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I'm currently shopping for a C8, and there are things that appeal to me with the Coupe, being able to view the engine through the glass. Not to mention being able to open the hatch and directly access the engine. Although, I also realize there's a manual process required to remove the top and latch it in the trunk.
With the Convertible, the design with having the top go up and down with a touch of a button is very appealing. But the thought of not being able to see the engine without disassembly puts the fear into me.
So, my question for both Coupe and Convertible owners.....what are your thoughts on your decision to purchase either version? For the Convertible owners, do you feel not having direct access to the engine is a real issue or an inconvenience? How difficult is it to access the engine compartment? Maybe I'm making too much out of it.
And does it create some longer term challenges that you are aware of that makes it more costly to maintain and service the engine relative to the Coupe?
No regrets at all, I originally had trouble deciding between coupe and convertible, but my wife wanted the convertible so it was decided. Now that I have it I would never consider a coupe no matter what. The HTC is amazing, I put the top down all the time, and with a coupe I never would do it. Too much trouble. I don't take long drives cruising around all the time. I like to be able to drop the top for a 10 min drive to the store, or a 30 min drive to the beach, and then pop it back up when I go in and out of stores/restaurants/etc. The convenience is something I use nearly every time I drive the car. I would chose the HTC over any other option.
I dont care about seeing the engine. Every coupe owner will say that keeping the engine and glass clean is easy, but every coupe I see out has dirty engine and glass... I know enough about myself that it would drive me crazy. HTC is much easier to keep clean, in that nothing needs to be kept clean. I have never had to access the engine in 1.5 yrs of ownership, and I see no reason I ever would. I don't drive a lot of miles, I get the maintenance done at the dealer once a year. If I had to access it, its not that difficult, and again, I would maybe do that once or so a year, probably less. The HTC I use all the time.
The HTC looks more exotic, and I think it looks more sleek and aerodynamic. The coupe lines and vents take away from the clean design of the HTC. But thats just my opinion, not a critique. It's also been proven that the HTC has better cooling that the coupe, engine temps run slightly lower. Buffeting in the coupe is worse than the convertible. Maybe its not a major issue with the coupe around town, but on the highway its very noticable even with the side windows rolled up. I plan to get the extended warranty so I will have 10 yrs and 100k miles of coverage for any issues with the convertible top. But historically, problems with convertible tops are generally overblown, I don't really worry about it even as the car gets to be 20+ yrs old. There are enough of these being sold that even if issues crop up as they age, there will be fixes for them.
I'll be the first to comment on this one.
Coupe is the best look for the pure smooth aerodynamic shape.
Coupe has less parts, sensors and less mechanical linkage and seals to deal with, less chance of air and water leaks.
Coupe looks better and has better cooling and venting in the rear for increased cooling.
The top off a Coupe has a great look, buffeting is not a major issue.
Coupe costs less and you will not drive with the top down as much as you think.
Despite the $7,000 additional cost of the Hard Top Convertible in 2023, the sales are almost even at 51% for the Coupe and 49% for the HTC. Owners of both models love their cars for the advantages described below.
Styling Difference:
The coupe has a rear aerodynamic hatch and the HTC has two nacelles behind the seats. The Nacelles are aerodynamically shaped body humps that rise behind the cabin seats. The shapes are influenced by the housing used for jet engines. The nacelles provide a remarkably exotic profile with the top up or down.
More Open Sky with the Tops Off:
The HTC provides an additional 9.75 inches of open space above the head in the HTC when top is down when compared to the coupe with the targa top off.
Headroom with Tops On:
The HTC also provides more head room when it is closed vs the coupe. There is more headroom right above your head in the HTC with the top closed. The design of the coupe limits headroom due to required hardware for securing the targa top. The difference is about 2 inches right above the head. The exception may be if you have your seat positioned more forward. The coupe does have a clear top targa option that provides the appearance of more open space in front of your head when the tops are on.
