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YOUR RESEARCHAbsolutely Torn on Cab or Coupe
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Replace with more weight down low in the convertible
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But the added weight does not affect the handling as much since the weight of the coupe's hardtop, located above the center of gravity, is replaced with more weight down low in the convertible.
Leading evidence: 'Replace with more weight down low in the convertible' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, The most frequently discussed action is 'Replace lying around, get a 4th option' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
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I've kept the hardtop on because I use my car to commute and in that type of driving the droptop is not ideal.
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and if you have spare change lying around, get a 4th option
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Good point Ben, I am now replacing the top on my 04 C4S Cab.
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That led to a 1960 Beetle convertible -gave to my kids and, replaced with a '78 Fiat 124 convertible-then a Miata ( working for Mazda corporate now), perfect one owner 1991 RX7 convertible then a 1995 BMW 325 convertible-then a Jaguar XK8 in BRG with tan leather-my son summed that car best when he said " the best thing about that car is walking up to it in a parking lot-so pretty" which meant it drove like a Buick so that was replaced with a 2000 Boxster-which I loved until I lost my job-back to a 2000 Miata with Sport Pkg until I found another job-which led to a 2003 Boxster S-wonderful car but too much work meant only 4000 miles in 2 years so that was replaced with a lovely 2000 3 series s
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That led to a 1960 Beetle convertible -gave to my kids and, replaced with a '78 Fiat 124 convertible-then a Miata ( working for Mazda corporate now), perfect one owner 1991 RX7 convertible then a 1995 BMW 325 convertible-then a Jaguar XK8 in BRG with tan leather-my son summed that car best when he said " the best thing about that car is walking up to it in a parking lot-so pretty" which meant it drove like a Buick so that was replaced with a 2000 Boxster-which I loved until I lost my job-back to a 2000 Miata with Sport Pkg until I found another job-which led to a 2003 Boxster S-wonderful car but too much work meant only 4000 miles in 2 years so that was replaced with a lovely 2000 3 series s
Replace with more weight down low in the convertible
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But the added weight does not affect the handling as much since the weight of the coupe's hardtop, located above the center of gravity, is replaced with more weight down low in the convertible.
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Hi all,
New to this forum but been religiously studying it the last two weeks in my hunt for a 996.
I've had my mind set on a Cabriolet, one Vesuvio Metallic one in particular, until I came across this 99 coupe in near perfect condition.
The coupe was enthusiast owned, has factory codes for LSD, sprt suspension, full leather, etc. Everything except the rippled leather. IMS done and clutch, brakes, water pump done in the last 2 years.
The Cab has 20k less miles at 50k, owned by an elderly couple asking the same price. The guy meticulously cared for it and took it to an indy (Don Wise in Cupertino) every time he thought he heard a weird noise or ANYHTING. (on the other side of his garage is a concourse-winning 1964 911) but there were two issues I had.
1) His wife drove it, probably babied it. They live up a steep hill so I fear it got lugged up that a lot.
2) When I asked about the IMS he said he'd never heard of it.
Gents this is more of a rant of my inner thoughts but maybe some of you might have some words of wisdom.
Sorry if this is considered spam lol. I just really like this coupe despite the whole purpose of me looking for a Porsche was for the cabriolet.
Thanks in advance.
Both cars sound very interesting. I can see why the coupe has you thinking about giving up the top down experience, but the cab sounds really nice too.
My first 911 was a 996 C4S coupe. I loved that car. The lines of the coupe are fantastic and it really does look better than a cab, especially a cab with the top up. That being said, my current 911 is a cab. I love it. I think that driving a 911 with the top down is a unique experience. It's like driving a coupe on steroids. The sights and sounds and the overall driving experience are enhanced. I think I will buy cabriolets from now on.
If I was buying a car for the track, then I would buy a coupe. For a daily driver that sees mostly street duty, I would buy a cab.
It's easy to become confused when you are shopping for a Porsche. Think about what you really want and buy that. If you really want a cab, you should keep looking until you find the right one. It's out there...
Ditto!
My first Porsche was a cab and my current one is a Cab with hardtop. It is a fun experience driving w/ top down. Drive the cab with the top down and see if you really like it.
Very good advice, Thank you. This is what I am thinking. I would like to track it once or twice, so that is added appeal of the coupe, aside from being in overall better condition.
It comes with color matching vesuvio hard top
Thanks guys. I am DEFINITELY not the first one to have this issue haha. I've also just turned to Rennlist for therapy lol
Had a cab (Boxster), have a coupe now. I only miss the cab half a dozen times a year - the sunroof is generally good enough. Sounds like you prefer the cab - so that's what you ought to get.
While a cab is noisier with the top up, in every other aspect i like the cab over the coupe even in looks. I love the look from the back with the top up.
