It's not BS. From Websters.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
2 entries found for convertible.
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convertible[1,adjective]convertible[2,noun]

Main Entry: 1con·vert·ible
Pronunciation: k&n-'v&r-t&-b&l
Function: adjective
1 : capable of being converted
2 : having a top that may be lowered or removed <convertible coupe>

 

After renting a rustang convertible last week in Orlando, just to see what all the fuss about a convertible was about, I have a new factor to enter into the equation.

How much does a female ride with you?

After having her hair blown all to hell and freezing to death (in 78 degree weather), my wife squawked every time I mentioned letting the top down. If I made the mistake of buying a vert, I'd only be able to let the top down when she isn't riding with me (and in my case, she's along about 70% of the time). No more than I'd be able to let the top down (and not have to listen to endless bitching), it would be a waste of time.

Yeah, yeah, I know; ditch the wife. That's neither desirable nor practical. For ME, a vert would be a dumb decision. I never have been all that thrilled with them and after last week's experience, it'd just be a pain in the rear.

 

For a one and only daily driver, get a Coupe. For a nice weather fun second car, get a Vert. Remember that the original Vettes were Verts only, like real sportscars were meant to be.

 

As long as we are making controversy where really there is none - I think it's only a matter of time until pop-up headlights come back. That's too!

What are we really arguing about here - does anyone buy a SPORTSCAR because of it's practical applications? I don't know about anyone else - but I bought my sportscar because it is fun to drive and makes me happy. Being able to carry more "stuff" in it was never a consideration. Sportscars shouldn't be about compromise - they are totally impractical and are only about what makes the owner/driver feel happy. Really who gives a flip what anyone really thinks....aren't you going to buy what makes you happy?

 

Sportscars aren't about compromise, huh?

Then yours only seats one person, has no radio or a/c either, right?

 

I think you are mistaking the word compromise for creature comforts. There is nothing wrong with having a sportscar that seats two - in fact looking back over time I think most if not all sportscars had two seats. When I think of a sportscar I think of MG's and Jaguars - in fact it was the Jaguar that the original Vette was meant to compete with.....it had two seats too.

A/C and a radio, well okay I grant that those are compromises to what the public will purchase. I can't imagine Chevrolet selling many Corvettes for $50K or more with no A/C or a radio.

What I meant is that a sportscar is intended to be a fun to drive vehicle, that will handle luggage in the trunk, etc. It wasn't meant to haul 4x8 sheets of plywood, or carry home all the stuff you need to remodel your kitchen.

I don't buy the argument that the coupe is better because it can carry more. I don't buy the argument that the car has to be uncomfortable and void of the creature comforts in order to qualify as a sportscar either.

And I don't buy the argument that the coupe is better because you can race it without a roll bar - so what? I don't race it and I don't carry lumber home in it either.

Your wife hates the convertible - my wife loves it!

Bottom line, be happy with your car, I'm happy with mine!

 

Actually, the classic definition of a sports car is one that you can legally drive on the streets and, in a pinch, race.

Given that you can't race a convertible without modification, a coupe is a more legitimate sports car than a convertible is.

I'll be the first to agree that your car should fit YOUR needs rather than what others want in it and it's a very personal decision but I draw the line at saying one is a sports car and the other isn't. I also draw the line at disregarding any practical value for storage capacity, quietness and theft prevention.

 

I live in Florida where Vette Verts can play year round......no contest here..........

Verts Rule

 

This has been a funny thread...

How about this...go drive both and see which you like better...

I personally wouldn't consider a coupe to be a convertible. The rear section of the roof doesn't remove...it's a targa top, which is nice, but it's nothing like a convertible

On looks, it's about personal preference. I personally think the FRC/Z06 and the Vert are much more masculine looking lines, but to each his own. I recently bought a 97 coupe and am converting it to a convertible with a removeable Z06 Hardtop.

On space, the coupe only has more space if you're willing to stack things such that they would obstruct your view out the rear glass. With the top up in a vert, the rear trunk area is the same (actually slightly more room left to right due to speaker design in the verts). Additionally, since the trunk area is enclosed, I don't get worried about leaving something in the trunk away from prying eyes. I know you can put the cover out in the coupe, but it's not the same. Also, you don't have to worry about objects coming forward if you happen to need to slam the brakes on in an emergency.

