I’ve just done a 3,500 mile road trip around north Italy in my 997 cabriolet, most of the time with the roof down, would it have been better in a coupe, of course not, I think you either ‘get it’ or you don’t
I remember seeing a silver 997 or 991 (can't remember which) cab with the top down getting around the Dolomites a few years ago and it sure made sense to me - even as a coupe enthusiast!
Such a silly video, he is clueless, course he can feel all the flex at 30mph🤦🏻♂️, he clearly knows more than the Porsche development professionals who brought it to market.
Agreed! Ive owned both and they both handle extremely similar. I lilve in Los Angeles where we have 70 degrees nealy year round and a cab is a must. I get it, this guy is in the UK where it's usually drury, overcast, rainy, humid (stuffy :). Nothing like a 911 Cabriolet.
I hate the argument that cabriolet owners want to look flashy. Wrong. Cabs on the right days are a joyful thing. It’s the experience. We don’t care how we look, it’s how we feel. And that, to me is worth the penalties. On my deathbed I’ll remember iconic road trips in the sun. I doubt coupe owners will look back on 0.2s faster 0-60 times or better aesthetics.
You are 100% correct you could not have said it any better I HIT the thumbs up agreement BUTTON so hard I almost broke my iPad / I love Cabriolets , and of course I like this guy’s little channel about Porsche 911’s‼️ BET HE IS DEAD WRONG ABOUT COUPES AND CABRIOLET 911’s … when I bought my Porsche 911 I had a choice the Couple or Cabriolet, we swiftly chose the Convertible over the Coupe,….why? Be cause you can clearly see In the video the Cabriolet looks100% better, and we love it with the top down rolling a fresh new set of BBS WHEELS With Michelin sports On a fair weather day‼️😁‼️✅
Am not regretting a single day having chosen the cab, am not pro enough to appreciate the last 5% better handling of the coupe but driving topless at almost any weather condition is just a never ending driving fun experience.
As a former serial mx5 owner the top goes down as soon as you get in, that’s just the law. The same applies in my 997.2 c4s. The driving dynamics are 9 10ths but you can add another 5-6 when the top is down so it’s a net positive for me. You can go faster for the money of a 997 and so ultimately I’d argue it’s more about sensation and feel than raw speed. Like others have said, you either get it or you don’t. Smashing content as ever. I waited a few years to find my 997 and genuinely wanted to buy from you. Now I know why you never had the car a wanted. Thanks
Interesting how the cab. brings out the haters. Some people could say the same about tinted windows, black wheels and baseball caps.... What would be useful, and informative, is the service issues and faults specific to the cab model (and a targa, if you source one). .Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the video, honest views and awesome channel. Agree that extra rigidity of the coupe is a better drive , but after living with a cab (in Australia) with more sunny days for over 20 years , I can’t get past how much wife still loves to go on drives with the open roof and the enjoy the sounds of the raspy exhaust as I go through the gears.
Generally I'm not a convertible guy, except the 911. I have a 997.1 C4S Cab and I love it. It's my 1st Porsche and only convertible I've ever owned. To me the added option of putting the top down on warm days & nights plus the enhanced engine sound alone is what put me over the edge in favor of the Cab!
I have a 997.1 cab as a third Porsche. I call it the “wine cruiser.” Always have the top down for casually going down country roads never in a hurry. It’s so serene and classic. I leave the track go-fast stuff for my other cars. What’s nice as the video points out, if you do find yourself needing to use a little speed, it’s more than happy to provide it. But the 911 cab can’t be bothered with proving itself on a racetrack, which gives this luxury to it, as long as you understand that.
The 997 was designed as a convertible to provide maximum rigidity with the roof down. The roof was added afterwards for marginally more rigidity. You would not notice the difference unless you are tracking it.
I am a "ragtop man" I own 6 convertibles a 1957 Chevy Bel air, 1975 Corvette, 1969 Pontiac GTO, 2002 Corvette and an 2005 Mercedes Benz SL500. I also own a 2010 997.2 Carrera S Coupe with a sunroof! I did NOT want the convertible for all the reasons you stated, but mostly because I think they are ugly! I also own a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 4 speed Coupe I did NOT buy the convertible 70 SS for the same reason, not because the convertible SS is ugly but because the coupe is better looking and has more of a "classic" look to it and greater structural integrity.
Another reason to get a cab is its easier to place your golf clubs/bag in the rear when there is no roof to get in the way :) Also, the look of a cab is appealing to some since it adds more of the inherent charm of a 911 (though the coupe does look better of course)
Cabs are seriously underrated for this feature. I once had a 7ft Christmas tree in an MX-5. Wouldn't have fitted in a coupe. You can also load larger stuff with the roof down and then close the roof afterwards. Very practicable.
Interesting, but when push comes to shove it all comes down to individual preference. We all love the automobile and each of us have our own likes and dislikes. Different colors, automatic versus manual, wheels etc. I really appreciate your candor and honesty. I look forward to your next video!
Completely agree with you! Will be interesting to see how the 992 fairs in years to come, as you know it's the first 911 cab to have the same side profile as the coupe.
