Coupe Vs. Convertible
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 106
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From: Cedar Lake In.
Coupe Vs. Convertible
What are the pros and cons of the convertible vs. the coupe????
IM looking at 1989-96 vettes and Im not sure if I should get a coupe or a convertible. Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations?????
IM looking at 1989-96 vettes and Im not sure if I should get a coupe or a convertible. Does anyone have any thoughts or recommendations?????
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,054
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From: atlanta ga
Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (a1970stingray70)
a convertable is both. you can go top up or down and its free. every penny more you spend on a vert over a coupe you will get back when you sell it and then some. one more added bonus is they look better. :D
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
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From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (stillthere)
a convertable is both. you can go top up or down and its free. every penny more you spend on a vert over a coupe you will get back when you sell it and then some. one more added bonus is they look better. :D
Even though I am looking a coupe On Saturday...have not owned one in 10 years
Pro
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 623
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From: Toronto, ON, Canada
Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (a1970stingray70)
I love the ragtops but as comparision;
Coupe:
- Lighter
- stiffer body and chasis
- More trunk / cargo room
- Can't confirm but probably quieter (although my vert is pretty quiet)
- Better roll-over protection
Convertible:
- COOLER!
- Great "chick" factor
- Cross member support on frame - less body flex
- Less trunk room means don't need to take it to the mall.
- Stiffer than Coupe when comparing tops off.
- Higher resale value.
- Makes owner look sexy when he mentions he drives a Corvette Convertible! (Sorry, maybe that's just me.)
Overall, if you're going to go fast and race the car then Coupe is preferred. If you want to look cool and cruise to the beach get a Convertible.
Coupe:
- Lighter
- stiffer body and chasis
- More trunk / cargo room
- Can't confirm but probably quieter (although my vert is pretty quiet)
- Better roll-over protection
Convertible:
- COOLER!
- Great "chick" factor
- Cross member support on frame - less body flex
- Less trunk room means don't need to take it to the mall.
- Stiffer than Coupe when comparing tops off.
- Higher resale value.
- Makes owner look sexy when he mentions he drives a Corvette Convertible! (Sorry, maybe that's just me.)
Overall, if you're going to go fast and race the car then Coupe is preferred. If you want to look cool and cruise to the beach get a Convertible.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,548
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member, Inland Empire Chapter
Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (XTwinTurbo)
Overall, if you're going to go fast and race the car then Coupe is preferred. If you want to look cool and cruise to the beach get a Convertible...
Makes owner look sexy when he mentions he drives a Corvette Convertible! (Sorry, maybe that's just me.)
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
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Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (a1970stingray70)
I have sort of the best of both worlds with my roadster. I have the optional hardtop which makes the car stiffer that a coupe with its top on and I can still cruise with the ragtop down. If my car was a 6-speed, it would be the best combination!
The roadster is really lacking in storage space. For just me, it's tough to carry enough stuff for a long road trip. for two people, it would be worse. The coupe does give you lots of storage room compared to the roadster.
Resale on convertibles is higher that the coupe given equal condition.
Whichever body style you choose, always get the latest year you can afford. Each year C4 got improvements over the previous year. A 96 would be the best year and if you want a coupe, my suggestion would be a 90 or 91 ZR1. They are getting to be quite reasonalbe in price and the LT5 motor should be good for way over 200K miles with regular maintenance. And then there's the horsepower.... :steering: :chevy
The roadster is really lacking in storage space. For just me, it's tough to carry enough stuff for a long road trip. for two people, it would be worse. The coupe does give you lots of storage room compared to the roadster.
Resale on convertibles is higher that the coupe given equal condition.
Whichever body style you choose, always get the latest year you can afford. Each year C4 got improvements over the previous year. A 96 would be the best year and if you want a coupe, my suggestion would be a 90 or 91 ZR1. They are getting to be quite reasonalbe in price and the LT5 motor should be good for way over 200K miles with regular maintenance. And then there's the horsepower.... :steering: :chevy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 1,015
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From: Esko MN
Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (a1970stingray70)
I had the same thoughts when I went from a coupe to a convertible. The space issue is valid if you travel and need to carry luggage. But I only use mine for pleasure, no daily driving.
But when you drive on a hot day and you don't need to use the A/C, you will love it.
The safety issue can be a concern, and possibly the stiffness though I haven't noticed a problem with the stiffness I assume because of the crossbrace.
I know the convertible is nicer and less breezy (no "Coke bottle" effect like the coupe has without the targa top.
Quietness is not a problem with mine. It may be a little nosier than a coupe.
Greg :auto:
But when you drive on a hot day and you don't need to use the A/C, you will love it.
The safety issue can be a concern, and possibly the stiffness though I haven't noticed a problem with the stiffness I assume because of the crossbrace.
I know the convertible is nicer and less breezy (no "Coke bottle" effect like the coupe has without the targa top.
