997 Targa test drive - like it a lot!
Discussion
We both thought the car was excellent, both the 997 C4S experience and the roof. The big question from most people is "why not a cabriolet" as it's about the same price, but we've had a convertible for 3 years (Honda S2000 - GREAT car) and when touring we found we had the roof up a lot of the time. Either because it was too cold, or because it was too hot. The Targa allows you to be bathed in sunlight whilst being hot... or cold! We LOVED it! Thought it really worked. You can slide the roof off when going along and under 70 mph it doesn't buffet you at all (that means no bad hair days for the ladies!). It is extremely civilised and gives you all the benefits of a coupe and some of a cab.
As for the question "does it rattle".. yes - if the roof isn't closed properly! Ensure the roof is closed and 'no'. The salesman told us that Porsche put a lot of effort into simplifying the roof to ensure it doesn't rattle, and on a brand new one it doesn't. I guess the proof is in the 2 year old pudding...
As for drivability of the car itself... stunning! It's a lot bigger than the Cayman S, has a lot more power and feels different, but it's still a stonker. Comparing the handling of it to the Cayman is difficult because of the 4WD system. Both are a lot of fun... but this is quicker. Using my girlfriend's scare / scream factor I would say that the passenger feels a lot safer. Same roads & same speeds I get an earful in the Cayman and not in this. Perhaps a good reason to proceed?!
To anyone who doesn't get the Targa, I don't think they've been in it. I'm aware of certain magazine articles that don't like the car due to performance reasons but from a potential customer's point of view, it's performance is way more than we want and the incredible feel of all that light around you delivers a real occasion of driving something special.
Compared to an AMV8V? The 997's engine certainly feels much more powerful and it's delivery is so sweet. The AM had to be pushed and pushed and still didn't seem to take off. This doesn't hesitate and smoothly delivers the whole way through the rev range. The AM squeaked and rattled, the plastics felt cheap and there was a general feeling of compromise.
To boldly state my opinion and risk getting flamed, I would say the V8 Vantage plays on its heritage where Porsche, as always, just gets on with it and delivers pure brilliance.
So, are we going to place an order? Well, there is the choice of colour first.... she likes the red, I like the gold...
Lots more pictures here
I quite fancy the gold, too - what's it called again "Nordic Autumn" or "Nordic Bronze" or something? Love the Targa - just wish it could be bought in 2WD. That roof is fantastic, the rear hatch is very handy, and the panorama through the roof at nights when the stars are out, is one of mtoring's more special views.
loach said:
Love the Targa - just wish it could be bought in 2WD. That roof is fantastic, the rear hatch is very handy, and the panorama through the roof at nights when the stars are out, is one of mtoring's more special views.
Indeed. I was also disappointed that it wasn't available as a 2, but there we go... A 2 would be our preference as a) we do a lot of touring and luggage space is a consideration, and b) I like 2WD to make the back go wild (sorry, it's the chav in me!!) Having spent many hours in the 4 today... boy-oh-boy is it good. Bloody clever thing!Los Angeles said:
I like your enthusiasm, Pikey.
Thanks. I wanted to come across as a typical Porsche customer - that is one that likes the driving experience as a whole rather than moaning that the car could be 0.61354 sec quicker if (eg.) it didn't have such a heavy roof, or that it generally has too many namby, pamby electronics. I love Porsche and I love what they sell. I can appreciate a GT3 RS as the ultimate in sports cars, but it's not me - I want the occasion, quality and luxury in the same package.pikey said:
PS. Guards red... great in the promotional shots, cr*p in real life (well, on the Boxster in the car park). Hmm..
Well you know that they say about beauty.......
My 997 S look fantastic in Guards Red. A bit different to the legions of dull and boring silver/blue/black ones..........
Get your bollox out and order something different.
woogie said:
Pikey your cayman looked very dirty mate 
You thinking of biting the bullet and getting a proper Porsche ?
You were looking at the wrong one... they cleaned it for me whilst I was out in theirs - which was unexpected You thinking of biting the bullet and getting a proper Porsche ?
Proper Porsche? I promise you, the Gayman is very much a proper Porsche
Good write up - thanks pikey!
I'm looking to book an extended test myself. Agree that it's a shame about the 4wd vs. 2wd (always found that 2wd 911's offer a purer experience at the wheel over the 4's) but I suppose I'm prepared to compromise to get the extra 'S'
Undecided as yet about the chrome strip - think it probably looks better on a darker colour (black or midnight blue) than lighter. Can't help feeling that the bronze would date the car without ever being a classic (like say the original viper green).
Anyway, must get down to the boys at Hatfield and talk my way into a weekend loaner!
I'm looking to book an extended test myself. Agree that it's a shame about the 4wd vs. 2wd (always found that 2wd 911's offer a purer experience at the wheel over the 4's) but I suppose I'm prepared to compromise to get the extra 'S'
Undecided as yet about the chrome strip - think it probably looks better on a darker colour (black or midnight blue) than lighter. Can't help feeling that the bronze would date the car without ever being a classic (like say the original viper green).
Anyway, must get down to the boys at Hatfield and talk my way into a weekend loaner!
Targa looks bloody awful..997 is a great looking car apart from the targa which is shocking!..Pikey why do you keep buying compromised Porsches?Cayman and 997 Targa are possibly(excluding the Cayenne)the worst cars in the whole Porsche range..!
Edited by kayc on Monday 11th December 15:04
kayc said:
Targa looks bloody awful..997 is a great looking car apart from the targa which is shocking!..Pikey why do you keep buying compromised Porsches?Cayman and 997 Targa are possible(excluding the Cayenne)the worst cars in the whole Porsche range..!
Aha, a 911 is not compromised by having the engine in the wrong place then?
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