I’ve had a few convertibles and love them as they do add a new experience when the roof is down. It would of nice to mention the price difference in buying them when like for like. Especially as I believe the convertible was more expensive when new and now cheaper as a second hand proposition Great vid
but on a nice day in sunny California sorry nothing beats top down driving.. just my opinion, i own a 997 cab manual and love open top driving. its fun in the canyons too.. i dont track or plan to track so coupe factor in that sense doesnt matter for me.
I absolutely love the convertible experience. The sound, the smells and the sunshine all around you is what it's all about for me. Coupe looks better but the convertible offers us the driving experience that makes me want to get out and drive.
Yeah could depend on where you live. I am in CA with all the sun and good weather and already have a big SUV for the family. The coupe would be fun but the cabriolet would be "special". There are moments I am imagining that cannot be duplicated with any other car. The one factor I have heard for the cab is the back seat is less comfortable if you do plan to stick some kids back there. I need to go and check that out sometime.
Likely got a sunburn on your drive and from the comments 😎 Love my 996 c4s cab. Got the hard top which gives me the “look”, can be removed in 10 minutes time and opens up the sky and you can really hear the engine and exhaust so much more sans roof. I got 2 cars in one. Wouldn’t have it any other way. Haha. He really doesn’t like cabs. To each their own.
We live in Florida so had to get a cab. Plus it’s a bit easier to get in and out of if you have a bad back. Both drive similar. Both perform well within Porsche design limits. Unless you’re tracking, either Porsche works.
I've heard many times Porsche 911's are all Cabriolet's at the start. Coupes and Cabs supposedly have the same lower body construction. Roofs come later. I don't know if this is still true for today.
Great video as always the sweet spot in the 997 cabs is the C4S Manual with PSE. I know the purists will say 2WD Coupe but with the top down on a European summer road trip a C4S Cab is unbeatable.
A boxster is a better handling cab , sweater to drive.Lighter etc and was designed firsts as a cab so stiff chassis as opposed to the 911 with its tin opener cab + weld up the sills .
Interesting how strongly many seem to feel about their preferences. Do be fair to Luke, all he did was list what were for him the demerits of a cab. For those who have as top advantage the ability to be outside while driving, all the other points drop out of the equation. I can see both points of view. I like being outside when enjoying a spirited journey down rural lanes. For me, that itch is scratched through riding my older motorcycles. If I was fortunate enough to get a 911, it would be the coupe. For me the dilemma is manual vs auto. I like driving the car. I do far fewer miles now than a decade ago & third of that, ideally, is on two wheels. For me, it’s got to make me feel joyful in a grey world. I’m inclining towards a manual in a bright colour, like yellow or light blue. We’ll see.
The cab always looks a bit odd with the roof up. They cost more new, then depreciate more, they are an acquired taste. Weirdly they are more popular in the UK than they are in Germany or other European countries. Personally I think they suit women more.
I have a 964 coupe, but.I’ve had cabriolets - the performance difference on public roads is negligible. Porsche builds a rigid car. Yes, someone could knife your soft top, but if you park intelligently and garage the car the risk isn’t bad.
I'd be interested to know the view on where the Targa sits in the comparison of "rigidity, mobility and noise". The lower body and chassis are the same as the Cab' but with added fixed strength from the A-pillar to the rear. Luke, any thoughts? Would like to see a Targa in your videos (996 or 997). In the meantime, great informative and grounded content - thank you. DW
So, then I guess a 356 convertible is worth less than a coupe ? People who bye convertibles want one. That’s why Porsche makes so many models. Something for every taste
My first car of many many years ago was an MGA sans top and I got drenched whilst in a traffic jam in pouring rain. I guess a lot 12:17 of folk thought what a tosser😂 but for me it’s what epitomises sports cars, roof down whenever possible, same in a TR6 too. I had my first Porsche, a 944 coupe and the German bug bit! So it was followed by a Boxster S. I had to wait quite a while to get my 997.2 C 4 S cabriolet and I’m back to memories of the past sweetened by the joy of owning a thoroughly engineered sports car sans top- or not now cos it’s got a roof if I need it and it handles just great to me, rattles and all. Thank you for your video and thoughts but Roll on Summer and Vive la difference 🙂.
I bought a coupe for two reasons. The first is that I wanted to track the car and the track I use does not allow convertibles without a full roll cage. The second is that the convertible top will require maintenance over time that can be very expensive. I had a Mustang GT convertible that required periodic maintenance on the top and top mechanism as it aged. The cloth top also took extra time to clean.
Exactly why I don't have the convertible 911, the reason I don't have a hard top is purely financial ! I Personally prefer the Boxster to the cayman on looks alone, is there a similar difference in handling between the two would you say ?
Yes the coupe has the better styling but having owned coupe and cabrios having the option to drop the roof on that rare sunny British day and just go for a drive is priceless. I opted for a rare Targa and can safely say this is the best compromise with traditional 911 shape but an all glass panoramic retractable roof like more modern cars 👍
I have had my 997.2 4S cab since 2019 and have loved every moment driving it. Yes, after 13 years they need maintenance but this can be mitigated with a warranty. Yes, the services are not cheap but I would rather have a practical supercar than an Italian one that is always breaking down. The 997.2 4S wide body is the next classic and the one to own.
As soon as I get in my 997.2 cab the top goes down so I get the full exhaust note of the Sharkworks bypass exhaust, PDK goes into sports plus manual ,and away I go.