Quietness is not a problem with mine. It may be a little nosier than a coupe.
Greg :auto:
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,890
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From: Bismarck North Dakota
Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (a1970stingray70)
My 89 Convertible has the factory hardtop so it's kinda like the best of both worlds. I read somewhere that a Convertible with the hardtop on is stiffer than a coupe. Not sure about that, just something I have read. But the car looks VERY nice with the hardtop on. :bb
Minus to owning a Convertible: you lose some storage space, but it you want room, get a Suburban. Also the cost of admission is higher than a coupe and are a little heavier too.
Positives to owning a Vert: they are more desireable, tend to be worth more and resell faster than coupes, plus there are fewer of them around. Oh and chicks dig 'em. :thumbs:
Minus to owning a Convertible: you lose some storage space, but it you want room, get a Suburban. Also the cost of admission is higher than a coupe and are a little heavier too.
Positives to owning a Vert: they are more desireable, tend to be worth more and resell faster than coupes, plus there are fewer of them around. Oh and chicks dig 'em. :thumbs:
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Just an Ole Surfer Boy
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From: Timing is Everything The Jersey Shore
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Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (rainsux89)
When you drop top it's like you have a whole differant car. :D
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
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Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (Greg Johnson)
Depends on what youre gonna do with it. If youre ever thinking about racing the car, either autocross or drag racing, youll want the coupe.
If youre just gonna cruise, try to pick up girls or whatever, the vert is better for that. Not that you cant race a vert, its just not built for it. Id still mod the hell out of one though.
I have a coupe, but i wanted a vert more. :sad:
So i guess ill have to race mine :steering:
If youre just gonna cruise, try to pick up girls or whatever, the vert is better for that. Not that you cant race a vert, its just not built for it. Id still mod the hell out of one though.
I have a coupe, but i wanted a vert more. :sad:
So i guess ill have to race mine :steering:
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,753
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From: Orange County California
Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (stillthere)
There is no compairison i have owned both types on C4's. I'll never go back to a coupe. The space isnt even a drwback if you have the luggage rack (yeah it is a tad ugly but it breaks up the back and is useful, they sell a case that fits right on it.) The only time i get worried in my vert is when i am going like 120-130 mph with no top. Something tells me i wouldnt survive in a coupe either though. The C4 vert with the top down is one of the nicest looking cars ever made. Plus just bolt a hartop on in the winter if you need to. JMHO
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,691
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From: Framingham MA
Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (vader86)
One thing is that it sucks driving around with the top up, but it makes up for it when driving around with the top down. I don't think I would want to use a convertible as daily driver.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 408
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From: Columbia Maryland
Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (dgoodhue)
My vert is my daily driver. I love it. No greater rush than driving a vert with the tunes cranked on a bright day. One downside is that you have to replace the top every so often (5-10 years depending on window/top material and exposure to weather). The earlier verts (like mine) had plastic windows that would discolor over time. I've heard if you don't garage them, it accelerates the process. I suspect the visibility is better in the coupe, but then again, I really only need to see in front of me! I'll always have a ragtop. :auto:
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Pinellas Florida Misfit
Cruise-In III Veteran
Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (Charlutz)
I wouldn't own a vert if it was given to me... I wish they made an FRC C4... haven't taken the top off my 96 since I got it 5 months ago.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
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From: Windermere FL
Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (Charlutz)
I like a coupe more in three situations:
At the track as a vert needs extra stuff to do the runs
Carrying luggage, which I do in my Jeep GC instead
Upsidedown, which if this occurs, you're having other problems anyway :eek:
At the track as a vert needs extra stuff to do the runs
Carrying luggage, which I do in my Jeep GC instead
Upsidedown, which if this occurs, you're having other problems anyway :eek:
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (a1970stingray70)
It all comes down to personal preference.
I happen to be of the opinion that the coupe just looks better. (although the vert may make YOU look better)
:)
Larry
'96LT4coupe :seeya
[Modified by rocco16, 3:55 AM 1/11/2003]
I happen to be of the opinion that the coupe just looks better. (although the vert may make YOU look better)
:)
Larry
'96LT4coupe :seeya
[Modified by rocco16, 3:55 AM 1/11/2003]
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 564
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From: Lynchburg VA
Re: Coupe Vs. Convertible (a1970stingray70)
Well, it looks like I'm in the minority on this, but......
I don't race my Vette at all, but I still prefer the coupe. I just think they look better with the top on or off vs the verts with top up or down. I would like to have the added resale value, & the ease of top removal/storage the vert offers over the coupe though.
Just my $.02
David
I don't race my Vette at all, but I still prefer the coupe. I just think they look better with the top on or off vs the verts with top up or down. I would like to have the added resale value, & the ease of top removal/storage the vert offers over the coupe though.
Just my $.02
David