Torn between coupe or convertible
10-07-2019, 12:13 PM
#1
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Torn between coupe or convertible
I had planned to buy a C8 coupe when the hysteria dies down. I like the lines of the coupe better and especially like the Ferrari style clear engine view.
Since the convertible has come out, I haven’t really changed my style preference, but BOY that power top is amazing and I have always preferred driving a convertible (no, I won’t say “vert”) over a coupe with the roof panel off. I can’t help but think I’d like that car a lot.
I’m actually stuck right now. Sway me.
Since the convertible has come out, I haven’t really changed my style preference, but BOY that power top is amazing and I have always preferred driving a convertible (no, I won’t say “vert”) over a coupe with the roof panel off. I can’t help but think I’d like that car a lot.
I’m actually stuck right now. Sway me.
Last edited by vettebuyer6369; 10-07-2019 at 12:14 PM.
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10-08-2019, 01:12 AM
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10-07-2019, 12:18 PM
#2
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Unless money is an issue, my opinion is the convertible is the no-brainer choice. Best of both words. You lose the engine view which is cool but a bit gimmicky, but I think the lines with the top up or down make the car look even more like an exotic. Not to mention if open air driving is a preference, the convertible is much more convenient and you don't have to worry about having an empty trunk if you want to take the top off.
They are both beautiful cars though and you can't go wrong.
They are both beautiful cars though and you can't go wrong.
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10-07-2019, 12:22 PM
#3
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Really depends on how you plan to use it.
Those who say "hey, just pull the targa off and you get the same thing" are partially correct.
But the full pop top and the rear glass lowering will make it a more interesting experience.
The biggest advantage to me in the Vert are these 2:
1) If you get caught in a rainstorm or traffic and just want to get out of the rain and or the sun, 13 seconds later you are. With a targa you need to get off the road and spend close to a minute doing that at the least.
2) If you want keep stuff in the rear trunk or plan to use it as a GT (long distance driving) the Vert lets you keep your stuff in the back and still drive topless when you want to. With the coupe, you have to have the truck pretty much unfilled for the targa space. Yes, you still have the front. But try traveling cross country with 2 people with just one airline carryon.
The 2 biggest disadvantages are
1) the cost. $7500 ain't chicken feed just to have the car put the top away for you.
2) You can't see the engine
For me, using this as a daily driver and long distance GT I prefer the convertible. If you're into driving this on a Sunday morning in nice weather it's probably not worth the extra cash.
Those who say "hey, just pull the targa off and you get the same thing" are partially correct.
But the full pop top and the rear glass lowering will make it a more interesting experience.
The biggest advantage to me in the Vert are these 2:
1) If you get caught in a rainstorm or traffic and just want to get out of the rain and or the sun, 13 seconds later you are. With a targa you need to get off the road and spend close to a minute doing that at the least.
2) If you want keep stuff in the rear trunk or plan to use it as a GT (long distance driving) the Vert lets you keep your stuff in the back and still drive topless when you want to. With the coupe, you have to have the truck pretty much unfilled for the targa space. Yes, you still have the front. But try traveling cross country with 2 people with just one airline carryon.
The 2 biggest disadvantages are
1) the cost. $7500 ain't chicken feed just to have the car put the top away for you.
2) You can't see the engine
For me, using this as a daily driver and long distance GT I prefer the convertible. If you're into driving this on a Sunday morning in nice weather it's probably not worth the extra cash.
Last edited by Sin City; 10-07-2019 at 12:27 PM.
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10-07-2019, 12:24 PM
#4
Instructor
I'm not a vert fan, though this one does look very good. For me, the coupe is a clear choice. I am a little concerned with engine spacing for power adders on the drop top. I'm planning on forced induction in some manner and I think the retractable roof is going to eat into a lot of the available room up top.
10-07-2019, 12:27 PM
#5
Beauty and utility is in the eye, and I am waitin to see what the Z06 engine is but if I buy, mine will be a Spider. She looks killer both top up and down and the push button top is must for me here in Cocoa Beach as I roll top down 99% of the time but we do get sudden rain storms.
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10-07-2019, 12:39 PM
#6
AIR FORCE VETERAN
I am not happy about spending another seven thousand. However I like the looks of the convertible better. My concern, not your concern critics of what I’m about to say, keeping that glass clean that covers the engine bay in the coupe. I know it’s going to get dirty everything does. It’s getting under that hatch and cleaning that glass is going to be tricky. I’d prefer the glass wasn’t there at all. Thus I’m going to buy the convertible.
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Tripjammer (10-11-2019)
10-07-2019, 12:45 PM
#7
Race Director
10-07-2019, 01:45 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
Does staring at or displaying the engine matter to you? That is really the only significant 'feature' downside of the vert. IMO the vert looks better overall and the pushbutton top down is EASILY worth the extra money for me.
