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Convertible or Targa Roof????

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Old May 12, 2009 | 10:56 AM
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Default Convertible or Targa Roof????

Hey guys: I always thought I wanted a Corvette convertible. I know it comes down to personal taste, but I just wanted to throw out there what you guys think about it. The convertible looks really nice with the top down. The targa looks good, too, when it's taken off. So I'm really torn between both of them now.

Any opinions anyone has would be really appreciated. Thanks again for your help. This is a wonderful forum -- the best I've seen yet.


Steve (NJ)
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Old May 12, 2009 | 11:04 AM
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I prefer the targa as it maintains the chassis rigidity even with the targa off. Targas are a very rare option on a car especially in the US. Targas keep the original lines of the car even with the top off. To me they seem sportier and more purposeful. I also hate the look of convertibles in general. However the Corvette has managed to make it look very nice with the top down with the waterfull effect. But with the top up, it looks like another car with a chopped top and a come over.

-Alex
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Old May 12, 2009 | 11:16 AM
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Thanks for the reply, Alex. I appreciate it. I did notice the coupes seem to be less expensive then the convertibles. That's a consideration, too. Your car is very nice, by the way. I've always wanted a Vette since I was 12 and still haven't been able to get one. I'm now 55!!! Never say never as they say. Thanks again.

Steve
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Old May 12, 2009 | 11:21 AM
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i gotta say targa myself. Im not a big fan of the back glass being flat on the vert. and i dont like the look of the flat trunk area. I had the same decision to make and i decided targa was the best of both worlds.
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Old May 12, 2009 | 11:23 AM
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Targa!! More luggage room for weekend getaways as well. And, more choices. Open air, See-through roof, or colored roof? it is possible to have all 3. (i don't I only have 2)
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Old May 12, 2009 | 11:31 AM
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targa, for reasons listed above
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Old May 12, 2009 | 11:33 AM
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Vert all the way, there's nothing like complete top down driving..
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Old May 12, 2009 | 11:35 AM
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A targa is the best of both worlds.
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Old May 12, 2009 | 11:37 AM
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I enjoy the convertible, but my next one will be a targa top.
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Old May 12, 2009 | 11:42 AM
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Good reasons for both,............but the almost convertible appeal and safety trump it for me.......I could have had either, in C5 or C6 but I liked the C5 50th AE Coupe, 6 speed the best.

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Old May 12, 2009 | 11:44 AM
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I like both but went with a Targa because of having a top and no roll bar requirement for the track (down to 11.49).

Then I found out that the removeable hardtop suffices on a Vert down to 11.49. That's have your cake and eat it too right there.
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Old May 12, 2009 | 11:47 AM
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If you've always wanted a convertible, you should get a convertible. Personally, I prefer the targa. Looks better IMO and makes the Vette easier to live with.
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Old May 12, 2009 | 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by ZeroToSixty


a little close to that curb there Sparkie?

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Old May 12, 2009 | 12:32 PM
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I have the Targa and love it but, there is a little bit more wind with the top off compared to the convertible. Good luck in your choice.
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Old May 12, 2009 | 12:33 PM
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I'll own nothing but a vert.
Added heated seats to mine and they are great!
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Old May 12, 2009 | 12:45 PM
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my personal choice has always been a convertible (when they were available and being made. i was stuck with non verts after 1976 until they started making them again). since i notice you are located in the north east, i would think it might depend on whether or not you intend to drive your corvette year round. if you do, the targa top is more practical particularly in the foul weather you will experience for at least 1/4 of the year if not more.

when i lived up north, i always had a hard top for my convertibles and it went on every fall and came off every spring. saved the top and kept me lots warmer, lol!

just my opinions however. i have always owned convertibles, have an 04 CE in addition to my 78 pace car, and wouldn't be without a convertible in my life, but that's just me.
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Old May 12, 2009 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by jrose7004
A targa is the best of both worlds.
TARGA.....TARGA.....TARGA !!!!

(Spoken to the "Toga, Toga, Toga" chant of Animal House).
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Old May 12, 2009 | 01:13 PM
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I vote for the targa. I agree its not the same as full on top down driving, and its more of a hassel to remove and replace than a vert, but its a great compromise as it offers more safety, and looks great roof on and off. Most targas come with a transparent roof which you can either block off with a sunshade or let the light shine on through on those days where its still too cold to take the roof off.

I think convertibles look great with the roof down, but with it up it kinda looks like an afterthought to me. The hatch of the targa also helps cut down the look of that gigantic trunk lid as well.
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Old May 12, 2009 | 01:15 PM
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I have been in a vert and thought about it before my purchase. I even thought about a Z06 but once I drove in one with the targa I had to have one. I think I have had my top on once, other then that it sits in the house. Most Coupes I see roll around with theirs on and I never understood why when the weather is nice. When I did have my top on I felt closed in.
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Old May 12, 2009 | 01:22 PM
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Targa All the way !!!!!!!!!!
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