Grand Sport coup or convertible
04-06-2018, 11:02 PM
#41
Safety Car
Test drive a vert to see if it is for you (OP). If you were into motorcycles you may enjoy the convertible.
A Corvette c7 convertible is:
1. Something to worry about being broken into/vandalized by any yahoo with a knife. Have not heard that happening in years. Reaching over the top of a closed window is not easy. Spring loaded center punch works well on a coupes rear glass,
2. A car with a piece of rotting cloth for a top which requires extensive maintenance (and $30/can snake oil) to keep it from rotting. Not an issue with modern top materials. I have never used the top treatments, only car wash soap.
3. A car you don't want to leave outside to weather the elements. Would not want to keep an uncovered coupe outside either. Bird crap etches the paint.
4. A racetrack car, (especially if you opt for the track-prepared GS or Z06), which is an oxymoron. You cannot drive the convertible on most tracks unless you fit it with a rollbar. google c7 convertible rollbar....wait for it....wait, wait, wait Valid point but what percentage of coupes make it to the track more that a few times a year?
5. GM laughs at the thought of a rollbar in a c7 vert If there is a will there is a way.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...roll-bars.html
6. A car whose top collects tree sap, bird poop, and anything else that falls from the sky, as a stain. Not an issue. See #2.
7. A vette that has a very limited resale market, and climatalogically is limited to summer months for highest resale value. I could argue that verts are more rare thus keeping resale values for those looking for a vert.
8. A C7 with a bedonka donk butt compared to its more svelte coupe sibling. Subjective, the rear view on a coupe looks weird with that trapezoidal window.
9 A car with a passenger compartment storage capacity of 2 1-quart baggies. Valid point but not too hard to work around.
10. A car with another set of motors, switches and fragile top framework to go wrong. Your right. I should have bought a 1LT or 1LZ instead of a 3LZ.
11. The only car I consider to be a true sportscar, my first car in 1975 (Sunbeam Alpine), my current C7 sportscar in 2018, un-replaceable by a coupe sportscar when I tried, and hopefully will be my last car when I punch out. ?
12. In the fall, top down on a cool day, on a backroad with vibrant colored fall foilage - priceless. Absolutely correct. Here in Florida it is more like 90% of days.
13. The vert is much more quieter than a coupe by having a separation between the cabin and the large bass drum in the back of the coupe.
1. Something to worry about being broken into/vandalized by any yahoo with a knife. Have not heard that happening in years. Reaching over the top of a closed window is not easy. Spring loaded center punch works well on a coupes rear glass,
2. A car with a piece of rotting cloth for a top which requires extensive maintenance (and $30/can snake oil) to keep it from rotting. Not an issue with modern top materials. I have never used the top treatments, only car wash soap.
3. A car you don't want to leave outside to weather the elements. Would not want to keep an uncovered coupe outside either. Bird crap etches the paint.
4. A racetrack car, (especially if you opt for the track-prepared GS or Z06), which is an oxymoron. You cannot drive the convertible on most tracks unless you fit it with a rollbar. google c7 convertible rollbar....wait for it....wait, wait, wait Valid point but what percentage of coupes make it to the track more that a few times a year?
5. GM laughs at the thought of a rollbar in a c7 vert If there is a will there is a way.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...roll-bars.html
6. A car whose top collects tree sap, bird poop, and anything else that falls from the sky, as a stain. Not an issue. See #2.
7. A vette that has a very limited resale market, and climatalogically is limited to summer months for highest resale value. I could argue that verts are more rare thus keeping resale values for those looking for a vert.
8. A C7 with a bedonka donk butt compared to its more svelte coupe sibling. Subjective, the rear view on a coupe looks weird with that trapezoidal window.
9 A car with a passenger compartment storage capacity of 2 1-quart baggies. Valid point but not too hard to work around.
10. A car with another set of motors, switches and fragile top framework to go wrong. Your right. I should have bought a 1LT or 1LZ instead of a 3LZ.
11. The only car I consider to be a true sportscar, my first car in 1975 (Sunbeam Alpine), my current C7 sportscar in 2018, un-replaceable by a coupe sportscar when I tried, and hopefully will be my last car when I punch out. ?
12. In the fall, top down on a cool day, on a backroad with vibrant colored fall foilage - priceless. Absolutely correct. Here in Florida it is more like 90% of days.
13. The vert is much more quieter than a coupe by having a separation between the cabin and the large bass drum in the back of the coupe.
Last edited by Keppler; 04-06-2018 at 11:07 PM.
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04-06-2018, 11:22 PM
#42
I want to correct some misinformation in this thread regarding storage/luggage space, as long as you still want to look out the rear window.