Take the top down and go out for a spirited sunday morning drive on some twisties and your sensory experience and overall enjoyment is doubled. And if you drive it daily, there is no better or faster way to melt away a bad day at work than jumping in dropping the top and going.
I looked at that coupe on CL just a few minutes ago. Looks like an excellent example, lots of known issues addressed. You had better snap it up or I might!
I initially considered cabs as well. I prefer the looks and simplicity of the coupe though. I will be doing some DE with the car so the coupe is more suited there as well.
I am a coupe guy. I never caught the "convertible" bug.
I've driven thousands of miles in full convertibles, and in a '73 911 Targa, and I never really clicked with "open air" motoring. Which is odd, because I love motorcycles, where you're really "out there" on a bike.
To each his own. I understand the arguments for and against each body style, and there's little point in trying to convert a fan of one to prefer the other.
It's a choice you have to make for yourself.
The cab is lighter than the coupe and therefore faster off the mark. I have a 99 cab. It has the hard top as well. Its quieter with the hard top off with the top down believe it or not. If the cab is 99 to 2001 there's a chance it has the double race IMSB but anyway if its done 50000 then there's not much chance of it failing now in that department (if it ever fails at all). A big problem coming with the cab, is the top may play up now and then. But the sun roof of the coupe can play up as well. I personally wanted a cab and went for it. Mine if perfect for me in every way. I love it. It still has the original IMSB.
In the 997 series, the cabriolet weighs more than the coupe. I would assume this is the case for the 996 also, but I could be wrong on that one.
Also, you can drive a cabriolet hard and push it just like you would with a coupe. Look around on youtube and you'll find some videos of 911 cabriolets on the Nurburgring in testing. Porsche doesn't have lower standards for performance for a cabriolet.
I owned a Boxster for 12 years and at first the cab top is a nice option, if its something new. I would drive with the top down everywhere. Then I got tired of it and only took the hard top off once in two years to show my brother in law that it still worked before I was to sell it to him. Driving quick in a cab is fun because the sights and sounds are amplified, but it gets tiring, and I just like the privacy that the coupe affords. Although with tinted windows its a little too enclosed for me.
I think location plays a large role in coupe vs. cab as well. Here in the South it is just too hot and humid most of the time. There are a few weeks in the Spring and a few in the Fall that are great for a convertible, but other than that you need the top up and the air conditioning on.
Now in the SF Bay area, I suspect it would be great!
Part of my point was directed at the fact that some tracks/events/races do not allow convertibles and could potentially be a road block if you are a track junky.
If you are very acute type of driver and are very sensitive in the most minute changes, you might feel the difference between the coupe and cab so you should drive both fairly spirited before making a decision.
But I have the same feelings as sfv_rider personally.
A cab is around 150 Lbs heavier than a coupe largely due to strengthening of the body to provide stiffness. But the added weight does not affect the handling as much since the weight of the coupe's hardtop, located above the center of gravity, is replaced with more weight down low in the convertible.
I'm not saying added weight is good, but that where the weight is located does matter to handling.
Cabriolets are also louder than coupes, but many people don't believe that because the open air driving experience is deceiving.
I understand that convertibles are not for everyone. But, there is a definite difference in driving experience in an open car vs closed coupe. You just need to drive one for yourself and see what you think.
I first experienced a convertible 20 years ago (Mercedes SL, slow and sedate) and after that, I never wanted to be without one.
My thinking exactly!
I have to say, I drive with the top down every chance I get. But when I have my boys in the backseat and I don't want them to be bombarded by cold air turbulence, I close the top. Then there is the hard-top look that just puts a different spin on it. ... Oh and BTW, no way in f***ing hell a grandma can even identify my car after I pass her by, let alone drive like me. "Are ju kiddin!"
And if you drive it daily, there is no better or faster way to melt away a bad day at work than jumping in dropping the top and going.
Isn't that the truth? My manual driving son says it the best "I'm sure with the top down and the sport exhaust, rev-matching and nailing the heel-toe around the corners makes you forget even the worse day at work" Yup - try a cab top down with PSE all the way to redline - it's orgasmic
I've got an '04 TT x50 Cab, in SF Bay area, and I agree. I will drop the top down for a 2 mile drive.
I'm not worried about wearing the top down because that's why I bought it. Except for now (rainy season), the top is usually down.
Cabs have never interested me, just a preference. The body line of the cab with a hard top looks a lot different than the coupe, so visually they look completely different. If I want the top off I just take the jeep.
I have always chosen coupes when purchasing performance cars because they respond better when I drive them. I don't like the "feel" of a vert. I bought a vert one time in my life (e46 M3) and it was a choice I will never make again.
I was torn as well and made my choice. I am glad I did what I did because yesterday here in Jacksonville it was 75 degrees and I had a 40 mile ride ahead of me. I dropped the top and enjoyed all the sites and sounds.
