(1990 – 1993) Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Targa (964) – Ultimate Guide
This was the last generation Targa with traditional removable Targa roof (till 991). The Carrera 4 Targa outsold the Carrera 2 Targa by 2x, making the 4 Targa much rarer and more collectible. In all, only 1,329 units were made.
Overall, the Carrera 4 packed almost the same technical specifications as the Carrera 2 model. The engine was the same 3.6 liter unit which produced 250 horsepower and a maximum speed of 162 mph while the 0 to 60 mph acceleration was made in about 5.6 seconds. The rear-engined, all wheel drive C4 was 220 lb heavier than its C2 sibling. From the outside the Carrera 4 looks exactly like the Carrera 2 other than the obligatory ‘4’ on engine lid versus a ‘2’ for the Carrera 2.
The Targa top was quite a project to take off (compared to the simple and fast cabriolet process). There are two levers in the glovebox that release the latch above the windscreen, then you need to play around inserting them before swinging them through 90 degrees. That releases the front edge. At that point you climb out and lift the entire roof section clear, with the catches at the front combining with two steel pins at the rear to secure the section. Once you’ve lifted the top clear there is an over-centre crank that gives the Targa section its shape and rigidity and allows the whole assembly to fold down, suitable for storage in the front luggage area. While the Targa is the more attractive of the two open top 964 Carrera 4s, with its rollover hoop section and classic Coupe shape, this process is enough for me to choose the coupe or cabriolet.
