Convertible vs. Coupe

[Entick]

Has anyone driven a GT convertible AND a GT coupe? Preferably back to back so they can remember each experience?

I'm considering which to order and trying to work out how much stiffness you lose, and how much that along with the extra weight is noticeable in terms of performance?

Does anyone have any experiences they can share?

I know many great hard top cars have been awful when translated into convertibles... hoping thats not the case here...

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[El Caballo]

Don't know if this will help you but I had some similar questions but more about the convertible model. After reading the following thread link, it solidified my decision to get the convertible. http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15917

Can't wait

 

[Rickycardo]

I would also suggest getting the 20" wheels with the convertible. It appears Ford adds some of the bracing from the performance pack onto the car (coupe or convert) when it has 20" wheels. If you don't like the wheels you can always sell them, but you get some of the PP goodies too.

 

[El Caballo]

My understanding is you get the tower brace on the convertible. What other PP goodies are you referring to?

 

[Rickycardo]

I thought you also got a brace underneath the car as well. A strut tower brace up top and another brace under the front end. I remember someone saying it had a door opening to access the oil filter.

 

[Rob00GT]

As near as I can tell my 5.0 convertible got all the PP braces and some other goodies too. The thread on materials shows all the details if you're interested.

I don't feel I sacrificed any performance to get a ragtop. The car is fast and agile, and way better sorted than my 2000 GT vert (my only point of comparison). But honestly, based on your original question if you want "ultimate performance" a coupe will always have at least a slight edge.

I kind of assumed folks were like me, buying a vert for all the top down fun that comes with it. Most people I meet are either convertible people or not, haven't met anyone that was in between.

 

[Wolfman625]

My 04 GT was a vert. And had every option available at time. Liked it at first but always loved the lines of the hard top more. The S550 looks so much better in hard top to me. Just verts are a lil girly to me.

 

[Strokerswild]

My GT500 was a vert, and it was my first convertible. Possibly my last, it was nice and all but most of the time in the summer it was too damn hot to really enjoy it. Plus, I have bikes for the times I need wind in my face.

I much prefer the lines of a Mustang in coupe form. More potential for squeaks and rattles in a vert too, as mine definitely proved. I sometimes wonder if I'd still have it if it would have been a coupe, although that car had other glitches that made it a love/hate relationship.

 

[cbrookre]

Has anyone driven a GT convertible AND a GT coupe? Preferably back to back so they can remember each experience?

I'm considering which to order and trying to work out how much stiffness you lose, and how much that along with the extra weight is noticeable in terms of performance?

Does anyone have any experiences they can share?

I know many great hard top cars have been awful when translated into convertibles... hoping thats not the case here...

I have driven both several times, but not sure what your specific concerns and considerations are. Can you elaborate, would be happy to help answer your questions...

To your one question, the extra bracing keeps it tight though I have not pushed the convertible to the level where it probably would have made a difference. To my perception, for the first 90% of capability, the convertible will be equal or near equal to the fastback. One area that was very noticeable, the convertible is remarkably well insulated, the road noise and outside intrusion is nearly identical to the hardtop.

Look is purely subjective, and there will always be dissenters, so I think you will have to make up your own mind. Back seat is the only really impacted space between the two, where the Convertible has significantly better headroom and the Fastback has better hip and shoulder room.

Anything else?

Chris

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