[Z06] what is the difference between a coupe and hardtop?

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Jul 21, 2001 | 02:48 AM

-T2-

Thread Starter

Intermediate

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No flames please. Subject says it all.

Jul 21, 2001 | 03:03 AM

Zapper

Drifting

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From: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Coupe is the base Corvette with the removable " Targa type of roof panels "

Hardtop is the present Z06, former FRC Fixed roof coupe body style with the trunk similar to the convertible and the same side profile as the convertible.

Jul 21, 2001 | 06:57 AM

TulsaVette

Safety Car

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From: Tulsa OK

The coupe has a removable targa top and rear hatch area. The hardtop is a fixed roof and has a trunk.

Nov 5, 2004 | 01:45 AM

LuS1fer

Pro

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From: Mars

Essentially the FRC/Z06 are closed roof cars which means that they are 12% stiffer so handle better in taandem with the sports suspension. FRC comes with Z51 sports suspension as standard as well as the M6 gearboz and 3.42 rear end and Z06 has it's own FE4 suspension.

The FRC/Z06 has a trunk that is open to the cabin. The coupe has the glass liftback and a removable targa.

Nov 5, 2004 | 01:48 AM

jfrc

Melting Slicks

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From: Central TX

the hardtop, or "fixed roof" is lighter and stiffer, and less were made

Nov 5, 2004 | 07:22 AM

hoogbest

Racer

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Hardtop

The hardtop 405 Z06 is for men. The others are for boys and women.

Nov 5, 2004 | 07:47 AM

Michrider

Safety Car

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From: Dallas Tx

You know why a chicken coupe only has two doors?

If it had four, it would be a chicken sedan.

Nov 5, 2004 | 07:49 AM

AFVETTE

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 1999

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From: Swansea IL

In addition to what has already been mentioned, specifically the hardtop aka FRC is 12% stiffer than the coupe with it's top in place. I haven't seen any published specs about the difference when a coupe has it's top removed but I'd have to believe it's not as stiff as when the top is in place.

And as everyone knows, chassis stiffness is the Holy Grail in achieving great handling. I believe the C6 is about as stiff as the Z06.

Tom