Non - Convertible...?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 762
Likes: 125
From: Houston TX
Non - Convertible...?
I love convertibles.
My last 5 cars are convertibles, from Mustang GT, to BMW 3 series, to current Jaguar F-Type R, C5 & C7 convertibles.
Love them all.
However, looking my next C8 purchase, & debating whether the C8 convertible version will be that much different in the convertible experience vs coupe. Seems like the very little space between the headrests doesn't offer that much "openness" between top-down convertible vs top-off coupe, for the $7500 price difference & non engine view window of the coupe...
My last 5 cars are convertibles, from Mustang GT, to BMW 3 series, to current Jaguar F-Type R, C5 & C7 convertibles.
Love them all.
However, looking my next C8 purchase, & debating whether the C8 convertible version will be that much different in the convertible experience vs coupe. Seems like the very little space between the headrests doesn't offer that much "openness" between top-down convertible vs top-off coupe, for the $7500 price difference & non engine view window of the coupe...
Popular Reply
Apr 29, 2021, 04:13 PM
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,127
Likes: 3,221
From: Sunny Florida
The HTC is the Greatest Thing Ever... Seriously... I can't think of a car with a better deigned and integrated convertible top.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 581
Likes: 574
I love convertibles.
My last 5 cars are convertibles, from Mustang GT, to BMW 3 series, to current Jaguar F-Type R, C5 & C7 convertibles.
Love them all.
However, looking my next C8 purchase, & debating whether the C8 convertible version will be that much different in the convertible experience vs coupe. Seems like the very little space between the headrests doesn't offer that much "openness" between top-down convertible vs top-off coupe, for the $7500 price difference & non engine view window of the coupe...
My last 5 cars are convertibles, from Mustang GT, to BMW 3 series, to current Jaguar F-Type R, C5 & C7 convertibles.
Love them all.
However, looking my next C8 purchase, & debating whether the C8 convertible version will be that much different in the convertible experience vs coupe. Seems like the very little space between the headrests doesn't offer that much "openness" between top-down convertible vs top-off coupe, for the $7500 price difference & non engine view window of the coupe...
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 179
Likes: 120
I love convertibles.
My last 5 cars are convertibles, from Mustang GT, to BMW 3 series, to current Jaguar F-Type R, C5 & C7 convertibles.
Love them all.
However, looking my next C8 purchase, & debating whether the C8 convertible version will be that much different in the convertible experience vs coupe. Seems like the very little space between the headrests doesn't offer that much "openness" between top-down convertible vs top-off coupe, for the $7500 price difference & non engine view window of the coupe...
My last 5 cars are convertibles, from Mustang GT, to BMW 3 series, to current Jaguar F-Type R, C5 & C7 convertibles.
Love them all.
However, looking my next C8 purchase, & debating whether the C8 convertible version will be that much different in the convertible experience vs coupe. Seems like the very little space between the headrests doesn't offer that much "openness" between top-down convertible vs top-off coupe, for the $7500 price difference & non engine view window of the coupe...
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 1,244
From: Central Texas
St. Jude Donor '21
I don’t want to see the engine, I want to hear it! With the rear glass lowered you can hear the engine much better than you can in the coupe with the targa removed. The kicker for me is the ability to have full use of the trunk space with the top down, that in itself made it worth the money to me. The only benefits to the coupe that I can see are the visible engine and saving $7k, unless the lines of the car look better to you on the coupe. But it really is a personal preference thing, it’s a great car in either style.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 39
Likes: 20
From: NY
Consider Transparent Roof
My first Corvette was a (used) Convertible (1969) when I lived in FL, and I have owned a Benz with folding hardtop and Panoramic roof, and honestly the best part of it for me was the clear top. It gives a great feeling of openness at all times and temperatures. I ordered the transparent roof option on my C8 and love it, I have had it for 8 months and have only removed it twice. Even with the top on, it is like sitting in an airplane cockpit.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 762
Likes: 125
From: Houston TX
Thanks for the great points about not losing trunk space with top down.
Yes, I currently love the button up & down to cycle the convertible at least 4 times/day, to/from work, to/from lunch, so 8 times of button vs lugging targa top x 252 workdays + wkends.
Tipping back towards the vert now...
Yes, I currently love the button up & down to cycle the convertible at least 4 times/day, to/from work, to/from lunch, so 8 times of button vs lugging targa top x 252 workdays + wkends.
Tipping back towards the vert now...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 776
Likes: 432
From: Florida
I love convertibles.
My last 5 cars are convertibles, from Mustang GT, to BMW 3 series, to current Jaguar F-Type R, C5 & C7 convertibles.
Love them all.
However, looking my next C8 purchase, & debating whether the C8 convertible version will be that much different in the convertible experience vs coupe. Seems like the very little space between the headrests doesn't offer that much "openness" between top-down convertible vs top-off coupe, for the $7500 price difference & non engine view window of the coupe...
My last 5 cars are convertibles, from Mustang GT, to BMW 3 series, to current Jaguar F-Type R, C5 & C7 convertibles.
Love them all.
However, looking my next C8 purchase, & debating whether the C8 convertible version will be that much different in the convertible experience vs coupe. Seems like the very little space between the headrests doesn't offer that much "openness" between top-down convertible vs top-off coupe, for the $7500 price difference & non engine view window of the coupe...
