Quick question re: Cabriolets

First time poster here, looking to buy a 996 or 997 in the next year or so (lease for my current car is up in a year!). One thing I noticed browsing through the various threads here is that a lot of you folks seem to have the coupes - very few cabriolets (at least from the pics I've seen). Is there any reason for this? Is it just a matter of not living in a dry climate like California? Something I should be concerned about re: the cabriolets? Or something I should know about re: the cabs beyond the weather/climate? I live in LA and getting a convertible is certainly a great option, so just wanted to know what the deal was here since most of you folks seem to be proud owners of your cars and would know more than I would.

Seen one mention bigger stuff can be inserted with a cab. I think one got ski's in the cab. For me thieves and sun caused cancer eliminated convertables.

Cab's are harder to come by, more expensive, vulnerable to theft, will kill you instantly if you wreck, beautiful, and in my mind, better off a mistress than the reality of owning her. My 2c.., but keep in mind I'm a newbie P car owner and realize that most owners of the 911 that frequent these forums are hardcore track racer types with LOTS of expendable cash on hand. (Not everyone here, but a large majority here are 911 nerds so to speak, myself included). Strangely, I have already decided that when the day comes for me to buy a 997 it will be a Cab. That day is inevitable unless I check out early. I get the feeling that the designers at Porsche are stringing me along on an unobtainable quest with no discernible ending. $$$ are the only thing stopping me from advancing. Capitalism at it's finest no doubt, otherwise why make more money than what one needs to survive? You can't eat a Porsche can you?

On a sunny day, or a cool summer night......Cab's rule!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pete

+1 for cabs; and most owners have carports / garages to protect the top from accelerated deterioration. another plus for cab owners, the option to invest / inherit a hard top.

Having a cabriolet is awesome. The weather here in Kentucky sucks half the year, but those glorious Spring and Fall months make it all worthwhile. The soft top is very quiet and I think the theft issue is a moot point. If someone wants in your car, I doubt they are going to hacksaw through the insulation rather than simply breaking a window. In my case, they can just open the door because I don't even keep mine locked. Adding the hardtop is great as well. I know there is a large constituency that says hardtop is a waste of time and effort, but I say "nay, good sir" to that sentiment. The hardtop provides an entirely different aesthetic, removes the notions of theft through soft top (which I question anyway), and is quieter. Here are the sucks of cabriolet (as I see them, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong): 1) there are many tracks and road racing events where convertibles are verboten 2) the body isn't as stiff and won't handle as well 3) the car is heavier because of all the top mechanisms and reinforcements 4) it can be really bad if you fail to keep the shiny side up 5) your old lady might squawk about her hair getting messed up (that's why this cat keeps a ballcap in the car for her and she knows to use extra hair product because top down is non-negotiable) 6) when it rains or the weather is crappy, you feel a void in your soul because you can't ride with the top down 7) when you're stuck at work and the weather is nice, you feel a void in your soul because you can't ride with the top down 8) chicks are more likely to eye-f**k you in your drop-top Porsche than your coup� Porsche, this can also lead to being squawked at by your old lady 9) you will be tempted to ride with the top down and windows up but you mustn't do this, as it looks retarded Here are the awesomes of Cabriolet life: 1) going 75 in a cabriolet feels like 150 2) the engine sounds even better in a cab 3) you get to mess your old lady's hair up real bad, and because of all the wind and engine noise, her squawking will be less audible 4) it's easier for a girl to straddle you in a cab because there is more clearance 5) when chicks eye-f**k you, they are probably thinking about straddling you because they think you're rich 6) it's really fun to sing along to old country songs with the top down, I suggest you try: John Prine - Paradise, David Allen Coe - You Never Even Call Me By My Name, Hank 2- Family Tradition 7) it's also fun to sing along to other songs 8) The sun is coming out, so I am going to submit this post and go drive with the top down to breakfast and get some crepes

Welcome greenshoe. My daily driver is a cab, an 89 325i in red of course, and I'll probably never buy another soft top again. Don't get me wrong though, it is nice and I put the top down every chance I get. I almost feel like it's a duty to do so and that feeling is reinforced every time I see someone in a convertible with the top up on a nice day. When I was researching buying my car, I found that cabs are aplenty, most were the same or cheaper than coupes, and most were tips. I wanted my 911 to be a manual and be impervious to the environment. Many owners want convenience and open air touring and that's pretty rewarding as well. I see no reason not to buy a cab if you want one. Good luck on your search. Brian

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x2 except the country song thing. that's why you get two, one with and one without a top.

