Sink

In my search of the forum and looking for the perfect C7 for me, I see discussion about noise levels comparing the 2. Convertible is quieter with the top up. Same as in the 350z I currently have. What about with the top down compared to the targa top removed at hiway speeds? I read that its hard to talk in the coupe. How about in the convertible? I'm used to the convertible as we have 2 of them. The Volvo C70 with the rear air dam in place is pretty quiet as is the 350z. Is there an air dam available for the C7?
Signed
Searching in Nebraska

Blue666's

I've heard from multiple people that the convertible is quieter than the coupe with both tops down. The coupe at highway speeds is pretty noisy. I don't have my C7 Vert yet, but I've ridden in a Convertible and a Coupe and to me, the coupe was more noisy at freeway speeds.

dmhines

I have never been in a Coupe .. but I can tell you there is 0 turbulence in a convertible with the top down. Radio can be heard with no problem and I have even been on highway using Phone with Bluetooth with top down. I have heard there is turbulence in the Coupe.

L8ter

If you like an open cockpit get the convertible. The top off in the coupe is not a good substitute, unless you keep it under 45mph. Jmo

Foosh

Correct, the convertible is also quieter with the top down because the airflow is smoother (more undisturbed) over the top of the car. While both obviously have considerable wind noise at highway speeds, the rear cargo area causes a buffeting noise to develop in coupes at higher speeds with the targa top off.

Similar unpleasant buffeting sounds occur in many vehicles with large open sunroofs, which most people prefer to leave closed at highway speeds.

pdiddy972

I like my coupe with the roof off, even at speed. I don't find the wind noise that distracting though it is hard to hear a phone call if one comes in.

Dave98

I would think you would be happy with either a hardtop or convertible. My first vette was a targa and I primarily drove it with the top stored in the hatch and constantly taking in off and on was a bit of a pain. In contrast, the soft top can be taking down with a push of a button at speeds up to 30 mph. You do loose a bit of storage with the convertible, but still enough for a weekend trip. The wind noise is limited and I think it's quieter that my Wrangler with the hardtop installed

Kevin A Jones

In addition to liking the open cockpit feeling, I personally like the looks/lines of the C7 convertible better than the coup. Of course that's just personal preference and not saying one is better than the other.
My convertible is surprisingly quite top up or down, which is definitely not the case in the much earlier roadsters.

dvilin

No doubt about it the Convertible is quieter than the Coupe top up and top down. Had a Coupe and with the top off at highways speeds the noise and turbulence was terrible.

vbdenny

I've had convertibles before and found them way too hot. The wind never bothered me but the sun and heat did. Night cruising in a convertible is nice. I got the coupe and never take the top off so can't comment on wind noise. Interior noise is moot for me as I didn't even consider that when buying the car. Not as quiet as my previous Lexus but really not bad at all. Very much a personal choice.

Harry2

I previously had two C6 coupes, then a C6 GS vert, and now just traded in a C7 Z51 vert for a GS vert, for me, the vert is best. Regarding noise, with the top down, I definitely notice more noise in my GS vs. my previous Stingray, I assume because of the wider tires, but worth the minor increase in road noise. Top up, very quiet!

Hopper12

We've had 2 C7 coupes. Almost bought a vert but, in the end, the extra 5 cf of storage was important to us because we go on long road trips and wanted the extra space. (but the 10 cf in the vert is amazing to me - nicely done).

I use a decibel meter in many cars I buy because I like to know if I'm going to be happy with them in the long run. On the same type of road, with top up, the vert was 1-2 decibels lower than the coupe (both Z51). That's not a ton, but very noticeable.

I have not done any measurements with top down/off. But my son and I just drove 80 miles thru the mountains with the coupe top off and had no issues conversing. My wife and I have had several occasions with the coupe top off and the wind buffeting, etc. has never been an issue.

As far as vert vs. top off coupe motoring and which is more enjoyable - that's personal choice. We've owned 30+ verts, and have one now (C3). Definitely more open in a vert (surprise!), but the coupe with top off is very satisfying to me/us too.

In addition, sound deadening makes a big difference in a coupe. I installed Crazy Cowboys extreme kit in the Z51 and it lowered the db by 2-3 as measured by my friends professional meter on the same road, same speed, etc. I have a kit for our GS - just haven't installed it yet but will before our fall road trip. Hope this helps.

Foosh

If it's too hot, you put the top up by simply slowing down to 30mph. You don't even have to stop. Generally, with a good shade hat, and moving at speed, the wind keeps it comfortable even on a 90º day.

Corgidog1

My vert is reasonably quiet with the top down-have not driven a coupe. To me the C7 is a toy so why not get the most "toy" out of it with a vert-as long as your don't plan on tracking the car.

thill444

You live in Nebraska so have to way the pros and cons of the coupe vs convertible. Also everyone here is talking about highway speeds, so it would probably help if the OP would discuss more about where he drives. I rarely go on the highway and take my hard top on and off all the time and there is some wind noise but it's not bad at all under 50-60mph. If you are doing lots of highway driving with the top off/down I think the convertible makes sense. But living in New England I prefer a hard top.

Foosh

Often, my top goes up and down 3-6 times a day, and always in motion, on my 60-mile round-trip to work every day. It's a combination of country roads, city, and highway. That's the advantage of the convertible. Try that in a coupe.

For that reason, and that reason alone, I don't think I'll ever purchase another 2-seat coupe.

MichaelO

I have no problem with wind or noise with my GS Vert. I do have a rear wind deflector which cuts down turbulence a bit. When the top is down and it gets too hot, I just put the air conditioning on full blast.

Skid Row Joe

To me, there's just too many drawbacks to all around comfort and convenience to ever go with a coupe.

thill444

How is a coupe less comfortable and convenient? The coupe has way more storage and the seats steering wheel, legroom, etc is the same, no?

jimmyb

Thankfully, this thread hasn't turned into the usual "coupe vs. convertible" threads!

Both bodies have their +/-

Coupe:
Can be tracked
More storage space
Less expensive to buy

Convertible:
Much easier to enjoy open air motoring
Quieter

I prefer convertibles (all 5 of my Corvettes have been convertibles), but both bodies are great. You pays your money and you makes your choice!