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 767
From: Pleasant Township, OH
I don’t want to see the engine, I want to hear it! With the rear glass lowered you can hear the engine much better than you can in the coupe with the targa removed. The kicker for me is the ability to have full use of the trunk space with the top down, that in itself made it worth the money to me. The only benefits to the coupe that I can see are the visible engine and saving $7k, unless the lines of the car look better to you on the coupe. But it really is a personal preference thing, it’s a great car in either style.
Now, if you are talking about which body style is more appealing? It's a toss up for me. With the coupe, I like how the glass drops into that long rear deck, which reminds me of my C5 Z06. But the convertible looks simply awesome, especially when viewed directly from behind. You cannot beat having nacelles on a convertible. they make the car, no doubt. And finally, it's like an issue of Mechanics Illustrated come to life watching the top raising and lowering mechanism in operation. It's an engineering feat, and being able to watch all of that mechanical movement as it happens is very cool.
If I lived out west or in Florida where the sun shines more than 90 days out of the year compared to Ohio (I am stretching it a bit, but you get the point), no question, I would have bought a convertible.
Last edited by THX_ZORA; Apr 29, 2021 at 05:17 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 823
From: Wilmington Ma
I love convertibles.
My last 5 cars are convertibles, from Mustang GT, to BMW 3 series, to current Jaguar F-Type R, C5 & C7 convertibles.
Love them all.
However, looking my next C8 purchase, & debating whether the C8 convertible version will be that much different in the convertible experience vs coupe. Seems like the very little space between the headrests doesn't offer that much "openness" between top-down convertible vs top-off coupe, for the $7500 price difference & non engine view window of the coupe...
My last 5 cars are convertibles, from Mustang GT, to BMW 3 series, to current Jaguar F-Type R, C5 & C7 convertibles.
Love them all.
However, looking my next C8 purchase, & debating whether the C8 convertible version will be that much different in the convertible experience vs coupe. Seems like the very little space between the headrests doesn't offer that much "openness" between top-down convertible vs top-off coupe, for the $7500 price difference & non engine view window of the coupe...
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 2,036
From: Columbus OH
If you're driving along with the Targa top off and get caught in a pop up shower, you've got to find somewhere to park, quickly jump out and get the top out of the trunk and snapped back into place before the interior gets soaked. With the convertible, you hold the button up on the door and in 16 seconds the top is raised. And best of all you can do it driving up to 30 mph.
I've seen enough small block Chevy engines in my lifetime. Not being able to see one in my HTC is no big deal. The convenience of the hardtop convertible far outweighs looking at an engine.
I've seen enough small block Chevy engines in my lifetime. Not being able to see one in my HTC is no big deal. The convenience of the hardtop convertible far outweighs looking at an engine.
Last edited by hawk02; Apr 29, 2021 at 06:50 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,361
Likes: 4,800
From: West Burbs of Chicago IL
I love convertibles.
My last 5 cars are convertibles, from Mustang GT, to BMW 3 series, to current Jaguar F-Type R, C5 & C7 convertibles.
Love them all.
However, looking my next C8 purchase, & debating whether the C8 convertible version will be that much different in the convertible experience vs coupe. Seems like the very little space between the headrests doesn't offer that much "openness" between top-down convertible vs top-off coupe, for the $7500 price difference & non engine view window of the coupe...
My last 5 cars are convertibles, from Mustang GT, to BMW 3 series, to current Jaguar F-Type R, C5 & C7 convertibles.
Love them all.
However, looking my next C8 purchase, & debating whether the C8 convertible version will be that much different in the convertible experience vs coupe. Seems like the very little space between the headrests doesn't offer that much "openness" between top-down convertible vs top-off coupe, for the $7500 price difference & non engine view window of the coupe...
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 2,036
From: Columbus OH
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 2,036
From: Columbus OH
On those occasions, I drive around with the top up and the ac on. Not sure why the coupe would be any better.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 1,898
From: Not too far from MacMulkin
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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2021 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
It's not just the space between the headrests. The entire space behind the passenger compartment is wide open very unlike the coupe where the open part stops just behind the headrest. The wind buffeting on the HTC is far less than on the coupe. I very rarely had the Targa top off the coup for that reason as well as the inconvenience and loss of trunk space. The top on my HTC is down nearly every time I'm in it even for short grocery store runs.
If you look at the roof seams, this comparison photo I just made shows how much area is open in each.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 3,658
Likes: 1,939
You know the vert comes with a top that also goes up? And like the sun isn’t always at high noon and there’s hats and stuff?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,964
Likes: 6,768
From: Bonneville Salt Flats
the HTC and similar ilk have no appeal to me, in the least. My mom always had to have rag-tops... real converts to those of us... of a certain age (to be tactful), and these don't get it. Just sayin'... they are not the automotive end-all, do-all to everyone. Enjoy whatever you opt for. 
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 3,658
Likes: 1,939
the HTC and similar ilk have no appeal to me, in the least. My mom always had to have rag-tops... real converts to those of us... of a certain age (to be tactful), and these don't get it. Just sayin'... they are not the automotive end-all, do-all to everyone. Enjoy whatever you opt for.
When it’s up it’s like a coupe with a targa on it, and when it’s down, it’s like coupe with the targa removed. I don’t get what’s not to like other than the price and the lack of a visible engine.