Looking to purchase an early C5 model corvette. Have had serveral C4/C3/C2 convertibles in the past but considering the coupe for the C5. How is the cabin wind turbulance when driving highway speeds with the coupe??

Thanks

 

I originally wanted a 'vert. After test driving both, I chose the coupe.

I didn't discern a significant difference in wind buffeting -- they both have it. For me, getting 80-90% of the same "open" feeling of a 'vert, with the extra secure storage under the hatch (a *big* plus for daily-driver duty), at $3-4K less than a comparable 'vert was enough to push me into the coupe camp. I still think a 'vert with the top down is better looking (a very subjective thing), but overall, there was no question coupe was a better fit for me. Of course, it's all so subjective, YMMV

 

I'm biased, but I would stick with the Vert. Especially considering all the driving you can be doing in beautiful NH topless.

 

Both with the my C5 Coupe plus painted and glass tops

 

Thanks for the input. Some of the reasons you stated for the coupe, are very much the same rationale I have. At this point, doing a little weekend traveling and having some extra storage space is nice. Of all the corvette coupe designs, I particularly like the C5. This was one another reason for consideration. Thanks again.

 

wind isn't bad at all with a coupe.
I think the coupe looks best in profile too.

 

I dunno how much storage the coupe has but there is plenty of trunk space in the vert. With the top down it's a little less but it's still enough for 2 smaller suitcases.

 

Go with the coupe....I own both, (2) coupes and a vert (1). The coupes are by way the best for traveling and will hold so much more than a vert. The vert is nice to drive around town for a Saturday night cruise.

 

You'll get some buffeting with the coupe, but nothing that is too bad. The extra space, the hatchback design, and the targa are all positives in my book.

 

I have an '04 vert. My wife and I can both put a week's clothing in the trunk as well as bring our own pillows (hotel pillows suck) and a cooler with drinks and snacks - and still have room to put the top down. The verts have a lot more trunk space than people realize. I wouldn't trade for a coupe for anything - nope, not even a new Z06.

 

But if comparing the Vert with the top down, we need to look at what happens to the coupe with the top off. Bet the vert with top down has as much storage, if not more, than the coupe with it top stowed away in the back

 

This was an comparison between a vert & Z, but I thought it might help you in your decision:

I went through the exact same decision making process as you, and I bought the vert. Lemme tell ya something here! Take them both for a drive. I also drove a targa with the roof panel removed. Drive the Z first, then take the vert out and drop the top and windows. For me, it was instant love. NOTHING CAN REPLACE THE EXPERIENCE OF THE RAG TOP! But then again, I've owned other verts in the past and always liked them. Even with the top up, the contrasting top color breaks up the body color and gives it a nice look. I get compliments ALL THE TIME, top up or down. My friend commented that his Z doesn't attract this attention when he rides with me. The C5 vert offers excellent wind protection and still has the power to cruise 125 without getting to deep into it. In fact, I am able to talk to my passenger quite easily with the cruise control set at 100-110 top down, when making time through a never ending straight through the dessert. It cuts the wind that well. I was once in a rain storm moving down the highway at 55 top down, and only the vert cover got wet. The Tupperware-like interior lends itself to the elements. Its so easy to vacuum and wipe clean. As far as the power goes, the LS1 lends itself to easy mods. I haven't touched mine but plan to sometime in the future. I did add an aftermarket exhaust system to make it a bit louder, and Hotchkiss sway bars to allow it to handle with the Z's in the back roads. Bone stock, its easily the best of the verts in its price range. That's why that car was always ranked #1 or #2 in the magazines that reviewed convertibles during the C5 years. Now then, go drive #2 or #3 after driving a C5 vert, and tell me what you think. Yeah, the C5 has power and torque, and it need not be a Z06 to get on down the road in a hurry when you mash the go pedal. The Honda S2000 and BMW Z3 were usually ranked #2 & #3, in mixed orders. I've driven these cars and was surprised at their extremely meager performance. There was nothing when I mashed the go pedal! LOL! Get up to 120 in an stock A4 C5, mash the pedal and wow! It still has a passing gear and more acceleration! Big smiles here! Hey, look at this... it does 160! More smiles again! Yes, the Z will beat the reg C5 down a straight or in the twistys under racing conditions, but for me, the difference isn't worth the ride. With a few dollars, I could make my car gut a Z06 in every regard. But who cares?