Interesting that you should bring that up! I'm debating between a 997.2 and a 991.1. I see a lot of cabs with options that I like. My consideration is with the roof line when it's closed. I think the 991, personally, looks better then the 997.2 when the roof is closed. Still, a hard choice for me between the two models of Porsche! Still undecided but that was definitely a consideration for me, the profile of the cab.
@@thomashelm6931i've got a 991.1 4S Convertible PDK (in racing yellow) and love it. I agree with the roof line of the 991 having the classic 911 shape. It's newer, and comes with the relatively modern interior as well as navigation, phone integration, etc. All things that may be a bit older again on the 997. It's been reliable as well as far as I can tell, and I like the wide hips of the 4. Enjoy
@@NielsRoskamthank you for your input! I'm leaning towards the 4s,as the wide hips look fantastic to me. Currently driving a 2010 Panamera S, with PDK and it, too, has the wide stance in the rear. Many features of the car are similar to the 991, but it's weight is substantial. Thanks again!
That s my friend. Doesn't know anything about cars and wants to be flashy..and he drives like a.low rider with one hand wrist cocked and making sure people are looking...sad.....he thinks boxsters and caymans are sht just because of the price....
I think it just depends on the climate where you live. In Texas where I am, it is sunny drop top weather 2/3rd of the year...even in winter time we have a good bit of warm weather. If I lived in a cooler/wetter climate, then I'd get a coupe as well.
Gets too hot and you don’t want the top down either. Everyone has a different tolerance, but I suspect you wouldn’t want to be driving around in 90+F hot humid TX heat.
Just won my 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet 6-Speed in an auction here in USA. The car's seller is in Florida and I'm up in the PNW corner just north of Seattle. The car is in Porsche Rain Forest Green Metallic (somewhat unusual colour BY THE WAY) with a black soft top. I will also be buying the Forest Green Hard Top off a fella on Craigslist in Dallas. The online aspects for doing all of this are awesome, and I've been a Porsche fan since wife/me bought our new '69 Porsche 912 Coupe 5-speed. The 912 was stolen 2 yrs later so we moved into a used 1 yr old '69 911T. We rallied all over the USA southern states for some 10 yrs and had a blast of fun on good and rough gravel muddy roads. Both cars were a dream and reliable for us: just one tire blew out one late black/rainy night on a rally in northern Georgia. Family grew so we sold the 911T and moved on. Now in 2022 I'm back into the Porsche drive again and bought a pristine '69 Bahama Yellow 912 Coupe 5-speed that I take to Porsche event and always get crowds looking and win 1st place. Now I don't plan to drive this Bahama Yellow about much... just keep it for the Porsche GTG meetings. So my driver will be the 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet 6-Speed. I did have for a short time the MG Midget soft top and it was the family favorite, and now the 911 C4 will give me/us the same enjoyment. Looks-wise, I have to say the C4 is great and I would not want it changed in any way. This Rain Forest Green Metallic with its Savannah Beige leather upholstery, and 18″ Carrera wheels is simply awesome to see and look at. Porsche have done an outstanding design for the soft top's operation... the grandkids simply love how it works... kind of like Marvel's Iron Man's armor suit being wrapped in slow motion, except it wraps the Porsche's rear end in short order. I also like the 4-wheel drive experience on this car. A tad heavier, but gives a little more comfort in the hard turns etc.... Oh - comes with the ABD brake system to boot. Having owned the 912/911 hard tops I can say without any doubt in my mind the Cabriolet is a welcomed change for me and look forward to driving it around on dry and sunny days through the PNW wildernesses, the Cascade mountain roads, seeing all the wild life without any hard top obstruction blighting the views, and have that classic unique Porsche exhaust sound whispering to me... James: The Hard top Coupe and the Cabriolet 911s are two very sweet cars and each person will have to make small compromises deciding which one suits their driving and where they drive the car. Cheers Matey.... Your videos are excellent, educational, and really great fun to watch... Well done and keep it up as I know it must be tiring with long hours each day..... This person welcomes each of your candid-speaking videos... simply great stuff.
BY THE WAY James, have you done a review of the 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet 6-Speed.... would love to see one. If you've done one maybe you can reply with its URL for me. Cheers.
Oh... and my hero is Colin Chapman... I was close to working for him back in 1966, but wife and me decided to emigrate to USA. Colin was a great fella and a very kind person, and I drove with him on many occasions in his Elan with him driving me to catch the last train home late at night after meetings.
It is subjective, but Porsche always built “Notch Back” shape 356’s. So not a new thing, however I personally love the cab better than the coupe. One thing worth mentioning is the 997 chassis was built as a cabriolet first before the coupe which makes observing flex at such low speed incredible. I owned one for years and drove it hard and never noticed flex, even when I drove to south of france in mountains or another trip to south of Spain, so quite shocked at the mention of flex in the 997😳
I disagree all sports cars used to cabriolet they build them stiffer. It’s more about the feeling of the wind and sound is better just like a speedster or a cobra. I’m bias I live Northern California better weather and coming from a motor cycle background the top down has that same felling of freedom. Since I can’t afford a speedster next best is my 2014 911s cab. Cheers!
