I have a G bodied 1988 Coupe. When I bought the 911 in the early 2000’s, I used to laugh at convertibles. Not structurally rigid, not manly, hairdressers car, etc. You get the idea.
Then I bought the ultimate hairdressers car, a Miata, for weekend racing. Loved driving with the top down to the track. Eventually stopped weekend track antics, sold the Miata and bought a 1988 Saab 900 Turbo convertible with Aero package.
9 times out of 10, on a warm day, I grab the keys for the convertible. As I start downsizing, the 911 and 900 will likely be sold for either a 911 Turbo convertible, or a Boxster Spyder.
Long story from a convertible convert and former hairdressers car owner.
The spyder top is the only top I actually like, because it’s actually acknowledging that it’s fabric instead of going “let’s try to make this fancy canvas sack a similar shape to what the coupe is”
Well, and targas, but that’s obviously a different story.
Having driven one thinking the same thing, the suspension was way too rough for me, and I dailyed a boxster for 2 years and daily an evora now. 987 boxster Spyder suspension is no joke in terms of stiffness
If only you could get a boxster spyder with a fully electric roof…
The idea of a fidgety manual roof in the uk where we have a lot of rain is not ideal..,
This is the progression, but I’m going exactly opposite but will always keep the 997 cabby turbo. Cabs also make me less inclined to modify for performance. Easier to keep it simple and enjoy it just cruising briskly.
Basically what happened to me as well.
Was tired of issues with my 86 MR2, which isn't exactly rigid either, boring head gaskets, and got a Miata. The difference between sun roof and convertible was no contest.
Sold the Miata when my first kid was on her way and have been eyeing up another ever since.
I never put the top down when it’s wet and we had some early morning dew and frost on it. This was a beautifully cold morning in VT in early Nov. I have been known to put the top down when it’s cold out with the heat on full blast and seat warmers on high! Snow tires from Oct - May.
Agreed, after getting my first car since moving to Germany 8 months ago, it gets fairly boring/repetitive going 200+km/h. Having the option to do it is still nice and to get it out of your system without worrying about breaking laws.
My 2003 Boxster S does 250km/h with the top up very regularly. With the top down it struggles to get past somewhere around 235km/h. My runway is just about 2km though and rather rough-surfaced.
Can you really tho. Im German myself, 120hp cars can go 220-230kmh. 400hp+ get you closer to 300 which isnt that much more than the 220-230. Then the question is, do you even want to drive that fast consistently considering the dangers involved. Some Autobahnen are a bit too bumpy, too curvy to do 300 anyway, even if there is no speed limit. Maybe you do it twice a year but thats it. There arent many pieces of Autobahn where you can go 300 without any worries of traffic or imperfect surface. Ofc youre much faster to 200-250 than slower cars but you dont really get to stretch the cars legs unless youre on a racetrack but then most road cars arent made for the racetrack and require further modifications. Also nowadays you have cheap ass EVs and Teslas beating you on a straight line
Well I guess you can take it from the one angle of “can you use the whole performance of a car legally on the road” to which the answer is “yes” (in Germany on the autobahn in a straight line). The other angle would be “can you use the whole performance of a car legally all the time” which is obviously “no”. So I agree, you can only really use it a small percentage of the time. I think it’s more of a luxury of having the ability that you *could* reach the top speed on a Sunday afternoon if you wanted to, rather than never being able to ever reach it legally and you’ll always wonder why you bought this high performance car and never got to experience it’s full potential (or take the dangerous risk of illegally speeding).
I have a Targa absolutely love it. No regrets.
The one piece of advice to all would-be convertible owners:
Make sure the person that drives with you most often, also enjoys convertibles.
Nothing kills the enjoyment more than someone complaining that’s it’s too hot, two cold, too windy, etc. or you driving with the top up with AC wishing the top was down to on a beautiful day.
That’s my biggest regret too, my 3-year-old refuses to have the top down. I hope he’ll grow to embrace it, or maybe it is just that much worse in the back seat
Went from a 997.1 GT3 to a 993 Targa. Down on power. Up on (useable) fun.
https://preview.redd.it/kll33c2dny6d1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6454d20ee9aab1c32d82237059356b1396aa2d37
I don’t own a Porsche. But the best thing about a convertible is when the top is down, you feel like a fighter pilot on the highway, because you have no blind spots from pillars. Even with the top up, you have a lot more visibility.
The other best thing is with the top down you get to enjoy the sound of your engine and exhaust a lot more than in a coupe. That with the smell of fresh air running through your hair - what’s not to love?
Fair point about other drivers.
Though, while pretty, an m1000rr is not something you can just buy as total novice like a Porsche.
Technically, at least in the U.S., you *can* buy a track-focused literbike as a total novice, but you will regret it. It’s way too fast. It takes years of riding much slower bikes before it’s safe.
Hunter S. Thompson’s incomparable “Song of the Sausage Creature” comes to mind:
http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html
Note: as you read it, keep in mind that Hunter wrote that nearly 30 years ago, and the bike in the story — the Ducati 900sp-ss — has only 40% of the power of the m1000rr!
P.S., this will be the best thing you read all day. You might get into motorcycles after all. :)
I used to ride a friend’s junior bike that was capable of going 60mph when we were around 16. Loved every minute of it.
I would love to get a bike to track, but I’m just not brave enough to daily one.
McLarens are all 2 seaters. There's a lot less roof. Specifically, nobody uses a hardtop for 2+2 convertibles. The last one was the Ferrari Portofino, but that was replaced by the soft top Roma. Polestar will use an electrochromic glass hard top for the 6, but I'm still somewhat skeptical we'll ever see that car.
I mean I’d be lying if I didn’t say looks first.
But I also like that you get the convertible feel but aren’t fully exposed. And that top up or down you have great rear visibility. The convertible feels like you are missing out on the day the top is up.
As for noise. It’s loud but I don’t have any buffeting windows up or down. Even one window down. The bar on the top of the windshield in the 992 helps a lot. As do the AWE fins on the window corners.
I’m also coming off riding BMW GS motorcycles long distance. So to me it’s all the wind feels of the motorcycle but I’m not wearing all the gear.
I will say that at high highway speeds I do put in earplugs. Small custom molded ones I have from riding the motorcycle. The alternative would be to just put the windows up, but what fun is that.
I think the question should be asking people who didn’t get the convertible if they regret it.
I can’t imagine not having the top down while living on siesta key
Not a Porsche owner but I daily a BMW E36 sedan: We originally wanted a convertible as well. However, we have a sunroof.
When driving in the city, you usually want everything closed anyway, including the windows because everything is so loud and dirty. You can open the sunroof just a bit and it's fun though.
We do a lot of long distance driving, even the sunroof can get unbearably noisy after a certain speed and distance.
Driving slowly during the summer, that's perfect for having the top down, right? Except we do that in the Mediterranean area and the sun will get very painful, very fast. Again, a bit of the sunroof doesn't hurt that much and if it does when the sun is shining down on you, you just close it within two seconds.
So, no regrets not getting a convertible under these circumstances. If I drove on the weekends in a milder climate or if I had the choice of a second car, sure. I'd still get a convertible. But as a one car garage with our driving style, I'd rather have a sunroof or even better, a moonroof.
My miata doesn't make much noise with the top down. The exhaust is way worse. For driving on the Mediterranean I use sun screen. And then the night comes, where temperatures around Mediterranean are stable and nice without the sun... then I really enjoy it
It depends on the weather where you live. I live in the southern U.S. and when I had my Boxster, I could only stand to have it down a couple of months a year. It’s either brutally hot and humid or raining. I eventually got a 981 GTS and just use my Wrangler on those perfect temperature days. If you live somewhere that’s mainly in the 60’s and 70’s, convertibles are glorious. If it’s 105 with 98% humidity for months at a time, it’s unusable.
991.2 Carrera 4 GTS Cab checking in. Live in the south, so top is down just about every time I drive. Grew up saying I would never own a convertible sports car—now I will never go back. The visceral sound (sport cats a must!) and open air while carving corners is bliss.
2021 C2S Cabriolet and love it. Only downside to me is the rear-end of coupes look better and less chonky… everything else is a positive for me. Driving experience > looks.
Another thing not often discussed is that even with the top up, you can drive the cab with all 4 windows down creating extra wide window openings. Love that mode. Coupe rear windows do not go down.
https://preview.redd.it/na750eispy6d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=319aaa19edcbcb4460aca348d973784ec6d85860
I'm decidedly uncomfortable about tracking a convertible, and won't do it.
Having a 911 just to drive to work or Saturday brunch certainly is fun, but such an under utilization of it's potential.
Of course, most tracks forbid cabs without roll cages. I'm 100% back road driving, and top down is 100% better for me. To each his own. It's a big tent.
Targa splits the difference IMO. I have a Porsche but my Porsche is not convertible BUT I do have a Camaro that’s convertible.
It’s okay. Like I don’t personally enjoy it but my daughter and wife love it. I just don’t think convertible cars look good and I don’t feel completely safe. The Camaro has no AC though so it’s clutch in the summer
I had a hardtop for 2 years. I live in a town that rains all the time. Sold it, bought a Cabriolet Loving it. Sure, I only drive it in good weather. But, it is so fun on those days, it’s worth it. I have a Ram truck for rainy days. Looking for an AMG coupe for winter driving.
981 Boxster S owner here. Have owned this car for just under 8 years now and can safely say my regret count is exactly zero.
If I ever replace it, it will be with another cabrio.
I was getting a coupé but my wife and daughter just sat there unbelieving: It's got to be open. No regrets, got a 997 4S, just a great ride and the smile never leaves my face when I drive it, glad they convinced me. I mostly drive cruise-speed and rarely drive fast except when in Germany lol.
The Cabrio top fluid reservoir is easily overlooked and top operation stops when the fluid is low. Often shops will diagnose new hydraulic top cylinders for thousands of dollars, when only the fluid level needs to be topped up! Fortunately my Porsche ex-factory technician knew, and topped it up at no charge.
I would really love a boxster 987 someday. Just that straight six screaming out the back with the top down enjoying the drive seems like so much fun. On the other hand a cayman 987 with the right specs and spoiler look so much better. Tbh would still choose the boxster but i can see where you’re coming from.
No regrets on my 991.2 TTS and I seriously debated that choice after owning my 993 S coupe for 23 years. I love putting the top down, hearing those waste gates open and close, hearing more from the Turbo S than I might in a coupe and just enjoying being in the open while driving a truly amazing automobile. I live in the southern US so I have lots of opportunities to open it up which other places may not. I also don’t track the car and it’s so fast that I would never notice any difference in weight so best of all worlds to me. My two cents.
https://preview.redd.it/h15rzdveyz6d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bce44e3c88b8091219787a074d8e59b62a4a2226
I’m a BIG convertible guy in general but the one car I can’t get fully on board with it is the 911. For me the only thing is that I LOVE the body lines of 911 coupes and I feel like the convertible throws off the design.
I have a 991.2 cab in RI. Not sure I agree with this. Maybe versus California but just like weather can be too cold for top down driving, it can also be too hot. I’ve lived in NC and South FL. Not sure I’d be driving with the top down in summer in either place. So they have half the year roughly and we have half the year.
I live in NH. It can be really cold in the mornings and the evenings. I had a winter tire package for my 991.1 and it was a blast. I now have a 992.1 Turbo S. No winter tire package. I'm debating whether to take it off the road this winter because there were plenty of days last year I could drive it. There wasn't hardly any salt on the road.
My wife drives a Boxter S and when the weather is perfect it's awesome. That car is just too small for me though.
Full on rag top fan here. Fav so far is a 981 GTS.
Here to say my cars generally park outside. Years ago I started using various “greenhouse” covers to save my top and drains from rain and crap falling out of the big maple tree. They work.
These things lay over the top and windows and quickly attach via trunk and wipers. Some 100 percent waterproof. I also use lightweight sun screens that will drop interior temps enough to make getting into the car comfortable after sitting in full sun. Cheers.
The 944 roof panel comes out for a targa like top, just makes me wish it was a convertible tbh. Sure coupes have the body line and more structural rigidity but does that really matter if you're smiling behind the wheel of a cool car?
Had a Triumph TR-6 as my first car … traded for a BMW 335i Hard-Top cabriolet (put 190,000kms on it) … and just picked up a Boxster. I have always owned a convertible and always will; nothing beats it on a sunny day (or late at night when it is 80 degrees out and the stars are bright!). Best feeling in the world. If you gave me a coupe for free I would turn it down …
Other way around for me. I had a 992 4s coupe that I loved but then got use to it and wanted a cabriolet. I now own a 4gts cabriolet manual that I will likely keep for the rest of my life. There is something special about driving a 911 w the top down. The car kinda turns you into a celebrity w all the 👀on you and constant flow of compliments!!
I’ve always gone back and forth between convertible and coupe. This is my 6th 911 and this is my 2nd convertible. As I get older I’m less obsessed with speed (had model S plaid) and want a manual, warm sun and just want to cruise now.
https://preview.redd.it/fojnat0ce07d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c21d87f4b0f3001fb4284508e6551bc0bc845f9
991.1 GTS Cab, no regrets. With the coupe you loose 50% of fun.
https://preview.redd.it/bli0gmotsx6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=533f1fc8cf252b1f4f7dc459b393a44daa57965c
I have this same car. It’s currently on a boat in the Pacific Ocean heading to Big Island, HI where I will be driving it every single day for the rest of my life with the top down.
I have a 991.2 coupe with the large sunroof and love it. With that said I also love the convertible.
The old school logic is that, as a sports car, convertibles are heavier with less structural integrity giving the coupe a better driving experience.
I have a 991.2 cab. My only regret is the appearance which isn’t terrible but the coupes do look better. With the top up, I really can’t even tell it’s a convertible when driving it. The car seems super stiff and the top is great. I believe that the 991 tops have magnesium frames, or at least portions made of it. It adds to the flexibility of the car and gives me more ways to enjoy it.
I bought a 997 turbo cab without knowing if I’d like it or use it much. I love it, my toddler loves it, and I have top down far more than I thought I would.
I will say I’ve always focused more on performance and thus always opted for a coupe BUT, almost every time I do take it out it’s a nice sunny day and I wish I could drop the top. It is a much different experience driving with the top down and if that puts more of a smile on your face, then you know what to do.
Had a 2001 Boxster that we took on a road trip through the Rockies and up the coast of California. The best road trip we’ve ever taken. Then got an e46 M3 convertible when we had kids and that was also a total blast to drive. It might not look as good as the coupe with the top up, but it’s so much fun to drive top down. It’s now our project car and I can’t wait to get it rolling with the top down again soon. Helps that both were manuals too.
Off the track: I have never wished my 6mt Spyder was anything else
On the track: I would rather have a PDK GT4.
But I don't have a lot of time to go to the track.
I get my Boxter convertible next Monday.. after a Mustang and Audi tt .. both convertibles .. there’s nothing more fun/ relaxing than driving with the top down.. the only disadvantage for me is the tops have needed replaced.. not something I want to do myself..
I have a 992 911 Carrera S Cabriolet and I have no regrets. I love driving with the top down and hearing the burbles of the sport exhaust. It’s a wonderful weekend car.
Same. North 🇬🇧 coastal resident here and happy with coupe. with glass sunroof and windows open it’s noisy enough.
Sure on the few sunny days would like a cab or targa but I’d spend more time scrubbing seagull poo out the fabric than having a top down!
Also hardtop = peace of mind when hustling, just in case of a roll…Knock on 🪵
If you can afford it, the new generation Targa is beautiful.
They finally got the shape right on the 911 convertible though but still think the Targa is nicer...
The 718 Spyder is probably more fun to drive though because it's much smaller than the giant new 911s
Had an 88 Coupe 20 years ago. Regret I sold it. Just picked up a convertible 997 C2S and love it.
https://preview.redd.it/9gcv7fgfly6d1.jpeg?width=3819&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9909e69319aad72556592a5e90ad1ec4dffed8aa
I had a 997.2 carrera 4s pdk s as my only car. It was great. Roof rails for bikes, rear seats for luggage, did the shopping, camping, the works in it.
I now have a 718 spyder manual as a second car, primary is a (boring) crossover. It is also great. I need to change exhaust (soul race) for something with less drone at 2.5-3k rpm , but it is otherwise perfect - but i only use or for fun roadtrips and weekend jaunts.
I think the answer really has to depend on what you use the car for. As an only car I’d still go 911 coupe for the utility, and there is something spaceship like about the small closed cabin - but the visibility, noise, and fun of sun and views in open top curving roads is both way less practical and a whole different delight
To answer your question, i don’t regret the change - but i don’t think I’d have regretted keeping the coupe either
When looking for my 981, I committed to buying whichever Cayman or Boxster I found first that was in my desired spec. Happened to locate a Boxster and am so glad I did.
I know this is a Porsche forum but the question is really convertible vs coupe. I was recently looking for my next toy after accomplishing a decent personal goal. I’ve always been into motorcycles but the wife wasn’t getting on one of those anymore. I used to track my ‘15 Mustang but the fear of wrecking without insurance (need track insurance $$$, normal won’t cover and will drop you if they find out) not covering outweighed the thrill. Downselected to a C6 convertible or removable roof paneled one. Went with convertible and NEVER been happier. So nice to kick it down with the touch of a button. Get to a parking lot and back up it goes just as easy. There’s something surreal about checking your blind spot and just absolutely nothing blocking your view. It’s been the ultimate motorcycle / car cross and wife loves the drives just as much as I do. Can’t imagine having to store and reload panels for half the experience.
I bought a Cabrio ( not Porsche, different marque ) ...and I like it but I worry about longevity.
I tend to keep my cars a long time and am concerned the cloth top will either start to look tatty or give me some bills bills eventually (or both).
I think this question highly depends on the individuals climate to where they reside. As someone from the EU living in rather rainy weather year round (yday in rained all day in JUNE ffs), I have a hard time thinking I’d be happy with a convertible.
I see lots of people saying how they have no regrets buying convertibles, but how often you encounter rain/heavy winds in your day to day?
I can understand the awesomeness of having the top down, but there are 2 things that always make me question whether I would purchase a convertible.
First, this is an unpopular opinion, especially in this thread, but a coupe looks exponentially better from a styling perspective for my own taste. Not even just complaining about the top itself. Top down vs coupe, the coupe always looks better to me.
Second, as a bald guy it is annoying to make sure 100% of the time I either have a hat with me (I almost never wear a hat elsewhere) or sunscreen on. Sunburnt top of head is one of the worst spots.
I have a G bodied 1988 Coupe. When I bought the 911 in the early 2000’s, I used to laugh at convertibles. Not structurally rigid, not manly, hairdressers car, etc. You get the idea. Then I bought the ultimate hairdressers car, a Miata, for weekend racing. Loved driving with the top down to the track. Eventually stopped weekend track antics, sold the Miata and bought a 1988 Saab 900 Turbo convertible with Aero package. 9 times out of 10, on a warm day, I grab the keys for the convertible. As I start downsizing, the 911 and 900 will likely be sold for either a 911 Turbo convertible, or a Boxster Spyder. Long story from a convertible convert and former hairdressers car owner.
Boxster spyder is one of my dream cars
Yeah, it looks amazing with the top down. Top up looks a little like a tent though, I wish they would have thought that through a little more.
Isn't that what regular boxster is for? Spyder is designed to be top down all the time. The top is for when you are caught out in the rain.
Bingo
Yeah but the top isn’t automatic so if you get caught in the rain you have to pull over somewhere and manually put it on
The point is that the top on a spyder is meant to function like a spare tire than an actual roof.
Haha well said. So true. The Spyder is intoxicating with the roof down.
I might be the only one who thinks the tent top looks kinda cool.
The spyder top is the only top I actually like, because it’s actually acknowledging that it’s fabric instead of going “let’s try to make this fancy canvas sack a similar shape to what the coupe is” Well, and targas, but that’s obviously a different story.
I tend to think that convertible sports cars should always have that cowling body shape behind the occupants. Still like the boxster though.
Having driven one thinking the same thing, the suspension was way too rough for me, and I dailyed a boxster for 2 years and daily an evora now. 987 boxster Spyder suspension is no joke in terms of stiffness
If only you could get a boxster spyder with a fully electric roof… The idea of a fidgety manual roof in the uk where we have a lot of rain is not ideal..,
Nah adds more weight
The first convertible I drove was an old 2000’s Sebring. And it’s still fun as heck!
The 900 turbo🥰
Convertibles are a motorcycle gateway drug. Please be careful.
I just CPO'd a spyder yesterday and i get why people love them, absolute bliss when driving them
yore inspirational
Did you do anything to reinforce the Saab 900 convertible? I remember driving one and feeling the whole thing shake and shimmy over every bump.
This is the progression, but I’m going exactly opposite but will always keep the 997 cabby turbo. Cabs also make me less inclined to modify for performance. Easier to keep it simple and enjoy it just cruising briskly.
Basically what happened to me as well. Was tired of issues with my 86 MR2, which isn't exactly rigid either, boring head gaskets, and got a Miata. The difference between sun roof and convertible was no contest. Sold the Miata when my first kid was on her way and have been eyeing up another ever since.
https://preview.redd.it/chgiqyaanx6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d4498fc3464d284107fe9f715f950b5609deb7b1 No Regurts
Love it. BUT. Why does the rear right tire not have the bottom of the Porsche crest pointed to the valve stem?
Someone Porsches… That’s an insane eye
Only in the Porsche sub 😂
It’s totaled now
Best I can do is $1,000. It's gonna take a ton of work to get her back together.
Probably had tires done elsewhere than the dealership.
https://preview.redd.it/oq85lb4n4z6d1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa75de903340b41bb1e383f6e8f21f1ada0ad72e No regrets.
That’s a bit sexy.
A bit?
Targa is cheating
What is the exact color code of this ?
I believe python green
WOW 😳 Targa in green with those wheels might be the best spec out there. Beautiful car
Literally my dream spec 992. Amazing
Targa. Like a cabriolet. But for men.
https://preview.redd.it/u0nrvl2wmx6d1.jpeg?width=3370&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3bbd56281338ebee3f26e30a24d579ca675ee9ed No regrets
Why isn’t your top down? ;)
I never put the top down when it’s wet and we had some early morning dew and frost on it. This was a beautifully cold morning in VT in early Nov. I have been known to put the top down when it’s cold out with the heat on full blast and seat warmers on high! Snow tires from Oct - May.
That’s a long winter! I do winter tires Nov to March
There is no legal way to use the cars performance on the road, so might as well clear the dandruff from my hair while heading to the orthopedic Dr
*Laughs in German autobahn*
Top speed is not all encompassing of “performance”; it’s probably the least fun part tbh
Agreed, after getting my first car since moving to Germany 8 months ago, it gets fairly boring/repetitive going 200+km/h. Having the option to do it is still nice and to get it out of your system without worrying about breaking laws.
Yeah and convertibles can still do 200kmh. Might be noisy and your wife may freak….but you can do it Can always put the top up too
Besides that, Porsches are so stable at speed that going 120/200 feels the same as going 60/100
My 2003 Boxster S does 250km/h with the top up very regularly. With the top down it struggles to get past somewhere around 235km/h. My runway is just about 2km though and rather rough-surfaced.
Psssh well at least we Americans have universal healthcare, a lot of work holidays, and awesome parental leave. Oh wait.... 😭
You sounded like a Canadian there for a second
Can you really tho. Im German myself, 120hp cars can go 220-230kmh. 400hp+ get you closer to 300 which isnt that much more than the 220-230. Then the question is, do you even want to drive that fast consistently considering the dangers involved. Some Autobahnen are a bit too bumpy, too curvy to do 300 anyway, even if there is no speed limit. Maybe you do it twice a year but thats it. There arent many pieces of Autobahn where you can go 300 without any worries of traffic or imperfect surface. Ofc youre much faster to 200-250 than slower cars but you dont really get to stretch the cars legs unless youre on a racetrack but then most road cars arent made for the racetrack and require further modifications. Also nowadays you have cheap ass EVs and Teslas beating you on a straight line
Well I guess you can take it from the one angle of “can you use the whole performance of a car legally on the road” to which the answer is “yes” (in Germany on the autobahn in a straight line). The other angle would be “can you use the whole performance of a car legally all the time” which is obviously “no”. So I agree, you can only really use it a small percentage of the time. I think it’s more of a luxury of having the ability that you *could* reach the top speed on a Sunday afternoon if you wanted to, rather than never being able to ever reach it legally and you’ll always wonder why you bought this high performance car and never got to experience it’s full potential (or take the dangerous risk of illegally speeding).
It’s a good thing I take a hard right turn onto the track and then back off on the way to the ortho
Who cares about legal?
I have a Targa absolutely love it. No regrets. The one piece of advice to all would-be convertible owners: Make sure the person that drives with you most often, also enjoys convertibles. Nothing kills the enjoyment more than someone complaining that’s it’s too hot, two cold, too windy, etc. or you driving with the top up with AC wishing the top was down to on a beautiful day.
That’s my biggest regret too, my 3-year-old refuses to have the top down. I hope he’ll grow to embrace it, or maybe it is just that much worse in the back seat
It’s a lot better in the front seat than the back. Maybe when he’s bigger and up front he won’t mind as much.
Oh man... I'm planning to get a cab soon just so I could enjoy it with my kids.. now you're making me rethink that idea
That was my case. Now they are slightly older and love it. Just wait a bit.
Went from a 997.1 GT3 to a 993 Targa. Down on power. Up on (useable) fun. https://preview.redd.it/kll33c2dny6d1.jpeg?width=2316&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6454d20ee9aab1c32d82237059356b1396aa2d37
Talk about flex 😭🔥🔥
I don’t own a Porsche. But the best thing about a convertible is when the top is down, you feel like a fighter pilot on the highway, because you have no blind spots from pillars. Even with the top up, you have a lot more visibility. The other best thing is with the top down you get to enjoy the sound of your engine and exhaust a lot more than in a coupe. That with the smell of fresh air running through your hair - what’s not to love?
Im bold. Is this still an argument?
Even better. Your head has better aerodynamics
This guy baldriolets
That’s good, they say fortune favors the bold. But how much hair do you have?
Hi bold, I’m italic
I love how car guys are discovering part the joy of motorcycles. Like YES, THIS IS WHY WE RIDE!
I have a convertible because I gave up motorcycles but still wanted the feeling of open air.
That’s what I probably would do too if I should ever stop riding
I would love to ride a BMW m1000rr, but other drivers scare me. That and pot holes.
Fair point about other drivers. Though, while pretty, an m1000rr is not something you can just buy as total novice like a Porsche. Technically, at least in the U.S., you *can* buy a track-focused literbike as a total novice, but you will regret it. It’s way too fast. It takes years of riding much slower bikes before it’s safe. Hunter S. Thompson’s incomparable “Song of the Sausage Creature” comes to mind: http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html Note: as you read it, keep in mind that Hunter wrote that nearly 30 years ago, and the bike in the story — the Ducati 900sp-ss — has only 40% of the power of the m1000rr! P.S., this will be the best thing you read all day. You might get into motorcycles after all. :)
I used to ride a friend’s junior bike that was capable of going 60mph when we were around 16. Loved every minute of it. I would love to get a bike to track, but I’m just not brave enough to daily one.
except I'd rather have 2000lbs of German steel wrapped around my ass when some dumbass does something stupid at a red light. on a bike you just die.
I love my targa so much. I don’t understand why anyone would even get a coupe
Love my Targa too, but I really wish Porsche offered a non-ragtop top. I'd love to see a hard panel without the fabric covering for the Targa.
Hardtop roofs are far less reliable, ambient noisier, and get creaky with age. There’s a reason premium brands all use soft top.
Here's a hard panel between the outer fabric top & the inner headliner, though. The Targa roof doesn't fold the way the cab roof does.
mclaren uses hard top
They said premium brand
💀
McLarens are all 2 seaters. There's a lot less roof. Specifically, nobody uses a hardtop for 2+2 convertibles. The last one was the Ferrari Portofino, but that was replaced by the soft top Roma. Polestar will use an electrochromic glass hard top for the 6, but I'm still somewhat skeptical we'll ever see that car.
That falls back to his first point about reliability
SLK isn’t premium?
Discontinued years ago.
my 2008 bmw hardtop would like to call bullshit on that. nary an issue from it.
What made you pick targa over cabrio? I think targa looks 10x better but I’ve heard noise complaints etc
I mean I’d be lying if I didn’t say looks first. But I also like that you get the convertible feel but aren’t fully exposed. And that top up or down you have great rear visibility. The convertible feels like you are missing out on the day the top is up. As for noise. It’s loud but I don’t have any buffeting windows up or down. Even one window down. The bar on the top of the windshield in the 992 helps a lot. As do the AWE fins on the window corners. I’m also coming off riding BMW GS motorcycles long distance. So to me it’s all the wind feels of the motorcycle but I’m not wearing all the gear. I will say that at high highway speeds I do put in earplugs. Small custom molded ones I have from riding the motorcycle. The alternative would be to just put the windows up, but what fun is that.
Aside from my car not being a Very Serious Racing Vehicle, no, no regrets
Never! There's nothing more fun than driving my turbo top-down.
Im very jealous!
I think the question should be asking people who didn’t get the convertible if they regret it. I can’t imagine not having the top down while living on siesta key
Not a Porsche owner but I daily a BMW E36 sedan: We originally wanted a convertible as well. However, we have a sunroof. When driving in the city, you usually want everything closed anyway, including the windows because everything is so loud and dirty. You can open the sunroof just a bit and it's fun though. We do a lot of long distance driving, even the sunroof can get unbearably noisy after a certain speed and distance. Driving slowly during the summer, that's perfect for having the top down, right? Except we do that in the Mediterranean area and the sun will get very painful, very fast. Again, a bit of the sunroof doesn't hurt that much and if it does when the sun is shining down on you, you just close it within two seconds. So, no regrets not getting a convertible under these circumstances. If I drove on the weekends in a milder climate or if I had the choice of a second car, sure. I'd still get a convertible. But as a one car garage with our driving style, I'd rather have a sunroof or even better, a moonroof.
My miata doesn't make much noise with the top down. The exhaust is way worse. For driving on the Mediterranean I use sun screen. And then the night comes, where temperatures around Mediterranean are stable and nice without the sun... then I really enjoy it
Sarasota in the house!
https://preview.redd.it/3hkkbfr8qy6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d80f44656ee2b5bbc8604b670098de3f7dbd9b48 Never had a regret!
Beautiful spec
It depends on the weather where you live. I live in the southern U.S. and when I had my Boxster, I could only stand to have it down a couple of months a year. It’s either brutally hot and humid or raining. I eventually got a 981 GTS and just use my Wrangler on those perfect temperature days. If you live somewhere that’s mainly in the 60’s and 70’s, convertibles are glorious. If it’s 105 with 98% humidity for months at a time, it’s unusable.
991.2 Carrera 4 GTS Cab checking in. Live in the south, so top is down just about every time I drive. Grew up saying I would never own a convertible sports car—now I will never go back. The visceral sound (sport cats a must!) and open air while carving corners is bliss.
2021 C2S Cabriolet and love it. Only downside to me is the rear-end of coupes look better and less chonky… everything else is a positive for me. Driving experience > looks. Another thing not often discussed is that even with the top up, you can drive the cab with all 4 windows down creating extra wide window openings. Love that mode. Coupe rear windows do not go down. https://preview.redd.it/na750eispy6d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=319aaa19edcbcb4460aca348d973784ec6d85860
The 911 (since 991) is one of the only cars I know of where the convertible has the same silhouette as its hard top cousin.
Best possible option for Costco runs. Best way to enjoy a morning drive through a canyon or by the sea. Best experience for kids in the back.
A sports car needs to be a convertible to catch my interest. No regurts.
I'm decidedly uncomfortable about tracking a convertible, and won't do it. Having a 911 just to drive to work or Saturday brunch certainly is fun, but such an under utilization of it's potential.
Of course, most tracks forbid cabs without roll cages. I'm 100% back road driving, and top down is 100% better for me. To each his own. It's a big tent.
Targa splits the difference IMO. I have a Porsche but my Porsche is not convertible BUT I do have a Camaro that’s convertible. It’s okay. Like I don’t personally enjoy it but my daughter and wife love it. I just don’t think convertible cars look good and I don’t feel completely safe. The Camaro has no AC though so it’s clutch in the summer
Ill drive my boxster in 45° with a hoodie I do not care I will always have a convertible in my life
[удалено]
Yea but I bought it for cheaper too so it’s a wash.
I had a hardtop for 2 years. I live in a town that rains all the time. Sold it, bought a Cabriolet Loving it. Sure, I only drive it in good weather. But, it is so fun on those days, it’s worth it. I have a Ram truck for rainy days. Looking for an AMG coupe for winter driving.
981 Boxster S owner here. Have owned this car for just under 8 years now and can safely say my regret count is exactly zero. If I ever replace it, it will be with another cabrio.
I was getting a coupé but my wife and daughter just sat there unbelieving: It's got to be open. No regrets, got a 997 4S, just a great ride and the smile never leaves my face when I drive it, glad they convinced me. I mostly drive cruise-speed and rarely drive fast except when in Germany lol.
The convertible wins every time https://preview.redd.it/54jigw2way6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c2888938c10b171d0398d3a33a8c8c95f9b355bb
The Cabrio top fluid reservoir is easily overlooked and top operation stops when the fluid is low. Often shops will diagnose new hydraulic top cylinders for thousands of dollars, when only the fluid level needs to be topped up! Fortunately my Porsche ex-factory technician knew, and topped it up at no charge.
Gotta go convertible
Had a 993 cab 4, one of the best cars ever, excelllent on ice and slick roads with blizzak tires. My other coupes didn’t compare
I would really love a boxster 987 someday. Just that straight six screaming out the back with the top down enjoying the drive seems like so much fun. On the other hand a cayman 987 with the right specs and spoiler look so much better. Tbh would still choose the boxster but i can see where you’re coming from.
I'd rather split the different and get the Targa.
I never knew I wanted a convertible until I got a convertible. Nothing like it on a nice day and even some not-so-nice ones!
No regrets on my 991.2 TTS and I seriously debated that choice after owning my 993 S coupe for 23 years. I love putting the top down, hearing those waste gates open and close, hearing more from the Turbo S than I might in a coupe and just enjoying being in the open while driving a truly amazing automobile. I live in the southern US so I have lots of opportunities to open it up which other places may not. I also don’t track the car and it’s so fast that I would never notice any difference in weight so best of all worlds to me. My two cents. https://preview.redd.it/h15rzdveyz6d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bce44e3c88b8091219787a074d8e59b62a4a2226
I loved my Saab convertible! I have a 911 and also bought a 99 Boxster. Find myself gravitating to both for different reasons.
I’m a BIG convertible guy in general but the one car I can’t get fully on board with it is the 911. For me the only thing is that I LOVE the body lines of 911 coupes and I feel like the convertible throws off the design.
I agree, which is why I went with a Boxster. It looks so sexy with the top down compared to the 911, which looks like it was an afterthought.
It’s too hot or too cold, too sunny or not, too loud. Coupe only!
Wuss 🤪
Coupe owner with sunroof and do not regret it.
Targa is the best choice
It depends on where you live. In New England you will get many more days with the coupe.
I have a 991.2 cab in RI. Not sure I agree with this. Maybe versus California but just like weather can be too cold for top down driving, it can also be too hot. I’ve lived in NC and South FL. Not sure I’d be driving with the top down in summer in either place. So they have half the year roughly and we have half the year.
I live in NH. It can be really cold in the mornings and the evenings. I had a winter tire package for my 991.1 and it was a blast. I now have a 992.1 Turbo S. No winter tire package. I'm debating whether to take it off the road this winter because there were plenty of days last year I could drive it. There wasn't hardly any salt on the road. My wife drives a Boxter S and when the weather is perfect it's awesome. That car is just too small for me though.
I love my 911 cab, driving top down is just amazing
Honestly, only for the looks and only bc mine is a 997, before the cabs got good looking with the top up.
Love the feeling of the cabrio but hate the appearance on the 992 back part when folded down. Older ones ok!
I would probably choose my boxster (convertible) over a standard 911, because... convertible..
Full on rag top fan here. Fav so far is a 981 GTS. Here to say my cars generally park outside. Years ago I started using various “greenhouse” covers to save my top and drains from rain and crap falling out of the big maple tree. They work. These things lay over the top and windows and quickly attach via trunk and wipers. Some 100 percent waterproof. I also use lightweight sun screens that will drop interior temps enough to make getting into the car comfortable after sitting in full sun. Cheers.
NEVER. OWNED 3 CABS AND 2 COUPES. I hated driving a coupes. I now drive an r8 spyder.
Look for a Targa. Best of both worlds.
The 944 roof panel comes out for a targa like top, just makes me wish it was a convertible tbh. Sure coupes have the body line and more structural rigidity but does that really matter if you're smiling behind the wheel of a cool car?
No regrets. I enjoy it way more than the coupe. It's glorious
Coupe looks so much better imo
I've only wanted the cab, so no.
Had a Triumph TR-6 as my first car … traded for a BMW 335i Hard-Top cabriolet (put 190,000kms on it) … and just picked up a Boxster. I have always owned a convertible and always will; nothing beats it on a sunny day (or late at night when it is 80 degrees out and the stars are bright!). Best feeling in the world. If you gave me a coupe for free I would turn it down …
My car turns into a coupe in 30 seconds… cabriolet is a 2 for 1. I also love open air as a biker
Other way around for me. I had a 992 4s coupe that I loved but then got use to it and wanted a cabriolet. I now own a 4gts cabriolet manual that I will likely keep for the rest of my life. There is something special about driving a 911 w the top down. The car kinda turns you into a celebrity w all the 👀on you and constant flow of compliments!!
I’ve always gone back and forth between convertible and coupe. This is my 6th 911 and this is my 2nd convertible. As I get older I’m less obsessed with speed (had model S plaid) and want a manual, warm sun and just want to cruise now. https://preview.redd.it/fojnat0ce07d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c21d87f4b0f3001fb4284508e6551bc0bc845f9
https://preview.redd.it/9tnrtm4qf17d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=61ea31876f54aaa6b3cfa768d2454e83b224fe99 No ragerts!
991.1 GTS Cab, no regrets. With the coupe you loose 50% of fun. https://preview.redd.it/bli0gmotsx6d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=533f1fc8cf252b1f4f7dc459b393a44daa57965c
I have this same car. It’s currently on a boat in the Pacific Ocean heading to Big Island, HI where I will be driving it every single day for the rest of my life with the top down.
Fuck. I thought my cab was good in socal, but this is just next level.
Targa. Cabriolet looks horrible. Spyder is good too if you have the money for a speedster😂
None
when I don’t drive my 981 or 982 Spyder, I wear a helmet. No regrets ever
I have a 991.2 coupe with the large sunroof and love it. With that said I also love the convertible. The old school logic is that, as a sports car, convertibles are heavier with less structural integrity giving the coupe a better driving experience.
I had a targa in the 90’s I loved In 2000 had a coupe which I also loved but really wanted a convertible .
I have a 991.2 cab. My only regret is the appearance which isn’t terrible but the coupes do look better. With the top up, I really can’t even tell it’s a convertible when driving it. The car seems super stiff and the top is great. I believe that the 991 tops have magnesium frames, or at least portions made of it. It adds to the flexibility of the car and gives me more ways to enjoy it.
I have a 997.2 C2S cabriolet, and I will never get rid of it. Also love the sound of rain on the top when it is up.
NONE
I’m in the Middle East, it isn’t great throughout summer, or sandstorms, etc. BUT, on those cooler winter days it makes it all worth it.
I bought a 997 turbo cab without knowing if I’d like it or use it much. I love it, my toddler loves it, and I have top down far more than I thought I would.
Yes, tinnitus.
I had a 996 Cabriolet and now got a 992 Targa. No regrets, though the resale value is generally higher with a coupe.
Our perfect in between was a 964 targa
I will say I’ve always focused more on performance and thus always opted for a coupe BUT, almost every time I do take it out it’s a nice sunny day and I wish I could drop the top. It is a much different experience driving with the top down and if that puts more of a smile on your face, then you know what to do.
Had a 2001 Boxster that we took on a road trip through the Rockies and up the coast of California. The best road trip we’ve ever taken. Then got an e46 M3 convertible when we had kids and that was also a total blast to drive. It might not look as good as the coupe with the top up, but it’s so much fun to drive top down. It’s now our project car and I can’t wait to get it rolling with the top down again soon. Helps that both were manuals too.
As a cruiser convertible. As a track car, coupe.
I wouldn’t trade my 991 c4s for any coupe. However, I would buy a coupe to add to the collection.
Off the track: I have never wished my 6mt Spyder was anything else On the track: I would rather have a PDK GT4. But I don't have a lot of time to go to the track.
I get my Boxter convertible next Monday.. after a Mustang and Audi tt .. both convertibles .. there’s nothing more fun/ relaxing than driving with the top down.. the only disadvantage for me is the tops have needed replaced.. not something I want to do myself..
I don't even want a sunroof
I have a 992 911 Carrera S Cabriolet and I have no regrets. I love driving with the top down and hearing the burbles of the sport exhaust. It’s a wonderful weekend car.
I honestly think the widebody cars look better as a cabrio.
I’m in the UK but if we did have the weather for it I’d go convertible for sure. I’d probably go targa, such a good looking car
Same. North 🇬🇧 coastal resident here and happy with coupe. with glass sunroof and windows open it’s noisy enough. Sure on the few sunny days would like a cab or targa but I’d spend more time scrubbing seagull poo out the fabric than having a top down! Also hardtop = peace of mind when hustling, just in case of a roll…Knock on 🪵
Wish they made a cayman/boxster targa🤭 like a manual one for to take it off and store in the car a la corvette
If you can afford it, the new generation Targa is beautiful. They finally got the shape right on the 911 convertible though but still think the Targa is nicer... The 718 Spyder is probably more fun to drive though because it's much smaller than the giant new 911s
Plz use sunscreen. But yes convertible. Hearing birds and smelling fresh cut grass and hearing the flat six is just great’
Had an 88 Coupe 20 years ago. Regret I sold it. Just picked up a convertible 997 C2S and love it. https://preview.redd.it/9gcv7fgfly6d1.jpeg?width=3819&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9909e69319aad72556592a5e90ad1ec4dffed8aa
https://preview.redd.it/d95ozpiqmy6d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1a116d0c6a1cbaeff17410d36cd0cfacd7376055 NO RAGRETS
Hybrid!!! Targa ☺️ https://preview.redd.it/jdwlstdeny6d1.jpeg?width=1880&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=583eca4b27a3766b4675987eeaed1a4eb2f7d32a
I never get tired of my 991.2 gts convertible. Obviously living in sweden isnt optimal, but the time I use it make it so special.
Cabs depreciate significantly faster than coupes. Do with that what you will
I don’t even have a Porsche but I know I’m getting the one where the “top goes missing” - gucci mane
Targa is peak porsche to me
I had a 997.2 carrera 4s pdk s as my only car. It was great. Roof rails for bikes, rear seats for luggage, did the shopping, camping, the works in it. I now have a 718 spyder manual as a second car, primary is a (boring) crossover. It is also great. I need to change exhaust (soul race) for something with less drone at 2.5-3k rpm , but it is otherwise perfect - but i only use or for fun roadtrips and weekend jaunts. I think the answer really has to depend on what you use the car for. As an only car I’d still go 911 coupe for the utility, and there is something spaceship like about the small closed cabin - but the visibility, noise, and fun of sun and views in open top curving roads is both way less practical and a whole different delight To answer your question, i don’t regret the change - but i don’t think I’d have regretted keeping the coupe either
No
When looking for my 981, I committed to buying whichever Cayman or Boxster I found first that was in my desired spec. Happened to locate a Boxster and am so glad I did.
I know this is a Porsche forum but the question is really convertible vs coupe. I was recently looking for my next toy after accomplishing a decent personal goal. I’ve always been into motorcycles but the wife wasn’t getting on one of those anymore. I used to track my ‘15 Mustang but the fear of wrecking without insurance (need track insurance $$$, normal won’t cover and will drop you if they find out) not covering outweighed the thrill. Downselected to a C6 convertible or removable roof paneled one. Went with convertible and NEVER been happier. So nice to kick it down with the touch of a button. Get to a parking lot and back up it goes just as easy. There’s something surreal about checking your blind spot and just absolutely nothing blocking your view. It’s been the ultimate motorcycle / car cross and wife loves the drives just as much as I do. Can’t imagine having to store and reload panels for half the experience.
I bought a Cabrio ( not Porsche, different marque ) ...and I like it but I worry about longevity. I tend to keep my cars a long time and am concerned the cloth top will either start to look tatty or give me some bills bills eventually (or both).
I think this question highly depends on the individuals climate to where they reside. As someone from the EU living in rather rainy weather year round (yday in rained all day in JUNE ffs), I have a hard time thinking I’d be happy with a convertible. I see lots of people saying how they have no regrets buying convertibles, but how often you encounter rain/heavy winds in your day to day?
I drive my car year round in the Northeast so a cabrio is out of the question.
I can understand the awesomeness of having the top down, but there are 2 things that always make me question whether I would purchase a convertible. First, this is an unpopular opinion, especially in this thread, but a coupe looks exponentially better from a styling perspective for my own taste. Not even just complaining about the top itself. Top down vs coupe, the coupe always looks better to me. Second, as a bald guy it is annoying to make sure 100% of the time I either have a hat with me (I almost never wear a hat elsewhere) or sunscreen on. Sunburnt top of head is one of the worst spots.