Convertible vs Non-Convertible.

[TonyNJ]

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.

Yes and no. It's not an exact science. Air pressure in the tires, wheel alignment, temperature and altitude all get involved too. Eventually you're splitting hairs. Pick a body style, an engine, and a transmission type and get on with it.

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[Johnnybee]

It really depends on your end mission. If you just want to cruise, for me, convertible all day long. Sure, it’s heavier, not as stiff and noisier with the top up, BUT, if you’ve had a bad day at the office, nothing beats dropping the top and taking the scenic route home to get rid of any stress. And for me, in Toronto, my kids got me a Love the Drive screen, which is on the car more or less permanently, and anytime it’s above 2°C, and dry, the top gets dropped. Being retired affords me more opportunities to do so, and I’m currently on a 47 month streak and of at least one top down drive a month (since March 2022). I missed January and February that year because I couldn’t put the above conditions together those months. Before that, I don’t remember when I missed a month. Before my wife suggested I get a convertible (which I quickly agreed to before she changed her mind) I was looking at a variety of cars including Challenger, Cadillac ATS, and Kia Stinger but once she gave me that option, a Mustang convertible was a no-brainer (note the Camaro wasn’t on the list, just didn’t like it inside or out).

 

[m2016v6]

Once you go convertible, you never go back. I'll have one until I depart this mortal coil. Every summer I'm all sunburnt.

 

[Lorne34]

I previously owned a 2017 GT Convertible. If I had the $ and space I would still have it alongside my GT350.
Performance wise it was not much different from my 2016 GT hard top I had previous to the vert. Definitely not as "tight" but most of the characteristics of the Coyote V8 and that chassis were present. Both cars felt large and front engine heavy to me compared to my GT350. But for a cruiser the vert is hard to beat.
It was a lot of fun with the top down, but if you live in a cold weather climate you have to be a bit of a hard core vert guy. I'm always cold and found myself leaving the top up more than down depending upon how the season went in WI. I did not like the overall feel with the top up vs the hard top. The rear window is smaller and the C pillars larger, so less visbility. Aestecially the car does not look sporty with the top up, but great with it down.
Warm summer night cruises with the right temps were heavenly. If you are a private person it can also be a bit inimidating riding around exposed all of the time.
I would HIGHLY recommend the Love the Drive accessory.
I recently purchased a Ford Brono and bought the convertible top (sunrider). That and having the doors off has replaced the vert experience for me.
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[TonyT930]

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.

And no rear blind spots!!

 

[TonyT930]

Once you go convertible, you never go back. I'll have one until I depart this mortal coil. Every summer I'm all sunburnt.

I completely agree

 

[Rilot]

I have a Vert. The Mustang is all about drama and how it makes you feel. Top down with the exhaust in 'track' there is no comparison.

 

[magnamover]

I am on my third Mustang, the first one being a 2011 GT non-conv with an Edelbrock Stage 2 SC. It was fun breaking the tires loose at 40 but decided after 4 years I needed to slow down. Had a 16 Gt conv for a few years until I settled on an 18 conv GT will PP1, active exhaust and magneride. So far this is the best one, but I have been looking for a 24 or 25 with similar options and they are hard to find. Would never go without a convertible, even in NY. I ride Harleys so I am used to wind and exhaust noise.

 

[Johnnybee]

I also forgot to mention my personal moto, “It’s not how fast you get there, it’s how you look when you arrive.” This is greatly enhanced by my exceptionally rare Royal Crimson colour. 403 GT and 515 Ecoboost convertibles.

 

[KeyLime]

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?

Is this your first convertible? If so, I suggest renting one to see if you enjoy the convertible experience. Convertibles have a lot of negatives, but the plusses can be great. They leak, squeak, rattle and are loud. And doing 70 on the freeway with a tractor trailer next to you is pure hell on the eardrums.

But on a winding country road on a summer day...nothing can beat that. You'll feel like Tod and Buz on Route 66.

I had a '85 GT vert and it flexed like a wet noodle. My '21 is a lot stiffer. Not sure how it compares to the '21 hardtop but I'm happy with the handling.

Not sure about insurance. The vert is more expensive than the hardtop so that may affect insurance rates. On the plus side convertibles tend to be weekend and fair weather cars and not daily drivers. So that means less accidents due to bad weather and commuting. Also, and oddly, convertibles have a lower rollover fatality rate. Most are sports cars with a lower center of gravity than trucks and SUV's. As above they tend to be fair weather cars and that reduces roll over risk.

 

[Paris MkVI]

If you get a wind-blocker it will avoid some of the wind noise and dirt.

Seconding this. The deflector significantly reduces turbulence in the front seats. Conversation and music is much more enjoyable.

I got mine from Love The Drive, but other options are out there.

 

[TonyT930]

I've owed 3 Mustangs. A 1990 LX 5.0 notchback 5 speed manual, a 1997 Mustang GT hardtop auto, and now a 2017 GT convertible auto. My '17 vert is the best Mustang I've owned by far and its not even close. Now that I own a convertible, I'll never go back to a hardtop. The driving experience is the most pleasurable, the verts are the best looking, and next to no blind spots with the top down.

 

[gone_n_60]

I did the trade off for a vert but track it also. It handled pretty good first season stock. I've added mods for the track but still drive it street, road trip and I love how it drives.

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