I understand that, try as they might, it’s not possible to retain all the rigidity without adding big numbers to the weight of the vehicle. I’ve no experience of convertibles beyond my girlfriend’s MG Midget, 40 years ago! That said, Luke acknowledged that if you want a convertible sports car, a 911 is extremely hard to beat!
I agree with the rear-end looks argument, but it is resolved from the 991 onwards. The rigidity/handling argument is also 98% answered from the 991. I appreciate your business is largely 996 and 7s, though. I think the biggest problem, apart from the looks, is down to UK weather, the fact that most people don't garage their cars overnight, and the fact that in the likes of London, even many Porsche owners don't even have off-street parking and end up parking on the street at night. This has obvious implications for car security and of course insurance. Most so-called influencers in the UK also drive coupes and many have openly stated that they aren't into convertibles. However, despite this, most convertibles are soft-tops -- although you do see a disproportionate number of Merc SLs on London streets -- and other convertible cars, like Boxsters, are more popular in the UK than many European countries. So, maybe it is ultimately because 911s are more often bought as dailies than the likes of Boxsters.
The 992 cab has a really great roofline but to me, what makes the 911 shape iconic is not just the roofline/flyline in isolation, but how it visually pairs with the curved back “C” shape of the rear quarter glass which perfectly complements the roof slope. Cabrios and Targas miss out on this completely.
I feel the beautiful classic shape is compromised by the Convertible "hump", and agree with the structural integrity bit, I love my Cobalt Blue 997, I also have a BMW E30 Cabrio (1989, 325i, Chrome Bumper), the extra width added to the chassis rails increases the weight of the car over the coupe (no biggy). A similar discussion is had about the M3 E30 Coupe, and the Convertible (although both extremely valuable classics now), however a genuine E30 M3 Cab is so rare now, super spirited driving is unlikely, and tbh I love driving around in my 325i Cab with the ol roof down, the 911, 997 for spirited driving - yeah love it, but hmmm yeah (sorry 911 Cab owners) Even just the 911 shape compromise on the Cab, go for a Targa Maybe?... In traffic on your way to a festival, music on, Convertible - great, - throwing the car about a bit, sometimes long drives, Verts can be a bit noisy, people buy hardtops , a kind of reverse compromise with its own headaches... Would be handy if the rear coupe windows opened like the cab,, at the end of the day all 911's are great, esp manual, NA, non-convertible ones. XX
Why don't you sell both cater for both markets !! As the Cabs are popular and nice to drive with top down and youndont see the back end when driving ?? I looked at 996 997 and drove the 991 gen1 ended up buying a boxster 981s it's better in my humble opinion than 997 or 996 and as a good a drive in my view as 991 and 20k cheaper and you can't use 400bhp of 991 on the road for more than a quick blast
After 2 993's Cabrio I have now my 2nd 997.2 Cabrio and I love it, but hey lived in Johannesburg and now Las Vegas where it rains 10 days a year,,,, That 5% handling difference, the average driver will not even notice the difference....
With the roof down, the look from the side loses the classic 911 lines, and from the back just looks plain clumsy, it’s as if the rear end has been bolted on as an after thought. I’m sure it’s great on a summer’s day, but the compromise in looks means it’s the coupe for the win!
1) On the gen 1 996 the rear window can crack / break being no glass 2) Possibility of drains blocking 3) Hood tension cables on both sides corrode and snap
Maybe because you live in the UK and the weather sucks. Here in Florida or when I lived in California a convertible would sell just as quickly or even quicker then the similar coupe. Not a bad channel but this video missed the mark in nearly every point. Does a coupe handle better, yes! Is that why people won’t compromise, No! Otherwise they wouldn’t buy a Carrera base coupe because that would be a compromise. Etc
I’ve just done a 3,500 mile road trip around north Italy in my 997 cabriolet, most of the time with the roof down, would it have been better in a coupe, of course not, I think you either ‘get it’ or you don’t
I remember seeing a silver 997 or 991 (can't remember which) cab with the top down getting around the Dolomites a few years ago and it sure made sense to me - even as a coupe enthusiast!
@@avonmcintyre811 Heading out to Spa then down to Stuttgart then on to Switzerland and back via France next week in my 997.2 4s cab
Such a silly video, he is clueless, course he can feel all the flex at 30mph🤦🏻♂️, he clearly knows more than the Porsche development professionals who brought it to market.
Agreed! Ive owned both and they both handle extremely similar. I lilve in Los Angeles where we have 70 degrees nealy year round and a cab is a must. I get it, this guy is in the UK where it's usually drury, overcast, rainy, humid (stuffy :). Nothing like a 911 Cabriolet.
@@dvb247 💯
I hate the argument that cabriolet owners want to look flashy. Wrong. Cabs on the right days are a joyful thing. It’s the experience. We don’t care how we look, it’s how we feel. And that, to me is worth the penalties. On my deathbed I’ll remember iconic road trips in the sun. I doubt coupe owners will look back on 0.2s faster 0-60 times or better aesthetics.
