What makes 911 Targa 997 so special vs Coupe & Cabriolet? Episode 9 - Diary of a Porsche Specialist

The 911 Targa has featured in the Porsche lineup for decades, here we have a 997 generation 2, 2009 Targa 4S, with the glass retracting roof and easy access rear glass hatch. I show you these features, comparing them with a 911 Cabriolet 997 generation 2 Carrera 4S, also a 2009 produced car. I personally love the Targa format, what do you think about it?
Welcome to Diary of a Porsche Specialist! This is the ninth in a regular series of VLOG diaries of running a Porsche Specialist car dealership in the UK by me, Raj, owner of M R Sportscars Porsche Specialist in Hertfordshire.
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[@89imp03]

That white/black/red combo looks amazing

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thank you, it really does! Raj

[@guattodaddo]

This was very informative for someone like me who’s just started doing research on 991s thank you! The targa versions always has this “more exclusivity” feels to it, I think it’s gorgeous and it’s something of a perfect mix between coupe and cabriolet. Also I like this greenhouse glass roof more than the 930’s and now the 991/992’s targa roof, both roof versions have their disadvantages but I too prefer the targa over the coupe. Unfortunately there aren’t much targa 911 around and usually the prices are very high, I’ll probably end up buying a used 997 cabriolet someday….

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks! All great Porsche, no matter what version you settle for. I do like Targa's personally but as you say, much rarer and higher price than an equivalent cabriolet or coupe. Cheers, Raj

[@amotorcyclerider3230]

Targa is gorgeous. Brilliant video as always. Thanks.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

It is, isn't it?! Thanks for the kind words, Raj

[@Twiiik]

A detailed and informative video! Great job!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thank you very much EHS Norway, appreciate the feedback and glad you found the video of use! Raj

[@paul_sykes]

Two lovely spec'd 997's. I have a 997 coupe and often wondered if the targa drives like the convertible or the coupe.. I guess the latter.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Hi Paul, thank you so much, yes I would definitely say the Targa are close to the Coupe in driving experience. Cheers, Raj

[@amotorcyclerider3230]

@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE Great question and Answer. I was wondering about it and now I know. :-)

[@ShelbyBikeBoy]

Great video Raj! My 2008 Targa 4S has 9800 miles on it and so no rattles, squeaks or any abnormalities. I too love this car over the coupe’. And the convertibles get wrinkly…..that drives me nutz! 😂 Thanks for the detailed expose’!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

No problem and thanks for the kind words, there are a few reviews of Targas on my channel, like this one too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKSuhWuuhMulZ6s Thanks Raj

[@rigilchrist]

This was very useful, thanks. I wish you had lifted the rear window after the top window was slid back.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks, the rear window is disabled when you slide the top window back, you can't open both together. Cheers, Raj

[@albertlee9238]

thank you, I am looking at a 2008 Targa 4

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

No problem Albert, good luck with your search! Raj

[@gjpope23]

Cool video raj, love the targa!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Guy! really appreciate it buddy, Raj

[@Thryvetogether]

Looking at a 4S coupe and now a targa lol

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Both great choices! Thanks, Raj

[@tobymak4990]

So beautiful 😍 with glass roof. Like a dream come 👍 true

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Toby, they are great! Raj

[@mikestuart5119]

Brilliant review 👍

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Mike, really appreciate you taking the time to watch it and comment, Raj

[@rhydianharris]

Have you encountered problems with the targa roof? Leaks, malfunctioning mechanism etc? I was told that the mechanism wasn’t Porsche design but by a 3rd party and that it is difficult to work on when it goes wrong. Not sure how true any of this is?

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

It is possible to work on these, you'll need to find a Porsche specialist that has experience with them. I haven't come across one that doesn't work correctly, but the rear drains can block up and the pipework can fail leading to some water ingress. Thanks, Raj

[@andrewk.5709]

Very informative because where else would you find this out. How do these 997 Targas differ from the 1980's Targa, the ones with what looks like a silver band/roll bar behind the driver? Does that have a sliding roof or a removeable one?

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Andrew, yes they are very different in terms of operation and functionality. The older 80s version was a removable panel. Cheers, Raj

[@InfinityProjector]

Good explanation. I am considering doing a video on this model. Subscribed.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Infinity, appreciate. All the best with your video too! Cheers, Raj

[@InfinityProjector]

@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@timgibbs4762]

The glass roof in my Targa rattled like crazy.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Hi Tim, yes some do suffer quite badly with rattles, thanks. Raj

[@needmofishin5765]

Great review.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thank you so much! Raj

[@WhiteMouse77]

Roof mechanics of the convertible need some maintenance.....it is not supposed to squeak when operating....and targa as well...maybe just some silicone oil applied to critical joints....better sooner than sorry....

