I think you need to go in realizing that there is no "perfect" solution.

To me with the top up it is not even close to driving a coupe but with the top down it's fantastic.

All comes down to which is most important to you and how you will drive the car.

If you will have the top down a lot then it's a no brainer...but for me in NJ...it was a waste.

I still vote for you getting a Coupe and a used 996 C2 cab.

 

Is there anyone near you with both so you can drive them? Maybe a local car club?

 

Im on my 5th 911. #3 was a 2003 996tt hard top. Great car, but I missed the convertable so much, I got 2004 996 cab after 12 months. Car #4 was a 996 tt cab. Currently have a 2008 997 tt cab. Best car I have ever owned. The only time the top is up is if its raining. Even at night, I have the top down

 

always a cab...no regrets! 2nd 911 cab and 2 Boxsters and 2 BMWcabs...

 

Can't comment on a P-Car, but I have had a Miata. The car was a blast and as a result my next car will be a cab as well.

 

I would answer this by saying it has more interior noise with the top up than a coupe. But wind noise with the top up is not really all that bad until you are at speeds of 85 mph or more. I would trade the extra interior db's for the flexibility of the top coming down. I have not driven them back to back (coupe to Cab), but have with my 06 M5 and there is a difference. But you can still talk on the phone with no one complaining at 80 mph - which I could not do in my GT2 or my RS.

I live in S. Calif. so we get a disproportinate number of days to drive with the top down and that of course weighs into my views as well. If I lived in Seattle I would probably buy a Turbo Coupe!

Good luck!

JCM

 

Allow me to make this reponse as clear as all of the others have been...there is no reason to drive with the top down so there should be no consideration about what it is like with the top up! If this is not clear enough, get the coupe!

 

There are only 2 drawbacks to the Cab in my experience - and I've had 3 911 coupes, 2 BMW Cabs, a Boxster S and the current 997 S Cab

1. Body flex - it's there, minute but noticeable on certain roads - not in cornering interestingly
2. Looks - top up, it's busy from the rear. Top down - knock out!
3. Optional - some added weight if 0 to 60 is your game

As far as noise, the top is triple lined and very quiet - I even use bluetooth with the top down at highway speeds and cabin noise is not an issue. Frankly the car is too quiet /smooth for me some days!

Rearward visibility is manageable - I always use the side mirrors anyway.

If you get a kick out of open air motoring, it's amazing!

 

I've owned several convertibles tho albeit never a Porsche. I loved 'em but found on most soft tops extremely difficult to up keep.

I would imagine the Porsche similar in its soft top suffers from lint as well and is difficult to keep like new over time?

I also remember sun fade, sound rattle, and tearing a long term creeping problem as well.

Hard tops of course do not suffer the same fate minus the sound rattle and much extra added weight that seems to bog down at speed.

 

<ot> love your color combo </ot>

 

thank you, that was particularly helpful, as the feedback I am most keen on is what the driving experience is with the top up. Good to hear about the quietness as it relates to the wind, and yes, I agree, the engine note is was too non-existent (will look at adressing that after I get her). As far as the looks, the coupe lines are best IMO, but i do think the spoiler on the TT helps the look vs. the non-TT cab. obviously just my opinion. thanks again.

 

Have you done a search of this topic? This has been discussed many times before....you may find additional helpful insight.

 

Thx!

JCM

 

Got to go with the Cab. I made the mistake of going with the coupe because I feel it looks sharper than the Cab (top up anyway).....but guess what, I never see the thing as i'm always driving. Wish I was able to cruise top-down. So much more fun. And I live in Canada....weather can't get much worse....

my 2 cents

 

Another NON-TT owner, recently picked up a cab and my only regret is that I should have pick one up a long time ago.