Yep Bobby pretty much nailed it. You can debate the merits of each and they have their advantages but I think that from a 'technical' standpoint for us the differences are pretty small. If you WANT a cab then get one, and if you don't, well then, don't.

I've got a cab and I love it. I also have a hardtop as I live in the north. When the weather turns bad having the hardtop to turn to is great (although you don't have to worry about it in LA). It makes the car feel like a coupe. When the sun is out there is nothing to compare with the cab. The wind-blocker works great and you can drive the car with the top down, not get blown about, listen to music (including the engine) and carry on a conversation. Best of both worlds as far as I'm concerned.

Would never get a coupe again, just my opinion. Ugly with the roof up but the best with the roof down.

I love my cab, don't think I would ever buy a coupe.

My P-car isn't my only car, so the cab selection was a no-brainer as a comfortable cruiser to explore mountain canyons on weekends. As many have mentioned, adding the aluminum hard top covers all the bases and makes it a 4-season driver. The track jocks here will go for a coupe w/ 6-speed, but I made mine a cab w/ tiptronic. At the end of the day, they're all great P-cars w/ different missions. What is yours?

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Made mine the same way - cab w/tip. Not a track jock, but I do catch a little minor wood in all of the discussions for increasing HP, but in the end I opt not to, because, I'm not a track guy. Windscreens work very well if your SO's whining starts to overcome the engine music... Still surveying temps, but with the top down, windows up, windscreen in place, heater set to 72 to the floor and seats heated, I can take it down to almost 50 degrees, which pretty much covers So Cal weather most of the year... I think Bailey started a pretty good list - I agree with most of it (the country music ONLY when the wife is in the car)... I'd like to see others add to it... As soon as I give it a little more thought I'll put in mine - but the straddle thing is one to think about Rudy

The biggest reasons I've seen posted are: - they feel a hard top is more secure from theft. A mirage. Most thieves have single digit IQ's and just smash and grab. Cabs are no more or less secure. Yet, if I lived in a questionable neighborhood, I would be inclined to get a hardtop -- but then, I wouldn't choose a Porsche, either. - some claim a hardtop is safer in a rollover. That is somewhat true. The cab has roll bars that automatically extend and have been shown to be very effective. - some claim the cab is slower. The actual stats show .2 seconds slower to 60; same top speed. If .2 seconds matters to you, then there are other cars that get to 60 a whole lot faster than a Porsche - some claim that driving on the track is more difficult. A Road and Track comparison came to the conclusion that the cab was more fun on the race track than a coupe. When I bought mine at a local dealership, the young male salesman said he was surprised that I was choosing it as he thought cab's were girlie cars. I think this is the real reason. There is almost an unspoken perception among young males that convertibles just aren't "serious," less macho. My early driving years were the 60's an 70's when the only real sports cars were rag tops. I rode motorcycles for years, but the SpaceMan Spiff outfits take you away from the riding experience. My '03 came with a hard top. In the Seattle area, I put it on the in fall (which I enjoy) and take it off for summer (which I enjoy even more). Note: there will be times you might drive along with the sunroof cracked open when you wouldn't put down the rag top. It is a bit more, all or nothing. But there's nothing like the openness of a cab. The coupe almost demands that it be driven fast to enjoy it...the cab can be great at 30mph on a country road, enjoying the scenery. Cabs rock.

cab is the best choice when you live somewhere in a tempered climate (coastal california) I wouldn't buy on in Arizona or anywhere else where the temps reach 120 in the summer. Personally I hate to drive a cab with the top up....too noisy and squeaky....but with the top down it is the best feeling ever....drove 120 miles last thursday on the way back it started raining.... but you can keep the top down on the highway driving over 50 an hour.... loved it!! until I hit some traffic.... top luckily closes pretty fast!! thank god for the smart top so I could close the top while driving...what would I have done otherwise.....

