Coupe or Vert
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 112
Likes: 3
For me it was the C5 vert with a 6 speed the perfect Corvette for me.The vert takes a little extra care for the top and should be in a garage when not driven if possible. I live at the Jersey shore all summer so my garage is filled with beach stuff so I usually use a car cover at night to help protect the top.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 112
Likes: 3
I like the wind buffing sound and sensation when my Coupe's roof flies off because I forgot to latch it down 
FRC = Flying Roof Club
That added feeling of having all that green house glass back there heating up the hatch space, fading my Lloyd's Cargo Mat's Embroidered Logo . . .
I also like burning my hands taking off the Hot Lexicon Roof Panel on a Summer Day
FRC = Flying Roof Club
That added feeling of having all that green house glass back there heating up the hatch space, fading my Lloyd's Cargo Mat's Embroidered Logo . . .
I also like burning my hands taking off the Hot Lexicon Roof Panel on a Summer Day
Thanks for the laughs!!!!!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
my opinion is that the highest expression of a car built for fun, as the C5 definitely is, is an open car. Closest thing to a motorcycle, but much safer, I would wish that everyone might enjoy an open sports car at least once before cashing it all in.
A closed car is called a cage by motorcycle riders for good reasons. One of the big differences between an open and closed car in the mountains is being able to smell the unique odor of the different trees as one drives past the different elevations, one doesn't get that through an open window at 35mph.
Plus you re sitting out in the open, exposed, so interactions with pedestrians and others are not unusual when stopped, so more friendly. Having open air visibility , and the associated smells is not that great of a feature around cattle processing plants, but the car is fast, that helps.
unlike the convertible designs of the past, this is planed by GM to be sold as a pleasure car, probably a third car, with designs of selling to an upscale market, so leaks are an indication of poor upkeep, not a leaky design. Even the windshield was designed for open air comfort, the interior is very calm with the top down, a thoughtful design touch, until about 60mph or so.
The only downside with an open car for me is the traffic in my area causes some long stop lights. sitting still under the summer sun waiting for the light to change, feels like I am a Cheeto getting slow baked.
P.S. I should leave this alone, and I am not saying a closed car is not stiffer than an open C5, the facts are available. I point out the resonant frequencies mentioned is confusing to me because frequency would seem to have little to do with stiffness. A big church bell will have a different frequency than the various bells in an orchestra , but all are sufficiently stiff no matter the resonant frequency. To further illustrate, a metal violin string might be tuned to the same frequency as a gut or nylon string, with differing effects on rigidity, yet all having the same resonance frequency. Since everything vibrates all the time, at some level, frequency tuning would be more about having the resonance frequency outside of any areas that might effect comfort or performance.
My most extreme example of this are crew boats, the type that run between oil platforms in the gulf, or between casinos in Laughlin Nevada. The boats are constructed of welded sheet aluminum with cabins and high power below decks, so very noisy . The solution is a three inch sheet of lead under the top deck. Lead is not real stiff, but it easily changes the frequency response of the boat.
A closed car is called a cage by motorcycle riders for good reasons. One of the big differences between an open and closed car in the mountains is being able to smell the unique odor of the different trees as one drives past the different elevations, one doesn't get that through an open window at 35mph.
Plus you re sitting out in the open, exposed, so interactions with pedestrians and others are not unusual when stopped, so more friendly. Having open air visibility , and the associated smells is not that great of a feature around cattle processing plants, but the car is fast, that helps.
unlike the convertible designs of the past, this is planed by GM to be sold as a pleasure car, probably a third car, with designs of selling to an upscale market, so leaks are an indication of poor upkeep, not a leaky design. Even the windshield was designed for open air comfort, the interior is very calm with the top down, a thoughtful design touch, until about 60mph or so.
The only downside with an open car for me is the traffic in my area causes some long stop lights. sitting still under the summer sun waiting for the light to change, feels like I am a Cheeto getting slow baked.