You are 100% correct you could not have said it any better I HIT the thumbs up agreement BUTTON so hard I almost broke my iPad / I love Cabriolets , and of course I like this guy’s little channel about Porsche 911’s‼️ BET HE IS DEAD WRONG ABOUT COUPES AND CABRIOLET 911’s … when I bought my Porsche 911 I had a choice the Couple or Cabriolet, we swiftly chose the Convertible over the Coupe,….why? Be cause you can clearly see In the video the Cabriolet looks100% better, and we love it with the top down rolling a fresh new set of BBS WHEELS With Michelin sports On a fair weather day‼️😁‼️✅
Am not regretting a single day having chosen the cab, am not pro enough to appreciate the last 5% better handling of the coupe but driving topless at almost any weather condition is just a never ending driving fun experience.
As a former serial mx5 owner the top goes down as soon as you get in, that’s just the law. The same applies in my 997.2 c4s. The driving dynamics are 9 10ths but you can add another 5-6 when the top is down so it’s a net positive for me. You can go faster for the money of a 997 and so ultimately I’d argue it’s more about sensation and feel than raw speed. Like others have said, you either get it or you don’t.
Smashing content as ever. I waited a few years to find my 997 and genuinely wanted to buy from you. Now I know why you never had the car a wanted. Thanks
Interesting how the cab. brings out the haters. Some people could say the same about tinted windows, black wheels and baseball caps.... What would be useful, and informative, is the service issues and faults specific to the cab model (and a targa, if you source one). .Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the video, honest views and awesome channel. Agree that extra rigidity of the coupe is a better drive , but after living with a cab (in Australia) with more sunny days for over 20 years , I can’t get past how much wife still loves to go on drives with the open roof and the enjoy the sounds of the raspy exhaust as I go through the gears.
I own a 997 cab and the experience with the top down is amazing. Even if the coupe is better looking and performing.
Generally I'm not a convertible guy, except the 911. I have a 997.1 C4S Cab and I love it. It's my 1st Porsche and only convertible I've ever owned. To me the added option of putting the top down on warm days & nights plus the enhanced engine sound alone is what put me over the edge in favor of the Cab!
I have a 997.1 cab as a third Porsche. I call it the “wine cruiser.”
Always have the top down for casually going down country roads never in a hurry. It’s so serene and classic. I leave the track go-fast stuff for my other cars. What’s nice as the video points out, if you do find yourself needing to use a little speed, it’s more than happy to provide it. But the 911 cab can’t be bothered with proving itself on a racetrack, which gives this luxury to it, as long as you understand that.
Really great thoughts! Thanks for the awesome review.
The 997 was designed as a convertible to provide maximum rigidity with the roof down. The roof was added afterwards for marginally more rigidity. You would not notice the difference unless you are tracking it.
Great video, loved once driving with the roof down, the convertible is the great all rounder!
I am a "ragtop man" I own 6 convertibles a 1957 Chevy Bel air, 1975 Corvette, 1969 Pontiac GTO, 2002 Corvette and an 2005 Mercedes Benz SL500. I also own a 2010 997.2 Carrera S Coupe with a sunroof! I did NOT want the convertible for all the reasons you stated, but mostly because I think they are ugly! I also own a 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 4 speed Coupe I did NOT buy the convertible 70 SS for the same reason, not because the convertible SS is ugly but because the coupe is better looking and has more of a "classic" look to it and greater structural integrity.
That’s why the 991 is such a beautiful convertible
Another reason to get a cab is its easier to place your golf clubs/bag in the rear when there is no roof to get in the way :) Also, the look of a cab is appealing to some since it adds more of the inherent charm of a 911 (though the coupe does look better of course)
Cabs are seriously underrated for this feature. I once had a 7ft Christmas tree in an MX-5. Wouldn't have fitted in a coupe. You can also load larger stuff with the roof down and then close the roof afterwards. Very practicable.
Interesting, but when push comes to shove it all comes down to individual preference. We all love the automobile and each of us have our own likes and dislikes. Different colors, automatic versus manual, wheels etc. I really appreciate your candor and honesty. I look forward to your next video!
On a damp track day i caught a 996 turbo in my 997 gts cab the front end feed back and general handling is very good love cabriolet and targa’s
Completely agree with you! Will be interesting to see how the 992 fairs in years to come, as you know it's the first 911 cab to have the same side profile as the coupe.
I’ve had a few convertibles and love them as they do add a new experience when the roof is down. It would of nice to mention the price difference in buying them when like for like. Especially as I believe the convertible was more expensive when new and now cheaper as a second hand proposition
Great vid
but on a nice day in sunny California sorry nothing beats top down driving.. just my opinion, i own a 997 cab manual and love open top driving. its fun in the canyons too.. i dont track or plan to track so coupe factor in that sense doesnt matter for me.
I absolutely love the convertible experience. The sound, the smells and the sunshine all around you is what it's all about for me. Coupe looks better but the convertible offers us the driving experience that makes me want to get out and drive.
Yeah could depend on where you live. I am in CA with all the sun and good weather and already have a big SUV for the family. The coupe would be fun but the cabriolet would be "special". There are moments I am imagining that cannot be duplicated with any other car. The one factor I have heard for the cab is the back seat is less comfortable if you do plan to stick some kids back there. I need to go and check that out sometime.
Likely got a sunburn on your drive and from the comments 😎 Love my 996 c4s cab. Got the hard top which gives me the “look”, can be removed in 10 minutes time and opens up the sky and you can really hear the engine and exhaust so much more sans roof. I got 2 cars in one. Wouldn’t have it any other way. Haha. He really doesn’t like cabs. To each their own.
