Thinking about a 991 cabriolet - advice please!

[EdJ]

I am in the fortunate position of being able to consider a 991 cab. This has been somewhat driven by the fact that my kids are at the age where they will fit in the back of a 911, and it's not going to be long before they are too big for that to happen.

I'm currently uncertain whether to go for a 991 or 991.2, being conscious of the engine differences. I've owned a 911 before - a new 997 C2S - and loved it, but that was in the days before I had a family and I'm probably a bit more sensible, so relaxed about having a PDK, and won't be tracking the car.

I'm trying to work out which options are must haves - I'm likely going to go down the nearly new route, and so far am just thinking of the options I spec'd for my 997 - Sport Chrono for example. I'm tempted to look for the sports exhaust to compensate for the different engine noise of the turbo cars, but beyond that - not really sure.

Sorry if similar questions have been asked numerous times. I've hunted around on the forum, but would still appreciate some current advice. Also aware that the 992 is coming out later in 2018 - I guess it makes now as good a time to buy as any?

Thanks in advance!

[Taffy66]

Just bear in mind the cabrio's rear seat backs actually lean forward slightly compared to the coupe's making them much less comfortable to sit in..Apparently a result of the stowed top needing room behind the rear seats.

[EdJ]

Taffy66 said:

Just bear in mind the cabrio's rear seat backs actually lean forward slightly compared to the coupe's making them much less comfortable to sit in..Apparently a result of the stowed top needing room behind the rear seats.

Oh flip I didn't realise that. Is that just the 991, or 997 too? Do you know if it's the same with the Targa?

Typically up to what age would you say the rear seats are suitable?

[Taffy66]

EdJ said:

Taffy66 said:

Just bear in mind the cabrio's rear seat backs actually lean forward slightly compared to the coupe's making them much less comfortable to sit in..Apparently a result of the stowed top needing room behind the rear seats.

Oh flip I didn't realise that. Is that just the 991, or 997 too? Do you know if it's the same with the Targa?

Typically up to what age would you say the rear seats are suitable?

It applies to the 997 series as well..The Targas also have the more upright rear seat backs like the cabrio..I had an long test drive in a 991.2 Targa about a year ago and both of my kids(13 and 10 then) complained about the rear seat backs forcing them uncomfortably forward. My recently sold 991.2GTS coupe had much more useable seats and tolerable for kids..
Ideally the 991's rear seats are only really suitable for kids 10 year old or younger..The good thing is at this age they fit securely with no need for bolsters.
I advice you to visit your nearest OPC with kids on tow and compare the Cabrio/Targa seats and the coupe's seats..

[av185]

Heated front seats are essential in a 911 cab.

[hondafanatic]

av185 said:

Heated front seats are essential in a 911 cab.

[tongue_in_cheek]Is it possible to spend that much on a cab and them not be standard??
[/tongue_in_cheek]

I’m interested in the replies as I’m thinking about the same but have two short 11 and 9 year old girls.

[rubystone]

Also, if you think the kids are going to be happy sitting in the rear seats with the top down, jog on. Mine complained bitterly about the wind blasting they received. And with the hood up, headroom was a problem for them too.

[EdJ]

Thanks for replies!

Both mine are under 10 which is why I was thinking now’s the time....

Mine love going in the back of my 80s Mercedes SL and I figure that the 991 is going to be way more comfortable than that. But does that mean the 991 Targa is a better option? Just not sure whether it would feel like a convertible in the same way.

[Taffy66]

EdJ said:

Thanks for replies!

Both mine are under 10 which is why I was thinking now’s the time....

Mine love going in the back of my 80s Mercedes SL and I figure that the 991 is going to be way more comfortable than that. But does that mean the 991 Targa is a better option? Just not sure whether it would feel like a convertible in the same way.

You spot on regarding the timing as my kids now are 14 and 11 and are no longer happy going in the back of 991s..I now have a 991.2 GT3 with cage so no longer an option thank goodness.
IME the Targa has significantly more buffeting than the Cabrio so in your shoes it would be the Cabrio out of the two.
Take long testdrives in both to help make the right choice..
Good luck.

[mhh]

I've got a 991.2 Cab (Turbo S) and I agree with the comments about the rear seats. My daughters are (petite) adults now and can withstand a short ride in the back (roof up preferred) but we are talking restaurant-to-home only. I even stuck my wife back there once. That wasn't much fun - for either of us.

[DJMC]

Are you keeping the Merc SL? If so, why another cab? As you know, there are only three days a year you can enjoy a cab roof down. The others are too hot, cold, or rainy. After 15 years cabriolet driving I went solid roof and don't miss the pressure of roof down, bright red head, driving one bit. Plus... the 911 looks better solid roof than as a cab, although the Targa looks even better than both.

[EdJ]

Thanks again for replies. This is going to be a weekend car and will not be necessarily used for long journeys. My boys love going in the old SL, but I don't really like taking them out in it unless it's a very short journey due to safety concerns.

I can't make my mind up about the Targa vs the Cab. I love the novelty of the Targa, but probably prefer the looks of the Cab.

Quick question on spec - aside from the obvious personal preference options, any advice on what are the "must haves" on the 991.2?

[DJMC]

When I see any model 911 cab roof down I always think it has a fat ass.

Does the 991 look any better than the older ones?

[PaulD86]

DJMC said:

When I see any model 911 cab roof down I always think it has a fat ass.

Does the 991 look any better than the older ones?

The 997 cab had a very different side profile from the coupe. The 991 cab is much more like the coupe. My other half had 2 997 cabs and now has a 991.1 cab. The 991 looks much better aesthetically I'd say.

To echo what other have said, the angle of the back seats makes them a bit crap even for those who fit in them.

Oh and sports exhaust is a must on the 991.1 cab. Haven't driven a .2 yet.

[mhh]

EdJ said:

Thanks again for replies.



I can't make my mind up about the Targa vs the Cab. I love the novelty of the Targa, but probably prefer the looks of the Cab.

Quick question on spec - aside from the obvious personal preference options, any advice on what are the "must haves" on the 991.2?

If you prefer the look of the Cab, get it. Looks is all the Targa has over the Cab IMO.

[EdJ]

Thanks everyone for advice. I pick up 991.2 C2 cab at the weekend. To say I'm excited is an understatement.

[mhh]

Hey, congrats Edj. We’ll be needing pics of course.

[Thorny]

Great choice! late to this thread but had a 991.1 cab for a year or so and have 7 and 8 year old kids who absolutely loved it.