Coupe or Convertible
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Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Bowling Green KY.
Coupe or Convertible
So have some of you bought a coupe only to wish that you had bought a convertible. Or have some of you bought a convertible and wish you had bought a coupe? What are the pros and cons of each one? Does the Optional hard top make a difference with the convertible?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Coupe or Convertible (Darth Vader)
I would actually prefer a vert, since I live in a very warm weather area.
Rain/weatherstrip would probably be a problem though with that. (as if its not a problem now :rolleyes:)
I will have a vert one day, hopefully a red shark or a C5.
Rain/weatherstrip would probably be a problem though with that. (as if its not a problem now :rolleyes:)
I will have a vert one day, hopefully a red shark or a C5.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Coupe or Convertible (Jay 383)
My top stays on a lot also...so even if there was an option for the c4 called the F R C, I'd have one.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
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Re: Coupe or Convertible (Darth Vader)
I would probably only buy a coupe if it was a ZR-1. There's lots of opportunities where I live to put the top down and really enjoy a beautiful day with my vert. Cruising down through the orange groves or blowing up the 101 to Santa Barbara for lunch with the top down, a Cohiba goin', and Van Halen blasting on the stereo is the quintessential middle class/So Cal/ American/Corvette experience! :yesnod:
The down side of the C-4 vert is the lack of luggage space. I've wanted to take this thing for a blast to Vegas for two years now and my gf can't figure out how to pack light enough to get her stuff into it. But she'll get it. Maybe next summer. Also, you can't really take one to a track day unless you're willing to go through installing a rollbar (trusting someone to chop up your baby) or have the removeable top. Big commitments. Convertibles are aerodynamically dirty, reduced top speed/mileage. Bad hair. Baseball caps/Oakleys required.
Carravaggio C-5 Roadster :thumbs:
The down side of the C-4 vert is the lack of luggage space. I've wanted to take this thing for a blast to Vegas for two years now and my gf can't figure out how to pack light enough to get her stuff into it. But she'll get it. Maybe next summer. Also, you can't really take one to a track day unless you're willing to go through installing a rollbar (trusting someone to chop up your baby) or have the removeable top. Big commitments. Convertibles are aerodynamically dirty, reduced top speed/mileage. Bad hair. Baseball caps/Oakleys required.
Carravaggio C-5 Roadster :thumbs:
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: Coupe or Convertible (Darth Vader)
I have one of each. :D I also have a hardtop for my 92 vert and when the hardtop is installed, it actually makes the vert stiffer than a coupe! The downside to the hardtop option is that you have even less storage space behind the seats when the hardtop is on because the top is folded down and you cannot raise the decklid because the top is bolted to the door pillars and decklid. Anything you need to put in the back has to fit through the opening behind the seats.
I've owned my vert for about 6 years now after having a 78. I really like the open cockpit and fresh air. One big difference between the two is storage space. I would say you get 2-3 times as much usable storage space in the coupe as opposed to a vert. If you do any kind of long trips, this could be a big concern especially if there are two people in the car. You learn to pack carefully!!
I can run my vert with the hardtop installed at some local road tracks (Portland and Seattle) and NHRA will let you run to (I think) 11.99 with a hardtop before a roll bar/cage is required.
[Modified by c4cruiser, 3:09 PM 1/3/2004]
I've owned my vert for about 6 years now after having a 78. I really like the open cockpit and fresh air. One big difference between the two is storage space. I would say you get 2-3 times as much usable storage space in the coupe as opposed to a vert. If you do any kind of long trips, this could be a big concern especially if there are two people in the car. You learn to pack carefully!!
I can run my vert with the hardtop installed at some local road tracks (Portland and Seattle) and NHRA will let you run to (I think) 11.99 with a hardtop before a roll bar/cage is required.
[Modified by c4cruiser, 3:09 PM 1/3/2004]
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Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 205
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From: Cupertino ca
Re: Coupe or Convertible (Jay 383)
I never cared for convertibles.
My top stays on a lot also...so even if there was an option for the c4 called the F R C, I'd have one.
My top stays on a lot also...so even if there was an option for the c4 called the F R C, I'd have one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,119
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From: That dam place where it rains all the time
Re: Coupe or Convertible (rocco16)
Got the coupe.
Wanted the coupe.
Happy with my decision.