I have a 951 S that is a coupe so best of both worlds but these 996 verts are great IMO.
Personally, I prefer a coupe'... That being said, I can't for the life of me figure out why you'd give a rats a** what anyone else's' opinion (except MAYBE your so) is on your potential purchase...Get what you want/like and drive it!
Ya agree it's a completely personal decision like stick or auto. Get what you like. I have only owned one ragtop a 2013 Miata. Really fun car in a lot of ways and I had the top down most of the time because that car felt too closed in with the hardtop up. I also live in SF Bay Area. In the summer it's too hot until after 7 or 8pm a lot of the time. It's great in fall and spring but winter it's too cold especially in the AM.
I realized after 6 months or so that convertible just wasn't for me and neither was a Miata. Too small and too underpowered.
For me a 911 should be a coupe. If you want a convertible get a boxster S. But again that's just my opinion.
I say go for the Cab. I absolutely love mine. No better way to experience the sound of the flat six! To me it is a much more visceral and connected driving experience. Once you go topless you'll never go back. My rule, if it's not raining the top is down. The 996 Cab is also pretty stiff and handles quite well on the track.
Sent from my iPad using Rennlist
I like Targa tops. I owned a white '98 Supra TT Targa 6-speed. I eventually sold that beast to Paul Walker and his car collection, where it still is today over in Laguna, CA. They recently featured it with his R34 Skyline:
The original Targas of the 70s and 80s gave a fairly open car, but since the 993, the Targas have been more like large sunroofs (as noted above).
I would take a Targa over a coupe, but definitely not in lieu of a convertible.
I live where a convertible is usable pretty much all year round and I have no desire for one. I had a Merc 450SL and a BMW 325ic when I lived up north, and rarely dropped the tops. The few times I did I ended up pelted with bird doo and various things tossed out the windows of other cars. Twice someone slashed the tops while the cars were parked.
Porsche convertibles have huge blind spots, and the rear seats are even less usable than in the coupes. Plus they're even noisier on the freeway, and the top is just one added very expensive item to eventually need repair. So I think it pays to put the romantic notion of a convertible in perspective with some of the downside realities.
Those are good points. If you own a cabriolet and you rarely drop the top, then there's no reason to own one!
I drop the top every chance I get. I had the top down yesterday when it was 50 degrees and sunny - it was fantastic. My 997 cabriolet with the top up is much quieter on the freeway than my 996 was. I'm not sure if the 996 cabriolet is the same way or not. I also never have to worry about a rattling or leaking sunroof - two problems that I had with my coupe.
Every choice has an upside and a downside...
Wow I don't check rennlist for a weekend and my topic blows up!! Thank you all for the feedback and responses.
Have I made a decision yet? No. lol. I've never owned a convertible, been in one maybe 4 times. It appeals to me though because I do have a motorcycle and love open air, but honestly much of my driving is freeway. Which is no fun during the day in the bay area.
I haven't made a purchase yet, but honestly I think it will come down to which is in the best condition for the money (since cabs and coupes are going for roughly the same around here) and whether coupe or cab I know I will be happy.
Holding off the search until after the new year (although still prowling craigslist.)
Again, thanks for all the feedback. Keep it coming!
If you can't decide go with the best car in the best condition.
I have a cabrio but honestly haven't put the top down in over 18 months. I've kept the hardtop on because I use my car to commute and in that type of driving the droptop is not ideal. Plus where I am it's usually too hot or humid to really enjoy it and this time of the year it is too cold or miserable weather.
Then for the track I keep the top up as a requirement.
I like the idea of a cab for weekends and cruising around but for my purposes I would probably prefer a coupe for my next 911.
LOL when it's 50 degrees here I'm in a leather coat with a sweater underneath and a stocking cap on my head over my ears, and the windows up in the car with the heater on!
This is pretty much what I'm thinking at this point.
And yes I do have the bike in case the car I find is a coupe, good point.
The appeal of the cab is sharing that experience with others.
Side note: I'm loving this forum so far!! Such great, intelligent responses. I come from Mustang, Cobra, and M3/BMW forums, where lots of people post random stuff to increase post count. On rennlist I have read nothing but useful and helpful comments, so now I will REALLY try to do the same. Thanks all!
Dude, driving a cab on Highway 1 along the coast is truly a wonderful experience. If I was going to track my car, I would have opted for the coupe because it is obvious that it is lighter and it is presumed that structurally it is a bit more rigid for the corners. Again, at the end it is a very personal choice. Bottom line, get what you like.
^^ +1
We drove on PCH from LA - SFO in our Jeep last year and it was amazing. I only wished I was driving a convertible on those roads. Its a completely different experience in the 911 especially you can hear the engine better with the top down.