Wow, thanks a lot for the replies! Yes, it was just an observation -- it just seemed like so many of the photos on the discussion forums were of coupes, so I was just wondering, especially when I see quite a few listing for cabs in my area (but then again, that's a function of the environment I guess - SoCal). I'd prefer a cab at this point, but not ruling out coupes either, depending on the car. At least here in LA, a Porsche isn't really as much of an attention grabber when there are so many luxury vehicles on the road -- so getting my hands on a 996 or 997 is purely for my own enjoyment -- if I wanted a true status symbol here I'd probably have to raid Jay Leno's collection (or borrow his Lotus haha). Thanks again. I'm glad I found this site, and I've learned a lot so far just by reading all the various discussion threads on here. Cheers

only cab I would buy...

Interesting OPINION. Lots of cabs to be had here out west. Vulnerable to theft how so more than a coupe, both have glass you know? Did you read some stats to that effect? Will kill you instantly? Yeah, that's an intelligent statement..... you are soooo over-reaching with this one. I'm not sure what 'wrecks' you have seen but rarely is a car upside-down and anyway the 996 has roll bars.

I love my cab....driving top down is an amazing feeling. Only regret is never owning one when I was in California :P.....in NJ I get limited use. The theft stuff is overrated....easy solution is just close your top when you park somewhere.

I'm a new P-car owner and have a 03 996 Cab manual. I love it However, in Canada, I'm thinking it's like an outdoor swimming pool, probably get maximum topdown in only a few months when it's not too cold or not too hot. Surprisingly, it makes me feel warmer when I usually feel cold, and will see if it makes me feel cooler when it's actually hot this summer.

Well I do live in California so take this for what its worth. I have my top down way more than up. With the windscreen and the windows up you can be comfortable in the 30s with the heater on and up to the low 100s with the a/c on. As far as supper hot summer days, my car is black/black and the a/c is friggin awesome. Cools the car on the hottest days better than anything else I've ever owned. Cab being girlie is news to me. I get nice ride from young boys/girls to geriatrics and every age in between. The theft thing is baffling as well. Most crooks in our neck of the woods are smash and grab types so it wouldn't matter. If you left your ipod in the car with the top down then some kid could grab it for sure. With the PSE hack, and the top down it is pure driving nirvarna. I'm sure coupes are stiffer but when you jack up the car with top up or down it is stiff enough to lift the wheel off the ground. No cowl shake to speak of even over the roughest of pavements. This is my first Cab. I've had coupes and Targas. In my '80 Targa you could pinch your finger in the door gap while driving with the top off on glassy pavement. In the cab, the gap doesn't even move over wicked nasty pavement that makes my wifes CLS shudder albeit very slightly but its way softer sprung and a hardtop. These cars were designed from the beginning to be Cabs so they are built right. Just my two cents worth, Cheers, Geoff

My cousin is in town from Indianapolis. She is 62 years old and I haven't seen her for a long time. I took her for a ride in my Cab up two fairly long canyons that ended up at Alta and Brighton, Utah. It was 62 degrees in the city and 20 degrees colder at the resorts. She kept saying, "this car is amazing, it's so much fun. I love this car, etc." She never mentioned it by name, and I don't really even think she knew what it was. Had it been a coupe, I dont know if she would have even said anything. People that ride in my car sans top always comment on how fun and what a great riding experience it gives. In my opinion it makes a great car so much more so, like icing on the cake.

Aside from being a hard-core track vehicle, I don't believe the Cabrio really creates a lot of compromise for a Porsche driver. It is probably just as safe in an accident, just as likely to be targeted by thieves, and just as comfortable as a coupe. But what it does offer is the illusion of a completely different vehicle when you put the top down! The Cabrio top is also pretty robust so even in the winter you still feel comfortable in the cabin. Plus with the 2002+ model years the rear window is glass and has a defrost feature. If you want a convertible, the 996 version is among one of the best out there - you won't be disappointed.