I have a 997.2 c4s 2009 cab its stupid fun.....
We live in Florida so had to get a cab. Plus it’s a bit easier to get in and out of if you have a bad back. Both drive similar. Both perform well within Porsche design limits. Unless you’re tracking, either Porsche works.
I've heard many times Porsche 911's are all Cabriolet's at the start. Coupes and Cabs supposedly have the same lower body construction. Roofs come later. I don't know if this is still true for today.
I'm not a cab fan, but it's what I could afford. I've had a 997 cab for a year now and I love it.
Great video as always the sweet spot in the 997 cabs is the C4S Manual with PSE. I know the purists will say 2WD Coupe but with the top down on a European summer road trip a C4S Cab is unbeatable.
A boxster is a better handling cab , sweater to drive.Lighter etc and was designed firsts as a cab so stiff chassis as opposed to the 911 with its tin opener cab + weld up the sills .
Interesting how strongly many seem to feel about their preferences. Do be fair to Luke, all he did was list what were for him the demerits of a cab. For those who have as top advantage the ability to be outside while driving, all the other points drop out of the equation. I can see both points of view.
I like being outside when enjoying a spirited journey down rural lanes. For me, that itch is scratched through riding my older motorcycles. If I was fortunate enough to get a 911, it would be the coupe.
For me the dilemma is manual vs auto. I like driving the car. I do far fewer miles now than a decade ago & third of that, ideally, is on two wheels. For me, it’s got to make me feel joyful in a grey world. I’m inclining towards a manual in a bright colour, like yellow or light blue. We’ll see.
The cab always looks a bit odd with the roof up. They cost more new, then depreciate more, they are an acquired taste. Weirdly they are more popular in the UK than they are in Germany or other European countries. Personally I think they suit women more.
I have a 997.2 C4S -- with the top down its glorious! And frankly, all 911s handle beautifully, so it takes quite an effort to sense the difference.
Please can you review a 996 or 997 Targa also? The comparisons would be interesting to that of the coupe and convertible.
I have a 964 coupe, but.I’ve had cabriolets - the performance difference on public roads is negligible. Porsche builds a rigid car. Yes, someone could knife your soft top, but if you park intelligently and garage the car the risk isn’t bad.
I'd be interested to know the view on where the Targa sits in the comparison of "rigidity, mobility and noise". The lower body and chassis are the same as the Cab' but with added fixed strength from the A-pillar to the rear. Luke, any thoughts? Would like to see a Targa in your videos (996 or 997). In the meantime, great informative and grounded content - thank you. DW
So, then I guess a 356 convertible is worth less than a coupe ? People who bye convertibles want one. That’s why Porsche makes so many models. Something for every taste
My first car of many many years ago was an MGA sans top and I got drenched whilst in a traffic jam in pouring rain. I guess a lot 12:17 of folk thought what a tosser😂 but for me it’s what epitomises sports cars, roof down whenever possible, same in a TR6 too. I had my first Porsche, a 944 coupe and the German bug bit! So it was followed by a Boxster S. I had to wait quite a while to get my 997.2 C 4 S cabriolet and I’m back to memories of the past sweetened by the joy of owning a thoroughly engineered sports car sans top- or not now cos it’s got a roof if I need it and it handles just great to me, rattles and all. Thank you for your video and thoughts but Roll on Summer and Vive la difference 🙂.
I bought a coupe for two reasons. The first is that I wanted to track the car and the track I use does not allow convertibles without a full roll cage. The second is that the convertible top will require maintenance over time that can be very expensive. I had a Mustang GT convertible that required periodic maintenance on the top and top mechanism as it aged. The cloth top also took extra time to clean.
Exactly why I don't have the convertible 911, the reason I don't have a hard top is purely financial ! I Personally prefer the Boxster to the cayman on looks alone, is there a similar difference in handling between the two would you say ?
Yes the coupe has the better styling but having owned coupe and cabrios having the option to drop the roof on that rare sunny British day and just go for a drive is priceless. I opted for a rare Targa and can safely say this is the best compromise with traditional 911 shape but an all glass panoramic retractable roof like more modern cars 👍
I have had my 997.2 4S cab since 2019 and have loved every moment driving it. Yes, after 13 years they need maintenance but this can be mitigated with a warranty. Yes, the services are not cheap but I would rather have a practical supercar than an Italian one that is always breaking down. The 997.2 4S wide body is the next classic and the one to own.
As soon as I get in my 997.2 cab the top goes down so I get the full exhaust note of the Sharkworks bypass exhaust, PDK goes into sports plus manual ,and away I go.
Ideally you’d need a 996 C4S and a 997 cab in the garage 😎
Or a 996 C4S coupe and 991 Carrera S cab. Love ‘Rm both.
Do you think the rear roof line of a 991 convertible looks better than of previous generation convertibles, i.e. more closely follows the coupe line?
Interesting that you should bring that up! I'm debating between a 997.2 and a 991.1. I see a lot of cabs with options that I like. My consideration is with the roof line when it's closed. I think the 991, personally, looks better then the 997.2 when the roof is closed. Still, a hard choice for me between the two models of Porsche! Still undecided but that was definitely a consideration for me, the profile of the cab.
