Convertible vs Non-Convertible.

[ramu3527]

In the market. Looking at '19-'23 GT Premiums with the PP1... I also like verts but I've read the handling is not as good, which doesn't surprise me.

How different is the handling? What about other differences? Noise? Insurance?

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[exvette]

I have a 2021 pp1 convertible. It depends on what you want to use it for. I don't know any track that will allow you to track day a convertible without a roll bar. I don't believe you will notice any difference in non-track day driving, except the convertible is probably heavier that the coupe. If you don't street race, it shouldn't matter.

 

[TonyT930]

My '17 GT vert handles just fine. Its a lot more fun with the top down.

 

[ramu3527]

I can say I have no interest in tracking it. This car would be street only. Daily driver in the summer on dry days.

How's the noise compared to a hardtop? How about audio performance?

 

[TonyNJ]

I moved from a PP2 to a PP1 convertible. Totally different experience. You feel the difference in the stiffness and weight. The convertible was an automatic so that changed the mood quite a bit as well. Because the body stiffness was fairy evident pretty soon, I added some G Track bracing and jacking rails, which helped but it's also more weight.

Bottom line, if you're just going to cruise and enjoy daily life with it, and you live in an area with decent weather, go for the convertible. But if you're into the best handling, solid, tight, hot rod, go for the hard top. They're both great in their own way.

Edit: Audio isn't as good in the vert, and yes, you hear more rattles and road noise in it too. But at night with good weather, it's pretty great.

 

[tj@steeda]

Heavier in the rear because of bracing, & has more chassis flex without the roof. With that being said, we have taken several convertibles from ordinary to extraordinary without breaking the bank.

Give me a shout at [email protected] if I can help assist with any upgrades you may be considering to get it tighter & more refined like the coupe!

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[exvette]

Top up or top down?

 

[RescueLt]

Just to add to the other posts, the exhaust sounds awesome with the top down!

 

[m2016v6]

Convertibles are all about trade-offs. Removing the roof means a lot more noise (and smells) and it's gonna creak and rattle a bit. But, top down is pretty awesome.

They also can get pretty dirty on the inside. I took a 3500 mile road trip last year, top down nearly the entire time. The interior got a bit rough. Swiffer sheets can help with this.

I've had a couple of convertibles, not just a Mustang. They all make weird noises as they flex, especially as they get older. The convertible is only about 120 LBS or so heavier than the coupe, depending on exact model and options. Not enough to make much of a difference. I doubt that the handling is all that different, either.

Obviously you're going to hear a lot more sh*t than in a coupe, especially your own engine and exhaust. I replaced all the speakers in mine, but going any further than that, well, the juice just isn't worth the squeeze. Maybe a subwoofer. The audio suits me just fine, but if you really want to hear it, you're gonna have to turn it up. Then you're the loud guy at the stoplight. Trade-offs.

They are a lot of fun, though.

 

[exvette]

If you get a wind-blocker it will avoid some of the wind noise and dirt. I never noticed any cowl shake, and I have a 2021.

 

[TEAsGrabber]

I have both a 22 MACh1 and my wife's 17 GT/CS Convertible! I dig both!! Both fast on the street and handle very well! MACh1 is a 6 speed Tremec, 17 is an automatic! Both fun as shit!

 

[ramu3527]

I moved from a PP2 to a PP1 convertible. Totally different experience. You feel the difference in the stiffness and weight. The convertible was an automatic so that changed the mood quite a bit as well. Because the body stiffness was fairy evident pretty soon, I added some G Track bracing and jacking rails, which helped but it's also more weight.

Bottom line, if you're just going to cruise and enjoy daily life with it, and you live in an area with decent weather, go for the convertible. But if you're into the best handling, solid, tight, hot rod, go for the hard top. They're both great in their own way.

Edit: Audio isn't as good in the vert, and yes, you hear more rattles and road noise in it too. But at night with good weather, it's pretty great.

In fairness, wouldn't going from a PP2 to a PP1 have a lot to do with the change in experience, regardless of it being a convertible or not?

 

[TonyNJ]

In fairness, wouldn't going from a PP2 to a PP1 have a lot to do with the change in experience, regardless of it being a convertible or not?

Offering context so you knew where I was coming from. But to your point, not necessarily. The PP1 also had MagnaRide and I put a set of wider tires and wheels on it. It was really about the auto vs manual, and the hard top vs vert.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[ramu3527]

Offering context so you knew where I was coming from. But to your point, not necessarily. The PP1 also had MagnaRide and I put a set of wider tires and wheels on it. It was really about the auto vs manual, and the hard top vs vert.

Good luck on your decision.

I was reading that the PP2 has stiffer springs and sway bars compared to the PP1. So I guess I presumed that would affect the the experience as well.

 

[ramu3527]

Convertibles are all about trade-offs. Removing the roof means a lot more noise (and smells) and it's gonna creak and rattle a bit. But, top down is pretty awesome.

They also can get pretty dirty on the inside. I took a 3500 mile road trip last year, top down nearly the entire time. The interior got a bit rough. Swiffer sheets can help with this.

I've had a couple of convertibles, not just a Mustang. They all make weird noises as they flex, especially as they get older. The convertible is only about 120 LBS or so heavier than the coupe, depending on exact model and options. Not enough to make much of a difference. I doubt that the handling is all that different, either.

Obviously you're going to hear a lot more sh*t than in a coupe, especially your own engine and exhaust. I replaced all the speakers in mine, but going any further than that, well, the juice just isn't worth the squeeze. Maybe a subwoofer. The audio suits me just fine, but if you really want to hear it, you're gonna have to turn it up. Then you're the loud guy at the stoplight. Trade-offs.

They are a lot of fun, though.

Yeah, I've had a soft top Wrangler for many years. The top stays down all summer. I only drive it when the weather permits. I guess I'm used to a convertible to that extent.

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