I have the HTC for reasons already stated: no loss of trunk space when the roof is down, ease of push button roof lowering, looks better (personal preference), can lower rear window without lowering roof (nice to hear the exhaust), no need to keep the engine compartment detailed.

I might add that when I saw the C8 during the traveling roadshow, the rear hatch was open so the view of the engine was very nice. While I was recently at Spring Mountain for the Corvette Owner’s School, I noticed that with the hatch closed, the view of the engine is quite limited, it sits very low and I thought it was difficult to see it very well through the glass. I am really glad that I switched from my original plan and got the HTC instead.

 

 

The search function is garbage which probably explains seeing the same 10 or so topics on different threads every week

As a tip, you can Google “Corvetteforum (insert topic)” and get direct hits on relevant threads far more quickly than the search function can.

 

I don't like the look of the convertible with the top up or down so I went with the Coup. I also went with the edge red engine cover and passed on the appearance pkg. The cover is very visible and I really don't see having lights in there to be worth how much they charge for them and a couple CF pieces.
On another note the search function sucks and is pretty much useless.

 

Welcome. Search does work but if everyone used search there would be few new topics!

a few thoughts……. To me your either a vert person or not. Has nothing to do with the c8.

Specific to the c8 yes the top is a little complicated but any hardtop vert is. There’s a warranty for that.

ive ha mostly coupes with the glass top. Opens up the interior. But I rarely took out the top. You lose storage with the top in the trunk and also can’t haul golf clubs.

If you are a waxer and intend to sit at car shows you may prefer to have the engine showing. In my coupe I never cared about featuring the engine. One time at a golf course dude came up and asked where’s the engine…as I was getting my clubs out and it was in plain sight. Like a lot of things select options that please you….don’t worry about someone else admiring your car for 10 seconds. No wrong answers.

 

I also live in Florida and put the top down on every ride. The convertible is awesome on every level. I don't miss cleaning an engine compartment at all. I just saw somewhere that convertibles are selling for $11k more on average on the used market and it's only a $7,500 option. Lots of coupe owners have swapped to convertibles. Most people agree that the convertible looks more exotic plus it's just so much more convenient.

 

I read that the cooling in the convertible is actually better than the coupe because of all the air space above the engine in the coupe.

COMPLETELY disagree. I have never been a convertible guy even though I always drive roof off (t-tops, targa), but the C8 changed that. I have had two seat sports cars for over 30 years. Never once even considered a convertible until the C8.

Couldn't be happier with my HTC.

 

In the end, you need to go with whats best for you! After 8 months with an order for the coupe, I switched at the last minute to HTC:

• The push button feature for the top to up or down is extremely convenient. In fact, since I picked my C8 up in May, I have driven with the top down for 95% of the time - way more taking the time to remove the top on my C7 coupe previously (especially for short runs for errands!)
• The storage factor. With retirement looming, I want to take longer road trips with this vette and this was a key factor.
• I actually like the looks of the HTC better, both with the top up and down - just seems to be more sleek (IMHO).
• The rear window is very nice feature.
• As someone who details their car, I have never paid a lot of attention to the engine bay other than an occasional wiping down...with Coupe window, I could see that becoming an issue for me (for others it might not be).

Both cars are great - and once you figure out what your needs and priorities are - you'll end up with a beauty!! Good Luck!!

 

Yep, warranty will cover it for 36-months/36,000 miles but what after that? And I try to keep my vehicles away from the dealership service dept to reduce the risk of them fixing one thing (if you are fortunate) and screwing up two others in the process.
I was fairly impressed as I observed the top going up and down, however doubt the slick mechanical action will be as impressive after top has been raised and lowered dozens of times over 4-5 years. Anyway just my opinion.

 

I would imagine that long-term you would enjoy the convertible feature vs the exposed view of the engine feature after the novelty wears off. If/when I get a C8, I am planning on a Z06 HTC. I have never owned a convertible but like the the way the HTC looks and it would be nice to do something different. For reference, I would be coming from a C6Z.

 

Let's put it this way, I got my HTC in Jan, in April I'd had the top down more often than in the 5 years I owned my C7 coupe. Yes, I guess seeing the engine in a C8 coupe is cool, but, I wouldn't give up the top down at the touch of a button to see it.

If you can afford the convertible, get it. Yes it's $6,700 more, but it's only money, and I can't take it with me. I have never seen a Brinks truck backing up to a grave...

Also, if $6,700 (plus tax.. ) is a real hurt. You probably can't afford the car anyway.

 

The design itself is actually much simpler than the old hydraulic units.
In a car with a DCT, mag ride, front lift, and an engine that turns into a V4, I’d say the top is probably the simplest mechanical component.

 

I never realized how much I hated the targa on the c7 until I had the HTC. It is hands down a winner. I dont need to see the engine -Id rather see sunlight and not have to pull over and run around to remove and replace a targa. Looks like rain can always find a place to slow down and put the top up when it sprinkles. The Ac and less so seat vents keep you comfortable on those hot humid days

 

It was an easy choice for me. I sold a 14 MB E350 AMG Cabriolet last summer because the used car market was so good. My wife wanted another convertible. I managed to talk her into a C8 HTC so I sold my 09 Coupe in March and my TR HTC is being built this week.

 

OP, don't listen to this guy ^^^ He's the typical Corvette driver and the reason so many hate Corvette owners. I, personally, think you should go with the convertible and that is what I went with. I think the convertible simply looks so much better from the exterior of the car, especially from the rear. It looks more exotic imo. Hope you have a good day and get exactly what you want.

 

My C6 and C7 were coupes. To me those looked better that the convertible.

C8 HTC looks better than Coupe, so I'm getting HTC.

 

The one bad thing I could mention with the HTC, or at least my HTC, is the interior roof panels have rather large gaps that really look bad. I adjusted mine as best as I could, but it still looks pretty bad. Good thing we don't sit and stare at the headliner.

 

Not simpler, I've had/seen both.

 

It is simpler. A hydraulic unit requires a pump, seals that age, fluid that degrades with time, and in the case of softtops, the fabric would just eventually wear as it rubs on itself when stowed. Everything from the fabric to the hydraulic system was also temperature sensitive.

 

How often do you stare up at your headliner?