I am out to waste some time right now and had P-9 up so I figured I'd share some information about my Porsche experience.
As some of you may know, about 4 months ago, I traded in my 2008 Black on Black on Black Cayman S for a 2007 Guards Red Targa 4. Here are my impressions so far of my different experience.
1) The Cayman was able to fit me well (big guy and 6 ft 2 in) but the ability to adjust the seats in the Carrera to my liking felt great! The 1/2 back seats can squeeze in small people but usually its just me driving.
2) The Targa roof does squeak like some forums mention. I have since found out that there is a certain spray that can be put on the rails to prevent the squeaking (especially over rough pavement). Believe it or not, the squeaking is much less than the liner rattle that some of us Cayman owners were living with (especially with droning exhaust). Let me be clear, I LOVE THE ROOF. I don't think I can go back into an enclosed car because of the ambient light (during the day and even moonlight). Honestly, it is the only time that I felt like the visuals of a car commercial melt into reality (ie, streetlights flowing over a car's roof looks great on a TV commercial, but feeling the ambient light moving above is so much better!).
3) The 3.6 L engine in the Targa came with 325 HP. I figured the heavier weight of the car would make it about the same feeling as the light Cayman S with 295 HP with upgraded exhaust. I know this is purely subjective but the Targa still feels faster (maybe attributed to the 4wd). The torque is perfect above 3k rpm
4) Guards red is warming up on me as it feels like a sports car in any kind of weather and light. Even more "look at that" hand gesture than the Cayman!
5) Mods for this car seem to be severely limited and unnecessarily expensive (moreso than the Cayman S). IE, ebay exhausts will begin at 1800 USD vs 1500 USD for the Cayman. In addition, the exhaust options do not seem to produce the gentle grumble we all love when upgrading Cayman S exhausts. In this research, I have decided to enjoy the factory sounds.
6) The only thing a bit annoying right now is a slightly leaky RMS as well as what sounds/feels like the driver front wheel bearing needing attention. Other than that, the car feels very tight. The understeer is much more on this car than the Cayman S but feels very nicely weighted. The gearbox also feels chunkier (possibly due to an older clutch).
7) The Bose system for Porsche seems to be an issue for most. I have found that the CD quality and radio quality for the Targa Bose is very usable. When radio transmitters come into the mix.... it is not that great.
8) The Targa is perfect in the same way the Cayman was great in the rear hatch access. This is another reason why I picked a Targa instead of a C4S or C4.
9) So far, I am really enjoying my Targa and plan to do a few mods but to get things started I put in a few things already.
MODS:
1) Tooki Bluetooth Module - REVIEW: Must do for those who are considering. Iphone phonebooks are now accessible with update! (but only 1st number of each contact)
2) Painted shift pattern - Should have been stock from the factory this way (takes literally 10 mins to do and suncoast will has shifters for salewith a painted pattern shifter for more than 2 Benjamins!
3) Installed a phone mount base that looks like it came from the factory. I will update more info for those interested. (SORRY FOR THE BLURRY PIC) I was in a rush. The stitching and leather color matches the interior almost exactly! I love this mod
OVERALL:
I love my Targa and am very glad I made the move to the larger car. Its more spacious, more powerful, and sometimes has more problems. I have been wondering whether the 991 is a compromise in comparison to the 997s. Some say it is with "sound" falsifying (its like adding a cone to the bottom of a phone speaker and saying the sound is better). Also the electronic handling is still in question by myself (though I haven't tried it yet). Finally, the rear lights for the 991 look fantastic but easily similar to an Aston Martin, but I don't like the rear look due to the stubby nature and shortened spoiler. I hope you enjoyed the reading!
:cheers:
Good stuff, thanks for taking the time to put this together!
Very good write up. Thanks.
Car looks great.
Where did you get the cell phone mount from?
Thanks for sharing; I wanted a Targa but reports of the squeaking, even from the dealer's service manager, was enough to make me reconsider ... glad to hear that you've found a solution.
I've also heard that the rear headroom is best in the Targa; any comments on that? The rear seating in my cab seems to be the most compromised in the 997 line ...
That arc from A-pillar to C-pillar is incredibly graceful. Sets the car apart from its coupe brethren. Does anyone know if it's structural?
Hey guys keep the feedback coming!
Here are answers to some of the questions:
Rubber_Ducky - The mount I purchased from KUDAUSA.com (not a plug). I objectively am providing this information as I feel this is a GREAT solution for many of us. There are many colors and options for what cell phone holster you may want. There was one mod that I had to do with a Dremel which is there is a piece of metal I had to cut in order to allow for perfect fitment. (if you purchase you may run into this problem as well, but easy to fix). Also, I have an FM transmitter that has also charges my Iphone with most of the wiring hidden behind the passenger footwell lighter socket. Works very well for when I need Pandora.
GTKYL - The headroom is actually very good in the rear for it being a 2+2 seater. My brother has sat back there on short trips and he is about 6 ft tall. ****this is only true when the roof is close as the roof mechanism is fairly large and will slide back entirely! (Great closed roof, bad open roof). I was also told by sales managers and service managers to not get the Targa. I am not clear as to why they still don't recommend it as most Targa owners learn to make it a semi-annual 10 min addition to a Car Wash or seasonal preparation. I will be doing my roof in the next few weeks.
Botulism - I am sure it is structural as behind the smooth glass is a B pillar which also holds the Targa roof mechanism. My assumption is the B pillar is connected to the arch in a way to make a substantial roll-over protection system. I do believe the actual aluminum strip is a design feature only.
I am more than happy to comment and provide input! Thanks for reading!
:cheers:
Targa
Thanks for the information. How does the Targa 4 ride and sound on the highway compared to the Cayman? Did you trade your Cayman in at Porsche dealer?
I'm on my second Boxster and planning on getting a Targa 4 when the price the of 997.2s drop a bit more. Many Thanks!
The Targa 4 I have is a 997.1 as I want to be accurate on my response. My assumption is a 997.2 would be even more compliant.
In comparison to my Cayman S and my brothers previous 987.2 Boxster, I have found the ride to be much better for daily commuting. There is a bit of bounce over choppy highway or roads (probably due to a lever effect with the engine placement location), but very easy to drive long distance (again moreso than the Cayman or boxster). I have a feeling that the 997 steering system is more weighted and make for a very stable high speed ride on the highway. The car really does feel more put together in terms of how all the parts work together. Not to say 987s are bad, but there is a bit of a difference.
The sound on the highway is very similar to the Cayman and Boxster in terms of tire noise (probably closer to the dB of a boxster). This is when the car is in prime condition. As I state I have a very noisy front axle right now due to what I believe is a damaged driver wheel bearing (probably the rear as well but front seems to be louder). The only other noises seems to be a bit more distant engine noise, but the sounds of the engine and exhaust both are more on the lower end of the frequency range. The entire car is just more of a beast!
Thanks! The tire noise on the Boxster can get a bit old during long two hour+ trips. Looking forward to frequent 997.1 targa updates from you.
2003 Previous 986
2009 Current 987.2
Thanks for the confirmation on the rear seating headroom! Targas are so rare here that there's a "fight" any time one comes in. Glad to hear positive comments about ownership. I've read that the next one coming out may go back to the silver rollbar with removable roof panel... I think the current model with sliding roof is the best solution ... :cheers:
