Hot Oil

I am in the process of moving up to a 993 and while initially I sought a C2 Coupe, an attractive deal has appeared to purchase a '96 Targa that has had the top end done along with the RS clutch upgrade. It is a beautiful car but will it work for autocross and lapping days at the track with that large glass roof? This forum has taught me a lot and I would like seek any opinion you might have on this subject.

Thanks in advance.

Bob

Steve 96C4S

I love the 993 Targa. If that's what you like too, go for it. Not sure about the track though so I'll defer to the experts. My guess is it's the same as a coupe there.

Pics?

Mark in Baltimore

What do you think you'll eventually do with the car? Lots of DE days and maybe club racing? If so, the targa is the wrong car, especially for racing. If your track usage is less than 10%, a targa is a fine car. PM "Todd B" as he has both cars and races his RS clone.

Texas993

The Targa does not require a roll bar for the track. Like Mark says, if you are looking to do occasional track use, the Targa is great. If you plan to use it extensively on the track, the 60lbs of glass on top is not a good thing.

jimbo3

Obviously, the Targa is the wrong car for serious track/autocross use, but there are a number of Targas on tracks and autocross courses and the owners undoubtably have fun. There are occasional issues with the Targa mechanisms, too. But, if a Targa gives you a big grin, go for it!

For my taste, coupe is the only way to go. I don't prefer the Cab/Targa body style as well as the associated mechanicals.

ZombiePorsche44

That's like asking if a smokin' hot blond or brunette is better, it's a matter of taste since they are both 10's and either will make you happy!

Good luck in finding a clean example of whatever you choose and remember to join Rennlist and post photos on your first introduction of the car to us!

ZP44

993Dude

My hunch is that a smokin' hot blond or brunette would prefer a cab...

Leander

Because no-one would notice them in a targa - all eyes would be on the car itself.

Wilder

Hey Bob. I think you'll get some good comments on the Targa debate. This video might help too:

http://coochas.com/porsche/Resources...0Evolution.wmv

Hot Oil

Thanks for all of your feedback everyone and Louis, thanks for the link to that video, my passion for Porsche has been re-ignited with my research and search for a 993, what a fantastic automobile.

I am an autocross addict and I am not going to club race the 993, but I do enjoy a day at the track so from what I have heard, a Targa is suitable for me if I can accept the potential issues with the Targa mechanicals. Now I need to decide on colour.

Cheers.

Bob

Hot Oil

Just testing for my avatar.

Cheers.

TargaTango

Bob, My first P was a Targa and I drove it to the Shanghai F1 track. It was my first track day and my only track experience was reading a few books beforehand. Is the Targa ideal for the track? No it is not as it is not as rigid as the Coupe, and has extra weight high up. My car was a tiptronic and about the slowest there. In the hands of a semi-pro who took me out for 2 laps, no one got passed him from corner 1 until the main straight. So, while in the right hands the Targa is not ideal, for a lot of people its disadvantages will not be their limiting factor.

I liked the car but ended up selling it to a friend and buying a C2 because I wanted to modify the car to make it similar to an RS. While I will own a much more capable car and will take a lot of pleaure in owning and driving it, on the track my limitation is me.

Hope this helps. As others have said, both are very nice.

993_Pilot

I just hope it isn't the one in THIS THREAD. I think it would scare me to add a feature that could cost $8-10k to fix/replace.

Hot Oil

Thanks for posting that Jeff. Fortunately, the Targa that I am looking to make a deal on is local and serviced by the same mechanic that services my current Porsche and the owner is a friend and fellow PCA member. I've often wondered about the cars offered on E Bay and the risk people take when bidding on them. It looks like you found one of the bad ones and I will bet there are a few people out there that are thankful for what you did.

Thanks.

Bob

993_Pilot

I didn't find it, The OP was "Groovzilla" (a.k.a. William), but good to hear that they are not the same car.