Coupe vs Convertible
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,338
Likes: 66
From: Whittier California
I think the targa looks better, the real issue with verts being they look odd with the top up, and there are lots of weird colored tops.
Get the car you really want. This is a toy, not an appliance. You had best get your dream or you won't be happy, and you'll just buy your dream later.[/QUOTE]
I don't care for the looks of the vert with the top up, but with the top down, it's beautiful.
Get the car you really want. This is a toy, not an appliance. You had best get your dream or you won't be happy, and you'll just buy your dream later.[/QUOTE]
I don't care for the looks of the vert with the top up, but with the top down, it's beautiful.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,153
Likes: 859
From: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
My first vette was a '00 Mag. Red vert. Loved the car, but rarely put the top down. (Sofftop worthy days are few and far between in ABQ) Sold it and upgraded to an '04 Z06, and later an '09 ZR1. I might consider another vert if I lived on the coast, or were retired, but neither of those things will be happening in the foreseeable future. 
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I wanted the extra storage area that the coupe offered and I just happen to like the lines of the coupe better than the vert. Strictly a personal preference. Whether a vert or coupe, it is a great car.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,771
Likes: 940
From: Orlando Florida
Better half needs a chair or walker to get around when we arrive somewhere. No room for the chair equals better half not going.
Or, shudder at the thought, taking her Subaru instead... Fine car for an AWD box with 145hp and sissy stick, but does not scratch the itch.
Or, shudder at the thought, taking her Subaru instead... Fine car for an AWD box with 145hp and sissy stick, but does not scratch the itch.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
Likes: 532
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
When I had my C5 Vert, I loved the fact that I could go from top up to down, or down to up, in a matter of 10 seconds, while sitting at a traffic light. Never leave the driver's seat, and swap the top. Try that with a coupe.
The C5 vert leaks like a sieve, so if you DD the car and drive in the rain, it can be a pita. I can't speak for the C5 coupe, I haven't owned one. But given the number of folks who've had leaks into the passengers footwell and messed up the BCM, I'll say they also have the potential to leak. Then again, folks with Z's here recently have had leak issues.
The C5 vert leaks like a sieve, so if you DD the car and drive in the rain, it can be a pita. I can't speak for the C5 coupe, I haven't owned one. But given the number of folks who've had leaks into the passengers footwell and messed up the BCM, I'll say they also have the potential to leak. Then again, folks with Z's here recently have had leak issues.
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Michael S. Palmer
Pro
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 594
Likes: 194
From: Back in North Central OH
I was torn between the two myself. The convertible with the top down is a great looking car. With the top up, I liked the coupe better. After owning a Mustang GT and a Mustang Cobra the last few years both yellow with black tops.) I discovered that it's awful hot with the tops down. I settled on the coupe because of the targa feature, but also discovered that with the top out at 70MPH, the wind noise is much worse than the convertible. Generally we just cruise in the evening when it's cooler and it's never driven in bad weather. Drive them both and pick the one you like best. Either way you won't go wrong.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 152
Likes: 69
From: Michigan
C5 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
When I had my C5 Vert, I loved the fact that I could go from top up to down, or down to up, in a matter of 10 seconds, while sitting at a traffic light. Never leave the driver's seat, and swap the top. Try that with a coupe.
The C5 vert leaks like a sieve, so if you DD the car and drive in the rain, it can be a pita. I can't speak for the C5 coupe, I haven't owned one. But given the number of folks who've had leaks into the passengers footwell and messed up the BCM, I'll say they also have the potential to leak. Then again, folks with Z's here recently have had leak issues.
The C5 vert leaks like a sieve, so if you DD the car and drive in the rain, it can be a pita. I can't speak for the C5 coupe, I haven't owned one. But given the number of folks who've had leaks into the passengers footwell and messed up the BCM, I'll say they also have the potential to leak. Then again, folks with Z's here recently have had leak issues.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
Likes: 532
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Mine was a 98. Even after replacing the top, if you drove in light rain at highway speeds, it would leak at the back of the window. Was infuriating. Was only a drop here and there, but everything I tried was to no avail.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Kelso Washington
St. Jude Donor '09, '13, '15
This is my first and only Corvette so far and I originally went with having a coupe because the looks remind me of the C2 Stingrays. But I also like that I have a nice combination of security, looks. and luggage space while still being able to remove the top and enjoy the absence of a roof (except goodbye then to the luggage space).
The downside in comparison to a true convertible is the wind buffeting that comes with the removed top. It's not great at speed, but fantastic around town. The thought of dealing with a worn/soiled cloth top also throws me off the vert and that a vert looks best only with the top down.
Good luck in being happy with whatever you choose.
The downside in comparison to a true convertible is the wind buffeting that comes with the removed top. It's not great at speed, but fantastic around town. The thought of dealing with a worn/soiled cloth top also throws me off the vert and that a vert looks best only with the top down.
Good luck in being happy with whatever you choose.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,510
Likes: 240
From: Coconut Creek FL
Z06 for the win! I live in South Florida where you can pretty much drive a vette year round, love the look of the hard top, and while I’ve had all coupes before- I don’t miss the top off at all in this awesome car!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 747
Get what you want/like better, those of us giving you opinions aren't going to be driving your car lol. I personally don't like 95% of all convertibles because they all seem to change the body lines and/or look a little "off" with the top up. Especially when they're on the freeway and the top gets that bubbled/rounded look to it. Targa was the best of both worlds for me. Looks "natural" with the top on, which is 80-90% of the time I'm driving it, and if I feel like taking the top off, it takes 3 minutes. Plus, as you mentioned, more storage is always a bonus 
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Charlevoix, Mi
Or maybe a C8. 80s fbodies were pretty good looking.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
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Joined: May 2015
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Well, my bride started me down the path of 'verts with a LeBaron. Back when the earth was flat 'verts were cold and noisy. Her's was warm in the winter and quieter than I remember. We progressed through Chrysler 'verts. When I retired, I was sold on them, hence the 'vert for me. Love it and the 6 speed.