I'm pretty familiar with many sports cars and am well aware of the loss in handing from buying a convertible version of a car that also comes as a hardtop. I searched the forum and didn't see anything specific for this topic, so I created this post to ask what specifically how the 996 cab differs in handling and other aspects compared to the coupe? And are the widebody C4S/Turbo any different when going with a cab?

 

One doesnt have as much roof as the other..

Kidding aside, the coupe is a considerable amount firmer handling..... if you are tracking the car. It also safer, quieter, and in my opinion better looking..

When I buy porsche again, it will be a cabriolet. None of the above positives can take away the feeling of escaping on a nice spring day.

 

I would agree if your looking for something to track go coupe but if your looking for something to have some fun in and enjoy the nice weather then go cab. i love mine

 

The question wasn't so much for track car or non-track car, as I'm sure what the answer to that would be since there are just about zero convertibles on the track except for cars that are built as one from the ground up (S2000, miata). I assume the cab wouldn't handle quite as well, but is it as big as a difference as other cars, such as comparing an E46 M3 coupe to it's convertible?

Before deciding to go with a 911 Turbo I was set on buying an 03+ SL55 or SL600, and I loved the hardtop convertible feature, and it was one of the few convertibles I'd consider. The main reason I'm asking is because if Porsche did a great job of hiding the differences in handing of the cab and coupe, then I might consider one, but more than likely I'll go for the coupe

 

The 911 cabriolets are thankfully not much heavier than the coupes, so feel very similar to me, acceleration-wise. I can't tell an ***-dyno difference.

They do handle a little squishier, you can feel a touch of flex. I feel it more going up a driveway than I do in corners.

Mine squeaks a touch more than a coupe would with the top up, (although about the same as a targa) but no squeaks at all with the top down.

The back seats are even less useable in the cabriolet than the coupe, unfortunately. they actually angle towards the front of the car, making it impossible to get comfortable, even if you don't have legs. :P

 

You're right about the back seats, but I never drive from back there, so it doesn't bother me much. BTW, you can put a baby seat back there, but they don't like top down driving.

FYI, it's a noisy convertible - really makes tire choice important. On the other hand, with the screen fitted in the back seat, it's comfortable to ride with the top down at any speed.

I love driving my cab.

 

Ditto.... My cab is awesome on days like today. 89 degrees, no humidity! But just in case I also have a hardtop for her. Which is very quiet and feels more stable and looks a little different than the coupe. Sweeeeet!

 

What can I say when I agree with all the other comments?! The cab is just out right fun! Period! I drove the coupe and the cab before purchase. When the top came down, I was sold. Additionally, the girls love it too. Bonus.

 

The Porsche cabs are some of the best performing cabs on the market. Tests done on the 997 Turbo cabs have shown little to no difference in performance between the coupe and Cabs. The 996 cab is a little less stiff but it still handle extremely well, especially with upgraded sways and coil-over suspension.

There is no substitute for cruising around topless. I have looked at potentially upgrading to a 996 turbo coupe but in the end just can't give up the open top experience. Fun is racing around the track old school style without a lid. look at all of the old race cars. My next car will be a 997 Turbo Cab which to me represents the best of both worlds.

 

When I was faced with this decision it only took one drive with the top down to convince me that a cab was what I wanted.
3 year later I still love driving it.

Cheers,
Stan

 

Had the top down Saturday and you simply can't beat it on a sunny day and winding roads. Test drive both then just buy the cab with a hardtop.

 

Cabs have reinforced side frames and windshield frames. That is primarily what accounts for the approx 50LBS of extra body weight.
If anyone can actually feel the difference in handling between coupe and cab, then I would suggest they are driving ina VERY spirited fashion!!
Pete

 

Hearing these opinions is pretty impressive to hear for a convertible, as just about any other car there seems to be a big difference.

Can anyone comment on if it's like the difference between a boxster and cayman? Or much less of a difference?

 

My kid loves it.