There is as much room in a Vert with the top up vs. a Coupe with the top on (I've had both). Put the partition down in the Vert, and lo and behold, there is just as much space as the Coupe. With the Vert top down vs. the Coupe top stored in the back, I bet there is probably more room in the Vert.
There is as much room in a Vert with the top up vs. a Coupe with the top on (I've had both). Put the partition down in the Vert, and lo and behold, there is just as much space as the Coupe. With the Vert top down vs. the Coupe top stored in the back, I bet there is probably more room in the Vert.
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04-06-2018, 11:34 PM
#43
^ Absolutely correct.
04-06-2018, 11:45 PM
#44
People like to talk about extra cargo room in a coupe but the space is worthless if you remove the top and store it in the cargo area. It's either that or leave it at home. Security wise I don't see much difference. Any car can be broken into. Just don't leave items in the car to tempt thieves. Plus the convertible has a trunk to hide items from view. Finally, removing the roof panel in no way compares to completely dropping the top. Any clue as to what I recommend?
04-07-2018, 02:22 PM
#45
Le Mans Master
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Simple stated, you're a Vert person or you're not. For me, if the top don't drop I just can't buy it. The best way to find out is to drive both on the same beautiful day, then you'll know. All of our opinions are just that......and you know what they say about opinions. Good luck on your decision.
This link may help you a bit.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...b-section.html
This link may help you a bit.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...b-section.html
Last edited by Rebel Yell; 04-07-2018 at 07:06 PM.
04-07-2018, 02:33 PM
#46
I want to correct some misinformation in this thread regarding storage/luggage space, as long as you still want to look out the rear window.
There is as much room in a Vert with the top up vs. a Coupe with the top on (I've had both). Put the partition down in the Vert, and lo and behold, there is just as much space as the Coupe. With the Vert top down vs. the Coupe top stored in the back, I bet there is probably more room in the Vert.
There is as much room in a Vert with the top up vs. a Coupe with the top on (I've had both). Put the partition down in the Vert, and lo and behold, there is just as much space as the Coupe. With the Vert top down vs. the Coupe top stored in the back, I bet there is probably more room in the Vert.
04-07-2018, 02:40 PM
#47
Le Mans Master
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A Corvette c7 convertible is:
1. Something to worry about being broken into/vandalized by any yahoo with a knife
2. A car with a piece of rotting cloth for a top which requires extensive maintenance (and $30/can snake oil) to keep it from rotting.
3. A car you don't want to leave outside to weather the elements.
4. A racetrack car, (especially if you opt for the track-prepared GS or Z06), which is an oxymoron. You cannot drive the convertible on most tracks unless you fit it with a rollbar. google c7 convertible rollbar....wait for it....wait, wait, wait
5. GM laughs at the thought of a rollbar in a c7 vert
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...roll-bars.html
6. A car whose top collects tree sap, bird poop, and anything else that falls from the sky, as a stain.
7. A vette that has a very limited resale market, and climatalogically is limited to summer months for highest resale value.
8. A C7 with a bedonka donk butt compared to its more svelte coupe sibling.
9 A car with a passenger compartment storage capacity of 2 1-quart baggies.
10. A car with another set of motors, switches and fragile top framework to go wrong.
11. The only car I consider to be a true sportscar, my first car in 1975 (Sunbeam Alpine), my current C7 sportscar in 2018, un-replaceable by a coupe sportscar when I tried, and hopefully will be my last car when I punch out.
12. In the fall, top down on a cool day, on a backroad with vibrant colored fall foilage - priceless.
1. Something to worry about being broken into/vandalized by any yahoo with a knife
2. A car with a piece of rotting cloth for a top which requires extensive maintenance (and $30/can snake oil) to keep it from rotting.
3. A car you don't want to leave outside to weather the elements.
4. A racetrack car, (especially if you opt for the track-prepared GS or Z06), which is an oxymoron. You cannot drive the convertible on most tracks unless you fit it with a rollbar. google c7 convertible rollbar....wait for it....wait, wait, wait
5. GM laughs at the thought of a rollbar in a c7 vert
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...roll-bars.html
6. A car whose top collects tree sap, bird poop, and anything else that falls from the sky, as a stain.
7. A vette that has a very limited resale market, and climatalogically is limited to summer months for highest resale value.
8. A C7 with a bedonka donk butt compared to its more svelte coupe sibling.
9 A car with a passenger compartment storage capacity of 2 1-quart baggies.
10. A car with another set of motors, switches and fragile top framework to go wrong.
11. The only car I consider to be a true sportscar, my first car in 1975 (Sunbeam Alpine), my current C7 sportscar in 2018, un-replaceable by a coupe sportscar when I tried, and hopefully will be my last car when I punch out.
12. In the fall, top down on a cool day, on a backroad with vibrant colored fall foilage - priceless.
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04-07-2018, 02:42 PM
#48
Coupe!
If the Corvette came as a Hardtop option, like BMW, I would consider it... otherwise no fan of Soft tops...👎
If the Corvette came as a Hardtop option, like BMW, I would consider it... otherwise no fan of Soft tops...👎
04-07-2018, 03:21 PM
#49
Pro
Okay, here's my experience FWIW. First, I never owned a convertible, never rode in a convertible, and never really had any desire to own one.
THEN, 4 years ago looking for a "Happy Birthday to Me" present for making it to "65", I was checking out my local dealer websites and ran across a new C7 priced within my price range, a M7 (a must) and options were perfect, but it was a Vert. It was a beautiful 80 degree day, so I went for a test drive and the rest is history.
Point here is that if you are even thinking a Vert is a possibility, you must test drive one with the top down and then you should have your answer.
THEN, 4 years ago looking for a "Happy Birthday to Me" present for making it to "65", I was checking out my local dealer websites and ran across a new C7 priced within my price range, a M7 (a must) and options were perfect, but it was a Vert. It was a beautiful 80 degree day, so I went for a test drive and the rest is history.
Point here is that if you are even thinking a Vert is a possibility, you must test drive one with the top down and then you should have your answer.
Last edited by monicatomokc; 04-07-2018 at 03:28 PM.
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04-07-2018, 05:01 PM
#50
Advanced
Okay, here's my experience FWIW. First, I never owned a convertible, never rode in a convertible, and never really had any desire to own one.
THEN, 4 years ago looking for a "Happy Birthday to Me" present for making it to "65", I was checking out my local dealer websites and ran across a new C7 priced within my price range, a M7 (a must) and options were perfect, but it was a Vert. It was a beautiful 80 degree day, so I went for a test drive and the rest is history.
Point here is that if you are even thinking a Vert is a possibility, you must test drive one with the top down and then you should have your answer.
THEN, 4 years ago looking for a "Happy Birthday to Me" present for making it to "65", I was checking out my local dealer websites and ran across a new C7 priced within my price range, a M7 (a must) and options were perfect, but it was a Vert. It was a beautiful 80 degree day, so I went for a test drive and the rest is history.
Point here is that if you are even thinking a Vert is a possibility, you must test drive one with the top down and then you should have your answer.
04-08-2018, 04:42 AM
#51
Racer
My first vette was a convertible. I tried out a coupe thinking I would like it, nope not at all. I love my top down. As, I can not ride motorcycles anymore, closet I can get. Nothing like the blue ridge parkway with top down. As, far as not having much trunk space you dont. I pack liked I did on my electra glide and went cross country with what I needed. No big deal, matter fact it is where you dont take to darn much. My vert is not loud from road noise, not hot in summer or cold in winter, as it goes each has their own reason to own one or the other. Your money, your desire, your choice.
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04-08-2018, 12:29 PM
#52
OWC6 covered this in her post by stating "if you want to look out the rear window." Sure, if you stack a coupe to headliner, you can cram more in.
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04-08-2018, 12:41 PM
#53
Pro
I wish they would build a fixed roof hardtop like the C5s. My C6 Z06 did not have a targa and it was one of my favorite features. Also, solid as a rock with no rattles. I just had to worry about that LS7 dropping a valve.
04-08-2018, 12:48 PM
#54
04-08-2018, 02:01 PM
#55
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My first vette was a convertible. I tried out a coupe thinking I would like it, nope not at all. I love my top down. As, I can not ride motorcycles anymore, closet I can get. Nothing like the blue ridge parkway with top down. As, far as not having much trunk space you dont. I pack liked I did on my electra glide and went cross country with what I needed. No big deal, matter fact it is where you dont take to darn much. My vert is not loud from road noise, not hot in summer or cold in winter, as it goes each has their own reason to own one or the other. Your money, your desire, your choice.
Also, we have taken four cross country trips in Corvette Convertibles with no problems at all. Just pack sensibly.
04-08-2018, 02:30 PM
#56
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2. A car with a piece of rotting cloth for a top which requires extensive maintenance (and $30/can snake oil) to keep it from rotting.
3. A car you don't want to leave outside to weather the elements.
4. A racetrack car, (especially if you opt for the track-prepared GS or Z06), which is an oxymoron. You cannot drive the convertible on most tracks unless you fit it with a rollbar. google c7 convertible rollbar....wait for it....wait, wait, wait
5. GM laughs at the thought of a rollbar in a c7 vert
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c7-general-discussion/3596703-what-does-gm-have-against-roll-bars.html
5. GM laughs at the thought of a rollbar in a c7 vert
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c7-general-discussion/3596703-what-does-gm-have-against-roll-bars.html
So don't track it. How many people track their corvettes, really? OF COURSE a vert is not for the track, but for most of us that is irrelevant.
6. A car whose top collects tree sap, bird poop, and anything else that falls from the sky, as a stain.
7. A vette that has a very limited resale market, and climatalogically is limited to summer months for highest resale value.
8. A C7 with a bedonka donk butt compared to its more svelte coupe sibling.
9 A car with a passenger compartment storage capacity of 2 1-quart baggies.
10. A car with another set of motors, switches and fragile top framework to go wrong.
11. The only car I consider to be a true sportscar, my first car in 1975 (Sunbeam Alpine), my current C7 sportscar in 2018, un-replaceable by a coupe sportscar when I tried, and hopefully will be my last car when I punch out.
12. In the fall, top down on a cool day, on a backroad with vibrant colored fall foilage - priceless.
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04-08-2018, 03:18 PM
#57
Burning Brakes
Lot of info here and strong opinions, as expected. Bottom line, go drive both.
For me, there was never a question- it would be a convertible. Not just because the Corvette was conceived as a rag-top from it's inception but because it is a very different feel and experience. I developed a love for Corvettes thanks to a guy who owned maroon C2 as a teen but appreciated a convertible thanks to a Fox-body Mustang. Poor example of convertible execution but was a wonderful experience.
Have owned a few rag-tops over the years and have to say the C7 execution (including my last Corvette being a C6 convertible) is one of the best available from any manufacturer. The storage and security points are arguably valid (I would disagree) but I would offer that they are overplayed. I am biased because I like convertibles but will offer the C7 is an excellent representation, one that is very functional as well as being attractive and liveable daily. The coupe is beautiful and fun but don't be fooled into thinking the removable targa top is "the same" as the rag-top. Whether it is a cool crisp fall morning winding through a mountain road enjoying the fall leaves, a hot summer afternoon with the tunes playing or a quiet clear starry and moonlit night, the ability to press a button and enjoy the drive is unmatched by anything. Put the top up (or leave it up) and enjoy the serenity of a quieter cabin compared to the coupe, your choice...
Go drive both and then decide. Either you "get it" or you don't, no wrong choice when it comes to the C7 but you will do yourself a misjustice by not taking the time to enjoy a convertible.
Allen
For me, there was never a question- it would be a convertible. Not just because the Corvette was conceived as a rag-top from it's inception but because it is a very different feel and experience. I developed a love for Corvettes thanks to a guy who owned maroon C2 as a teen but appreciated a convertible thanks to a Fox-body Mustang. Poor example of convertible execution but was a wonderful experience.
Have owned a few rag-tops over the years and have to say the C7 execution (including my last Corvette being a C6 convertible) is one of the best available from any manufacturer. The storage and security points are arguably valid (I would disagree) but I would offer that they are overplayed. I am biased because I like convertibles but will offer the C7 is an excellent representation, one that is very functional as well as being attractive and liveable daily. The coupe is beautiful and fun but don't be fooled into thinking the removable targa top is "the same" as the rag-top. Whether it is a cool crisp fall morning winding through a mountain road enjoying the fall leaves, a hot summer afternoon with the tunes playing or a quiet clear starry and moonlit night, the ability to press a button and enjoy the drive is unmatched by anything. Put the top up (or leave it up) and enjoy the serenity of a quieter cabin compared to the coupe, your choice...
Go drive both and then decide. Either you "get it" or you don't, no wrong choice when it comes to the C7 but you will do yourself a misjustice by not taking the time to enjoy a convertible.
Allen
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04-08-2018, 03:58 PM
#58
Race Director
One thing this thread has determined is that there's many misconceptions regarding C7 convertibles by those who have never owned one, never driven one or spend any time trying to learn about them. Corvette convertibles in general have advanced tremendously in so many ways since the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Do yourself's a favor and go test dive one, operate the top, check out the insulation and general quality, check out the surprising abundance of storage space and next time a
coup vs vert thread comes up you can post with more accuracy.
Do yourself's a favor and go test dive one, operate the top, check out the insulation and general quality, check out the surprising abundance of storage space and next time a
coup vs vert thread comes up you can post with more accuracy.
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04-08-2018, 04:09 PM
#59
Le Mans Master
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04-08-2018, 04:49 PM
#60
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My last and only one was a 1974 rag top CJ5 Jeep.But in fairness the OP should drive one to see if he agrees with the <20% C7 Vert owners!
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