I am a complete Corvette newbie hoping to get a C5 in the near future.
I see the terms "coupe" and "hardtop" used. What is the difference? I am thinking that one of them does not have the removable roof panel??

And of the two, is there any difference in the storage room in the "trunk" under the rear window?
Thank you.
Oldesalt on Camano Island, Washington

 

The term "hardtop" is sometimes used to refer to the "Fixed Roof Coupe". See description below.The C5 has 3 types, the Coupe, the Convertible, and the Z06. There was also a pre- Z06 model called a "Fixed Roof Coupe" as well. This was supposed to be a "cheaper" version of the Corvette and only was available in the 1999-2000 model years. It looks like the Z06 model that came after it in terms of the roof line/back window but does not have the additional power and performance features of the Z06.

The Convertible is a soft retractable roof (manual mechanism) and has a small but decent sized trunk. The Z06 and the Fixed Roof Coupe have the same trunk, and a "fixed" hard roof, (no removable panel) with more of a notch style back. The Z06 also has 55 more horsepower and cannot be equipped with an automatic transmission. It also has some other performance upgrades. The Coupe has a removable one piece Roof panel ("Targa" style), along with a hatchback style back with a very large cargo area. The removable roof panel is easily removed with 3 latches and can be stored in the hatchback cargo area.

 

The coupe comes with the removable roof panel. (targa top) The back also lifts up like a hatchback. It's probably got more storage space than any other 2 seat sports car out there. The car in my avatar is a coupe. They were made during the entire model run from 1997 to 2004.

Hardtop is another word for an FRC. (fixed roof coupe) The top on those is not removable. And the rear of the car has different styling from the coupe. Instead of a flowing fastback look like the coupe, the FRC resembles a convertible with a hardtop roof. It was originally designed to be the entry level model. But the price difference didn't amount to much. They were kind of known as the hardcore model, since they are about 100lbs lighter than a coupe and all FRC came with manual transmissions and Z51 suspension (both of which are optional on a coupe). And the FRC frame is marginally stiffer than a coupe, because it has the reinforcement from the convertible frame as well as the coupe.

The FRC was made in 99 and 2000. In 2001, FRC's evolved into the Z06. A Z06 is basically an FRC body but with an LS6 engine, larger wheels, and suspension even more track focused than the Z51, to compliment the higher hp of the LS6. The FRC and Z06 have a conventional trunk instead of a hatch back. I don't know how much they hold since I've never looked inside.

Basically if you're trying to decide between a coupe and FRC, the deciding factor is what looks better to you, and whether or not you want to give up the targa roof for a stiffer frame. Honestly, I don't think the frame is anything you would notice unless you're running timed laps. The C5 coupe is already much stiffer than previous Corvette models. So whatever looks better to you is probably the main difference.

The coupes are available with automatic or manual transmissions. And they had 3 different suspension options. Soft ride (more like a luxury car) or Z51 (more like a sports car) suspensions, or optional adjustable suspension. Although the replacement adjustable shocks are quite expensive. All of the FRCs came with manual transmissions and Z51 suspensions.

 

I think the above poster has it pretty nailed down.

Coles notes version: You want an 01-04 Z06 or a 99-00 FRC.

 

I say either a coupe or a Z06.
Z06 makes the FRC obsolete.
I prefer the looks and features of the coupe, but I wish I had an LS6.

 

Disagree. The FRC gets you most of the way to the Z06 with the body style and suspension, add your cam and heads and it's pretty hard to compete

 

The choice of which body style is a personal preference - do you want the open air driving experience that the coupe and convertible offer or is the closed compartment of the FRC/Z06 OK? Either way, there is not a wrong choice. Drive some examples of each and then decide.

As for the available storage room in the C5, if that is a concern, the coupe has the largest amount. All three offer a lot of room in the passenger compartment and the ease of entry/exit is much better than in previous generations.

Overall, the C5 is a very capable car performance wise that can be had for a very reasonable price.

 

Storage in the coupe is very good when you do not have the roof stored in the cargo area.

With the roof stored the cargo space drops quite a bit. However the roof is stored in a way that there is a good amount of room under it. This is good for flat items. You can also get stuff along side it (not much) and between the roof and the back seats. Takes some creativity. But you can still manage to get a decent amount of stuff in there.

 

Storage in the convertible is sufficient for two golf bags.

 

That is what I got 1999 FRC ( hardtop )



Stage 2 heads, Cam, long tubes, 3.90 gears runs pretty good

 

Trunk space in my convertible - and that is with the top DOWN...no complaints!

 

Osalt.....all the 3 C5 bodystyles have been well described and all wonderful corvettes. You should get out and drive one of each and see what suits you.

 

I REALLY wanted a Z06. Loved the performance, loved the look, hated the FRC from the inside and needed the additional space on the coupe. Previous owner added the Z06 rear brake ducts, I added C6 Z06 shocks. I would like to have the M12, but I will take the targa top over a tighter 1-5.

 

Why did you hate the FRC from the inside ? Just the lack of space ?
I don't think you could get 6 way power sport seats on the Z06 either ?
Yeah the M12 would be nice. 1-3 and 5-6 are tighter. The M6 and M12 both have the same 4th gear ratio. Another downside to the Z06 is they don't have as many color options. I don't take the targa off that much, but I could use the extra hp and torque everyday. Honestly, if I was buying a C5 all over again, I'm more inclined now than I was before to get a Z06. I suppose a good option would be to put a blower on my LS1.

 

Since there are technically two coupes, I call one of them a hardtop, and the other a hatchback...it cuts down on the confusion...

 

You can make a hatchback perform like a Z06, but you can't make a hardtop look like a hatchback...

 

Easy to differentiate; The coupes and verts are the good looking vettes ...the z06 and Frc are butt ugly and look like the cabin has been cut in half

 

You do realize the suspension on a Z06 and FRC are different right? As in not close.

 

Observations from a blind man. . I am a huge C5 fan. Coupe, Z whatever. I have had a few coupes and a bunch more Z06's. It's my favorite but I think all C5's are great and a tremendous value.