coupe or cab?

I am looking for a 03-04 TT. I was hoping to get opinions about getting the coupe or cab. I live in Northern CA so weather is usually not an issue. it wont be a DD but a few times/week. thanks

the coupe owners will expectedly tell you to get one (and might even diss the cab while they are at it). and guess what cab owners like me will tell you to get? buy what makes you happy......pick the car that SINGS to you.

I drove a coupe as my daily driver for many years. I sold that and bought a cab and I love it. With the top up, it's about as quiet as a coupe. With the top down, it's magical. You know you want the cab...

Coupe looks better, better lines in my opinion

Love them both. Really depends on what you prefer i think. When I had my 996 Cab i really got annoyed that my cab top didn't look perfect, always the little marks where it folded... and lots of rain water pouring in when driving with window open... but then again nothing beats taking the top down and cruising on a nice fall or spring day like a cab... Agree with Dennis the noise level not a factor at all.

I have a cab and I love it, but if I was going to buy a turbo, I would go for the coupe.

I prefer that 'confined' feeling while driving. My old BMW roadster was nice but wind noise always bothered me. I personally like the looks of the 996 coupe better than the cab. I think it looks kinda funny with the top up. I especially think the TT looks better in a coupe. It's like the cab looks like a regular carrera - doesnt seem as distinguished from the regular carrera as the coupe tt is. But living in CA seems like the perfect place to buy a cab, and if it's not a DD you can enjoy the top down on your terms - not sitting in traffic. Good luck, I'm sure you'll love whatever one you settle on!

Coupe for the classic 911 lines.

Cab all the way!

Would love to see a vote happen across all of rennlist Coupe Cab Targa Think I may vote coupe for the classic roof lines. But still love all three.

I agree with many of the point on both sides. Without repeating all of them I will say the coupe will be tighter on the track and while no quieter my cab top rattles over the slightest bumps. Nevertheless, I love the cab with the top down. I asked my wife if we bought another 911 her preference and she said the cab hands down. She keeps a few of those rubber band things for her hair on the shifter. A small price to pay for her enthusiastic P-Car participation. I am and will always be a Cab guy.

Cab with a hard top. But, like others said, drive both and see what connects to you.

Porsche says look at me, cabriolet says, "really look at me". Plus people like throwing stuff at you to see if it can land in the car. Get a coupe.

Get a a Targa, best of all of them... I'm a top down guy, so if its between a Coupe and a Cab, Cab wins

Coupe is great for a DD or track car but a cab is great for cruisin' in the sun any day. Mrs Waterhound hates my cab with the roof up and dislikes it even more with the winter hardtop on. She just loves to run around topless I suppose. Personally love the difference with roof on/off because it's like having 2 totally different cars. This cab is my DD company car and I will admit that hands free phoning is a real challenge but probably will always pick a cab.

Coupe

Some people don't like cabs. It just doesn't appeal to them and so there is no question in their minds. But I think that if you are in doubt between a coupe and cab, you will be happiest with the cab. If you like the sensations and freedom that convertible driving provides, you may regret not getting a cab. Despite the fact that I prefer a cab, I agree with the posts above that the coupes have the best lines, especially aero and 4S coupes.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Both really appear attractive to me so it is hard to decide as there are many of both types available. I didn't see anyone with a cab mention anything about mechanical issues so I take it that is not a concern even with the car being over 10 hrs old. Like the hardtop curves but there is something to be said driving on a sunny day with the top down.

I think depends of where you live, I live in Florida and is my weekend car, which means my car will be never be storage because of snow, going early in the morning drop the top down and enjoying a beautiful sunset is priceless, I guess if I live in a congested city I will go for the coupe. We should merge with the Turbo forums.

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I have a cab, always had cabs whatever the make/model of vehicle. My C4S cab is the best. I recently replaced the top. Got a top fr $600. and had it done by a local upholster shop for $750. Car looks fantastic and my neighbor thought I had the car repainted. However if I was to get a Turbo I would go for the Hard top for DE or track days if that's your thing. But just to enjoy for weekends etc, I'd get the cab turbo.

