Cab or Coupe, which do owners prefer?

I am searching for the right '99-00, 996. Haven't had a chance to drive a cab, any advice as to possible disadvantages of a cab? It would be second car, (but my other is a sluggy turbodiesel defender 110, not a strong prinary car) I live at the beach in NC. But would love to track the car in the future (realistically it may not happen). Leaning to '00 Cab with tip. (the convenience factor of being able to talk on the phone or enjoy a cup of coffee is strong) I guess it may be all personal preference......... But hated not to query such a knowledgable group. Thanks in advance

I've owned an '87 Cab, '90 C2 Coupe, '96 C2 Cab, '97 C4S Coupe, 99 C2 Coupe, and now an '03 C4S Coupe......I wouldn't even think of a Cab....the lines of the Coupe are so much more beautiful to me, and the car always looks clean.....that being said, I prefer brunettes, and the next guy wouldn't look at one (unless it was Catherine Zeta-Jones), and only likes blonds.....it's an important decision, but it's very subjective....there's no right answer!!!!! On a more important note, one of the above listed cars was a Tip, and I'd NEVER do that again. To illustrate how many agree w/me, there's a C4S Coupe with Tip ('03), sitting at Thoroughbred Motors, the authorized Porsche dealer in Nashville, TN, which is a great Porsche market, and it's been there since last MAY!!!!!! I think you'll lose a bunch on a Tip. Good luck w/your choices.

Coupes are better looking, Cabs are more fun It is subjective; I just love going topless... I did drive a new 997 S that was a Tip and was impressed with it (I have not been impressed with Tips in the past). Even though it was impressive, I would never own it. A big part of the fun of owning a sports car is shifting imo... Roy

Have you considered a Targa? Some say that it's the best of both worlds. I personally don't care for the rear quarter window design but it's lightyears ahead of any of the 993 based Targas that were infamously known for leaks, rattles, etc. My neighbour had one and I have to say that it was a blast to drive in with or without that massive roof open. The rear hatch-style glass was a great convenience feature as well. I believe that the Targa was about $5000 more than a coupe but less expensive than a convertible. Used prices for Targas can be less than even a coupe sometimes...

I bought a cab also as a second "fun" car. To me, you can't beat the experience of the cab on a sunny summer day or even a cool autumn day...or any day! But I always wanted a convertible and IMHO going from one "hardtop" car to another on a different day is just not worth the $.

Cab or Coupe.....6 or Tip.......Mods or None......C2 or C4?????? This is totally subjective and can get every possible combo answer here. Why do we each have what we do? Becasue that is what we like based on a drive (usually) or a compromise (in my case). I wanted a 911, the wife wanted a BoxsterS so we comprimised and got a 996CAB. Remember, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Your best bet is to test drive the various combinations, then go with your brain / heart. The tip is scoffed at by most, but try it in M mode and A mode and make up your own mind. The resale on a tip is harder, but that means you should be able to drive to a lower price when you negotiate. The savings may get you into an 01 or possibly an 02, with the bigger engine. Many cab owners like their removable hardtops for winter. Again, a personal preference. My understanding is that most DE events will allow cabs with retractable rollbars. The cabs are quite solid/stiff. Also you get a bit more engine sound, which may be considered a benefit by some. Porsche did a very good job in the wind tunnel... I can talk on the phone with the top down at highway speeds (with windows and wind buffetting screen up). But the summary is whatever YOU decide is best for you is what you should go with. Ok, one mod to that if the decision is shared with a spouse...

I wondered the same thing before I purchased mine but then I remembered how many times I had to close the sunroof because I was getting burned... So. Cal Sunny California "no right now though" -Eli

Get both!

Cab for me all the way....................I love driving that car on a early Sunday morning with the sun just popping it's head out. There is no substitute! I also have the hardtop, so really I can get the best of both worlds. But I seldom do use the hardtop. Cheers

Coupe

Personally I don't care for the Cab but my wife does.

So...what you are saying is that the cabs are for girls - right I had an MR2 spyder (convertible) before I bought my 911 and honestly thought that I would end up with a C2 Cab - instead I drove a bunch and bought the C4S Coupe. I was worried that I would miss the open roof but I honestly don't - however my 6 year old son was very dissapointed on our first drive when he asked me to open the roof and all I did was open the sun roof. So...I agree with other posts here. Drive as many as you can and let your heart decide - after all, these cars don't really make sense on a rational basis do they?

