Vehicle Reviews
Porsche 911 Targa - Pure performance
By Pavan Lall
Jul 18, 2004, 16:25

Lapsing back into the fantasyland of the super rich is easy with the Porsche 911 Targa, although the dream of every 16-year-old boy has none of the visual excess that super cars usually come with today.

To start with, the name is a little off, as this is more a moonroof than a true Targa, at least in the conventional sense. The older 911 Targa (pre-1994) was completely open. In its defense, there is less structural chassis flex and therefore better handling. The window will swing open easily enough to allow reaching for luggage (don't plan on actually seating anyone there)

So as the 911 sits and skulks until playtime draws close, but be warned. It can really be flung around and is never terrifying, although the engine is slung back over further along the axle more than most cars.  Compact, pointed and easy to place, the traction on the Targa is amongst the strongest and the six-speed manual gearbox turns some nifty tricks as it swaps ratios in conjunction with some of the biggest brakes in the business.  The all-aluminum engine generates some 320 horses, ensuring that power is evenly distributed through the four-wheel drive system. Severe performance sound is masked fairly well by Targa's restrained exhaust.

The inside is basic, functional and considering the $83,000 sticker price, to some eyes disappointing.  Cocked, loaded and driven correctly, this car is shatteringly quick and for the purpose of traveling ruthlessly in all road and weather conditions, there's got be a place for the 911 in any educated car enthusiasts final selection.

The 3.6 litre engine comes with typical Porsche six cylinders lined up flatly against each other in pairs and enables plenty of torque to give the driver that seriously "heavy" feeling.

Practicality? Two words. Honda Accord. Value for money? Don't be silly. No one who can afford to drop a 100 grand on a car, give's a baboon's about value.  In terms of tire burning antics, the Targa easily qualifies into the class of cars you can get the most drive out of. Not just today or tomorrow - but everyday.

I would buy it, and add it to the collection.