I like a cab and if I lived in N. Cal. I would probably have one unless I intended to track, autox, or HPDE the car. Here in the deep South it isn't an option. You get a few nice weeks in the spring and a few nice weeks in the fall. Other than that it is too hot or too cold. That being said, I MUCH prefer the lines of the coupe.

Here is my $.02 from a cab owner. What are you using it for? For us, cruising around weekend car and not headed to the track it was a cab and haven't looked back. If it was my DD and I wanted to try out the track, then coupe. Ever cab guy will say cab and coupe owner will say coupe. You need to decide how you will drive it. Good look in your search.

Cab with hardtop looks like Corky.

Coupe looks better on the outside Cab makes you feel better on the inside Unless you are going to do a lot of tracking, cab FTW. Especially if you live in an area you can use it most of the year....

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I'm with that. My lowly 3.4 cab isn't going to be a great track car or performance car - it's really nice don't get me wrong, but it's not going to see life setup for track days or anything too crazy. The turbo on the other hand could be, and having it as a cab, although fun, would limit what could be done down the road. Just IMO

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And... It's easier for others to see who is driving and enjoying their Porsche! Which is the #1 rule for driving a cab, ALWAYS look like you're having a good time! It doesn't matter if you're stuck in traffic, behind someone slow, or having a terrible day, you're in a Porsche and people can see you. =)

I agree with the comments about the coupe looking better. The lines of the coupe are very nice, especially for wide body cars. That being said, I find that the cab looks very "muscular" from behind. They are both nice. I don't use a hard top in the winter. I don't like the way it looks, and it prevents you from dropping the top when you get one of those odd, unusually warm days in the winter. I had my top open at least once every month last winter.

Coupe or Cabriolet? No one can answer this question for you. The only practical consideration I can think of is, do you want to drive it on a track? If yes, then the coupe is the way to go. I personally do not like convertibles. Strictly a personal taste thing but I just don't like how soft tops look when they are in the up/closed position.

If you don't mind changing roof you can have the cab and whenever you want to feel it like a coupe you simply install the hard top! It's not the same but it's fair enough!

The subject is bordering on being beaten to death, but that won't stop me from commenting. I've always thought that the concept of convertibles was much better than the reality. However, I've changed my mind since owning my C2 Cab. I drop the top every chance I get and put the hardtop on in the winter. Like others have said, it's like having two different cars. Driving at highway speeds with the top down gives you the sensation of traveling much faster than you actually are, so more exhilaration with less risk of a speeding ticket. Driving a twisting country road with the top down is great too. If I had the means to buy a second 996 I would get a coupe just for the variety. If I had plans to track the car I would get a coupe. I've done a bunch of autocross events with the cab and that is fun too.

Well I dont see my self taking the car to the track but I was wondering what is the audio quality using BT/phone with the top down? I have read that there is not much difference in audio quality listening to music but I would think that there would be an issue for those on the receiving end of a call.

I have a Blue Ant Hands-free unit that clips to the sun visor and it works great with the top closed. I can use it with the top down only if going pretty slowly. (around 30 mph or less)

All roads lead to the phone . Next question will be where do you keep your phone. Nope not really a difference for me. But my cab is a 997 never actually stopped to figure out where my mic is located.

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This. Targa is a great alternative.

When I am in my car, top up or down, I don't answer to phone calls. It is purely my time with the car and everything else can wait. I keep the phone in the cubby like others. lol. Also, my 4 yr old daughter LOVES the car with top down. Something to consider if you have little ones.

All I keep hearing lately is ... Phone, phone, phone, phone, phone, phone, phone, phone, phone, ....

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That is the best approach. Unfortunately sometimes I have to be on conference calls while on the way in. Otherwise I avoid using the phone in the car.

Ive never been a convertible fan on any vehicle, and 911's are no different. I obviously can see the appeal they have to some, but for me its coupe or nithing. Not to mention I live in Alabama which means it's with too hot or too cold to have the top down. There are seriously about 2 weeks and spring and 2 weeks in fall that its bearable to have a top down!