The vert will hold its value over time to a higher degree.

With the C5 vert, if its getting hot or cold outside, you can leave the top down and lift the windows, and put on the heat or a/c. It does a surprisingly good job at cooling/heating you without a top over your head! I'm the kind of guy that likes the wind in my hair so it was the best choice for me.

Just as an aside, our local corvette club has about 250 members and they're a very active bunch. When I cruise with them on warm days, my top is always down. ALL the folks with fixed roofs/targas look at my car with hunger. You see it in their eyes. Passenger and driver are always looking over at the C5 with the top down and at the smiling people enjoying the sun! LOL! Yup, we see it all the time. All we can do is waive and smile, knowing we've got something very special. Talk to other vert guys and they will all tell you the same thing. Its the one small thing that finishes the car and makes it your potential beach on wheels. The unobstructed view is unequivocal to non vert cars. On blazing days, I just pull over and flip the top up, and I've got A/C that has enough power to cool a cargo van. My only complaint is that with the top down, it blocks the rear speakers. Its not a big deal since the front speakers still have enough power to listen to the stereo with the top down. With the car club, We've noticed the Z's have a harsher ride down the highway over the expansion bumps. We drive with them, and I notice my passenger isn't bouncing up and down in the seat every time the car rolls over an expansion bump, where the Z guys are getting jarred. I almost bought Z06 springs and shocks to compliment my new sway bars until we witnessed the Z cars with bouncing occupants. It wouldn't be a big deal, but I do a lot of highway driving and I'm trying to keep my lady happy. Another thing to consider in comfort are the sports seats as compared to the Z seats. Its night and day, and anyone will agree the sports seats are far more comfortable and adjustable. Even the trunk space isn't sacrificed with the vert. The top down does take up some space, but its never been a problem packing for 1 week excursions with a lady that likes to bring along far more then she could ever wear in a life time. Oh, and for a single guy like me, I love those killer tan lines on my GF more than I love my vert! Hmmmm, are the guys looking at my car when we pass, or is it my GF's tiny bikini? Oh, by the way, don't let my GF see how I rant on and on about the vert. She'll get jealous if she reads this... when all the time I've been telling her, "its just a car". But I know its a whole lot more! Now, if I can just figure out how to get those tan lines transferred onto my car that drive my soooo nutz!

Whatever your choice, welcome to the proud family of corvette owners! You're going to love yours, just as we all do. And Nooooo... they aren't just cars. They're a whole lot more. Enjoy!

 

I like the targa top better than the entire thing down, + tons of storage room

 

I love convertibles but with a C5 Corvette I chose the COUPE hands down. You litterally have close to the same exact feeling as a convertible. My test was this: I sat in a coupe with the top off and tilted my head all the way back looking straight up and even back a little. All I could see was sky. So why get a convt. I thought if I could have the same feeling with a coupe?

Besides that, the C5 coupe cargo compartment is huge!! Esp. when compared to the one in a C4. Also, you can't beat the solid top/windows up position for nice quiet driving. I tend to like the looks of the coupes better as well.

 

But how much storage is left once the top is put in the back? Assume that it would only be the area below the top panel. Anyone know the volume there?

 

I vote for a coupe. The wind buffeting can be a little annoying at times, but I've read that if your get a pair of cargo hatches that the buffeting almost vanishes. I've never been in a vert so I don't know how the two compare.

 

That is the TRUTH! When you take the top off in a coupe, storage is much less than the vert with the top up or down. Unless you want to risk scratching the top with whatever you decide to put on top or below it once it is stored.

As for the turbulence, I can try real hard at about 75 mph to convince myself that it is not that bad but when reality sets in- it is REAL BAD. The interesting part is that when the windows are down, the wind actually comes from all different directions!!! My next C5 will be a vert- no question about it. Don't get me wrong, I love the car, just probably should have just spent the extra money for the vert in the first place...

 

I bought the coupe but I decided that I'm going to solve the problem by buying my wife a vert. Now all I've got to do is to convince her that is what she wants for her next car.

 

Been there - done that

 

I vote for the Vert, and I will tell you why, with the coupe, if you are on a trip and you want to take the top off, guess what, no place to put the top because the back is full of the baggage, with a Vert, you still have trunk space and all kind of hidding places to put stuff. The Vert has it hands down, put the top down and still have a trunk to travel, with the coupe,top off no trunk room. IMO