No one is saying that it's for girls but if the shoe fits... Go drive some. You can't go wrong no matter what.

I've found that most Porsche enthusiasts will say exactly what this thread indicates-- some say coupe, some cab, and everyone agrees it's a personal choice with no "right" answer. However, I've also found that nearly all of the non-Porsche enthusiast-- that is, most of the population-- believe that if you're gonna spend the dough for a Porsche it MUST be a cab (they would say "convertible"). GBG

Well, as my wife says, the coupes are more "flashy" and have more appeal, but we bought a cab since we are in California... I have to agree with Wormdoggy, nothing like having your top down on a sunny weekend day and going driving....

I love my Cab, but only because I live in a very sunny part of the world. I have a hardtop, but in a year of owning it, have never put it on -- but with all the rain recently, I am considering it!

Having had both, COUPE.

Convertible usually means some sort of compromise in performance. 996 cab is one of the few convertibles that compromises very little from the coupe and offer great top down experience. The cab is a rock solid car, even when top down. Pro: Virtually no addt'l weight Virtually no slower (0.2 sec slower going 0-62mph) Very safe with pop out rollbar, side airbags Excellent wind buffeting - best I've experienced Excellent weather protection - well insulated top Virtually no loss of aerodynamic efficiency Con: Replacement of top every 5-10 yrs Some consider not as good looking Slightly less safe than coupe in roll over I'd seriously consider the cab if you like the extra attention and enjoy more open driving. It's a great convertible and you won't regret it.

coupe

I have the cab because I always wanted one. But I also use the hard top quite a bit, it is kind of like the best of both worlds. The cool mornings and evenings are what I enjoy the most with the top down. I will also second the quiteness of the cab. Hardly any wind noise and very easy to put up and down (definitely get the switch mod so it goes up and down without holding the button). You should definitely drive both and let that decide. I also drive in a lot of traffic at times and the manual is no problem at all. Just get a good handsfree unit for your phone. Kris

To me, there is no better feeling than driving a great cab. That having been said, the lines are not quite as clean, but the hardtop goes a long way to bridge the gap during the winter months. Different strokes for different folks.

It all depends upon how it will be used. I live and work out in the country and don't track my car. There's no car experience IMO that is superior to driving a convertible with the top down, especially during the Spring. On the other hand if I lived and worked in the city, I'd buy a coupe with an auto tranny.

My wife wanted a cab and as a compromise we opted for the 6-speed instead of the tip which we had before. But it had to have cup holders which ours has. How else do you shift?

Ditto. There's nothing better than driving with the top down in the spring, summer and fall. And, with the windstop, you can drive on the highway at speed without wind buffeting. I also use the hardtop between Nov. and March and I think the 996 cab with the hardtop on may be the nicest looking 911.

Given the fact that you want a tip and you are a cell phone, coffee type, I say go for the Cab. I had both an earlier 84 Cab and a 78 930 coupe and can testify I loved my cab for cruising. Coupes are stiffer and better suited for the track, but you describe yourself as a far possibility for tracking the car. You will not notice that much difference in handling and you'll enjoy the cruise. The reason for coupes is for tracking or you just don't like cabs. You obiviously want a cab and thinking it won't be suited for tracking, but giving 99% of its use is for daily driving, you can still use it on the track without giving much up.

Coupe;, sunroof delete

Cars and women: topless, of course. I drive cabs. Right here in NC with you dds. You drink coffee? Damn. Must have in-office perks like whitening too, eh?

Can't go wrong either way. Coupes are more solid, better lines, cabs are more fun, more involving. Drive the cab first. Mine has been plagued with numerous squeaks and rattles that drive me nuts. Make sure the cab you consider is free of that problem.

I have 20,000 miles on my 2004 C4S Cab... not a single rattle or squeak. The day's when you want to have the top down it's a fantastic ride.

I'm partial to Cabs. Top down driving is an experience like no other. Now, If I tracked frequently or needed the absolute top performance, I'd have an areokit coupe. Besides, the wife loves the convertible. One questions from the cab crowd - I do not have the wind screen and find the wind acceptable on most occasions, under 80mph. Does the screen make that big a difference?

squeek and rattle are often due to misalignment of top, warped flock panel in top. they can be fixed but yeah, you should test drive on various roads/condition to see if any noises.