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10-07-2019, 01:53 PM
#11
IMO the lines on the vert are better even with the top on.
I also think the visibility from the driver’s seat is going to be significantly better than in the coupe. The fastback window of the coupe with the row of vents along both sides is going to be restrictive.
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10-07-2019, 03:59 PM
#12
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2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Sway your self. Put the two models on paper. List 6 great things
about each model. Decide which model suit's you. Not hard.
Good luck
about each model. Decide which model suit's you. Not hard.
Good luck
10-07-2019, 05:59 PM
#13
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Really depends on how you plan to use it.
Those who say "hey, just pull the targa off and you get the same thing" are partially correct.
But the full pop top and the rear glass lowering will make it a more interesting experience.
The biggest advantage to me in the Vert are these 2:
1) If you get caught in a rainstorm or traffic and just want to get out of the rain and or the sun, 13 seconds later you are. With a targa you need to get off the road and spend close to a minute doing that at the least.
2) If you want keep stuff in the rear trunk or plan to use it as a GT (long distance driving) the Vert lets you keep your stuff in the back and still drive topless when you want to. With the coupe, you have to have the truck pretty much unfilled for the targa space. Yes, you still have the front. But try traveling cross country with 2 people with just one airline carryon.
The 2 biggest disadvantages are
1) the cost. $7500 ain't chicken feed just to have the car put the top away for you.
2) You can't see the engine
For me, using this as a daily driver and long distance GT I prefer the convertible. If you're into driving this on a Sunday morning in nice weather it's probably not worth the extra cash.
Those who say "hey, just pull the targa off and you get the same thing" are partially correct.
But the full pop top and the rear glass lowering will make it a more interesting experience.
The biggest advantage to me in the Vert are these 2:
1) If you get caught in a rainstorm or traffic and just want to get out of the rain and or the sun, 13 seconds later you are. With a targa you need to get off the road and spend close to a minute doing that at the least.
2) If you want keep stuff in the rear trunk or plan to use it as a GT (long distance driving) the Vert lets you keep your stuff in the back and still drive topless when you want to. With the coupe, you have to have the truck pretty much unfilled for the targa space. Yes, you still have the front. But try traveling cross country with 2 people with just one airline carryon.
The 2 biggest disadvantages are
1) the cost. $7500 ain't chicken feed just to have the car put the top away for you.
2) You can't see the engine
For me, using this as a daily driver and long distance GT I prefer the convertible. If you're into driving this on a Sunday morning in nice weather it's probably not worth the extra cash.
10-07-2019, 11:06 PM
#14
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Good input, guys, appreciate the opinions.
Pivoting off that:
-I think the coupe lines are clearly better. I also like the gimmicky glass over the engine. I almost bought a 360 in January and that was a big draw. I’m not sure about how hard that would be to keep clean.
-The difference in $ is not a factor. I don’t think $7500 is a lot of money for what you get, and I think the resale increase makes the difference a wash.
-I’ve been putting manual tops down on Corvettes since the 70s and I’ve had many of them. It sucks every time you go out if you don’t leave the top down. That power top is a-ma-zing! Wow, that looks nice.
-I do not like the look on those little pods behind the seats with the top down.
-I wouldn’t drive it every day but I’d drive it regularly and for fun. I see a lot of top down potential use. My split window would still be my #1 car but those cars are real hot with no AC, so the convertible would be a better fun cruiser.
-I’d likely sell my ‘69 convertible when I buy the C8; May or may not keep another car I have which is a targa top.
thanks for the posts, guys.
Pivoting off that:
-I think the coupe lines are clearly better. I also like the gimmicky glass over the engine. I almost bought a 360 in January and that was a big draw. I’m not sure about how hard that would be to keep clean.
-The difference in $ is not a factor. I don’t think $7500 is a lot of money for what you get, and I think the resale increase makes the difference a wash.
-I’ve been putting manual tops down on Corvettes since the 70s and I’ve had many of them. It sucks every time you go out if you don’t leave the top down. That power top is a-ma-zing! Wow, that looks nice.
-I do not like the look on those little pods behind the seats with the top down.
-I wouldn’t drive it every day but I’d drive it regularly and for fun. I see a lot of top down potential use. My split window would still be my #1 car but those cars are real hot with no AC, so the convertible would be a better fun cruiser.
-I’d likely sell my ‘69 convertible when I buy the C8; May or may not keep another car I have which is a targa top.
thanks for the posts, guys.
Last edited by vettebuyer6369; 10-07-2019 at 11:09 PM.
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Wvstingray16 (10-12-2019)
10-08-2019, 12:55 AM
#16
16 Vettes and counting…..
After seeing the convertible, I can't even fathom buying the coupe. I'm waiting for a Z06 and couple years of production to work out the bugs, but the vert is going to make the wait seem a bit longer.
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10-08-2019, 01:12 AM
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10-08-2019, 01:12 AM
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