P.S. I should leave this alone, and I am not saying a closed car is not stiffer than an open C5, the facts are available. I point out the resonant frequencies mentioned is confusing to me because frequency would seem to have little to do with stiffness. A big church bell will have a different frequency than the various bells in an orchestra , but all are sufficiently stiff no matter the resonant frequency. To further illustrate, a metal violin string might be tuned to the same frequency as a gut or nylon string, with differing effects on rigidity, yet all having the same resonance frequency. Since everything vibrates all the time, at some level, frequency tuning would be more about having the resonance frequency outside of any areas that might effect comfort or performance.
My most extreme example of this are crew boats, the type that run between oil platforms in the gulf, or between casinos in Laughlin Nevada. The boats are constructed of welded sheet aluminum with cabins and high power below decks, so very noisy . The solution is a three inch sheet of lead under the top deck. Lead is not real stiff, but it easily changes the frequency response of the boat.
Last edited by strand rider; Apr 14, 2021 at 11:44 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,359
Likes: 3,381
From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
P.S. I should leave this alone, and I am not saying a closed car is not stiffer than an open C5, the facts are available. I point out the resonant frequencies mentioned is confusing to me because frequency would seem to have little to do with stiffness. A big church bell will have a different frequency than the various bells in an orchestra , but all are sufficiently stiff no matter the resonant frequency. To further illustrate, a metal violin string might be tuned to the same frequency as a gut or nylon string, with differing effects on rigidity, yet having the same resonance frequency. Since everything vibrates all the time, at some level, frequency tuning would be more about having the resonance frequency outside of any areas that might effect comfort or performance.
My most extreme example of this are crew boats, the type that run between oil platforms in the gulf, or between casinos in Laughlin Nevada. The boats are aluminum with cabins and high power below decks, so very noisy . The solution is a three inch sheet of lead under the top deck. Lead is not real stiff, but it easily changes the frequency response of the boat.
My most extreme example of this are crew boats, the type that run between oil platforms in the gulf, or between casinos in Laughlin Nevada. The boats are aluminum with cabins and high power below decks, so very noisy . The solution is a three inch sheet of lead under the top deck. Lead is not real stiff, but it easily changes the frequency response of the boat.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 239
From: Redondo Beach CA
. Hey, it happens, perhaps some kind of digital controls would be useful.
just trying to add something of possible interest, sorry if the quality didn't measure up, but don't let it get you down. I frequently have the exact same complaint, and more often than I would care to admit.
At least it wasn't a response saying , hey it's you decision, when opinions are asked for. We already know who is making the decision, that is not the point of a conversation seeking others opinions. But it keeps happening, in almost every post seeking insight from others about buying decisions primarily dealing with cosmetic implications
just trying to add something of possible interest, sorry if the quality didn't measure up, but don't let it get you down. I frequently have the exact same complaint, and more often than I would care to admit.
At least it wasn't a response saying , hey it's you decision, when opinions are asked for. We already know who is making the decision, that is not the point of a conversation seeking others opinions. But it keeps happening, in almost every post seeking insight from others about buying decisions primarily dealing with cosmetic implications
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,861
Likes: 4,664
Please post it.....Also, being on the forum a long time or joining two weeks ago has little to do with knowledge. I have NEVER seen 12% difference, which is considerable, posted ANYWHERE. To say the Z06 is nearly 25% stiffer, I wouldn't buy that high of a figure if I was drunk......
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,861
Likes: 4,664
. Hey, it happens, perhaps some kind of digital controls would be useful.
just trying to add something of possible interest, sorry if the quality didn't measure up, but don't let it get you down. I frequently have the exact same complaint, and more often than I would care to admit.
At least it wasn't a response saying , hey it's you decision, when opinions are asked for. We already know who is making the decision, that is not the point of a conversation seeking others opinions. But it keeps happening, in almost every post seeking insight from others about buying decisions primarily dealing with cosmetic implications
just trying to add something of possible interest, sorry if the quality didn't measure up, but don't let it get you down. I frequently have the exact same complaint, and more often than I would care to admit.