Our house has had at least one convertible for decades. Then again, we have lived in Florida, Southern CA and now AZ, so a ragtop is incredibly practical in those areas. I just love the open air feeling and unless the temp is over 105 degrees, the top is down. My 996 cab top never leaked and was quiet...as far as convertibles go. The way I look at it, with a convertible, you have the choice of top up or top down. With a coupe, you have no choice.

It depends.. If you are a girl, get a cab, otherwise get a coupe.. And if you are a big macho, get a coupe with an aero kit! Just kidding people!!!! lol

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Hey, look at this picture of Wolverine I just found.

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Tell that to all the F1 drivers...

I Actually newer driven a Coupe before since i yust bought my cab I Actually think a coupe may be a little more stiffer in the chassis. And i like the lines on a coupe. I actually also like the speedster bumps so maybe se into this later on. But i must agree on owing the cab is almost as having 2 cars. Its so quiet wit top on. Ive had Mercs and beemers and the are much louder.

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What do Neto, a small child, a drunk and yoga pants all have in common? They speak the truth!

Just get both!

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Good one!

After 11 years with a Honda S2000 I was ready for a coupe. I went with a 2002 Targa so I'd still have some of the open air qualities I enjoyed in my S2000. Now in my third summer I'll admit the Targa is no cabriolet not even close. If it's not a daily driver definitely go for the Cabriolet.

My car is not my dd, so I wanted the cab for the weekend jaunts. Nothing like cruising in a P car on a sunny day with the roof down!

Coupe ... I live in Florida and I do a lot more than weekend driving though not quite a dd.

Get a Targa to be in the middle! That's what I did and it feels great!

What do you plan to do with it? If tracking it is a priority, then go coupe and don't look back. My previous daily was a convertible and I had the top down 80% of the time, there is nothing else quite like it. You hear more of the engine and your surroundings, it's wonderfully immersive. That said it is a noticeable compromise in chassis rigidity and tracking it will be a almost impossible without a true roll bar. Common sense says there are more parts in a convertible top that can wear or break vs a hard top, so there's that. Not that a sunroof can't break. 996 coupes are pretty well insulated and not a lot of engine/exhaust noise makes it into the cabin unless you really get on it. Nothing and exhaust can't fix however. IMHO the looks are a wash, best view is behind the wheel

I wanted a cab, but realistically there's only a handful of days in New England when I would be able to enjoy a top-down drive. With a coupe, I can drive much more, and with the roof open and windows down, I get a bit of fresh air and can listen to that amazing PSE note.

My wife wanted a coupe because of the lines.We had a Boxster and the top was always down. In Florida we kept the ac on to compensate the heat with the top down. Love the coupe with the sunroof. Esthetics won the choice though.I would not go back to a convertible.

