Coupe vs Convertible
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,039
Likes: 2,592
From: Del Boca Vista FL
I am a convertible fan. Anybody can have a coupe. It is a great automobile. My brother and sister-in-law both have 97 coupes and they love them. It is just like every other car on the road excepting that it is a Corvette. A convertible is a completely different automobile. You have the enclosed cockpit that you wish for inclement weather or enjoying full benefit of the air conditioning or heat. You have the option to fold the top down, enjoy the sun and wind and aromas of nature while cruising down the roads. Nothing like a Spring or Summer evening cruise through the country with the top down. NOTHING!!! 
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 27,171
Likes: 228
From: Lake Michigan's South Shore IN
Totally dig the shape of the rear glass on the Coupe
The weather in my neck of the woods is either: too cool, too hot, too humid, too windy, etc... to optimally enjoy a Vert to it's full potential
Even with the quick and easy removable roof panel, only on a handful of days is it enjoyable to go topless on the Coupe
Verts also look great, but for me, that long tear dropped shaped glass has the edge to win my preference
The weather in my neck of the woods is either: too cool, too hot, too humid, too windy, etc... to optimally enjoy a Vert to it's full potential
Even with the quick and easy removable roof panel, only on a handful of days is it enjoyable to go topless on the Coupe
Verts also look great, but for me, that long tear dropped shaped glass has the edge to win my preference
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I prefer the coupe. I can have open air driving (not as much as a vert, but still good) and I have a lot of space to carry things in the car. Neither one is a bad choice though - just depends on what you prefer.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 526
Likes: 1
From: Maine
I have two convertible corvettes, and two convertible mustangs I have other cars that I drive when its to cold, or its raining. I wouldn't have bought a corvette or a mustang if the top didn't go down.
My Dad was a general sales manager at a new car dealer (1956-1976) before he decided to open up his own business. That meant he always ordered an drove a new car until it sold, the best car memory as a child was being in the back of a huge convertible on our way home from the State Fair.
If I lived in AZ it might be a different story I looked it said 108 degrees were you live today.
My Dad was a general sales manager at a new car dealer (1956-1976) before he decided to open up his own business. That meant he always ordered an drove a new car until it sold, the best car memory as a child was being in the back of a huge convertible on our way home from the State Fair.
If I lived in AZ it might be a different story I looked it said 108 degrees were you live today.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,623
Likes: 316
From: Sparks, Nevada
Wind, sun and sand, not to great for the converts up here.
I prefer the coupes myself.
Had a convert when I was much younger (57 chevy) that was a fun car, but never felt like it was really locked, even with the top up.
I prefer the coupes myself.
Had a convert when I was much younger (57 chevy) that was a fun car, but never felt like it was really locked, even with the top up.
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,820
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From: Ravensdale WA
The worst thing about a convertible is the lack of space in the car. 2 people and a tooth brush. You need to put everything in the trunk and it won't hold near as much as the coupe will. But I do like my C6 with the top down. The air blasts through the coupe with the top off and it sucks. I only took the top out once and will never do it again. Except to change between solid and clear. Convertibles don't look as good with the top up. I like the look of the C5 better than the C6 so I would not get a C5 convertible. C6s look kinda stubby when they are coupes so with them I don't care so much.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,846
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From: Orlando Florida
I had a 99 frc which I really enjoyed. Test drove lots of vettes, convertibles included and decided on a coupe this time. Glad I did because here in Florida it gets way too hot during the summer to have the top down and I prefer the look of the coupe over the soft top.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,039
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From: Del Boca Vista FL
The worst thing about a convertible is the lack of space in the car. 2 people and a tooth brush. You need to put everything in the trunk and it won't hold near as much as the coupe will. But I do like my C6 with the top down. The air blasts through the coupe with the top off and it sucks. I only took the top out once and will never do it again. Except to change between solid and clear. Convertibles don't look as good with the top up. I like the look of the C5 better than the C6 so I would not get a C5 convertible. C6s look kinda stubby when they are coupes so with them I don't care so much.
Let us not forget the C5 was designed as a convertible automobile.