On the highway, the windstop really does make a difference in terms of noise and wind buffeting in the cockpit. You can talk and hear the radio.

coupe. porsche cabs are the ugliest converts out there.

Cab. No blind spot when changing lanes and best "sunroof" view. I think the wind screen is must have also, there is no wind noise in the cabin at any speed and you can talk on the phone or hear the radio.

I have had both a coupe and a cab. I liked them both a lot and as said its a matter of personal preference. I personally like the looks of the cab better. Some think the coupe is nicer looking. As with everything in life there are multiple opinions. Cabman

I like the lines of the cab until the hardtop goes on. I restled with this choice and bought the coupe based on what was available at the time more than anything else. However, about every month my wife says, 'wouldnt it be nice if we had a convertible??' There is a little more bling factor in cab and if you live in the right climate, I would go for it!

I have an 04 Targa, It's the best of both worlds. It looks and feels like a coupe. Yet when the whole top is retracted you get the cab feeling. The car is carrara white but with all the tinted glass the top looks black, very neat. See if you can find a Targa and give it a try.

Dann, I always wanted to try a Targa out, just never found the time or the opportunity.... -Eli

I have an '02 Targa as well. it's a good compromise, especially if you go through tunnels a lot - you can just close the roof. The advantage for me is that our car is parked out doors. I'm not sure how the material would survive our hot weather here in Hong Kong. Finally, for those really hot days, you can have the sunlight coming through the big glass roof but be completely comfortable with the air con doing it's job. It's a compromise that is working really well for me. It's not for everyone but well worth looking into.

When I was at the dealer with my son(8) he was looking at a boxster in the showroom, he turned to me and asked 'Daddy, is this a girl's car?', I turned beet red , as did the sales guy who was showing it to a twentysomething young man.

Depends on where you live Scubadds? If you live where there are seasons, then a cab is the way to go because you will be celebrating the glorious sunny day that you have recieved, if you live in a state where it is sunny all the time, you will be less likely to put the top down because it just becomes a daily hassle.

purely subjective, but I prefer a coupe (obviously very biased) Drop tops are nice when the top is down, but to me, it attracts waaaay too much attention (i know our cars draw attention anyways, but still...!!)

coupe.. even if i had a conv i couldnt get my self to let the top down i dont like the attetion and i dont want the people looking at me...well thats at least what i beilve people do to conv owner while they are driving..i might be wrong but thats my feelings and my main reason for not getting the conv car also saftey is an issue to me to each his own..

I have a cab and I drop the top to enjoy the warm sun, sound of my car and overall feeling of being outside while driving. Frankly, I could give a s#*%! what people think.

No Security with a cab. Might as well not lock the doors to save the rag top...Jeff

CAB. all the way. Hardtop very easy to install and remove so you have the best of both worlds.... and with the hardtop on it looks like an exclusive Porsche

you can't go wrong with any porsche, as long as its a 6speed.

With that said, I believe that one of the sexyist lines in automotive design is the line from the rear quarter panel/fender up to the roof line of the 911. Frankly the cab just doesn't have it. Also some one correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the coupe just plain handle better b/c of rigidity and weight factors. I am not saying anything derog about cabs. I just think the coupe is a much more classic look for a 911. Actually the 993s was the most classic to me (in a modern car).

I live and work in the country. There's nothing more enjoyable then driving a cab down some country road in the Spring and Summer and most of the Fall months. Also, I agree with you regarding what others think. My life is complicated enough without having to make decisions based on what others think.

Mundman, not to get OT too much, but I think the 964 Coupe is the last really originally looking Porsche, mainly because from the drivers seat you can still see the high fenders. Still favor a Cab tho. We have a 964 Cab in Florida and to me that is actually more fun to drive than the 996 Cab. We get more looks and waves in the 964 'cause it looks like the traditional Porsche. Anyway, I still think Cabs still rule. Even the oldstyle tops on the 964 and 993, while look, well, "ugly" still get looks. Like everyone says...to each his own.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. One of my favorite cars is a 3.6 turbo because of those sexy lines. BTW Don--NICE CAB!

Hey, at least you can open the rear windows in a Cab