@@thomashelm6931i've got a 991.1 4S Convertible PDK (in racing yellow) and love it. I agree with the roof line of the 991 having the classic 911 shape. It's newer, and comes with the relatively modern interior as well as navigation, phone integration, etc. All things that may be a bit older again on the 997. It's been reliable as well as far as I can tell, and I like the wide hips of the 4. Enjoy
@@NielsRoskamthank you for your input!
I'm leaning towards the 4s,as the wide hips look fantastic to me. Currently driving a 2010 Panamera S, with PDK and it, too, has the wide stance in the rear. Many features of the car are similar to the 991, but it's weight is substantial.
Thanks again!
Cabs for Poseurs. Coupe’s for Drivers.
If you want a convertible, save a fortune and buy a Boxster.
Stop it...
That s my friend. Doesn't know anything about cars and wants to be flashy..and he drives like a.low rider with one hand wrist cocked and making sure people are looking...sad.....he thinks boxsters and caymans are sht just because of the price....
I think it just depends on the climate where you live. In Texas where I am, it is sunny drop top weather 2/3rd of the year...even in winter time we have a good bit of warm weather. If I lived in a cooler/wetter climate, then I'd get a coupe as well.
Gets too hot and you don’t want the top down either. Everyone has a different tolerance, but I suspect you wouldn’t want to be driving around in 90+F hot humid TX heat.
Just won my 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet 6-Speed in an auction here in USA. The car's seller is in Florida and I'm up in the PNW corner just north of Seattle. The car is in Porsche Rain Forest Green Metallic (somewhat unusual colour BY THE WAY) with a black soft top. I will also be buying the Forest Green Hard Top off a fella on Craigslist in Dallas. The online aspects for doing all of this are awesome, and I've been a Porsche fan since wife/me bought our new '69 Porsche 912 Coupe 5-speed. The 912 was stolen 2 yrs later so we moved into a used 1 yr old '69 911T. We rallied all over the USA southern states for some 10 yrs and had a blast of fun on good and rough gravel muddy roads. Both cars were a dream and reliable for us: just one tire blew out one late black/rainy night on a rally in northern Georgia. Family grew so we sold the 911T and moved on. Now in 2022 I'm back into the Porsche drive again and bought a pristine '69 Bahama Yellow 912 Coupe 5-speed that I take to Porsche event and always get crowds looking and win 1st place. Now I don't plan to drive this Bahama Yellow about much... just keep it for the Porsche GTG meetings. So my driver will be the 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet 6-Speed. I did have for a short time the MG Midget soft top and it was the family favorite, and now the 911 C4 will give me/us the same enjoyment. Looks-wise, I have to say the C4 is great and I would not want it changed in any way. This Rain Forest Green Metallic with its Savannah Beige leather upholstery, and 18″ Carrera wheels is simply awesome to see and look at. Porsche have done an outstanding design for the soft top's operation... the grandkids simply love how it works... kind of like Marvel's Iron Man's armor suit being wrapped in slow motion, except it wraps the Porsche's rear end in short order. I also like the 4-wheel drive experience on this car. A tad heavier, but gives a little more comfort in the hard turns etc.... Oh - comes with the ABD brake system to boot. Having owned the 912/911 hard tops I can say without any doubt in my mind the Cabriolet is a welcomed change for me and look forward to driving it around on dry and sunny days through the PNW wildernesses, the Cascade mountain roads, seeing all the wild life without any hard top obstruction blighting the views, and have that classic unique Porsche exhaust sound whispering to me... James: The Hard top Coupe and the Cabriolet 911s are two very sweet cars and each person will have to make small compromises deciding which one suits their driving and where they drive the car. Cheers Matey.... Your videos are excellent, educational, and really great fun to watch... Well done and keep it up as I know it must be tiring with long hours each day..... This person welcomes each of your candid-speaking videos... simply great stuff.
BY THE WAY James, have you done a review of the 2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet 6-Speed.... would love to see one. If you've done one maybe you can reply with its URL for me. Cheers.
Oh... and my hero is Colin Chapman... I was close to working for him back in 1966, but wife and me decided to emigrate to USA. Colin was a great fella and a very kind person, and I drove with him on many occasions in his Elan with him driving me to catch the last train home late at night after meetings.
The back seats are pretty useless especially in the cab, so personally I think I’d sooner go for a newer boxster if I 100% wanted a convertible.
It is subjective, but Porsche always built “Notch Back” shape 356’s. So not a new thing, however I personally love the cab better than the coupe.
One thing worth mentioning is the 997 chassis was built as a cabriolet first before the coupe which makes observing flex at such low speed incredible. I owned one for years and drove it hard and never noticed flex, even when I drove to south of france in mountains or another trip to south of Spain, so quite shocked at the mention of flex in the 997😳
I disagree all sports cars used to cabriolet they build them stiffer. It’s more about the feeling of the wind and sound is better just like a speedster or a cobra. I’m bias I live Northern California better weather and coming from a motor cycle background the top down has that same felling of freedom. Since I can’t afford a speedster next best is my 2014 911s cab. Cheers!
I understand that, try as they might, it’s not possible to retain all the rigidity without adding big numbers to the weight of the vehicle.