Larry
code5coupe
Wanted the coupe.
Happy with my decision.
Larry
code5coupe
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 7,836
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From: Global Warming My Butt
Re: Coupe or Convertible (CaliforniaVette)
I understand what F R C is.. but what does it stand for?? :confused:
Anywho...Verts aren't track cars without extra $$ for a 5 point roll bar.
Coupe is just as nice as a Vert with the top off IMHO...
8th Gear
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 8
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From: England
Re: Coupe or Convertible (vinnies87)
so did all the coupes come with the targa roof?
I specifically bought my Camaro without T-Tops cos they leak, will i have to put up with this on the Vette? (sold the Camaro now you'll be pleased to know :))
Crappy weather here so id chose a hardtop over a softop anyday, also i think it spoils the nice lines that a coupe has, only my opinion tho'
I specifically bought my Camaro without T-Tops cos they leak, will i have to put up with this on the Vette? (sold the Camaro now you'll be pleased to know :))
Crappy weather here so id chose a hardtop over a softop anyday, also i think it spoils the nice lines that a coupe has, only my opinion tho'
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Houston TX
Re: Coupe or Convertible (Darth Vader)
I love my coupe. When the top is off and driving near highway speeds, it gets very very noisy. Any papers in the car must be secured or they are gone. Also, the coupe is better at cutting thru the air. On a sunny day, if the speeds are not too high, I can just pop the top off and go. That hasn't been very often tho as I like the stiffer ride and less turbulance in the cab.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,403
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From: Agoura CA
Re: Coupe or Convertible (Darth Vader)
i bought the coupe for daily driving. better for parking it places and putting up with weather. but when i bought the c2 had to have a vert cause its a toy that ill only take out in nice weather. course all c4 coupes are targas, which offers 9/10ths the experience of a vert. just a little annoying on the freeway and a little scarey at 120mph
Corvette ***** OG
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,776
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From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '05
CI VI Veteran
Re: Coupe or Convertible (Darth Vader)
I obviously have a vert and I have to tell you, it's my first... My mother has always had convertibles. For years, everytime I'd go to visit her, I'd be in that car with the damn top down and the sun would be burning my head, the sun in my eyes and the sweat dripping off me. That was until I got my own oonvertible. Since I bought the vert, I'll bet I can count on one hand how many times I've had the top up. Like I said, it was my first, but won't be my last...
I like coupes but until I saw a fellow members (it was a purple one that he powdercoated a bunch of engine parts) I have fallen in love with a coupe. I won't get rid of my vert for one but after seeing his purple coupe, I'm thinking about buying one for a second car... (his would be perfect)
I'm sure you'll be happy with either one you choose. (btw, verts suck for storage when the top is down)
Mark
I like coupes but until I saw a fellow members (it was a purple one that he powdercoated a bunch of engine parts) I have fallen in love with a coupe. I won't get rid of my vert for one but after seeing his purple coupe, I'm thinking about buying one for a second car... (his would be perfect)
I'm sure you'll be happy with either one you choose. (btw, verts suck for storage when the top is down)
Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,413
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From: Texas
Re: Coupe or Convertible (vader86)
I live in a warm area and have a coupe, but with the top off, I love it! I was never really a big fan of the way the verts looked, not to say they look bad, not at all, but just liked the look of coupes better :cheers:
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 566
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From: Boca Raton FL
Re: Coupe or Convertible (Darth Vader)
Wanted a vert, got a vert... Loving it!
I drove it down to Florida from Detroit. I bought a large wheeled duffle bag that fills the back perfectly, that leaves a tiny bit on the sides for a jacket or two and a couple of caps. Buy a big soft duffle and you have plenty of space... well, you have ENOUGH space! It holds two pretty big suitcases worth. Key is to not waste space on luggage and dead space around them.
I'd rather duct tape on garbage bags like Sanford & Son than give up that top down driving! :cool:
I drove it down to Florida from Detroit. I bought a large wheeled duffle bag that fills the back perfectly, that leaves a tiny bit on the sides for a jacket or two and a couple of caps. Buy a big soft duffle and you have plenty of space... well, you have ENOUGH space! It holds two pretty big suitcases worth. Key is to not waste space on luggage and dead space around them.
I'd rather duct tape on garbage bags like Sanford & Son than give up that top down driving! :cool: