Convertible vs. Hard Top
10-27-2009, 05:35 PM
#1
Instructor
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Convertible vs. Hard Top
Thinking of a new GS and can't decide between the drop top or hard top. I live in FL so the drop top can be used all year. Opinions?
10-27-2009, 05:43 PM
#2
Safety Car
Depends. If you plan on racing it, get the coupe. Actually, that's the only reason I can think of for a Florida resident to buy a coupe. I actually prefer the coupe over the convertible, no matter where I live, because I think once you put the top down on a convertible you sort of lose the silhouette of the car. JMHO
10-27-2009, 05:45 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
Verts are a great crusin ride .Had a 98 vert.I live in the NE maybe 6 months of top down time. Wanted a Z so no choice. I would consider a GS vert as a replacement maybe after GM gets real,AGAIN, with their price gouging on something new. For all year use a Vert is a no brainer imo.
10-27-2009, 05:53 PM
#5
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Depends. If you plan on racing it, get the coupe. Actually, that's the only reason I can think of for a Florida resident to buy a coupe. I actually prefer the coupe over the convertible, no matter where I live, because I think once you put the top down on a convertible you sort of lose the silhouette of the car. JMHO
I don't like the look with the top up because it has too much back end.
On the other hand, it doesn't look half bad with the top down.
10-27-2009, 06:11 PM
#6
Burning Brakes
10-27-2009, 06:18 PM
#7
Racer
The C6 vert is the best engineered convertible ever. My 06 is as squeak and rattle free as the day I drove it home.
Get the Vert - unless you are planning to track the car.
10-27-2009, 06:24 PM
#8
Team Owner
10-27-2009, 06:30 PM
#9
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I live on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I put my top down every chance I get. Especially in the summer. Heat & Humidity aren't a problem when you're "cruisin". 
10-27-2009, 06:34 PM
#10
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Thank all for the input. I am tending towards the vert. Yes Florida can get sweltering in July & Aug. but I live on the ocean so there is seldom a day with out the ocean breeze. Inland Florida is a different story completely. I could not do the interior of Florida in the summer.
10-27-2009, 06:36 PM
#11
Drifting
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I love my wide body vert!
10-27-2009, 06:46 PM
#12
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Skin cancer, security concerns, half the luggage space and poorer looks with the top up work against the convertible. But what is nicer than cruising with the top down on a balmy evening (if licensed to carry)? The convertible is also quieter. Unless you autocross I would avoid the GS and go with the F55 option on a standard convertible or coupe to gain far superior road handling and ride comfort, and to reduce very considerable tire replacement costs by over 50%.
10-27-2009, 06:48 PM
#13
Safety Car
Do you prefer to drive with the top on or off? Many people around here buy convertibles, and then on sunny days, they drive with the top up!
I was debating coupe vs. convertible when I bought my 2007. I went with a coupe because of the trunk space (for road trips), security, and rigidity of the chassis. Plus I could take the top off, and have open air whenever I wanted.
I've quickly come to realize - I should have gotten the 'vert! Although the trunk space is great, I only have taken 2 road trips, and I very rarely leave the car anywhere I would need to worry about the top getting cut. But I would drop the top pretty much every time I got in the car. As it is, the coupe's roof panel really never leaves the trunk.
But if you're the type of driver who wouldn't put the top down every chance you get, the coupe may be a good alternative.
I was debating coupe vs. convertible when I bought my 2007. I went with a coupe because of the trunk space (for road trips), security, and rigidity of the chassis. Plus I could take the top off, and have open air whenever I wanted.
I've quickly come to realize - I should have gotten the 'vert! Although the trunk space is great, I only have taken 2 road trips, and I very rarely leave the car anywhere I would need to worry about the top getting cut. But I would drop the top pretty much every time I got in the car. As it is, the coupe's roof panel really never leaves the trunk.
But if you're the type of driver who wouldn't put the top down every chance you get, the coupe may be a good alternative.
I would rather have it all off, not just half.
10-27-2009, 06:59 PM
#15
Melting Slicks
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The Vert is the way to go when you are in a area with decent weather.
Below 55 dgrs the top goes up. Above 90 and it goes up.
Nothing like a sports car with a vert, especially the Vette.
I have 8 months that I run with it down.
Below 55 dgrs the top goes up. Above 90 and it goes up.
Nothing like a sports car with a vert, especially the Vette.
I have 8 months that I run with it down.
10-27-2009, 07:27 PM
#17
Le Mans Master
Vert fer sure! The only time I have wished I had the coupe was when thinking of the rare track day. Someday maybe I'll buy an old used coupe for that reason. Til then it's top down, baby!
10-27-2009, 07:59 PM
#18
Team Owner
I would get the Vert.
10-27-2009, 08:09 PM
#19
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Definitely the vert. I live in Florida too and the heat is only an issue if you make it one. If it's not raining the top is down. If I were in the market for a GS it would be a triple black vert.
10-27-2009, 08:25 PM
#20
Race Director
Almost as idiotic as paying a premium to get a car you intend to gut and cage.