For the coupe lovers, let's take a drive and enjoy the roads.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,962
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From: Richmond, Ky
Corvette desperately needs a folding hardtop. If GM can bring a Pontiac G6 with a folding hardtop to market they could do it in the Vette. A cloth top just doesn't interest me even though they look great in the down position.
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I really think it depends on your lifestyle and where you live.
I live in Florida and my convertible is not my daily driver so when I drive it, I drive it top down 99% of the time. I could not imagine living where I live and not owning a convertible. I have driven in coupes with the roof off and it's not the same experience as a driving a convertible.
However, I also like the other extreme and enjoy the feeling of a true hardtop race car. That's why my plan is to keep my C5 vert and add a C7 Z06 (?) to the stable in the upcoming years.
So I guess I will miss the coupe/removable roof option completely.
Plus, I think the C5 convertible looks pretty good with the top up. I lot better than other softop models.
I live in Florida and my convertible is not my daily driver so when I drive it, I drive it top down 99% of the time. I could not imagine living where I live and not owning a convertible. I have driven in coupes with the roof off and it's not the same experience as a driving a convertible.
However, I also like the other extreme and enjoy the feeling of a true hardtop race car. That's why my plan is to keep my C5 vert and add a C7 Z06 (?) to the stable in the upcoming years.
So I guess I will miss the coupe/removable roof option completely.
Plus, I think the C5 convertible looks pretty good with the top up. I lot better than other softop models.
Last edited by MSG C5; Jun 23, 2013 at 09:17 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,858
Likes: 30
I really like to looks of the coupes. Really really great lQQking racecar!
Being single often times blondes/brunettes look great with their hair blowing around. In addition on a long cruise I encourage & often they'll humor me and take off their tops to tan & get sun
Just one of the reasons I also opted for auto transmission on my Vert 
Being single often times blondes/brunettes look great with their hair blowing around. In addition on a long cruise I encourage & often they'll humor me and take off their tops to tan & get sun
Just one of the reasons I also opted for auto transmission on my Vert
Last edited by PeterB; Jun 23, 2013 at 10:14 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I am a convertible fan. Anybody can have a coupe. It is a great automobile. My brother and sister-in-law both have 97 coupes and they love them. It is just like every other car on the road excepting that it is a Corvette. A convertible is a completely different automobile. You have the enclosed cockpit that you wish for inclement weather or enjoying full benefit of the air conditioning or heat. You have the option to fold the top down, enjoy the sun and wind and aromas of nature while cruising down the roads. Nothing like a Spring or Summer evening cruise through the country with the top down. NOTHING!!!
I couldn't have said it better. I love the looks of my convertible as good with the top up as when it is down. Can't say the same thing about all other convertibles.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,811
Likes: 14
From: Lake Fork TEXAS
Sick vert.
I really think it depends on your lifestyle and where you live.
I live in Florida and my convertible is not my daily driver so when I drive it, I drive it top down 99% of the time. I could not imagine living where I live and not owning a convertible. I have driven in coupes with the roof off and it's not the same experience as a driving a convertible.
However, I also like the other extreme and enjoy the feeling of a true hardtop race car. That's why my plan is to keep my C5 vert and add a C7 Z06 (?) to the stable in the upcoming years.
So I guess I will miss the coupe/removable roof option completely.
Plus, I think the C5 convertible looks pretty good with the top up. I lot better than other softop models.
I live in Florida and my convertible is not my daily driver so when I drive it, I drive it top down 99% of the time. I could not imagine living where I live and not owning a convertible. I have driven in coupes with the roof off and it's not the same experience as a driving a convertible.
However, I also like the other extreme and enjoy the feeling of a true hardtop race car. That's why my plan is to keep my C5 vert and add a C7 Z06 (?) to the stable in the upcoming years.
So I guess I will miss the coupe/removable roof option completely.
Plus, I think the C5 convertible looks pretty good with the top up. I lot better than other softop models.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 203
Likes: 5
From: Nebraska
Another vote for the convertible. We were convertible people before we were Corvette owners.
I too like the look of the C-5 convertible with the top up.. Reminds me of the true root of the definition of Roadster.
The water fall between the seats when the top is down has been the subject of countless compliments.
I too like the look of the C-5 convertible with the top up.. Reminds me of the true root of the definition of Roadster.
The water fall between the seats when the top is down has been the subject of countless compliments.