it's handling. Infact if you come into a drive way at an angle the car will lift a tire and suspend it in the air. It is Rigid!!!!
You folded the targa top on the 964 and carried it with you in the front trunk. It had a mechanical folding set of beams and a canvas-like top. You could easily manage it yourself -- I did it all the time.
One forgotten bit... the (frame of the) roof, when retracted, does obscure the sight lines out the rear view mirror somewhat (the lower half of the view). If you are average (5'10") or above height male, you'll be able to see ok-ish-barely out the back if you sit up straight. Otherwise not so much.
Great video - how is the storage space with the rear seats down? I love this style Targa and would love to get a 996 as a practical GT/sports car for weekend camping trips. I'm also thinking about the 987 Cayman with its hatch and decent rear storage plus frunk. RWD is definitely desirable to me, as I already have the rear wheel biased AWD covered with my 2008 BMW 535xi wagon. It's a manual with sport package, so I know what you mean about the difficulty of finding a replacement. There were only 300-odd manual 535xi wagons imported to the USA, and not many had the sport package. I fear hitting a deer in mine - that's what totaled my last car, a 2009 328xi manual, and I hit one with the car before that too. Michigan is a dangerous place to drive and ride in the evening!
I tend to use the rear seats (up) as storage. Fits a backpack well (two backpacks... one each seat). I believe there is less storage with the seats down - seems so at least. As for RWD, the 911 targas only come in AWD. You could of course find a 911 carrera RWD w/ sunroof (most common 911 there is).
Yes, Any Speed at the push of the button the top can be lowered to any amount you 'd like including fully open which gives the passenger and driver a full convertible feel. I will also note that the glass roof lets a lot of light into the cabin given the car a much more open and spacious feel.
I have the same car in Guards red with HKS Springs, Sway Bars, with the Full Fabspeed Intake, Exhaust, and Tune on 19 Turbo Wheels and It is on Rails!!!! It handles so flat and even has the ability becuae it is an S model to Adjust into Sport mode with Lowers the car, Cahnges the Springs rates and Throttle response. PSM can also de defeated and turn off traction control. The AWD c ability is truly amazing in this car and it really provides for a confidence inspiring ride all the time even when pushed!!! LOVE IT!!!
Not true, The 993 has a Targa Top that function nearly identically with the exception of the sun visor retracting forward instead of backwards. Proof here: ua-cam.com/video/GhRknbAxRTQ/v-deo.html
I'll also add that the 997 shown in Video is faster and handles better along with a more sport car interior instead of a VW looking interior with virtually no technology to be found. Superior car in every way, Not to mention because it s water cooled it will last longer!!!
I had a 993 Targa and now I have a 997.2 Targa 4S so I've owned Targas for 10 years or so. Not sure your video does them justice. I don't track, I just use them in the real world on the streets so it comes down to choice. Cabrios for me lose the 911 aesthetic, they lose the rigidity of a true sports car and also the classic line of a 911. The Targa in my opinion is a happy midpoint, I had an SC sunroof coupe which was awesome but it comes down to choice. Whichever you choose a 911 of any variant is a joy to own, I don't think you'd be disappointed. I just wish that I could go back and tell my 28 year old self that the 40k miles '67 911T in Irish Green on offer at £10k with registration 911 ( where I live we have no letters) was a better choice than the GP White 70k miles '79 SC that I bought for £12.750. We all make mistakes.....
I've driven a 911 with sunroof and it's not there same. Targas are special.
Thanks. I have a 997.2 targa and I did not know either point you brought up. Thanks for the education.
While the Targa does add 130lbs of weight vs coupe, the sunroof adds about 60. And all US cars have the sunroof except custom orders and some of the racing variants.
The base chassis for all Targa's come with the improved structural integrity added to all Convertable. It is rigid and I notice zero impact to it's handling. Infact if you come into a drive way at an angle the car will lift a tire and suspend it in the air. It is Rigid!!!!
Good review. I just brought a 2007 Targa. Love it.
993 (1995-1998), 996 (1999-2004), and 997 (2005-2011) generation Porsche 911s all had this same retractable roof approach.
OMG ... I came across your video by accident and instantly recognized you by your voice! LoL. :) Great video and nice car!
You folded the targa top on the 964 and carried it with you in the front trunk. It had a mechanical folding set of beams and a canvas-like top. You could easily manage it yourself -- I did it all the time.
One forgotten bit... the (frame of the) roof, when retracted, does obscure the sight lines out the rear view mirror somewhat (the lower half of the view). If you are average (5'10") or above height male, you'll be able to see ok-ish-barely out the back if you sit up straight. Otherwise not so much.
You shouldn't slam the rear hatch! And even driver door..smh
cool car man...i used to own a 996 C4s and i really wish i got the targa instead.
great video thank you im just looking at buying one.
You should! No regrets.
very informative!
So I found this 911 996 Targa for a 27K in automatic. What do you think?
I essentially came here to see a 993 Targa...
Great video - how is the storage space with the rear seats down? I love this style Targa and would love to get a 996 as a practical GT/sports car for weekend camping trips. I'm also thinking about the 987 Cayman with its hatch and decent rear storage plus frunk.
RWD is definitely desirable to me, as I already have the rear wheel biased AWD covered with my 2008 BMW 535xi wagon. It's a manual with sport package, so I know what you mean about the difficulty of finding a replacement. There were only 300-odd manual 535xi wagons imported to the USA, and not many had the sport package. I fear hitting a deer in mine - that's what totaled my last car, a 2009 328xi manual, and I hit one with the car before that too. Michigan is a dangerous place to drive and ride in the evening!
I tend to use the rear seats (up) as storage. Fits a backpack well (two backpacks... one each seat). I believe there is less storage with the seats down - seems so at least. As for RWD, the 911 targas only come in AWD. You could of course find a 911 carrera RWD w/ sunroof (most common 911 there is).
how's the whip now? great video--thank you very much
traded it in for a 992 C2... also sweet.
@@20091712 cool that's so awesome, did you have to pay a lot more in cash after trade?
Essentially.
So you can open and close at speed thanks
santa mulligan Yes. Even 100 mph!
Yes, Any Speed at the push of the button the top can be lowered to any amount you 'd like including fully open which gives the passenger and driver a full convertible feel. I will also note that the glass roof lets a lot of light into the cabin given the car a much more open and spacious feel.
Really cute
Jesus Take wheel when I be trackin that
I have the same car in Guards red with HKS Springs, Sway Bars, with the Full Fabspeed Intake, Exhaust, and Tune on 19 Turbo Wheels and It is on Rails!!!! It handles so flat and even has the ability becuae it is an S model to Adjust into Sport mode with Lowers the car, Cahnges the Springs rates and Throttle response. PSM can also de defeated and turn off traction control. The AWD c ability is truly amazing in this car and it really provides for a confidence inspiring ride all the time even when pushed!!! LOVE IT!!!
Just get a sunroof
I did. I've since traded this 997T in for a 992 with sunroof. It just is not the same. To me, a targa is special. I do like the 992 though.
The video has nothing at all to do with the 993! Click bate
the targa roof is the same as the 993 (the purpose of the video is about the targa)
Not true, The 993 has a Targa Top that function nearly identically with the exception of the sun visor retracting forward instead of backwards. Proof here: ua-cam.com/video/GhRknbAxRTQ/v-deo.html
I'll also add that the 997 shown in Video is faster and handles better along with a more sport car interior instead of a VW looking interior with virtually no technology to be found. Superior car in every way, Not to mention because it s water cooled it will last longer!!!