Coupe vs. Vert
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 962
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta Georgia
Coupe vs. Vert
Question:
I would love a vert..but its just not in my budget. Is the coupe without the top on almost or just as good? Is there a big difference? thanks for everyones help.
I would love a vert..but its just not in my budget. Is the coupe without the top on almost or just as good? Is there a big difference? thanks for everyones help.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,497
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From: Scottsdale AZ
I sold a Mercedes convertible when I bought my C6 coupe and frankly, I like the coupe cabin. Here in the summer, the coupe cools more quickly, but in more moderate weather, having the top off has that open airy feeling but with more "security" than an open car - - if that makes any sense.
I recently bought the smoke lexan top and although July/August might change my perspective, it sure seems to be a nice balance as things start warming up.
Just my .02 - - -good luck!
I recently bought the smoke lexan top and although July/August might change my perspective, it sure seems to be a nice balance as things start warming up.
Just my .02 - - -good luck!
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Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Chattanooga, TN
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Seems to me that having a coupe you can afford to drive is better than having a vert that has to sit in the garage because you are strapped on cash flow.
Your mileage may vary...
Your mileage may vary...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,858
Likes: 1
From: Burlington County NJ
i think you will get biased asnwers cause the people that have verts seem to be very loyal to them. personally, i like the look of the couple better. but to answer your question, I think when the top is off, it feels just like a convertible and kinda looks like one (except from the rear of the car)
if youre not certain that you can afford the vert - then why take the risk... i think people that get verts are dead set on them and apparently youre not.
oh and dont listen to anyone who says "if you can afford the coupe, you should be able to afford the vert) since theyre not the same price, this statement makes no sense.
if youre not certain that you can afford the vert - then why take the risk... i think people that get verts are dead set on them and apparently youre not.
oh and dont listen to anyone who says "if you can afford the coupe, you should be able to afford the vert) since theyre not the same price, this statement makes no sense.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 679
Likes: 5
From: Caught between the moon and New York City TX
Before I got my C6 I drove a 96 CE LT4 coupe for almost 10 years. There's no shame in driving a coupe, but...
The coupe with the top off is almost as good as a vert, but not really. It's still a coupe with the top off. That doesn't make it bad. It just makes it different. One of the noticeable differences is that there is a lot more turbulence in the cockpit on the coupe with the top off than in a top down vert at highway speed.
One area where the coupe is superior is on one of those 100* days with the transparent top on and the a/c blasting at full tilt is much more tolerable than a vert with the top down on the same day.
Each style of car has there good points and bad points. They're really two different cars. Get the one that fits your lifestyle and budget.
The coupe with the top off is almost as good as a vert, but not really. It's still a coupe with the top off. That doesn't make it bad. It just makes it different. One of the noticeable differences is that there is a lot more turbulence in the cockpit on the coupe with the top off than in a top down vert at highway speed.
One area where the coupe is superior is on one of those 100* days with the transparent top on and the a/c blasting at full tilt is much more tolerable than a vert with the top down on the same day.
Each style of car has there good points and bad points. They're really two different cars. Get the one that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 24,592
Likes: 44
From: The Rock Arkansas
Elite Member
Cruise-In III Veteran
I've had a C5 coupe for 6 years and have really enjoyed it. There is alot of noise and buffeting with the targa top off at speeds higher than say 50 mph.
I have ordered a C6 Vert and am looking forward to the difference. I love it's lines with the top down and want to get that true open air experience.
I have ordered a C6 Vert and am looking forward to the difference. I love it's lines with the top down and want to get that true open air experience.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 1
From: Corvallis Oregon
I had my 2005 coupe for almost two years. I really liked it, but I was jonesing for another vert. The top off is just not the same. I recently purchased my 2006 vert at a very reasonable price. I am very happy with my new vert.
I have had convertibles for years and there is nothing like it.
Pros -
Coupe:
Can do track days.
Better storage.
Can read Nav unit.
Wind is a LITTLE better.
Vert:
Top is easier and quicker to put up and down.
Wind is good.
Can do Parades and Homecomings.
Work on your tan better.
Just as good with the top up during bad/cold weather.
No Roof recall.
No Cons for either ... its a Vette! 
Patrick
I have had convertibles for years and there is nothing like it.
Pros -
Coupe:
Can do track days.
Better storage.
Can read Nav unit.
Wind is a LITTLE better.
Vert:
Top is easier and quicker to put up and down.
Wind is good.
Can do Parades and Homecomings.
Work on your tan better.
Just as good with the top up during bad/cold weather.
No Roof recall.
No Cons for either ... its a Vette!
Patrick
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 25,455
Likes: 3
From: Damn Connecticut Yankee
If you want a hardtop, get the coupe.
You can lift the top off the coupe, but the rest of the roof and that expanse of rear glass remain. It's pretty much a glorified sun roof. Look in your rear view mirror...it's still a coupe. Not that that's bad...but it's not open air motoring.
In addition, the C6 is a little too narrow and a little too tall. The coupe magnifies this. The vert, with the top down, visually lowers the vehicle and brings it back into proportion.
You can lift the top off the coupe, but the rest of the roof and that expanse of rear glass remain. It's pretty much a glorified sun roof. Look in your rear view mirror...it's still a coupe. Not that that's bad...but it's not open air motoring.