My thoughts... 1) If you have to ask, you should probably get a coupe. 2) If you're planning on tracking the car, get a coupe. 3) If you want a coupe, get a coupe. 4) All other people should get a convertible. First, let me explain why I wrote #1 as I'm sure plenty of people will disagree. In my experience, most people who really want a convertible don't have to ask. They know they want it. I'll concede that maybe you've wanted one but aren't sure if it's really practical enough or something. I can think of a few people I've known over the years who debated back and forth and were talked into one convertible or another and, pretty much without exception, each of them ultimately admitted that they preferred owning a car with a fixed roof (if they didn't regret their purchase). They lamented the smaller trunk or limited storage space in the convertible. They complained about road noise and squeaks from the roof. They said they rarely put the top down (it was always too hot or too cold or just inconvenient). Some hated it. Some didn't care enough either way but in every case I can think of it just wasn't for them. We've got an '04 C4S Cab and my wife sometimes loves going for a ride in it with the top down but enjoying an occasional dalliance withe roof down isn't the same as living with it. She'd never own one for herself. You don't have to be a sun worshipper to enjoy a convertible. I'm not. In fact, some of the best times to drive a convertibles are at night, on cool/crisp Fall days and even in early parts of the Winter when you can turn the heater to high and just enjoy the drive. I've owned convertibles with cloth tops for years and have never had an issue with road noise. No, I don't have a hearing issue either. lol I've also owned/driven them throughout winters in New England and never had an issue with warmth in the cabin (we're not talking about a Suburban), the weight of the snow, or anything else. You don't need a hard top and, in fact, as others have noted, a hard top will prevent you from taking advantage of the convertible top on warm winter days! There's no denying that a coupe is a better car for the track but if you're not going to track it, IMHO, I don't think the performance trade-off is that significant on US roads. Yes, each car has a different personality but carving up a twisty road with the top down is an amazing experience and most roads in the US won't let you come near pushing the limits of these cars without being stupid. I won't argue aesthetics. It's too personal of an issue. It's also hard to argue against the beauty of the 911's shape. With the top down, however, I think the 911 Cab is stunning...albeit in more of a curbside appeal kind of way. And, again, if you want a convertible then this probably isn't even part of the decision making process. I say go with your heart. If you've always wanted a convertible then get one. I don't think you'll be disappointed. If you've always wanted one but aren't 100% sure then drive one first and consider the downsides and upsides. But, if you're asking because someone's pressuring you then just get the coupe. You won't regret it. You've probably already made your decision by this point but I hope this is helpful nonetheless. lol Just my $.02, -Eric

Targa, especially the 991 Targa

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Yes. Just make sure you light a candle at the church every week so it doesn't break.

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I do that for my 996 Targa roof. Its like $12k to replace The new Targa really gives you the best of both worlds. With the top retracted, full open roof. About as close to a Cab as you can get and still have couple like properties with the roll bar

When I bought my cab, I was shopping for a coupe. I wasn't really even considering a cab, but then the right car became available and I decided to give it a try. I liked it much more than I thought I would. I justified it in my mind by telling myself that I would buy a hard top for the winter months and that it wouldn't be a compromise. What I found was that I don't need a hard top. With the roof closed, there isn't really any compromise compared to a coupe for street driving. The only minor exception to that is visibility when backing out of a parking spot with the roof closed. I have found that I get at least one or two days of top down weather every month, even in the winter. Another thing that is interesting to me is that many turbo owners feel that their car is too quiet. With the top up, I agree with this. Once the top is open, everything changes. I can hear the engine. I can hear the subtle burble when I lift my foot off the throttle. I no longer feel the need to put a louder exhaust on the car. In my opinion, the cabriolet is the best of both worlds. If I were looking for a car that would see track time, then I think I would still buy a coupe. For the street, it's cab all the way!

My last Porsche was a Boxster. Had the top down just about every day and loved it (even sometimes in winter). Topless sport driving adds something to the driving experience, IMHO. I now have a 996 coupe, rather than a cab, for 2 reasons - mainly because I take it to the track, and second because for me the classic 911 lines are so special! Now my windows are always open, unless it's raining!

Personally, I think the cab kills the car's profile. I drive one of the 914s when I want an open-air driving experience. When you look around for cars, seems like there's about 10 cabs for every coupe for sale here in So CA, so obviously the cabs are very popular. Buy whatever you like.

I appreciate all opinions. It is not an easy decision as is represented by the number of split comments here. As it is possible this may be the only porsche I ever own (hopefully not), I want to make sure it meets all my requirements. Problem is, I realistically dont know what I am looking for until I spend time driving one. It will probably come down to what is available and my price point. I still have about 4 mo but I want to get started in case I come across something now.

I'll chime in now that you have 5 pages worth of back and forth... Many have their wants... be it a cab, coupe, or targa. For me and some others it was more a matter of finding a car in the right condition at the right price... the coupe or cab was a distant second to the 'real' requirements.

Help - On a 997 Cab Clam shell not fully closing when top is openned and stowed in its compartment. Works fine when top is closed. Anyone experienced this problem and can share the solution will be much appreciated.

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Here you go with something that a cabrio offers. On the other hand, some sunroofs have clogged drains, or other goofy problems, but not all that common. Cabrio is just more complicated. Choose your poison. YMMV

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Thanks YMMV- Any other clues where i can get help?

Cab is a PITA!!

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I helped another new P-owner with some cab problems. Not by telling him what, etc, but I had a list of RL threads about cab problems. Lost it now. Anyway, look for threads on Cab - Cabriolet problems and you will probably find something. Also, look in the 997 forums, a lot of the same folks in 996 - 997 forums, sharing what they know. Maybe not as much help as you would like, but I offer some suggestions. My priority was a 996 C4S, nothing else would do it for me. Folks are different, OK. I don't simply slam a Cab. BTW, YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary. RL name is under the little box with a picture. My picture is a black & white cat who lied on the Polar Watchman job application but got the job anyway. My Director Cat misha is like that, kind of humor... YMMV Can you name the music on the stand?

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My Cab has been virtually trouble free. Baselined the maintenance when I bought her and have just done oil/filter changes for several years. I just drop the top and go, loving every minute behind the wheel. And she is a TIP too, which I love.

I too am a coupe lover but have to admit a cab I owned in Pastel Yellow with hardtop or black convertible top up was a real looker Rich

Coupe AND a motorbike, maybe a 150cc scooter.

Yellow scooter to go with yellow cars? Yes please 😀 Rich

With a Cab you can change the look entirely with just the push of a button and nothing beats having the top down driving through the woods in the Fall or anywhere at night.

My cab is purely an �enjoyment of the drive� vehicle rather than transport or competition. I know the top could be trouble but I love top down driving where the exhaust sound is at the perfect level. I also have a Tip so I can row the gears in Manual mode when I want - or not. it�s also a low miles car and I add miles on it even though they cause depreciation. Economically stupid

I'm retired, so if it's raining I can postpone an errand or use another car in the rain. I love top down driving. My las car was a 2003 Corvette convertible. It was a hoot to drive. So naturally I'd get a cab when the time came. Either way, good luck with your search and enjoy whatever you decide to buy!

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My friend Claude tells me it is Orchestral Excerpts from the Symphonic Repertoire for Trumpet. It looks like fun. I've thought about pulling my saxophones out and working my chops back up. It was really fun, many years ago. And I almost have the time again to devote to it. How many trumpets can you fit into your 996?

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BINGO! CLOSE ENOUGH! It is actually a page from Rimsky-Korsakov Procession of the Nobles, part of opera-ballet Mlada. I have a brass quintet version that was missing the "B" part of an "ABAC " progression and I am transposing C-trumpet parts to B-flat and adding another french horn part in F. (BTW, Einstein's "E" theory is incorrect. "e=f-flat" ) . I have 4 silver trumpets, my friends always faithful. never missed a beat or ran away for 60 years. I was classical symphony trumpet musician (SF symphony/ballet, Oakland symphony, Victoria BC sym, and a few others) for many many years, Porsche nut - had my own Pshop for about 30 years (aircooled). Anyway, original Don Benge B-flat, the original Bach C, and Getzen D and Getzen E-flat, and 1890 rotary C. trumpets. All perfect, not a dent or blemish in any of them. A lot of "gray hairs" in these performances... For grins, all trumpets can fit in a 996. Go here: You Tube and You Tube cheers.

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This may be a hot take, but I own a cabriolet and I would probably buy a coupe. Removing the roof loses a lot of rigidity and my car thuds and creaks over bad pavement, which is common where I live in Minnesota. It is a tough environment for roads, perhaps NorCal is less so. I've often thought that if I did it again I'd buy a coupe and reserve some money for another car with a drop top, perhaps a Triumph or a 450SL, more of a boulevard cruiser/night out with the wife kind of car. Driving the 911 is always thrilling, and a coupe would be more-so.

Even on a well maintained track like the Nuremberg Ring, the 996 coup lap times are crushing the cab by 2-4 seconds on the12.9 mile track. That lack of rigidness in the cab, definitely a game changer.