On speed, I don't think it limits anywhere near 10mph...even if so, that still leaves me speeds in the 165mph range. Ask yourself honestly, have you ever exceeded that speed? The fastest I've been in a C5 is 145 anyway. That was with the top down and she had plenty left.

On females, my wife hates riding with the top down. No big deal, it goes up quickly when she rides in it. To me, there's nothing like a top-down drive, and that's why I prefer the vert.

On budget, there's not question that coupes are cheaper. For many, that means being able to buy a lower mileage or newer car for the same money. That said, if you're buying used, the verts usually retain the additional expenditure for quite a while.

Many will tell you to avoid the vert due to additional maintenance. The top should last 10 years and costs about $400 if you shop smartly. It's easy enough to put on if you're not timid about this sort of thing. Yes, it also has a power antenna...it's not expensive and shouldn't need replaced terribly often. For comparison, the coupe glass targas will cost you $700 to replace if you're a smart shopper (new condition). Many need to replace these due to delam or scratching. Others need to replace them due to carelessness when they forget to latch them.

For you, you need to drive both and pick which one you really want.

Hope this helps!
Josh

 

Also, you will not likely find huge differences in wind noise if the weatherstripping is in good shape.

For theft...a professional can get in either version in under 5 seconds...they don't slit the top, so that's a non-issue...

 

To be honest and all, I love the look of both cars. I do however agree with the coupe choice. Take the targa off if you want some wind. I however think that the FRC coupe with the chopped removable top takes all of them to shame.

 

To me the coupe is the best of both worlds,, the top off with the coupe is great...plus IMO the coupe has better looking lines. I have taking rides in verts before and didnt see what all the hipe was about. a majority of vert owners that I know have always complained about the top leaking.

but in the end to each his own, therye all vetts and they are all

 

I'll let my sig do the talking.
Vert is sleeker.
Top is down more than up regardless of the weather. It is just a matter of your sniffle gear.
The wife can ride or not ride or as someone put it, it takes 1 minute to put up the top up and 30 seconds if you have the window valet.
Whoever is discussing the practicality of this car or it's storage is on drugs.
Resale value (again, not something I am worried about as this thing will travel to the grave with me.) will be better.
Butttt, lastly, what will make you happy. Mine is dropping the top after a frustrating day at work and letting the breeze flow as I accelerate in my 5.7 so my hair can blow...Girlys on standbye....oops, sorry about that, my early 90's started kicking in. Hasta,\

Jim K.

 

My vert was the first convertable I have ever owned... I did have a jeep and taking the top off for a day or two was a pain. I love the ease of dropping the top. Of course, I do not race mine and it is not a daily driver. Good luck, buy both!

 

Find a coupe to test driving with the roof off. You'll be amazed a how much wind turbulence and noise is generated. That's the main reason I bought my vert instead.

 

trut be known the coupe is the absolute best

 

Just test drive them and buy what makes you happy. It can't get more simple than that. We have seen many a post of this nature, kind of the same as the A4 vs MN6.



Tino

 

Coupe for me, I like the looks of a vert with top down but just don't care that much for the rag top look. It all boils down to what really turns your crank. Their both great cars either way.

 

My Websters:
1: Capable of being converted.
2: Automobile having a folding top.
3: Colloq. a convertible automobile.

Now. if you really think your coupe is actually a convertible, then I would recommend you add that to your sig photo's description of your ride and wait for all the laughs that will follow. Doh!!

 

Hello again Rob,

Since your '61 is a museum quality car and you don't drive it for fear of damage to it and your commute is so long over rough roads I believe you will continue to commute in your Lexus SUV regardless of whether you get a vert or a coupe. If you remember when I bought your '02 vert one of your primary reasons for selling it was fear of damage during the rough commute. If you buy a coupe you will miss the joy of cruising in the vert. Peggy and I got "your" vert out this afternoon and cruised about 20 miles in it as today was beautiful with the temperature in the 50's and we had been having nasty weather here for the past two weeks. We didn't go topless but apparently all these folks downing verts for being noisy and leaky have never riden in a C-5 vert as I have no wind noise to speak of unless I drive above 80 mph. As for leaking, I have not noticed any leaks and although I never take it out deliberately in the rain we have been caught out in the rain when on trips. Find a vert and buy it. I know you and Terri will enjoy it.

Sanford