At least it wasn't a response saying , hey it's you decision, when opinions are asked for. We already know who is making the decision, that is not the point of a conversation seeking others opinions. But it keeps happening, in almost every post seeking insight from others about buying decisions primarily dealing with cosmetic implications
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 26
Likes: 10
From: Helotes (San Antonio area) Texas
Coupe or Vert? It’s Your Call. But here’s mine.
If there are threads that address this topic, please direct me.
Miata driver planning to purchase a C5 for cruising mountain roads of North Carolina. I've test driven C5 verts and coupes. I like both. Probably an age-old question, but I would appreciate some input on the subject for things I may not have considered. Which you prefer, and why? Thanks
Miata driver planning to purchase a C5 for cruising mountain roads of North Carolina. I've test driven C5 verts and coupes. I like both. Probably an age-old question, but I would appreciate some input on the subject for things I may not have considered. Which you prefer, and why? Thanks
Where you live might influence your choice, but even when I lived in the Chicago suburbs, I had a Mustang convertible for those nice summer days up north — just fewer opportunities up there to drop the top.
Really, the only downside of the convertible is that the coupe gives you a bit more luggage space for tall items. But the C5 convertible has a decent trunk. I can fit 2 large golf bags easily in the trunk, or several suitcases. The convertible roof is well padded, so it’s not as noisy as you may think. That said, it’s not a quiet car, since you get a lot of noise from the rear tires reverberating through the trunk which doesn’t have a wall separating it from the cabin. I would imagine the coupe (which is essentially a hatchback) has the same problem, however.
All that said, it’s really your call! As several others said, take test drives in both. Either way, the C5 is an excellent — and reliable —choice.
Hope that helps!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 776
From: Göteborg, Sweden, Europe
2025 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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@Wild Blue I live in Sweden, I wanted a vert. I am 6.3 and my head is close to the roof, without the roof, it is much better, I am claustrophobic in any normal car. I drive the corvette all year long, which means more often with the roof than without 
I put the roof down as much as I can. It is better if you have a garage for the soft top...when all weather strips are 20years old.
be aware, the "water fall"of the vert is a "air fall", if the air is chilled, your right arm and passenger left side will be chilled. 3 airplane cabin size luggages in the trunk is what you can get. Prefer soft than hard, you can then squeeze them a bit. If it is too sunny, as said earlier, the cab will be covered, and you will probably uncover during the night, which is an interesting experience also.
smelling what there is to smell is part of the experience, forget about the radio, focus on your engine and/or the birds, all depends on your speed...and rev.
the vert is a specific experience, as mentioned by others.... any Corvette is a great experience.
TCFS
I put the roof down as much as I can. It is better if you have a garage for the soft top...when all weather strips are 20years old.be aware, the "water fall"of the vert is a "air fall", if the air is chilled, your right arm and passenger left side will be chilled. 3 airplane cabin size luggages in the trunk is what you can get. Prefer soft than hard, you can then squeeze them a bit. If it is too sunny, as said earlier, the cab will be covered, and you will probably uncover during the night, which is an interesting experience also.
smelling what there is to smell is part of the experience, forget about the radio, focus on your engine and/or the birds, all depends on your speed...and rev.
the vert is a specific experience, as mentioned by others.... any Corvette is a great experience.
TCFS
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 157
Likes: 48
From: Charlevoix, Mi
I bought a coupe. Never considered a C5 vert. I had a soft top convertible car once before and someone cut the roof to steal my stereo. I know some will say a targa isn't the same experience as a true vert, but I think it's a good trade off in practicality. C8 HTC is the best of both worlds.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 112
Likes: 3
my opinion is that the highest expression of a car built for fun, as the C5 definitely is, is an open car. Closest thing to a motorcycle, but much safer, I would wish that everyone might enjoy an open sports car at least once before cashing it all in.
A closed car is called a cage by motorcycle riders for good reasons. One of the big differences between an open and closed car in the mountains is being able to smell the unique odor of the different trees as one drives past the different elevations, one doesn't get that through an open window at 35mph.