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks! My recent video covers this about Targa roof mechanisms, I would not recommend any oils, dry lubricants only, suitable for locks etc too. Cheers, Raj

[@esqu1re]

Rigidity wise, are these closer to the cab or the coupe? Thanks!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Closer to the cabriolet. Cheers, Raj

[@Helium_Hunter]

Its nice but it adds a bit of weight to the roof also, pretty much the opposite of the CSL carbon roof, the rear hatch is nice, however.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Helium Hunter, yes it does add a bit of weight up top, I forgot to mention that aspect! The rear hatch is very useful. Cheers, Raj

[@MukendiMedia]

I like the very informative videos! Im looking at getting my 1st 911, but Im 203cm tall, and that limits my choices quit a bit. I have tried to sit in a 996.1 GT3 (not bucket seat) and my head tuches the roof linin, and my knees on the sides of the steering wheel :( Then I tried a 997 coupe with electric seats, not good in hight nor legroom. But to my surprice I went into a 997 Targa, and could fit a helmet on my head, and legroom can be fixed with a adaptor on the wheel. My question is, is there alot more headroom in a Targa vs a Coupe without sunroof? And the Targas seat had electric back but manual lift, did the seat give alot compared til full electric? Not easy to find many to try here in Denmark :) Best regards Michael

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Hi Michael, Thanks for your question and observations so far! It really is tough being taller in these Porsche. 2012 onwards height and size issues were largely fixed across the range. The 997 Targa does appear to have a lot more head space. I do find the 2-way electric seats do go low, but I am not sure how much lower than the 14-way or 16-way hardback seats. Sorry I can't help more! I am fortunate in measuring just 159cm! Cheers, Raj

[@dimigio1]

Very beautiful car .... !

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thank you! Raj

[@778075]

Do you have the SmartTop module on the cab? I’m assuming that’s how you are closing the top with the remote

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thank Mo, these 997.2 (and 997.1) UK spec cars came with remote hood operation from the factory, using the standard keyfob. Cheers! Raj

[@Thryvetogether]

Very nice

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Golf Project!

[@babyspidey9627]

Greenhouse in warm climates!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

I bet! Here in the UK it makes no difference, we don't get a huge amount of sunshine! Thanks, Raj

[@TheCitizenRemy]

I never knew about the window. How is the frame weight and stiffness compared to Coupe?

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

The Coupe will always be more rigid, this is based on the cabriolet. So somewhere between the two I would say, Thanks, Raj

[@simontist]

The roof is heavy but it's nice

[@ab6026]

What happens to the kids in the back? Presumably they lose some headroom and it gets even more cramped? Trying to decide which model to buy - including best option for my neurodiverse kids. I’m assuming the 996 targa operation is similar? The other question I have is whether the rear seats are similar to the cab I.e. more upright or are the same as the Coupé?

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Hi Dominic, the targa roof does encroach slightly on headroom in the rear, so if your kids are taller it will be an issue using it with them in the back seats. The seat backs themselves are identical to the Coupe, not at the upright and unnatural angle in the Cabriolet. The 996 Targa operation is similar I believe, I haven't looked at one closely yet though. I'm just working on a more complete 997 Targa review video with another Targa 4S I currently have in stock. Thanks, Raj

[@Tito150869]

Shouldn’t you hide the metal bit of the key for fear of it being copied. Or is that a myth. Great cars btw.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Hi Tito, this is a bit of a myth, the Porsche cars have a transponder chip and receiver, so even if you have the right key cut, it will not start the car. Thanks! Raj

[@G.G.001]

I think all 3 models are beautiful cars and comes down to preference but for me, if you want an open air experience, nothing beats the Cabriolet, plus i prefer the look of the Cabriolet over the Targa.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks GG, yes - nothing can beat the real open air experience of the cabriolet 911s. Cheers, Raj

[@jlib4393]

I've had both of these models. They are great. However, both of mine had leak problems, expensive fixes done under Porsche warranty. Therefore neither of these could be keepers as far as I am concerned. I'm glad you mentioned the leak problems...

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks for your comments and advice. Porsche specialists will often charge significantly less than a Porsche main dealer to fix common issues with the convertible hood and targa roof mechanism. Keeping the drain channels is vital. Raj

[@flowfiya4501]

You didnt have the new model, they fixed those issues.

[@xliu37]

Convertible rear seat is usable, targa will chop heads off for rear seat passenger

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks, the angle of the convertible rear seats is more upright though, so both have advantages/disadvantages.

[@Sandiegocruiser]

What are your thoughts on the 996 targa

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

I haven't had any direct experience of the 996 Targa, but I believe the mechanism is the same for both. Thanks, Raj