Cab v Coupe - any thoughts please?

I am looking to change cars and accepting the obvious difference between a cabriolet & coupe of no roof, I would appreciate any other nuances owners find (have found) between the two that they feel are worthy of a mention. Thanks in anticipation, Nigel

Nigel, Interesting question... I've made this move 10 months ago (from a 996 coupe to a 996 cab). Main Differences: * you get 2 cars in one - I'm not a hard top fan and I don't use mine - you can ask you local OPC to store yours, * if you get the heated seats option, you'll be able to use your car with the roof down even during winters (= heated seats are a very useful option), * thanks to the wind deflector you can drive it "roofless" @ some interesting speeds - I've tested mine @ 165 mph - it was in France!!! (= wind deflector another useful option), * noise : could be a drawback or a benefit: cab is a little noisier than coupe. Benefit is you can hear the nice music coming from the flat six. * rear wing: you won't be able to see your rear wing moving up and down!!! To summarize, I use my car quite often (almost 2,000 miles a month) and I do enjoy it!!!! Make the right move and choose the Cab!!! Cheers, Fab

Agree with all Fab says (although only ever did a -legal- 132 in mine with the roof down). Don't have heated seats but never take the car out with the hood up and never used the hardtop

In my experience over the years (including the loan of a C4 cab and C4S cab from Porsche Cars last month) : * Coupe looks better (classic 911 roof-line) * Coupe handles better * Coupe rear seats better * Cab rattles more * Cab hard top questionable (hood is excellent, hard top squeaks around seals, does nothing for looks) * Heated seats are brilliant (mind you that applies to both) Obviously the cab's main advantage is its versatility, when the weather is right. You would think that the Targa would be the perfect compromise but, for some reason, they have never been all that popular.

Coupe is lighter = slightly faster, not sure if this is actually noticeable when driving about. Coupe is stiffer = less chassis flex, not really directly noticeable unless the roads are poor, and/or you use the roof, when there is some creaking. Due to 1 and 2, handling is slightly better on the coupe (although the cab is perfectly acceptable). Cab uses all four window buttons on the centre console, since you can lower the rear windows (Coupe has these buttons but two are dummy buttons). Can't have the aero kits with the cabs, since you can't fit the rear wings due to the hood.

I think they are two different animals, the points in which they differ physically have been mentioned prior, but the reason for buying them are totally different. I like the open top experience so a cab is in the pipeline, I know it will suffer a little in handling but I'm a novice and I'm sure I won't notice the difference all that much, but I like the sunshine and have travelled the UK and abroad and have seen many great views with the roof down. Not that I would miss this experience with a tin top, but it is a great feeling. I'm not a poser, nor a racer, I'm probably one of those who people frown upon for watering the brand down from its purist route. But I do enjoy driving and the Porsche is a driving pleasure, and so is a Cab, but so is a coupe. Personal choice. Garyw

I've had my cab for the last three years now and wouldn't be without it. Yes I know, the purists say that a coupe is the definitive Porsche, but to me you cannot beat a cab for that something special that a coupe will never give you. Pure open air motoring. And of course in the spring/summer/autumn, you cannot beat it. And forget what Jeff says, the heated seats are lovely on a cold dry day with the hood down. A wind deflector is a must though. It's worth its weight in gold. Garry

its just that we Northerers are more hardy perhaps??

I had Butt warmer's on my Zed prior and would not be without them, I have them on my TT and again cold morning=cold leather, couple of minutes and all is warm!! Would be my Number 1 option for a cab, but Jeff before you remind me Yes I'm soft[ ]

Maybe we should reflect on what the 'purists' deem as pure, and who can say that 'they' have got it right. Lets not forget that the first ever Porsche produced was an open topped silver 356 in 1948. Surely that would mean that CABs are the purest form of Porsche motoring!![ ]

Another consideration is the rear seats in the Cab. The back rests are angled forwards at the top and make for less comfortable / more restrictive seating for the nippers. That's why I chose my Coupe over the Conv.

Thanks everyone for the contributions - a lot to cogitate over but as an ex biker I am thinking the nearer the air the more the thrill. keep well Nigel

Nigel, Welcome to the 996 Cab Club!!! By the way, I'm a biker (Triumph SpeedTriple) and made the Cab choice. And you won't have to wear an helmet!!! Cheers, Fab

Have you considered the Boxster S? IMO, slightly better chassis, slightly better looking (roof down), possibly more practical (a boot at each end), and a lot better value. Plus, little difference in performance.

Well I own and drive both, so I think that I can make a contribution to this debate! The Cab is great fun. No actually its better than that. The coupe is better looking, lighter and handles better. Yes I know mines an RS but I have owned many other 911 coupes and the above holds true. Which should you buy? Both of course.

I'm with Oliver on this one, if you want a Cab. & don't need four seats the Boxter S is VERY hard to beat for value, depeciation & driver appeal, it's only real down side is a lower street cred than the 911, if that sort of thing bothers you. Be sure to TEST DRIVE both .

[FONT=Trebuchet MS"]I am not subscribing to the North/South competition, but I am mildly amused by the concept of two cabriolet owners having a 'handbags-at-dawn'. Where will it all end? We'll be having 964/993 C4 Tiptronic owners telling us 996 C2 6-speed boys that we are all soft, just 'coz our cars can pull from 10rpm in top!! LSD vs. PSM, you decide who's soft [FONT=Trebuchet MS"]

Nigel... agree with most of the above points. Go for the cab mate! the roof is pure genius.. the hard top does groan and rattle but it's all worth it!! you really do have the best of both worlds.. even a heated rear window! mine would be the most perfect car if it would stop crashing!