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Our Two Cents: Coupe or Convertible?
This week’s installment of Our Two Cents involves a question—to roof or not to roof—that, to my surprise, fostered some pretty strong opinions. As our team was discussing the week’s story ideas, Kyle Smith asked whether we’d prefer a coupe or a convertible as a weekend toy, and people quickly chose sides.
While I fall squarely in one camp, I’ve got to acknowledge that my coworkers across the aisle do present some very sound arguments. We’ll start off with my opening salvo and see what the others have to say. Let us know whether you prefer coupes or convertibles—or something else entirely—in the comments.
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Open Air All the Way
Open-air motoring is where it’s at—the cars that have stayed with me the longest have all had some means of doing away with the roof. Being out in the elements is as much a part of an engaging experience as having a manual transmission—sure, there are plenty of reasons to have a roof over your head, but for a drive that’s meant to be an occasion, a coupe’s just too insulated from the moment. (I’ll concede, though, that coupes almost always look better.) — Eddy Eckart
I used to be part of the anti-convertible crowd, but that was before the Corvette C5 proved that chassis rigidity wasn’t just for the Germans (via the R129 Mercedes SL of 1989). Being a passenger in a new R129 blew me away, and driving the C5 was a true awakening. A few years later I had the pleasure of owning a 1987 Mustang GT convertible, and I bolted/welded on every chassis brace available for the platform and I was sold. Even a lightweight Mustang without its roof can be stiff.
Given the speed and performance of all new cars these days, I have no need for a coupe to maximize performance. Doing so only puts you on the wrong side of the law. Plus I have wonderfully long hair after the pandemic, so put me in a droptop C5 with a six-speed manual and a Z06 catback exhaust or a late-model Mustang GT convertible! — Sajeev Mehta
(I’m frankly surprised that Sajeev didn’t answer this question by saying, “Neither! Sedan! In Brown!” But I am glad to have him in my corner. — Eddy)
Tin-Top Truths
The quickest way to ruin a perfect shape is to cut the top off and add a bunch of fabric to the mix. Seriously, have you ever seen an E-Type roadster? Gross. Or a 911 cabriolet? Ew. How about that 350Z convertible? Repulsive. Gimme a coupe all day, and maybe if I wanted to see the clouds, I guess I’d allow for a sunroof. But you couldn’t make me use it. — Stefan Lombard
I’ve never understood the appeal of a convertible. I’ve tried; I’ve owned several, including a 1971 Fiat 850 Spider that I bought in Utah about 15 years ago. I got a sunburn every time I drove it with the top down, and I couldn’t see out of the damn thing when I kept the top up.
In my experience, convertibles are flimsy, prone to leaks, cold in the winter, and loud when you don’t want them to be. Plus, there’s not a single car out there that looks better as a convertible than as a coupe. The top is another thing to worry about in terms of maintenance, too.
Thanks, but no thanks. Give me a coupe. — Ronan Glon
Convertibles can make good camera cars, but I don’t ever see myself owning one. I equate them with sunburns and windburn. I also side with Stefan. As good as a Mid-Year Corvette convertible looks, it’s practically a crime to not have that distinct roof. Some hardtop convertibles massacre the lines even more. I won’t name names, but you probably don’t have to think too hard before you can come up with a few design disasters. — Brandan Gillogly
Convertibles have their place, but thus far it has never been in my garage. The recent purchase of a 1985 Corvette has me warming up to the idea of a drop-top, though, as the targa top is the perfect gateway into open-air motoring. Maybe it’s just the fact that convertible-driving weather is also great motorcycle-riding weather… if I’m not going to have a top, might as well not have a car. That’s why all my four-wheeled vehicles have roofs, and it will likely stay that way. — Kyle Smith
Why Not Both?
When you can’t decide, settle for one of each! My Volvo 122S is perfect for those uncertain days when it may or may not rain. (But if it does, there is no doubt some will leak into my trunk.) The BMW Z3 is perfect for high summer because nothing says Elysium like hot black leather searing against bare thighs. — Eric Weiner
Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?
Generally, I’m very pro-convertible. The sights, sounds, feelings, and even smells that come from open-air motoring on a nice day are just plain better than being sealed in a case of glass and steel. That said, coupes do look better, don’t they? And sometimes you’re just not in the mood for the wind noise, potential leaks, and other headaches that come with a soft top.
That’s why I’m going to cheat on this question and go with a targa roof. With a solid, removable piece of bodywork covering roughly the area between the top of the windshield and right behind the driver’s head, you’re getting most of what you get from a convertible and most of what you get from a coupe. Porsches and Corvettes have been using this setup for years. Many older Ferraris used it, too. Both my Lotus and my Miata RF have a targa roof, and while the Lotus’ can be a real pain to remove, both cars are brilliant. — Andrew Newton
Ragtop all day and every day six days out of the week and twice on Sunday. Miracle Whip NO! Spam yes. Makes a nice quick pork fried rice. Grilled spam on rye ( rye pumpernickel even better) with cheese and a vlasic, that’s a classic.
If a convertible is done right then there is nothing better. The trouble since the early 70’s we suffered som very bad conversions.
I recall driving fox body mustangs that you could see the windshield headers move. I recall the Chrysler K cars with their stiffness similar to noodles. Even the C4 Corvette was so flexible.
But now we have some very solid cars. I have a 02 Corvette C5. It is so stiff much like a tube chassis race cars like I have driven. This brings great open air experience while not Les ing handling or driving enjoyment on the table.
After a week of commuting in a metal shell to get outside on a warm summer night with the stars it is better than any therapy you could ever receive.
Also my C5 is one of the cars that looks better as a convertible much like a Jag XK.
