Lorne34
Project Hidalgo
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- #1
It has been 5 months since i traded in my 2016 GT Coupe for a 2017 GT Convertible. I wanted to share my thoughts and impressions for anyone who might be contemplating the move.
1. Drive-ability- for some reason the convertible just seems easier to drive. The car handles better, easier to shift and more comfortable with around town, in traffic driving. My coupe always seemed stiff even though it was not a PP model. I did do some more aggressive mods in terms on suspension, but I did not expect this type of difference. My daughter has driven both and said the same thing. She was never totally comfortable in the coupe.
The bracing and under body is so well done that at times I cannot really tell that I am driving a convertible in terms of body roll, handling, etc... more on that later.
2. Driving Experience (Fun Factor)- The first time I drove it with the top down I knew that this is what I wanted. The top down experience is unmatched. There is something about the open air, the sense of sight, sound, smell, feel of the wind etc. The best driving experience is late in the day, just before sunset on a warm 70-80 degree day that is unmatched. Hearing the exhaust has been a big plus as well. I initially was worried that the Corsa Sport exhaust would be too loud for a vert, but it works perfectly for me. Even the stock exhaust would be acceptable for most with the top down.
3. Appearance- I have to admit that the convertible just does not have the same "sexy/mean" look as the coupe. Top down I really think the vert looks killer. Top up it's just "ok" for me. I don't know if I will ever really like the top up look that much. I wished Ford would have contoured the roof line closer to the coupe standards (similar to the Camaro convertible). The top also has a lot of blemishes and wrinkles that form with use; being OCD I have to just adjust my expectations and be ok with it.
4. Performance- As I mentioned above, most of the time I do not see or feel any difference between the coupe and convertible. It's plenty fast for me. I will most likely be adding either the Ford Power Pack 2 or the 2018 Intake Manifold and a Lund Tune. I cannot see myself supercharging this car. I added BMR lowering springs which enhanced the handling significantly...I can whip through a round about without even thinking about body roll
5. Reliability- I've had just 2 minor issues. The rear side glass panel was scratched from some object within the chamber and the passenger side rear window would not fully close with the top down. Both of these problems were resolved by the local dealership under warranty.
6. Visibility/Interior- top down no issue with this. With the top up the rear window is smaller than the coupe, but very acceptable. The rest of the view is similar to the coupe although the taller roof line does increase the sense of spaciousness and less of a confined feel. I am not a tall guy (5'7") but definitely appreciate the extra room. I am a bit claustrophobic- not that the coupe was ever an issue, but the vert feels roomier. The California Special seats with the leather/alcantara inserts has been a big hit with everyone. They hug you in the seat and are not as sloppy as the premium pkg leather seats. For some reason I was never comfortable in them as I tended to slide around more.
6. Gas Mileage- I think my mileage is a little less than the coupe due to the body design, driving with the top down creates more drag etc. But it's livable.
I hope this helps anyone out there looking to make a similar decision. I am in no way putting down the coupe, I did enjoy my 2016. I am actually thinking I will pick one up again down the road for a different purpose (Track), but for now for what I wanted in terms of a fun summer driving experience that all of the family could enjoy this has been a hit.
1. Drive-ability- for some reason the convertible just seems easier to drive. The car handles better, easier to shift and more comfortable with around town, in traffic driving. My coupe always seemed stiff even though it was not a PP model. I did do some more aggressive mods in terms on suspension, but I did not expect this type of difference. My daughter has driven both and said the same thing. She was never totally comfortable in the coupe.
The bracing and under body is so well done that at times I cannot really tell that I am driving a convertible in terms of body roll, handling, etc... more on that later.
2. Driving Experience (Fun Factor)- The first time I drove it with the top down I knew that this is what I wanted. The top down experience is unmatched. There is something about the open air, the sense of sight, sound, smell, feel of the wind etc. The best driving experience is late in the day, just before sunset on a warm 70-80 degree day that is unmatched. Hearing the exhaust has been a big plus as well. I initially was worried that the Corsa Sport exhaust would be too loud for a vert, but it works perfectly for me. Even the stock exhaust would be acceptable for most with the top down.
3. Appearance- I have to admit that the convertible just does not have the same "sexy/mean" look as the coupe. Top down I really think the vert looks killer. Top up it's just "ok" for me. I don't know if I will ever really like the top up look that much. I wished Ford would have contoured the roof line closer to the coupe standards (similar to the Camaro convertible). The top also has a lot of blemishes and wrinkles that form with use; being OCD I have to just adjust my expectations and be ok with it.
4. Performance- As I mentioned above, most of the time I do not see or feel any difference between the coupe and convertible. It's plenty fast for me. I will most likely be adding either the Ford Power Pack 2 or the 2018 Intake Manifold and a Lund Tune. I cannot see myself supercharging this car. I added BMR lowering springs which enhanced the handling significantly...I can whip through a round about without even thinking about body roll
5. Reliability- I've had just 2 minor issues. The rear side glass panel was scratched from some object within the chamber and the passenger side rear window would not fully close with the top down. Both of these problems were resolved by the local dealership under warranty.
6. Visibility/Interior- top down no issue with this. With the top up the rear window is smaller than the coupe, but very acceptable. The rest of the view is similar to the coupe although the taller roof line does increase the sense of spaciousness and less of a confined feel. I am not a tall guy (5'7") but definitely appreciate the extra room. I am a bit claustrophobic- not that the coupe was ever an issue, but the vert feels roomier. The California Special seats with the leather/alcantara inserts has been a big hit with everyone. They hug you in the seat and are not as sloppy as the premium pkg leather seats. For some reason I was never comfortable in them as I tended to slide around more.
6. Gas Mileage- I think my mileage is a little less than the coupe due to the body design, driving with the top down creates more drag etc. But it's livable.
I hope this helps anyone out there looking to make a similar decision. I am in no way putting down the coupe, I did enjoy my 2016. I am actually thinking I will pick one up again down the road for a different purpose (Track), but for now for what I wanted in terms of a fun summer driving experience that all of the family could enjoy this has been a hit.
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