Retractable Rear Window:
As others have said rolling down the rear window even when the top is up lets you enjoy the sound of the roaring V8 exhaust.
Improved Wind Dynamics in the Cabin:
With the tops down GM Engineers and people who have owned both the coupe and HTC indicate that wind buffeting in the cockpit is less in the HTC when tops are off. The HTC nacelles help reduce air recirculation into the cabin and allow the wind to escape behind the driver and passenger.
Preserving Rear Trunk Space:
Retaining the rear trunk space when the top is down gives the edge to the HTC over the coupe. Taking the targa top off the coupe requires that the trunk is essentially empty to store it. The HTC automatically stores the roof above the engine while leaving the rear trunk fully available for luggage on multi-day road trips where I can still enjoy driving with the top down.
Convenience of Open Top:
Pressing a button while in the car vs. having to getting out and take the top off is just another reason not to enjoy the car with the top down.
Wow Factor of Opening the Top of the HTC:
People seem to love the transformation of opening the automated HTC. “It’s like a transformer!”
Viewing the Engine:
Many owners of either model that wish to show off the engine can purchase a colorful plastic intake cover and other customized accents. The mid-engine space is very compact so there is not too much of the engine that you can see. The coupe wins hands down for those that wish to show off the engine. It is simple as raising the rear hatch to have an unobstructive view of the engine. You can also get a glimpse of the engine through the rear hatch glass. The HTC has options at an additional cost to replace the black molded thermal engine bay cover that is exposed when raising the Tonneau with an entirely clear or partially clear bay cover so you can view the engine. These options are available from third-party vendors or GM starting in 2023, but do not provide a completely unobstructive view as with the coupe.
Engine Cleanliness: For those wishing to visually show off the engine, the coupe’s hatch does have open air vents along the sides of the glass and the bottom edge of the hatch’s glass is open. Rain and dust can enter the coupe’s engine compartment more easily requiring effort to keep the engine appearance clean. The HTC with an engine appearance option will keep the engine cleaner since it is sealed.
No regrets at all, I originally had trouble deciding between coupe and convertible, but my wife wanted the convertible so it was decided. Now that I have it I would never consider a coupe no matter what. The HTC is amazing, I put the top down all the time, and with a coupe I never would do it. Too much trouble. I don't take long drives cruising around all the time. I like to be able to drop the top for a 10 min drive to the store, or a 30 min drive to the beach, and then pop it back up when I go in and out of stores/restaurants/etc. The convenience is something I use nearly every time I drive the car. I would chose the HTC over any other option.
I dont care about seeing the engine. Every coupe owner will say that keeping the engine and glass clean is easy, but every coupe I see out has dirty engine and glass... I know enough about myself that it would drive me crazy. HTC is much easier to keep clean, in that nothing needs to be kept clean. I have never had to access the engine in 1.5 yrs of ownership, and I see no reason I ever would. I don't drive a lot of miles, I get the maintenance done at the dealer once a year. If I had to access it, its not that difficult, and again, I would maybe do that once or so a year, probably less. The HTC I use all the time.
The HTC looks more exotic, and I think it looks more sleek and aerodynamic. The coupe lines and vents take away from the clean design of the HTC. But thats just my opinion, not a critique. It's also been proven that the HTC has better cooling that the coupe, engine temps run slightly lower. Buffeting in the coupe is worse than the convertible. Maybe its not a major issue with the coupe around town, but on the highway its very noticable even with the side windows rolled up. I plan to get the extended warranty so I will have 10 yrs and 100k miles of coverage for any issues with the convertible top. But historically, problems with convertible tops are generally overblown, I don't really worry about it even as the car gets to be 20+ yrs old. There are enough of these being sold that even if issues crop up as they age, there will be fixes for them.
HTC all the way!
Last edited by mnm4ever; 02-02-2024 at 03:33 PM.