I live in SF, and I have a Cab, and wouldn't even think of switching for a Coupe. I don't track it, but if I did, that'd be one reason to get a coupe.
*UNTIL* I got my Cab, in the prior 5 years, I averaged about 15,000 miles/yr on my BMW R1150GS, rain or shine.
*AFTER* I got the cab, my MC miles have been cut down to about 500/year. Usually for sketchy neighborhoods or places with crappy parking (think: Mission, North Beach, Fidi). ****, I might as well get a Harley at that rate.
But it should illustrate how much I love taking the cab. The open air feeling in the cab is so much greater than on the bike. Really, the only thing that I miss is the lane splitting.
Good luck and happy holidays!
With crazy distracted cagers, I hardly ride my bike anymore. I put only 2k miles this year on the bike and had 2 close calls... both times the drivers were texting or looking at their phones.
Oh, one thing I have to add is that when I have the top open I love the completely unobstructed visibility around the car. This is something that most people don't realize. You can see every angle when sitting in the driver's seat.
Good point Ben, I am now replacing the top on my 04 C4S Cab. The top was $599, with free shipping and the labor is $500.00 from my Indy. But having a fantastic drive with the PSE and the top down is priceless.
The cab is a great touring car if you plan on any scenic drives - its like you are out in the surrounding environment not in a car passing though it.
I have done many and plan on many more - I hate being in a coupe on a beautiful day but love being in a convertible.
Go for the open top of the Targa! Only 3 % of the 996 production are Targas so you will have a unique car and the rear hatch is a great and handy feature! Open and close the top at any speed.
John '03 Targa
With a cab, you can always put a ragtop or a hardtop over your head, so you have at least 2 options. The hardtop is very quiet. The cab is awesome and the windscreen really does a great job. You can use it year round, as the AC & the heater work well, and a baseball cap keeps you cool or warm.
With a coupe, you have a coupe and that's it. End of story. Just my $0.02, but I really like the cab option, both with cars and wine.
Came out of work yesterday about noon. The sun was shining when i hopped into my C2SC, looked to see it was 55 in the shade and put the top down. Threw on my jacket, put on my baseball hat and headed for the highway. Who said crusing at 75 with the top down, even in 55 degree weather wasn't enjoyable? Are you kidding? December in Massachusetts, no salt or snow driving with the top down�holy bleep. Wouldn't have it any other way.
I have always had a car with an open top option in my garage. My 996 was pretty quiet and had zero leaks with the top up...which wasn't often.
Unless the temp was over 100 or under 50, the top was down.
Or its raining.
I would never trade the feeling of riding a bike for that of ANY car. I've owned two Ferrari, a Boxer and a 275 GTB4 and many muscle cars and hot rods. They each have something thats great about them but NONE have ever come close to riding a bike. In a car you sit in a chair and steer, on a bike you feel the road thru the seat of your pants along with the wind and the mechanical vibrations. Different strokes for different folks. I like my 996 coupe and just sold my 32 roadster and took the coupe on partial trade. The bike you see in my avatar has 400 HP and weighs under 1000 lbs, it's a rush to ride but not a road racer.
Thanks all.
Found a great deal on a coupe, so went with it!!
Love it.
2000 ocean mettalic 6-speed. totally base, only factory option is memory drivers seat lol. paint condition is good, but covered in swirl marks (not noticable at ten feet away though. )
Didn't buy it for the paint job. 57k on the odo, underneath the car is bone dry, the drivetrain is in absolutely perfect condition, enthusiast owned and maintained. it's amazing. paid 19k.
Appreciate everyone's insight. Maybe one day I'll pick up a cab, but I plan on tracking so that influenced my decision a bit.
I live in Southern California-moved here from Connecticut in 1986. After my first year here I was determined to have a convertible. That led to a 1960 Beetle convertible -gave to my kids and, replaced with a '78 Fiat 124 convertible-then a Miata ( working for Mazda corporate now), perfect one owner 1991 RX7 convertible then a 1995 BMW 325 convertible-then a Jaguar XK8 in BRG with tan leather-my son summed that car best when he said " the best thing about that car is walking up to it in a parking lot-so pretty" which meant it drove like a Buick so that was replaced with a 2000 Boxster-which I loved until I lost my job-back to a 2000 Miata with Sport Pkg until I found another job-which led to a 2003 Boxster S-wonderful car but too much work meant only 4000 miles in 2 years so that was replaced with a lovely 2000 3 series stick with sport Pkg ( could pay cash-no payments).... which was only replaced this past December with a beautiful 996 Cabriolet with 40k original.
My dad raced a 550 spider in SCCA in the 50's-that's what I grew up with and I've always dreamed of a 911 so I'm finally home with my cabriolet....and I love it! Retiring this June at age 65 and I couldn't be happier with my choice. Just got to deal with this friggin IMS........Life goes on.
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