coupe or targa ?

996. Differences in price/what would you get.

Apart from the obvious I don't think there is much difference, Targa maybe a touch slower due to increase weight and there is more to check when you're buying i.e the roof. Targas are rarer IMO so more exclusive. I think price wise maybe a touch more than coupe. If I wanted the car for cruising around the Med or for sunny days, then I would go for the Targa. If I were to drive the car everyday in London, then coupe. But then thats personal decisions on what is important for me, you have to decide what is important for you. Whichever one you get you will be happy with and won't look back. Owning a 911 is a bit like having a baby, once you get one its the most beautiful baby ever. I wanted a C4s, but bought a C4 cab. Once I took the key off the dealer that was it, no regrets, no desire for any other 996 anymore.

I would say the targa would be slightly more expensive - a lovely comprimise between a cab and a coupe though.

i think the targa also has the cab body so not quite as stiff as a coupé. Damn fine looking though. Maxie Islam has one and can give you chapter and verse probably. I know he was impressed with the practicality the "hatchback" offered

I have a 996 targa and am considering a 997 targa at the moment. Yes it adds some more weight over the coupe (75Kg) from memory, but unlike the cab it is as stiff as the coupe or so close you would not notice teh difference. If you are tall or just like the light and airy feeling as opposed to the "I want to feel like I am in a race car" then look at the Targa.

Definitely! Targa is a good compromise between the coupe and cab as has been said but I should point out that a 996 Targa is based on a 996 Coupe unlike the the previous 993 Targa which was based on the 993 Cab. The folding glass section is entered into the car from underneath the body shell and sealed in; when driving at speed, the glass section gets 'sucked in' to the roof rails to create an even tighter fit so as to reduce wind noise. The selling points for me were indeed the 'hatchback' (so easy to get luggage in and out from the folded rear seats - toddlers too if you have them!) as Tim hinted and also the car feels so much airy and bigger thanks to the sweep of glass from windscreen to rear screen. The overall design did it for me not to mention its relative rarity. Probably not designed for the track (I get the impression the roof panel might pop out on a hard corner), but then I didn't buy mine to track it, I just wanted some fun on the roads and this is what I get from mine. If you are considering both, test drive both and see which one you like the better. ~ Maxie

Maxie, They track very well. Ok a bit slower than a C2 Coupe but no worries with the roof popping out (ever seen what they have to do to get one out in the workshop). Sundeep became a trackday nut in his old 993 targa!

well i've learnt something today, didn't know the targa was based on a coupé rather than cab body on the 996...this place is an education

Thanks I think I'll have to have a go and try Targa, SeanD when are you changing yours ? Regards Voya

Re: Thanks SeanD - I think you might have just scored yourself a buyer! Envy you for the 997 Targa though - in my eyes, the most beautiful of the 997 range. ~ Maxie

It will not be until the end of the summer. I refuse to buy new as I just cannot stomach those drive it out of teh showroom depreciation hits. So I am looking at (non demo) used models which are only just starting to come on the market. Also having got used to my rather fully loaded 996 I will be looking for the right spec. Actually a good general point on teh Targa, as they tend to be owned by the shall we say slightly older/person looking for more comfort. they tend to be much better specced cars second hand. That is except for the demo ones. Maxie, I agree on the looks the strip above the quarter lights is just lovely when looking at the car in profile.

Hmm, if I can wait for the end of summer Thanks everyone for replies. I need to start badgering bank manager to increase oferdraft. Uhm, forgot to say that I'm after tip thingie. Too lazy/old to be bothered with clutch. Voya

Re: Hmm, if I can wait for the end of summer Sean's is a tiptronic. What was your budget - I know you mentioned it on the old forum, but I can't remember.

Budget. Its a very fluid concept at the moment. These are the prices that I've found / got so far T 1999 / 32kmls -> £24K W 2000 / 48KMLS -> £22K (c4) 02 2002 / 57KMLs -> £30K (Dealer that will take my part ex at good rate) 02 2002 / 26kmls -> £33K targa (dealer - not interested in px) 53 2003 / 26kmls -> £34.5 c2 (Dealer Seal gray/black Love the combination but fairly basic spec) So thats where I'm at the moment. I'd rather buy privately if it passes 111 check or have existing warranty.

Have Targa was told its based on the cab chassis! (not coupe) will check!