looked all over the internet forever for an article on hardtop vs cab...never seen one...would love to see them race the same porsche (ie. c2s vs c2s cab/ turbo vs turbo cab)....i know you lose rigidity and adds a appx 150lbs...but how much difference does it really make?

 

For most (non-expert) drivers, I expect the difference is undetectable.

 

Aside from the weight difference, the rigidity is suppose to be the same. The 997 platform was designed first as a cab and the a coupe.

Porsche does say that there is .2 of a second difference in the 0-60 times

http://www.porsche.com/usa/models/91...a-s-cabriolet/

www.porsche.com/usa/models/911/911-carrera-s/

 

I haven't seen a comparison of 997's, but Excellence did one with 996's. The writer suggested that with the top down and more weight over the rear wheels, he found the cab to have less understeer and was more fun to drive.

The stats suggest there's no significant difference. In a severe roll over, a coupe might be safer. I suspect that for 90% of drivers, money spent at a good, high performance driving school will net faster times, better safety and more enjoyment than mods.

If you're planning to drive your street car at typical Drivers' Ed days, then just drive the car you'd enjoy most on the street.

 

I think the spread in times you listed Ed was because the driver was too amazed at the 360 degree view and didn't pull that gear fast enough,LOL!

For .2 of a difference on the street,that is almost negligiable!
Too many variables(cold pavement,oil patch or maybe some grit).
I say if you are looking at the both cars...get the one you like!
If it is track car you are looking for a coupe may be a safer way to go,but for the street and sunny weather as well as view second to none,IMO, cabriolet!
Ken you have owned both.....what is your feeling?

Stacy

 

I haven't owned 2 of the types the OP wants to compare. My C2S cab was actually a little lighter than my current T4S. The C2S felt different because of the lighter front end, but I can't say it felt faster.
I still think that a lot of the theory people apply to these comparisons is somewhat meaningless, because a slight weight (or rigidity) difference doesn't translate into much difference in performance in real life unless you're an expert driver. As has been mentioned already, the real difference in lap times, for most of us, comes with driving expertise and tires, not weight, rigidity, or even power for that matter.
The more meaningful criteria for selecting a model is deciding which one will provide the most overall joy all year long.

 

Stacy, I think that your cab is a least .2 faster then my coupe. Unless of course you are enjoying the view.

Ken hasn't really had a coupe. His current ride is struggling with an identity crisis, is it a Cab? is it a Coupe? It's neither, it's a Targa! It weights more then the Cab by about 60lbs. About 265lbs more then Coupe.

 

Hey Ed, be nice.

 

I meant your car is, not you!

Perhaps you are want to share something with us...we are all friends here.

 

C'mon Ken....out with it. Maybe we should guess. Its ok, nothing wrong with it

 

Oh right forgot that tid-bit of info!
Sorry Ken......didn't mean to start this,LOL!!
I just thought you were going to be able to give a good opinion on it,which you did anyway!


Stacy

 

awesome..thanks for input..i have a cab...just was curious...but is that right? they designed cab first? then coupe so rigidity is same

 

I believe I read that in the sales brochure for the 997. I will try and find it later today to confirm.

 

Cab was first.....correct

 

Even if the cab was designed first, this has little to do with the rigidity of the coupe. The boxster was around for years before they made it a hardtop and Porsche's write-ups then said that the Cayman "is twice as rigid", whatever the hell that means. As everyone else has already said, 'it's your desire and fun that counts'.

In case you have not heard it, years ago the saying in the real sportscar world was "If you want to drive a car get a coupe; if you want to ride in a car get a cabrio".