He everyone, I'm on the market for a 997 and am torn between a cab and a coupe.

I drove both and did not feel a big difference, but that was a test drive.

I love the cab idea, but I don't want to make a very big ride sacrifice.

Does anyone have any input after real life driving both?

Primarily interested in perspective in ride and performance difference.

Thanks!

 

Not much ride and performance difference. The cab is only about 50-70 lb heavier iirc.

The difference is in the chassis stiffness. Also, if you track, timed events will require coupe or rollbar. Cab takes more care on the top to save from wear and tear from the elements.

If you are buying used, turbo cab will cost you significantly more than coupe due to limited supply of turbo cabs made.

 

Get a cab with a hard top!

 

I have a 996 coupe and a 997 turbo cab. I've only had the cab for a couple of weeks, but have been driving it every day. I don't think there is any kind of sacrifice with cab.

 

Thanks for the input everyone. As much as I would love a turbo, it is going to be out of my price range, so I am going for a regular cab, or perhaps an S.

I also have no intent on tracking, just a fun nice weather alternative to my daily drive, and a weekend car.

As for the hard top, I never even knew Porsche offered such a cab? Is it a hard top convertible (like the SL), or a removable hard top?

 

I would like to see the production stats on cabs versus coupes. I've found that the split is around 50/50 or perhaps even more cabs on the market! Also, while a cab is almost $10k more than a coupe, many cabs are priced nearly the same level as coupes.
One of the biggest differences I would say is the back seats. You lose the back shelf and the back seat backs are more upright as the top tucks in behind the seats and in front of the motor.

 

The only hard top is a removable hard top. All Porsches have canvas convertible tops.