Should You Buy a C8 Convertible Over the Coupe?

Obvious Choice?

In the old days of sports cars, choosing between a coupe or convertible was a fairly easy decision based on what you really wanted from a car - ultimate performance, or that wind-in-the-hair feeling. But these days, convertible sports cars are not the bloated, poor-handling mess that they used to be. So that begs the question - is the C8 convertible and its new power retracting hard top good enough to make it the obvious choice over the coupe?

Photos: Chevrolet 

Slim Margin

Many would argue that the C8 convertible is somewhat unnecessary because the coupe also features a removable roof panel. But there's something to be said for the new power retracting hardtop, an option that adds a significant $7,500 to the cost of the car. There are also a number of reasons why the drop-top is a great choice for those who don't care about getting to see their engine through the glass.

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Practical Choice

One of the niftiest things about the C8 drop-top is the fact that it offers the same amount of cargo space regardless of whether the top is up or down, and it's also equal to the coupe's. That's a stark contrast to most convertibles, which often take up some or even all of the trunk space when in use. On the other hand, the coupe's top does take up most of the rear cargo space when stowed back there, making it the less practical choice for top-down trips to the store.

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Party Trick

The C8 convertible also features a third power window in the rear that gives the driver the ability to reduce wind turbulence if so desired. With the roof up and the window down, however, it increases the LT2's cabin volume in a good way. Plus, dropping the top is guaranteed to draw a crowd every time you do it, only adding to the C8's exotic looks with a decidedly exotic party trick that's sure to impress everyone that witnesses it.

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Much the Same

And thanks to that fancy folding hardtop, the C8 convertible looks great with the top up, something that can't be said for many drop-tops. Most would never be able to tell the difference between the coupe and convertible with the top up, and the convertible even offers the same levels of wind noise and driving dynamics thanks to some clever engineering.

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Downsides

The convertible does present a few cons, of course, starting with the fact that it weighs 102 pounds more than the coupe. The car's nacelle structures limit rear visibility, and because of its design, the wind tends to hit the cabin from behind, though not quite as bad as it does in the coupe with the top removed. Finally, as previously mentioned, you won't be able to gaze at your engine through the rear panel, which is possible with the coupe.

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Worth the Cost?

Ultimately, however, the C8 convertible presents far fewer compromises than most drop-tops on the market, and that makes it a solid choice. So those that like the idea of open-air motoring will find that spending the extra $7,500 is well worth it on the latest Corvette drop-top.

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