I'd love to have a cab for the driving experience but... Well... It's just so ugly . The gorgeous, classic lines of the 911 are completely butchered getting the convertible top in there and it just ruins everything. Sorry cab. guys.

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I agree! I do have a convertible, too, but it's a Boxster. The Boxster was designed as a roadster rather than a coupe, and so the stylists could make the shapes and lines work as an open car. It's not perfect, but it seems to work better in soft-top configuration than a 911.

A 996 with the top down does have a slight "turtle" effect to the rear lines. The effect is slight and I'm looking forward. Rag top up, it has a lot of lines reminiscent of a Speedster. I like it a lot. The hard top is not very complimentary -- but sure is practical. If the lines bother you more than the practicality, don't use it. Just too many good things to worry about the small ones. Yet -- I understand that some people want coupes. I'd rather have more Porsches on the road than limit it to one flavor. How boring would that be?

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I totally disagree! With the proper aftermarket bumpers, side skirts, wheels, etc. A cab can look awesome.

One big downside to a cab: stoplight homeless. In a coupe, you can see them as you approach and roll up the windows. In a cab, you can still roll up the windows, but it's not much help. [same goes for the rose/papre/water sellers, etc.]. -td

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Maybe it can be made to look awesome, but not necessarily better.

Get a Targa, whats that I hear you ask, a what ? Yep They make a car thats a coupe with a huge piece of glass that moves and opens you to the world of open air driving. Best of both worlds, keeps the classic 911 lines while allowing you to open the roof at speeds up to +150mph and then close it when the rain starts without even a whisper of slowing down. Think Cabs are hard to find, try finding a Targa 996 or 997 , and when you do they won't be cheap.

The Targas are very cool and collectible imo. I'd love to own one.

I know we all have opinions here but personally I think a stock 996 looks better as a cabrio than a coupe. To me the cabrio gives the look of the car a little more variety (for lack of a better term) than the coupe that can look bland at times. Now with an aero kit I think the coupe does look better but that's a different story.

^^^^^^^^ And there you have it! Well I wanted a coupe at first too but Wifey basically said it's a convertible (she don't know 'Cab') or nothing so I had to 'compromise' - lucky me! I thought the coupe was better looking by a wide margin at first but I must admit the roof line doesn't bother me at all now and in fact I like it a lot and I LOVE the cab with the top down. RE: looks, (oh geez, Ed will surely chime in here) I had to get over the 'new style' looks of the 996 after having my SC but you know, I actually prefer the new body style now. At the end of the day it's still up to you but I would be really surprised if, after you have one for a while, you have any regrets - especially after driving it! Take the plunge, come on in, the sauerkraut is fine!

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I'm with you there. I have always thought the cab, top up or down, looks better than the coupe. The coupe has beautiful and graceful lines, but there is something really appealing visually about the cab. I'm not quite sure quite how to describe the feeling it generates, but it definately does, and it's pleasent. I felt this even when looking at coupes before I decided on a cab.

Buy a cab. I just drove 300 miles from Los Angeles up the 101 freeway northbound, with the top down, most fun I've had driving in a car since I first got my license. The cabs also look wider in back even when they r narrow, must be the top or something, don't know but it looks cool. And you can also add the hardtop and it makes it look unique.

Here's why nothing beats a Porsche Cab on a perfect Southern California morning. This past Sunday the local PCA did a back roads tour which included Mount Palomar, and a roadside photographer caught my car doing what it loves and was built for. I almost felt sorry for the folks smothered in their coupes, but I know they were having fun, too!

I agree with Bailey-Also much easier to clean the interior-with tio down and also takes less time to wash. The hard top is designed so well it makes it feel like a coupe when on

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HAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!! LOVE IT

I commute to work with the top down most days, it's the ultimate attitude adjustment machine.