Reason: changed number of comment
I like the coupe for a couple of reasons. It's cool to see the engine from outside the car and I think it looks better. I never take the top off and chance it rattling next time I put it back on like it did in my C7. I wish the top wasn't removeable as a matter of fact for better rigidity. If I wanted a convertible I would buy one.
Tough decision that I pondered for months. It was the first time that I ever considered a vert as the HTC is great looking, but I ultimately ended up with a coupe. There are good reasons to go either way. GL
Eight Corvettes over 32 years - coupe's all!
I haven't owned a convertible since 1961 when I sold the MG TF.
My 24 C8 is my fifth coupe in 20 years, no convertibles. I’ve never removed the top on any of my coupes, not a single time. If I wanted air on my face, I would have bought a Harley.
I was originally thinking I wanted a coupe so I could see the engine. Then as I read about more and more people enjoying their HTC, I went with the convertible. I am so glad I did!
For me, looking at the engine once or twice is cool - then it gets boring. I put the top down on my HTC almost every time I drive it - and that never gets boring.
As far as looks, it is certainly a personal preference. No surprise, I like the looks of the HTC better.
billclerm (02-04-2024),BruceG (02-03-2024),hawkgfr (02-03-2024),joeking (02-02-2024),M2Pilot (02-03-2024),VY427 (02-03-2024) and 1 others liked this post. (Show less...)
I'll be the first to comment on this one.
Coupe is the best look for the pure smooth aerodynamic shape.
Coupe has less parts, sensors and less mechanical linkage and seals to deal with, less chance of air and water leaks.
Coupe looks better and has better cooling and venting in the rear for increased cooling.
The top off a Coupe has a great look, buffeting is not a major issue.
Coupe costs less and you will not drive with the top down as much as you think.
My thoughts as well. Not C8s but now on my second vette vert. Not motivated toward ordering my ERay as a vert for the greater Houston area.
I went with a coupe this time after 16 years with a convertible. The C8 vert is only open 20% more than a coupe. I also have been taking into account exposure to the sun.
I own a HTC and drive >90% with the top down. Retaining the trunk space when the top is down as well as being able to close the roof without having to get out were important factors to me. Also i love the classic midengine look without the big window over the engine like a Ferrari BB or a Lamborghini Countach. It was well worth the extra cost for me and i would choose the HTC again.
I own a HTC and drive >90% with the top down. Retaining the trunk space when the top is down as well as being able to close the roof without having to get out were important factors to me. Also i love the classic midengine look without the big window over the engine like a Ferrari BB or a Lamborghini Countach. It was well worth the extra cost for me and i would choose the HTC again.
This is the compelling answer and mimics my sentiment and experience. I also drive with the top down almost all of the time. If I had a coupe and was able to view the engine, that "thrill" would wear off the first week of ownership. With my convertible, on a road trip we can have the top down with luggage in the trunk. But with a coupe, if there is luggage in the trunk you cannot remove the top since it stores in the trunk and the luggage is in the way. That is a huge defecit when on a trip and remember, the C8 is a phenomenal road trip car.
Convertible has a sleeker look, noise is not an issue with top down, you'll drive way more with the top down because it is soooo easy to push the button, the rear window is a bonus and ...the technology is amazing and if you want all the tools on your toy, you will not be disappointed! The engine look, while cool, quickly gets forgotten....I switched mine to HTC just 2 days before my order was placed and have no regrets!
Eight Corvettes over 32 years - coupe's all!
I haven't owned a convertible since 1961 when I sold the MG TF.
Similar! My E-Ray (3400 TPW 2/12/2024) will be my 7th Vette since my 1st, a 1988. All coupes. My ONLY ever Vert was a rag top V8 1974 CJ5 Jeep! Had lots of fun but never wanted another. Would not take a Vert for the same price.
Definitely a coupe guy here...Just simply not a fan of convertibles and haven't even had the top off my coupe...I would prefer a fixed roof if available...
02-02-2024, 02:57 PM
C8 Owners....Coupe or Convertible?