I’ve no experience of convertibles beyond my girlfriend’s MG Midget, 40 years ago!
That said, Luke acknowledged that if you want a convertible sports car, a 911 is extremely hard to beat!
Where I live you can't take a convertible to the racetrack or dragstrip.
As far as noise, the soft-top is quieter when raining than the steel roof, but overall, you're probably right.
Hi Nigel,
The increased road noise created by a wet road is quite significantly louder in the less sound-insulated convertible.
@@friendsgreenporsche5234 I meant that the one place where it's quieter is the noise of the rain beating down on the roof itself.
I wonder..... What is the MUST iconic Porsche ever.....?
the coupe is substantially easier on the eyes, and the iconic 930 is widow maker is a coupe...soo...
I agree with the rear-end looks argument, but it is resolved from the 991 onwards. The rigidity/handling argument is also 98% answered from the 991. I appreciate your business is largely 996 and 7s, though.
I think the biggest problem, apart from the looks, is down to UK weather, the fact that most people don't garage their cars overnight, and the fact that in the likes of London, even many Porsche owners don't even have off-street parking and end up parking on the street at night. This has obvious implications for car security and of course insurance.
Most so-called influencers in the UK also drive coupes and many have openly stated that they aren't into convertibles.
However, despite this, most convertibles are soft-tops -- although you do see a disproportionate number of Merc SLs on London streets -- and other convertible cars, like Boxsters, are more popular in the UK than many European countries.
So, maybe it is ultimately because 911s are more often bought as dailies than the likes of Boxsters.
The 992 cab has a really great roofline but to me, what makes the 911 shape iconic is not just the roofline/flyline in isolation, but how it visually pairs with the curved back “C” shape of the rear quarter glass which perfectly complements the roof slope. Cabrios and Targas miss out on this completely.
It depends on where you live. I live in Southern California.
I feel the beautiful classic shape is compromised by the Convertible "hump", and agree with the structural integrity bit, I love my Cobalt Blue 997, I also have a BMW E30 Cabrio (1989, 325i, Chrome Bumper), the extra width added to the chassis rails increases the weight of the car over the coupe (no biggy). A similar discussion is had about the M3 E30 Coupe, and the Convertible (although both extremely valuable classics now), however a genuine E30 M3 Cab is so rare now, super spirited driving is unlikely, and tbh I love driving around in my 325i Cab with the ol roof down, the 911, 997 for spirited driving - yeah love it, but hmmm yeah (sorry 911 Cab owners) Even just the 911 shape compromise on the Cab, go for a Targa Maybe?... In traffic on your way to a festival, music on, Convertible - great, - throwing the car about a bit, sometimes long drives, Verts can be a bit noisy, people buy hardtops , a kind of reverse compromise with its own headaches... Would be handy if the rear coupe windows opened like the cab,, at the end of the day all 911's are great, esp manual, NA, non-convertible ones. XX
looking at you web sit and the Cab is already reserved over the Coupe so that would say its more popular
Why don't you sell both cater for both markets !! As the Cabs are popular and nice to drive with top down and youndont see the back end when driving ?? I looked at 996 997 and drove the 991 gen1 ended up buying a boxster 981s it's better in my humble opinion than 997 or 996 and as a good a drive in my view as 991 and 20k cheaper and you can't use 400bhp of 991 on the road for more than a quick blast
After 2 993's Cabrio I have now my 2nd 997.2 Cabrio and I love it, but hey lived in Johannesburg and now Las Vegas where it rains 10 days a year,,,, That 5% handling difference, the average driver will not even notice the difference....
I recon I drive my convertible with the top down 95% of the time
The cab is much more rounded and looks much better than the coupe. I call mine Jennifer Lopez
With the roof down, the look from the side loses the classic 911 lines, and from the back just looks plain clumsy, it’s as if the rear end has been bolted on as an after thought. I’m sure it’s great on a summer’s day, but the compromise in looks means it’s the coupe for the win!
Are their any maintenance or reliability issues relating to the hood?
1) On the gen 1 996 the rear window can crack / break being no glass
2) Possibility of drains blocking
3) Hood tension cables on both sides corrode and snap
Maybe because you live in the UK and the weather sucks. Here in Florida or when I lived in California a convertible would sell just as quickly or even quicker then the similar coupe.
Not a bad channel but this video missed the mark in nearly every point. Does a coupe handle better, yes! Is that why people won’t compromise, No! Otherwise they wouldn’t buy a Carrera base coupe because that would be a compromise. Etc
The wife wants a convertible and I want a great sports car………..997 cab it is then.
Interesting combination of comments, “a coupe looks better” & “ I buy a coupe because I don’t wanna pose” ???😉
Cabrio is way more fun
Glad it’s not just me who thinks the rear end of the soft top isn’t quite right. If I wanted a soft top I think I’d prefer a Boxster.
Buy the Porsche convertible, wear sunscreen (especially on the ears) and get regular cancer checks at the Dermatologist.
😂😂😂
I disagree
I agree that the rear end look of the cabriolet is not great. With the Turbo it is less of an issue to my opinon, by the way
Simple. Cab is for women and Old men😊
Simple answer - they look awful. If we are cutting to the chase, let’s cut to it.