Surfah is absolutely right.

 

i also agree. to me, pdk is THE reason to trade in an NA 997.1 for an NA 997.2

 

In my honest opinion, we need more information on the Targas to make an informed recommendation. The Targa adds some 132 lbs, not the higher values posted. Honestly, for daily driving, not that noticeable in a car with over 300 bhp. If you are into DE or A/X, let us know as there are several other issues you should consider before making a purchase decision. Similarly, the difference between a 997.1 and a 997.2 in daily driving is not an issue unless you like to race teenagers at stoplights. Both cars are a similar joy to drive; the curves will get your heart rate up, the on ramps will be a thrill.

I don't have a Targa but can tell you the daily driving experience is a beautiful one. I've ridden in them and the experience of all that sky over your head is hard to quantify much less compare on a ledger with a few extra horsepower.

My recommendation is to drive both (or all three?) of these cars and see which seems most at home to you and touches you in a personal way. The bottom line is that there is no objective, much less quantifiable, way to justify the purchase of a Porsche or any one Porsche over another. The only question is which Porsche makes you feel whole.

Good luck and remember this is the fun part. One thousand guys, including many of us not too many years ago, would give the world to be in the position you are in with the decision you have before you today.

Craig

 

I'm not a fan of a Targa and that is why I have a C2S. The 09 with PDK in Florida sounds like a much better deal.

 

Well, personally I don't mind a 6-speed manual. I like the front end of the 997.2 better, and the rear end too. And I want PASM. The other issue is the CPO...going into 2014/2015 with a CPO car to me is a smart move.

Big decision here! For me to get mine exactly where I want it, it's plenum+bumper respray+adjustable suspension = $3500. And my warranty runs out soon (it was non-CPO). It's durable as hell though...

Bluegrass Porsche (Louisville) has a black/black 2008 CPO Targa4S going for $79k. That one too gets my heart going. So we'll see.

I might offer $76k on the 2009 C2S and see if they take it. That's about $4k off the price they're asking.

 

Forget the CPO, just get an extended warranty for less than what you spend on your mods and have peace of mind through 2014. By then many of us will be posting about how great our new 991s are

 

Well I appreciate all the advice guys...looks like the GT silver 09C2S is gonna happen. I got a little money off. Looks like I'm headed to D.C. Sunday to pick it up. What an adventure before me.

I would prefer natural leather, but it does have the sports seats, which is really cool in my book. And of course, the 385 hp, and GT silver, and PASM. And all those audio options.

I remember being very happy with the sound of the 3.8 in the 2008 C2S I drove. With DFI I've heard conflicting reports about the exhaust sound. I would assume the intake sound is a little better...wondering about exhaust. In any case, as tame as it may be, I think this car is worth it and can always mod that down the line.

This thing was ordered and only put 4000 miles on the ticker. I'm really excited and really nervous at the same time. Got a great finance rate!

 

I would definitely go for the C2S. It's beautiful, low mileage and very nicely equipped.

Two things to consider though - the Targa will probably hold it's value a bit better (I think), simply because they are more rare than the C2S. When was the last time you saw a Targa on the road ... and the time before that?

You most likely live in the tri-state area where we get hit by snow stores occasionally. Unless you have another DD, the AWD might be somewhat useful? (depending on tires of course ...)

 

OP - what finance rate did you get (just curious)?

 

3.9% - 72 months - NOT from Porsche Financial - I'm not going thru them anymore...they don't give you the best rates.

 

Alotta T4S haters in here huh Looks like you're getting the C2S but I'll post my opinions just incase theres someone else out there with the same dilemma lol

Anyways to answer your question OP, I personally have a biased opinion but the T4S is just as good as the C2S in feeling. I have test driven the C2S, C4S and T4S in my hunt for my car back two years ago and the T4S took it away. It's sleek design just does it for me, and it's unique. You don't see alotta targa's around but whatever

Heres my pro's con's if you CHOOSE THE TARGA over the C2s

Pros:
-sleek design
-exclusivity
-flawless AWD system
-experience at nighttime with a lit up skyline is just fantastic
-assumingly much better resale value over the c2s

Cons:
-you'll run out of warranty before you do with the C2S, assuming you're only looking at these cars. Major maintenance that has been done is a bad wheel bearing and that is all. I run through tires fairly quickly but this car is a "spirited driving" car and not my DD.
-the C2S is probably around 300lbs lighter so it'll feel much nimbler through corners and such.
-Although the AWD system, in my personal opinion, is much more practical than the RWD, the RWD system is just as good and great for areas where AWD isn't a big factor. (NJ isn't that bad for AWD but i take my car out no matter what weather, even if its not my DD).
-C2S is much more common -> more people to converse over it. Targa owners are a dime a dozen so you probably won't get as much online support, but when you find us we're proud owners

Well, hopefully you enjoy the C2S OP and everything works out.