Then there is my Uncles 1963 Thunderbird sportster with the head rest cover that turned it from a 4 seater to a two seater. It looks like a rocket ship.
I love the lines on my 63 vette. Nothing beats a scenic cruise top down. Coupes need AC or you sweat your a$$ off and not many cars 60 years old have that. As for sun burn, they have lotions for that.
Depends on the car. Currently have a ’70 Corvette LT-1 coupe, which I prefer over a convertible because, with the easily removable/stowable t-tops and rear window glass, you get the best of both worlds. But a C3 roadster sans top does cut a more rakish profile than the coupe, I have to say.
Had an ’09 987.2 Boxster S, which I strongly prefer over its fixed rood Cayman sibling. Great car, would love to have another someday, though maybe a slightly newer 981 GTS.
Have had several air cooled 911s. Don’t care at all for a 911 Cab or Targa, so 911 coupe (with a sunroof) all the way.
E-Type roadsters are every bit as beautiful as the fixed-roof version. I also like the look of the convertible version of the Fox Body and the 1st gen Mustangs.
I completely agree. And most of the older Vettes look just as good as a roadster. I have a ’32 hiboy Ford with no top & a ’56 Tbird that has a top but once I put it down 2 years ago it hasn’t been back up. I only take these 2 out on warm days anyhow, so I don’t really see the need for a top. If I want possible weather protection on a questionable day I take my ’57 Ranchero
Convertible roofs are a pain. But on a gorgeous day and a good road, there is nothing like at. I agree most convertibles look worse with the top up. But, for example, a Ferrari 365 Daytona top down – mic drop. I do wish Mazda would bring back the folding hard top on the Miata. Definitely the best of both worlds.
For the Miata, IMHO the NC Miata with the PRHT is superior to the new RF models. The added weight and complexity of the RF system only delivers the benefits of a Targa Top.
Convertibles and manual transmissions are for those who prefer the experience over convenience and pure performance.
Coupe. My old bald head has been frozen, cooked, and flooded enough times in topless vehicles. I prefer protection. If I want to see the stars, I’ll pull over, get out, and look up – but when I’m driving, my eyes belong elsewhere than on the sky anyway!
Get a hat!
Yeah, and then some towels to spread over the seats when it’s parked on a sunny day (and maybe some burn spray for the back of my thighs for when I forget the towels), and prepare myself to treat all the interior surfaces 17 times per summer to fight sun fade and other damage. And then get ready to put the top up whenever I stop at a mountain roadside cafe to protect against sudden cloudbursts. And of course, stow at least one spare hat in the trunk for when the first one flies off at 80 mph. Let’s not forget coming out of the hotel in the morning to find the slashed top that’ll cost a cool thou to replace. Oh trust me, I’ve owned convertibles AND hats alright.
In NW Wisconsin it is all weather related-and the season is short between the salt fest they call winter here. That’s why I have both.
First off, love the comments from all the writers!! LOL, especially Stefan’s comments – Ew.
I pined all my life for a Miata – finally have the means and drove one… I am still sad that I was disappointed in how LOUD the car was. I went to the dealership alone, drove the car home to pick up my (long-suffering, always right, often reasonable) wife of 37 years and, before she even got in and said it herself, I lamented to her that I will never own one of these awesome cars. Not even a block from the house she agreed. Loved the seat and driving position, gauge and switch layout is exemplary, handling and power is sublime and forward visibility is great. But the noise and rough ride for city driving is a deal-killer. 😢
Now, our BMW closed sedan with the thrilling Sport mode, paddle shift, equally excellent driving position… sign me up!
My current Allante is my first convertible. On a long enough ride on a nice enough day, you can’t beat the top down ride. But most rides and most days don’t fit that bill, and I find myself most of the time driving it top up. The Allante was designed to be a convertible from zero, and it looks good either way
Wear a hat, earplugs, and a long sleeve SPF50 shirt and a convertible wind every time.
I owned a 1993 Miata as my only car for 22 years before I bought my 2004 986 Boxster S in 2015.
I’ve driven from Monterrey to Mt.Washington, Key West to Duluth, top down and loved every minute.
You can take my convertible from my cold, dead fingers.
Wins every time.
You don’t see the irony of putting the car’s top down only to cover yourself up with hat, earplugs, and long-sleeve heavy shirt, do you?
I’m not sure why any of that is needed unless it’s cold out. I have hair and sunscreen, so don’t need a hat or long sleeve for top-down pleasure. There is nothing better than open air on a nice day and not having a dark roof over you.
“There is nothing better” – ah, the dangers of superlatives!!!
James, I assure you there are MANY things that are better – but I think this is a family website, so I’ll refrain from starting a list for you…😂😜
Coupe for me. Many coupes can have a targa or maybe a sunroof that I will barely use. I generally prefer the lines on a coupe and don’t like the look of many fabric tops.
I swore I would not get a convertible. Then i drove a boxster and felt as good as being on my motorcycle, without the increase risk and lack of any ability to bring my wife. 2008 boxster S. My record is top down at 17 degrees. Gloves, scarf, and Alaskan headgear. Love it. So i upgraded to a 718 spyder (2022) and the car is gorgeous top down and remains top down.
I have owned a few convertibles but didn’t put the top down much because of my allergies. Liked the feel of riding with the top down but my sinuses didn’t, so only a coupe for me now.
I’ve owned “rag tops” since my first one (1960 Triumph TR-3) in 1964. If you want a “family car” than a coupe is for you (and yes, I’ve had them too). All of my convertibles were the fun cars. The hard tops were my business vehicles. Driving from San Francisco to the Philadelphia are in 1967 in a 1963 Triumph TR-4, cemented my love of convertibles. Still love them today (with my 911 (996) Porsche Carrera Cabriolet).!