Ten-Zing

To me, a Corvette is a roadster.

Aesthetically speaking... I don't think GM has figured out how to finish the back end of a Corvette properly since they applied the glass dome to the 1978. They've used that same dome since 1978 all the way to the C6.... my 1985 Trans Am had that glass dome. It's corny.

It looked like someone was getting close to figuring it out when they released the C5 Z06 but they gave up on that progress.

Back to the good old giant glass dome.

JohnAE455

Only you can decide. If possible drive both back to back like I did. The C6 GS vert makes much less noise then a GS coupe. My wife could not use a cell phone at speed in the coupe. No problem with the vert. I can't comment on the differences in both styles of standard vettes. Also with the GS coupe forget about the radio at speeds above 45 MPH unless you like your music loud. I don't worry about getting my 100+ pound dog in the back of either vert or coupe. He won't fit even if I did manage to lift him up into the car. I happen to like the looks of all vert. vettes with the top up. Nothing beats the looks of a top down vette. I will never be driving on a track so will not need a cage. AC is more then enough for any hot day. I've had a C5 and C6 vert. and neither leaks at all even in the heavy rain of Atlanta. I had a C5 coupe for 10 years and, although you can take the roof off, it really is a PITA so I rarely bothered. It got better with practice but it was always ackward putting it on and I was always worried about scratching the "hoop" if I lost control of the roof. Have fun checking both out. for Monday.

jb_va2001

I believe you, but this is counter intuitive and takes a moment to process. I would guess the rear glass of the Coupe contains/reflects sounds in the passenger compartment in a way the Convertible does not.

Cheers,
JB

johnny3

We've had 5 C6 Corvettes in our family, 3 coupes, 2 convertibles, presently have 012 coupe & 013 convertible, the convertibles are for sure quieter (tops up/on on both) he coupes are prettier but with the tops down the verts have them beat for looks.

FlyerVette

This is where block-it and a partition can help in the coupe.

Duro

AddisonD

Agree, exactly.

The vert hauls a lot of gear, and with the trunk divider folded down is darn big, surprisingly so. It appeals to me that I can leave things in the trunk and they are not visible, be that a brief case, golf clubs, or the little batch of detailing supplies I tend to drive around with in case there is an emergency need-to-clean.
But no denying that the coupe has larger cargo volume, if the plan for your corvette includes hauling large items, mulch, or whatever.

GuyFromLeMans

To the OP: It should be clear to you by now: You need one of each.

cclive

I disagree with some in that I like the roofline of the Vert best, top up or down. It has a nice chopped look with the top up...kind of like the C5 Z06.

jb_va2001

GuyFromLeMans

That's why both sell.

RJRSW

The coupe has one advantage over the convert and that is it is a lot cheaper.

One of the corvette magazines had a survey that asked that if you bought the coupe what the number one reason was and 4 our of 5 buyers selected that it was cheaper. That also turned out to be the same reason that 4 out of 5 buyers that had selected a manual trans.

Probably accounts for the reason there are a lot of 1LT manual trans coupes sold and that most converts are very loaded and automatics. It is next to impossible to sell a base option manual trans convert unless you are willing to take a very low selling price.

cclive

This is the best solution to the question.

semp65

You nailed it!

SirVenox

Yes, I notice that the coupe generates more noise on the highway.

phileaglesfan

I have owned 3 C6s, 2 coupes (08 and my current 13) and my 11 GS Vert.

I went back to the coupe because of heat related issues with my back so I need to keep cool. Vert has decent room if you fold the partition down and use soft luggage. The good news is that it does keep stuff in the trunk, no worries about things flying forward. A inexpensive partition can prevent that in the coupe though.

Road noise is higher in the coupe but wind noise is higher in the vert. Vert's chassis does flex more also. Vert sounds better from inside the cabin with the top down.

Coupe does require less maintenance concerning the top. Also harder to break into. Coupe is also safer during a roll over which rarely happens but if I had a choice which one would I rather be in it would definitely be a coupe.

Tony 327

Well OP, I am curious - did any of this advice assist you in making a decision? I like all Corvettes, but I always wanted a convertible, so I got one. Because I wanted one. Ultimately, I hope you get what you want and enjoy it. Keep us posted, I always wonder how these things turn out with the variety of opinions provided by passionate Corvette owners.

jaki30

On my 6th C6 (don't ask). Had 4 verts and this latest one is the 2nd coupe.
Went with the coupe because this is now my DD. Can use the extra space in back and more adaptable for everyday use.
Loved the verts, but, wife complained about the wind, too hot, too cold, too noisy on the highway when people are passing or passed with the top down. Plus, when the sun is up high and the temp is warm, it will bake your head, even with a hat on.
Not to say I will never get another vert, but, right now, the coupe is for me. I still think the vert is prettier than a coupe especially when the top is down

Turbooo2u

I sometimes wrestle with the coupe/vert' question. I did drive a new vert last year and found it too windy and noisy. And you can detect a very small amount of flex compared to the coupe. The coupe with the top off gives me just enough alfresco motoring with less wind and noise, and more money in my pocket. But the vert' does have great lines, top up or down.

saplumr

2012 production numbers should put it in perspective.
All verts 2889
All Coupes 8758