Plus you re sitting out in the open, exposed, so interactions with pedestrians and others are not unusual when stopped, so more friendly. Having open air visibility , and the associated smells is not that great of a feature around cattle processing plants, but the car is fast, that helps.
unlike the convertible designs of the past, this is planed by GM to be sold as a pleasure car, probably a third car, with designs of selling to an upscale market, so leaks are an indication of poor upkeep, not a leaky design. Even the windshield was designed for open air comfort, the interior is very calm with the top down, a thoughtful design touch, until about 60mph or so.
The only downside with an open car for me is the traffic in my area causes some long stop lights. sitting still under the summer sun waiting for the light to change, feels like I am a Cheeto getting slow baked.
P.S. I should leave this alone, and I am not saying a closed car is not stiffer than an open C5, the facts are available. I point out the resonant frequencies mentioned is confusing to me because frequency would seem to have little to do with stiffness. A big church bell will have a different frequency than the various bells in an orchestra , but all are sufficiently stiff no matter the resonant frequency. To further illustrate, a metal violin string might be tuned to the same frequency as a gut or nylon string, with differing effects on rigidity, yet all having the same resonance frequency. Since everything vibrates all the time, at some level, frequency tuning would be more about having the resonance frequency outside of any areas that might effect comfort or performance.
My most extreme example of this are crew boats, the type that run between oil platforms in the gulf, or between casinos in Laughlin Nevada. The boats are constructed of welded sheet aluminum with cabins and high power below decks, so very noisy . The solution is a three inch sheet of lead under the top deck. Lead is not real stiff, but it easily changes the frequency response of the boat.
A closed car is called a cage by motorcycle riders for good reasons. One of the big differences between an open and closed car in the mountains is being able to smell the unique odor of the different trees as one drives past the different elevations, one doesn't get that through an open window at 35mph.
Plus you re sitting out in the open, exposed, so interactions with pedestrians and others are not unusual when stopped, so more friendly. Having open air visibility , and the associated smells is not that great of a feature around cattle processing plants, but the car is fast, that helps.
unlike the convertible designs of the past, this is planed by GM to be sold as a pleasure car, probably a third car, with designs of selling to an upscale market, so leaks are an indication of poor upkeep, not a leaky design. Even the windshield was designed for open air comfort, the interior is very calm with the top down, a thoughtful design touch, until about 60mph or so.
The only downside with an open car for me is the traffic in my area causes some long stop lights. sitting still under the summer sun waiting for the light to change, feels like I am a Cheeto getting slow baked.
P.S. I should leave this alone, and I am not saying a closed car is not stiffer than an open C5, the facts are available. I point out the resonant frequencies mentioned is confusing to me because frequency would seem to have little to do with stiffness. A big church bell will have a different frequency than the various bells in an orchestra , but all are sufficiently stiff no matter the resonant frequency. To further illustrate, a metal violin string might be tuned to the same frequency as a gut or nylon string, with differing effects on rigidity, yet all having the same resonance frequency. Since everything vibrates all the time, at some level, frequency tuning would be more about having the resonance frequency outside of any areas that might effect comfort or performance.
My most extreme example of this are crew boats, the type that run between oil platforms in the gulf, or between casinos in Laughlin Nevada. The boats are constructed of welded sheet aluminum with cabins and high power below decks, so very noisy . The solution is a three inch sheet of lead under the top deck. Lead is not real stiff, but it easily changes the frequency response of the boat.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 112
Likes: 3
. Hey, it happens, perhaps some kind of digital controls would be useful.
Just trying to add something of possible interest, sorry if the quality didn't measure up, but don't let it get you down. I frequently have the exact same complaint, and more often than i would care to admit.
At least it wasn't a response saying , hey it's you decision, when opinions are asked for. We already know who is making the decision, that is not the point of a conversation seeking others opinions. But it keeps happening, in almost every post seeking insight from others about buying decisions primarily dealing with cosmetic implications
Just trying to add something of possible interest, sorry if the quality didn't measure up, but don't let it get you down. I frequently have the exact same complaint, and more often than i would care to admit.