In addition, the C6 is a little too narrow and a little too tall. The coupe magnifies this. The vert, with the top down, visually lowers the vehicle and brings it back into proportion.
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,762
Likes: 2
Personally I like the fact the coupe has more trunk space. Less cost is a definite plus as well. I've never been a fan of convertibles. Actually if they'd make a base model with a fixed roof I'd buy that one in a heartbeat. It's all personal preference really. But like others have said I don't think you can go wrong with any Corvette.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 210
From: Las Vegas Nevada
2020 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
My first two vettes were coups and my last three vettes have been convertibles. I can't imagine the day that I would buy another coupe. The convertible is the way to go.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
I prefer the coupe and I enjoy going topless but it is not the same open-air feeling that the vert offers. I actually prefer the lines of the coupe, it has superior cargo space, I believe it's better insulated when I run the a/c in the hot Arizona summer, it offers better roll-over protection and I can run the car on a track without having to install a roll-bar.
The targa top may be more of a glorified sun roof but I still like it. While not a vert, if offers the best of both worlds to me.
The targa top may be more of a glorified sun roof but I still like it. While not a vert, if offers the best of both worlds to me.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 554
Likes: 1
From: California
I owned a 99 C5 Vert and an 04 Coupe. I thought I was going to buy the Vert in the C6 until I saw it and the Coupe together. Preferred the look of the coupe. It is a bit more work putting the top in the hatchback, but you get more storage area, and the removable top is 15% larger on the C6 than it was on the C5, so it feels perfectly fine as a top off vehicle. If anything, there is actually a bit MORE turbulent air in the coupe as compared to the Vert. I think you will be perfectly happy.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,905
Likes: 569
From: Bucks County PA
I have both a 2005 Vert and a 2007 Coupe.
With the top off both are GREAT.
However, the manual Vert top is much easier to put up and down.
Although the Coupes removeable top is light, after back surgery taking it on and off involves some weird manuevers due to its size.
Other than that the Targa is great.
Howard
With the top off both are GREAT.
However, the manual Vert top is much easier to put up and down.
Although the Coupes removeable top is light, after back surgery taking it on and off involves some weird manuevers due to its size.
Other than that the Targa is great.
Howard
Pro
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 602
Likes: 0
From: Seminole Florida
I had my 2005 coupe for almost two years. I really liked it, but I was jonesing for another vert. The top off is just not the same. I recently purchased my 2006 vert at a very reasonable price. I am very happy with my new vert.
I have had convertibles for years and there is nothing like it.
Pros -
Coupe:
Can do track days.
Better storage.
Can read Nav unit.
Wind is a LITTLE better.
Vert:
Top is easier and quicker to put up and down.
Wind is good.
Can do Parades and Homecomings.
Work on your tan better.
Just as good with the top up during bad/cold weather.
No Roof recall.
No Cons for either ... its a Vette!
Patrick
I have had convertibles for years and there is nothing like it.
Pros -
Coupe:
Can do track days.
Better storage.
Can read Nav unit.
Wind is a LITTLE better.
Vert:
Top is easier and quicker to put up and down.
Wind is good.
Can do Parades and Homecomings.
Work on your tan better.
Just as good with the top up during bad/cold weather.
No Roof recall.
No Cons for either ... its a Vette!
Patrick
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,617
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Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
Living in New England I never felt that I'd get my monies worth from a Convertible. I love the look of the convertible, but only when the top is down. With that said, I love my coupe. I'm on my third coupe. The feeling of rushing along with the top off is amazing but I don't think it quite "equals" a convertible. If you can do it, get the coupe. These are awesome cars and it would be a shame to not experience it over the convertible top. Not to mention that the coupe has twice as much available storage as the convertible so if you plan any long road trips that may come in to play. Either way, enjoy the ride.
Paul
Paul
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
I've had a C5 coupe for 6 years and have really enjoyed it. There is alot of noise and buffeting with the targa top off at speeds higher than say 50 mph.
I have ordered a C6 Vert and am looking forward to the difference. I love it's lines with the top down and want to get that true open air experience.
I have ordered a C6 Vert and am looking forward to the difference. I love it's lines with the top down and want to get that true open air experience.
I love the Convertible for its looks and fully top off experience, but I must admit that the C6 coupe with the top off feels a lot like a convertible. I honestly think the issue is more subjective than objective. Convertible lovers are just never going to feel the same in a coupe with the top off. And I can say that because I am a convertible lover. I actually may go back to a coupe when the '08's come out because I'm having a hard time with the price difference, expecially now that the $2,000 power top is forced on us if we want the 3LT package.
Bottom line is that I think you will be satisfied with the coupe unless it's just a mental issue that every time you see a vert you lust in your heart for one.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 193
From: By The Hook NJ
Saying that the coupe has more storage than the vert is misleading. What happens when you take the top off and stow it? You lose almost all of your storage, while the vert's storage is virtually unchanged. Top up-top down, you can still carry a couple of suitcases. Besides, who buys a vette based on trunk space?
I like em both, but I like the vert more.
I like em both, but I like the vert more.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
I've rode motorcycles for years and loved the feel of the wind. I sold my last one a few years ago. When i test drove the vert all the good feeling came back from the days on my bike i was sold and have loved every minute of spending a little more for the vert. The feel of driving the vert and the wind is just great.
Last edited by bugn; Apr 9, 2007 at 08:52 AM.