I must be getting old.
I finally met a car that had TOO MUCH power for me.
Make that too much power to put to the ground.

Over the last 2-3 years I've had many high powered Rear Wheel Drive American cars including:

2007 Corvette Z06
2001 Viper GTS (11.67@120.56 - 1.68 60' - stock on Kumho Rs)
2003 Mustang Cobra 492rwhp SAE - 11.84@120.57 - 1.85 60' on DRs
1992 Mustang LX Covertible 461rwhp SAE - 11.22@124.56 1.81 60' on DRs
2006 Corvette manual tranny Stock - 12.55@115.85 2.02 60'
2005 Corvette Convertible automatic - 12.57@110.67 1.92 60'

As you can see I am a dinosaur, a drag racer, a knuckle scraper.
Over the last couple of weeks and with very cold temps here in PA my Z06 has been ridiculous.
I couldn't even give it 1/8 pedal without getting sideways or spinning violently at all speeds up to 90mph.

One day there was a light coating of snow, not even 1/8" and it took me 20 minutes to get it 1 block home with assistance from a couple of neighbors.

My decision was made, I don't need 500hp anymore either.
I want FUN power, power that gets to the pavement, OH, I want a side order of Great Handling too.

I went in to my local Porsche dealer to look at some affordable Caymans and Boxters.
In the showroom they had a Brand New Guards Red 2007 911 Targa 4 with a MSRP of $93125
I was in love, I told the salesman one day when I have some money I will have a car like that.
He says, for $79K you can have it NOW!

After much research on New 2008 Base Carrera 2s for $7000-$9000 off, I decided I want ALL WHEEL DRIVE and it has to be RED!
Yes the Targa is a little Heavier and Slower than a Base Carrera, but when the dealer knocked the car down to $78383 (15K off) I had to do it.
We already know I am not a True Porsche Purist, so what the heck.

I have to tell you, I am blown away with how great this car is.
My wife was fighting me, she wanted a Carrera 2 in White, but I had to veto her and tell her to trust me. She agrees I was right, THANKFULLY
Even my 12 year old son loves the 911 more than the Z06, he says it feels faster, it is nowhere close, but the power makes it to the ground I explained.

Here are some pics of the New Targa 4 and the old Z06:









and the Z06 right after I got it in 8/07:



Well, that's my story and I'm glad to be here.

Howard

 

Nice car congrats! Big step up IMO.

 

Congratulations thats a great colour,the Targa 4 is a stunning car, and good choice on the move as the Z06 will get tiring after a while.

 

Thanks guys.

The Z06 was a real Brute, in warm weather with sticky streets it was amazing, but in the cold it was a scary beast.

The Porsche is just so nice, so balanced, so PERFECT!

Howard

 

Better car for sure, congrats. You have an all-weather quasi-convertible. Can't beat that.

 

Welcome to the family.

 

welcome! love ur ex Z. best color for it imo. now congrats for the new red hot Targa!

 

Congrats!
Seeing that car makes me wonder why I don't see more P cars in that color. Guards Red is an awesome color. Enjoy it up there in the tundra!

 

Sounds like your son already has his eye on your Targa! Congrats, enjoy in good health.

 

Congrats on the new targa. My neighbor just got the same car but in an "S". Great car and pics.

 

Welcome - great new car. I had a 996 C4 (now have a 997 C2S). Unfortunately, with the stock tires, you'll still need your neighbors if you venture out into the next 1/8" snowstorm.

 

Yeah son, once you come to dark side, there is no going back. Enjoy

 

Good to see some Targa's around. They seem to be far between on this forum.

 

I had the same experience with the red. I thought I wanted gray or white, but once I had the red one for 1 day I realized I made the right choice.

 

Yup, never really see them, but they look great especially in red

Welcome aboard, Z06 is awesome, just so different. Howcome you didn't look into a 996TT? Would have given you your power fix, balance, AWD, grip and such!