At least it wasn't a response saying , hey it's you decision, when opinions are asked for. We already know who is making the decision, that is not the point of a conversation seeking others opinions. But it keeps happening, in almost every post seeking insight from others about buying decisions primarily dealing with cosmetic implications
thank you!!!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 112
Likes: 3
I bought a lightly used 2003 50th Anniversary convertible in 2009. Only 22K miles on it at the time. I’ve had it 12 years now and still love it. It’s only got 51K miles now. (I have 3 other cars, so none get lots of miles). I live in San Antonio, so we have something like 300 days of sunshine and I wanted the convertible.
Where you live might influence your choice, but even when I lived in the Chicago suburbs, I had a Mustang convertible for those nice summer days up north — just fewer opportunities up there to drop the top.
Really, the only downside of the convertible is that the coupe gives you a bit more luggage space for tall items. But the C5 convertible has a decent trunk. I can fit 2 large golf bags easily in the trunk, or several suitcases. The convertible roof is well padded, so it’s not as noisy as you may think. That said, it’s not a quiet car, since you get a lot of noise from the rear tires reverberating through the trunk which doesn’t have a wall separating it from the cabin. I would imagine the coupe (which is essentially a hatchback) has the same problem, however.
All that said, it’s really your call! As several others said, take test drives in both. Either way, the C5 is an excellent — and reliable —choice.
Hope that helps!
Where you live might influence your choice, but even when I lived in the Chicago suburbs, I had a Mustang convertible for those nice summer days up north — just fewer opportunities up there to drop the top.
Really, the only downside of the convertible is that the coupe gives you a bit more luggage space for tall items. But the C5 convertible has a decent trunk. I can fit 2 large golf bags easily in the trunk, or several suitcases. The convertible roof is well padded, so it’s not as noisy as you may think. That said, it’s not a quiet car, since you get a lot of noise from the rear tires reverberating through the trunk which doesn’t have a wall separating it from the cabin. I would imagine the coupe (which is essentially a hatchback) has the same problem, however.
All that said, it’s really your call! As several others said, take test drives in both. Either way, the C5 is an excellent — and reliable —choice.
Hope that helps!
Thank you! Great assessment and input.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 112
Likes: 3
@Wild Blue I live in Sweden, I wanted a vert. I am 6.3 and my head is close to the roof, without the roof, it is much better, I am claustrophobic in any normal car. I drive the corvette all year long, which means more often with the roof than without I put the roof down as much as I can. It is better if you have a garage for the soft top...when all weather strips are 20years old.
be aware, the "water fall"of the vert is a "air fall", if the air is chilled, your right arm and passenger left side will be chilled. 3 airplane cabin size luggages in the trunk is what you can get. Prefer soft than hard, you can then squeeze them a bit. If it is too sunny, as said earlier, the cab will be covered, and you will probably uncover during the night, which is an interesting experience also.
smelling what there is to smell is part of the experience, forget about the radio, focus on your engine and/or the birds, all depends on your speed...and rev.
the vert is a specific experience, as mentioned by others.... any Corvette is a great experience.
TCFS
I put the roof down as much as I can. It is better if you have a garage for the soft top...when all weather strips are 20years old.be aware, the "water fall"of the vert is a "air fall", if the air is chilled, your right arm and passenger left side will be chilled. 3 airplane cabin size luggages in the trunk is what you can get. Prefer soft than hard, you can then squeeze them a bit. If it is too sunny, as said earlier, the cab will be covered, and you will probably uncover during the night, which is an interesting experience also.
smelling what there is to smell is part of the experience, forget about the radio, focus on your engine and/or the birds, all depends on your speed...and rev.
the vert is a specific experience, as mentioned by others.... any Corvette is a great experience.
TCFS
Thank you. I really like your input. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. I didn't know that about the water fall.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 112
Likes: 3
It’s a matter of personal opinion. I hate riding in convertibles. I find the wind noise very irritating. I have a coupe but very rarely take the top off. Every time I do It reinforces why I don’t like verts. Also, the large luggage area in the coupe is a big plus for me.
Great answer describing something I wondered about. "I have a coupe but very rarely take the top off." That is a very pertinent answer.