Is it possible to store a back up on external HD by transfering files using Target Disk Mode?

Dear Apple community,
There's absolutely no way that I'm going to be able to fix my MBP without a clean install. I simply cannot log in and get to my desktop screen after upgrading to Mavericks. So I will have to erase everything and perform a clean install. However, before proceeding with this plan, I'll have to back up my files from my MPB since I cannot use my mac normally, I'll have to back up my files using the Target Disk Mode. I've connected my MPB to another MPB in the past, so I know how the process work. But this time around I won't be able to use another MBP but a MB. I have a few doubts regarding the process especially in what concernd adding an external HD to this equation. So please bear with me and see if you can answer my doubts.
So this is the equipment I'll be working with: my MPB, my friends MacBook (2008) and my 1TB external hard drive.
My basic question is: once I connect my MPB in Target Disk Mode to the MB, I'm sure I'd be able to transfer my files to this MB. But let's say that I don't want to leave my files in this MB (after all it's not my computer) and want to send my files straight to an external HD connected to this MB. Is it possible?  If positive, I know that the only FireWire port in the MB is a 400 port. That means my MBP will be connect to the MB using the only FireWire port available in the MB. So I believe that my external HD would have to be connected to the MB with the help of an USB cable. I assume that this will make the transferring process a little slower than if I could count solely on FireWire ports. Slowing the process down is not a problem but could this corrupt any of my files during the transferring process or even damage anything? I assume that would never happen after all it's just digital data, but better safe than sorry, right? What do you think?
Another thought that occurred to me is: let's say I connect my MBP to the MB using the FireWire 400. I'd still have an FireWire 800 port available on my MBP. If I connect my external HD to my MBP (yeah, the one that will be in Target Disk Mode) using that FW 800 port, would my MBP allow this external HD to mount as if it was just another folder/drive in my computer? If positive, theoretically I'd be able to transfer files from my MBP to my external HD manually (by dragging files from folder to folders), right?
I really don't want to transfer my files from the MBP to the MB and then from MB to external HD. That would just take time and I really don't know how much available space I'll find on my friend's MB.
Oh, one last question: when transferring files using Target Disk Mode, do all computers involved in this process gotta have the same OS X version installed or it doesn't matter if e.g one is running Snow Leopard and the other Mavericks?
Looking forward to hear back from you, experts.

Grant Bennet-Alder West of Boston, USA 
A new 1TB External drive (suitable to replace your current Internal drive if you choose to) and enclosure can be had for under US$160
Ehh, you meant $60 ,  not $160
CassHeger 
I do need to buy an external HD to be used solely for that purpose.
Yes, quality HD are cheap as dirt.
however a likewise Toshiba Internal HD 1TB is $70   (same as used by Apple)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOSHIBA-MQ01ABD100-1TB-5400-RPM-8MB-Cache-2-5-SATA-3-0Gb   -s-Internal-Notebook-/121107538930?pt=US_Internal_Hard_Disk_Drives&hash=item1c3 2 9263f2
best options for the price, and high quality HD:
Quality 1TB drives are $50 per TB on 3.5" or  $65 per TB on 2.5"
Perfect 1TB for $68
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Canvio-Portable-Hard-Drive/dp/B005J7YA3W/ref=sr_1_ 1?ie=UTF8&qid=1379452568&sr=8-1&keywords=1tb+toshiba
Nice 500gig for $50. ultraslim and perfect
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Canvio-Portable-External-Drive/dp/B009F1CXI2/ref=s r_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1377642728&sr=1-1&keywords=toshiba+slim+500gb
2.5" USB portable High quality BEST FOR THE COST, Toshiba "tiny giant" 2TB drive (have several of them, LOT of storage in a SMALL package)    $117
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Canvio-Connect-Portable-HDTC720XK3C1/dp/B00CGUMS48 /ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1379182740&sr=1-4&keywords=2tb+toshiba
*This one is the BEST portable  external HD available that money can buy:
HGST Touro Mobile 1TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive  
$88
http://www.amazon.com/HGST-Mobile-Portable-External-0S03559/dp/B009GE6JI8/ref=sr _1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383238934&sr=8-1&keywords=HGST+Touro+Mobile+Pro+1TB+USB+3.0+72 00+RPM
Most storage experts agree on the Hitachi 2.5"

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