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I've owned three soft tops, but none of them were P-cars. Like others here, I think the "theft" issue doesn't hold water. If I were smarter than the ghetto-variety car thief, I'd avoid cabs because chances are they'd have equal or better theft protection than their fixed-roof counterparts, and their owners would likely be more careful as to what is and isn't stored in their cars. I for one never kept anything of value in my cabriolets when I owned them. CDs, breathmints, a photocopy of the registration and an insurance card (no sensitive information other than my name). And they'd all be locked up anyway. Other suggestions for first-time cabriolet owners: - Don't hold your hands up like you're in a roller coaster. Prevent grown-up passengers from doing this too. It's uncool. Other cabrio drivers will look at you and think "converti-virgin." - In addition to a ballcap, keep lip balm, sunblock, a hairbrush, hair ties, and an extra pair of sunglasses in the glove box... y'know, just in case you see a cute hitchhiker. - If you park with the top down, lock the glove box and center console (aka armrest) box. - If you park with the top down, try to avoid garden sprinklers. - Don't say the car's topless, say the t*tties is out. - From personal experience: don't tailgate a horse trailer while your top is down.

I had a '03 Boxster S and now a '01 996 Cab......wouldn't own a Porsche with a hard top, but that is a personal preference. Nothing like putting the top down and cruising. And for the comment about a cab being a girlie car....it is, put the top down and the girlies all want to ride!!

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Agreed, but cute hitchhikers are just as likely to kill and mutilate you as non-cute ones. Perhaps, some might say, even more likely.

If the top don't drop, you don't want it.

Having a cab will help you resist the temptation to track the car out. To me, this is a good thing.

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What you talking about Willis??? I learned in my CAB, tracked the **** out of it and it performed flawlessly. Not sure why you think the way you do. The great thing about our CAB is that in the non winter months we have a drop top car and there is NOTHING quite like that feeling. Then in the winter months, with the hard top fitted, we have a coupe. It's like having two cars!

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Maybe if you're going to use it as a dedicated track car. But at least here in the Carolinas region the PCA allows cabs to be used in DEs. I learned a lot about my car by taking it on the track as a result. But of course you have to do it with the top up and windows down.

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Why own a Porsche if your aren't going to race it?

After three 911 coupes, I bought a '99 cab w/removable hardtop...best of both worlds! FYI-I've never heard a Cab owner say "Gee, I wish I had a coupe." Think about that. relinuca

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Very true! I'm shopping for another P car right now, to replace the '99 Cab I just sold. I keep looking at TTs and GT3s, thinking I'd go for the ultimate. Then when getting really serious and visualizing driving my new car, I keep thinking the most important element is missing, leaving the hard top at home. I test drove a mint low mile TT earlier in the week, the car pinned me in my seat and was taught as could be, but actually pailed in comparison to driving my old Cab with PSE and hearing the sweet 6 near readline with the wind in my hair. So, I guess the most important thing in my next purchase will be having a Cab again. I most always love driving without the top even if it's 5 mile drive, I'll drop it and put it up when the car is unattended. As far as the additional power and cornering prowess of the TT and GT3, in reality I had wished for it only a handfull of times in 7 years.

FWIW, Autotrader has an '04 TT Cab (Tip tho); 7K miles, nicely optioned, I think it could sell for mid 50's

I don't know about killing you instantly. They have a standard roll over protection system that is supposed to protect you if that happens. Two big steel "roll bars" behind the seats in the rear cowl pop up instantly to act as a proper roll bar and protect the passenger compartment. I sure like my 2000 Cab., real nice on a sunny warm day. Even when cool, turn on the seat warmers, and turn up the heat, and it is very comfortable.

Get a cab! You're in LA, it would be a crime not to enjoy the weather with the top down!! As for it being referred to as girlie on this thread, well if it was a Boxter I'd agree . It's true that the look of a stock coupe is better than the same model stock cab. but that just gives you all the more reason to customize it and make it uniquely yours. Not to mention you can always put a hardtop on, I store mine at the P. dealer and they put it on or take it off whenever I want (takes 5 min.!) And since your interior is much more part of the overall look (because it's so visible) that gives you a whole new aspect of manipulating the look and feel you want give the car. Lets face it if you own one 911 (that's not a dedicated track car) chances are you'll take to the track as often as SUV owners take theirs off road... Hell the unobstructed exhaust note alone is enough to get a cab. I looooooooove P. cab. !!! Cheers, Sid. Ps. the first pic. doesn't have the side skirts or wing but you get the idea of what a cab looks like with a hardtop.