Targa vs. Vert
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Targa vs. Vert
I am considering buying a Vette here soon. I really like the C5, but I have a couple questions about the difference in the tops...
How hard is it to remove the Targa top? I don't know anyone with a C5, that is why I am asking. I am going to be buying this for my wife as much as for me, so I just wanted to know how hard it was...
Is the Vert hand or automatic? How durable are the tops?
Sorry if this REALLY basic stuff, but like I said, I have no-one to ask...
Thanks
How hard is it to remove the Targa top? I don't know anyone with a C5, that is why I am asking. I am going to be buying this for my wife as much as for me, so I just wanted to know how hard it was...
Is the Vert hand or automatic? How durable are the tops?
Sorry if this REALLY basic stuff, but like I said, I have no-one to ask...
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 11,467
Likes: 8
From: 972 and 405
Vert is not automatic. Removing the vert top is easier than the targa. However my previous car was a targa also(Supra) so I am used to it. Also the Vette targa is very simple to remove. Three latches and it is very light. However, if you are shorter it might be a problem because of the awkwardness of trying to remove it by yourself but I have no problems at all removing or putting it back on
-Alex
-Alex
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,361
Likes: 51
From: Dallas Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
Honestly the best way to decide is to know whether you like the rear hatch window look or the Z06 fastback look. I prefer the Z06 so the C5 was one of the first Vert's of any kind that I saw that I actually liked the look with the top up too...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
I love my targa. It is an excellent design and very easy to remove. Once removed, it fits perfectly in the rear hatch area and held in place by spring loaded levers. It is quite ingenious. I am completely satisfied with mine.
I am sure that the convertibles are also excellent designs however, I don't know anyone with one so I can't really comment.
I am sure that the convertibles are also excellent designs however, I don't know anyone with one so I can't really comment.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 45,000
Likes: 585
I love my vert, BUT if I had to do it all over again, I would probably get a coupe. I had a C3 and a C4 and was very accustomed to accessing the space behind the seat from inside. The vert prevents that. Trunk only or you get out and fold the seat back forward.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
St. Jude Donor '06
I sold my coupe and recently bought a vert. Although, I liked the coupe a lot it just wasn't quite open enough with the roof panel off.
The targa top weighs about 21 pounds so it's easy to remove, and it stores nicely in the back.
Can't go wrong with either, just a personal preference really. Coupe has a little more storage space if you travel. But the vert. trunk is pretty generous.
Good luck
Nick
The targa top weighs about 21 pounds so it's easy to remove, and it stores nicely in the back.
Can't go wrong with either, just a personal preference really. Coupe has a little more storage space if you travel. But the vert. trunk is pretty generous.
Good luck
Nick
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Eugene Oregon
I'm biased. I have a vert and wouldn't trade it for a coupe. There is nothing like the fun and feel of driving with the top down (putting the top up or down is very easy and quick for man or woman). However, I only drive my car in good weather. If you're going to use the car all kinds of weather (ie a daily driver), I'd lean to the coupe. I do suggest you drive both the coupe and the vert before making a decision. Enjoy. The car will put a smile on your face.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9,594
Likes: 959
From: Palm Harbor not far from Sebring Florida
St. Jude Donor '11
Oldtimer
One thing you may want to think about is your location. I live in West Central Florida, and the summer is hot with high humidity, so in my opinion, a roadster (old school, cannot bring myself to refer to them as vert) would not be for me. Almost everyone I see in the summer is running with the top up and the A/C going. There is more room in the hatch area except when the top is off and stored there.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 234
From: SW Nuh Hampsha
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
I'm biased. I have a vert and wouldn't trade it for a coupe. There is nothing like the fun and feel of driving with the top down (putting the top up or down is very easy and quick for man or woman). However, I only drive my car in good weather. If you're going to use the car all kinds of weather (ie a daily driver), I'd lean to the coupe. I do suggest you drive both the coupe and the vert before making a decision. Enjoy. The car will put a smile on your face.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,108
Likes: 26
From: 4th on the list of top 100 in USA Ga.
One big advantage of the coupe is that if you go on a vacation with it you will have tons more room for luggage,and if you have a wife/GF with you, you will need it.I had a vert and while I loved it the coupe is so much more practicle,if you have the top down on the vert there is virtually no trunk.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
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From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
I have a coupe, would not have it any other way.
The top is pretty easy to remove, no big deal. With the top on, you have a good amount of storage space in the back that you don't have with a vert. Each person is different, but for me, having the top off is having the top off, whether it was a vert or coupe. I like the lines much better on the coupe also than the vert.
TO each his own they are all vettes and all
The top is pretty easy to remove, no big deal. With the top on, you have a good amount of storage space in the back that you don't have with a vert. Each person is different, but for me, having the top off is having the top off, whether it was a vert or coupe. I like the lines much better on the coupe also than the vert.
TO each his own they are all vettes and all
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
From: SW FL
Targa FTW! I've had a couple ragtops in the past, non-Vette, and have enjoyed both thoroughly. However, there are drawbacks to owning them, mainly water intrusion when rolling down windows, occassional leaks (although targas can do this too), wind noise, loss of trunk space, and additional cost to repair in the long run. Personally I was considering a convertible Vette, but after seeing how nice the targa top looks when on (especially with the painted version, looks just like a coupe) and having the full rear hatch with window I wouldn't go drop-top just to gain the open air behind my head. Besides, having the entire car open behind your head vs. just the top introduces a LOT of extra wind (sometimes good, sometimes bad). Hope that makes sense! Either way though, both are great options that have their pros and cons
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 798
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From: Notorious Miami sunny south florida
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Ohio