"Victorious Secret" (victorioussecret)
08/30/2013 at 14:51 • Filed to: None
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"Victorious Secret" (victorioussecret)
08/30/2013 at 14:51 • Filed to: None | 2
| 13 |
Has modern engineering improved convertibles to the point that the differences are negligible for track use (if you do such a thing with your cars)?
Is it practicality that is a bother, especially on a hardtop convertible?
Personally, I don't know if I can ever bother with a coupe if I ever go down that route. There is something smile inducing about having a million miles of headroom and an increased exhaust note and a more 'exciting' experience just by being exposed to everything.
I don't know, for the longest time I thought " Convertible? You crazy madman you. Convertibles are for hairdressers and baboons who bought a compromised car just for some headroom"
But like everything in life, trying and experiencing one made me a believer.
Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
> Victorious Secret
08/30/2013 at 14:53 |
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Coupe: lighter, more ridged, less complicated.
twinturbobmw
> Victorious Secret
08/30/2013 at 14:55 |
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I would only buy a convertible for the exhaust (if it sounded good obviously) or if it look much better in drop top form. In general I don't like them simply because I'm not a fan of wind in my hair.
Crocket Bernet
> Victorious Secret
08/30/2013 at 15:00 |
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Coupe every single time.
hollanddjw 1
> Victorious Secret
08/30/2013 at 15:02 |
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One of the reasons I prefer coupes is that, stylistically, I usually prefer a car with a roof. Unless the car was designed specifically to be roofless, it usually only ends badly. Even IF there is no coupe option to speak of, I like removable hardtops (see Miata and S2000).
I guess it's just one of those things you either "get" or don't.
BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather
> Victorious Secret
08/30/2013 at 15:12 |
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Verts tend to wallow and wabble. Coupes for stability. Hands down, dick out.
Fookin' Prawns
> Victorious Secret
08/30/2013 at 15:22 |
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If I'm going to track it, I'm going to get a coupe. Lighter, more rigid, mechanically simpler. But for everyday road use, convertible (especially a hardtop one) hands down, at least where I live. I just love how open it is. Plus, I get the wind in my hair and I get to hear a wonderful exhaust note.
And girls dig it. If they don't mind messing up their hair.
SonorousSpeedJoe
> Victorious Secret
08/30/2013 at 15:37 |
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Like others have said, coupes are more rigid and less complicated - unless it was designed with the convertible version in mind (i.e. the MP4-12C's MonoCell), there's probably going to be a significant difference.
Also, manufacturers might choose to limit the convertible's capabilities relative to the coupe's if they conclude that the convertibles won't get as much use because of these differences and the buyer demographics - if I recall correctly, the Camaro ZL1 convertible doesn't have GM's Performance Traction Management, and the C6 Corvette Grand Sport 'vert didn't get the GS Coupe's dry-sump system.
GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo
> Victorious Secret
08/30/2013 at 15:39 |
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Don't most tracks not allow 'verts?
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Victorious Secret
> GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo
08/30/2013 at 15:42 |
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Not entirely sure on that one, our local ones don't care so long as your helmet doesn't poke above the top of the A pillar
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GTRZILLAR32-Now saving for Godzilla and a condo
> Victorious Secret
08/30/2013 at 15:47 |
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I guess it's on a track to track basis but I would imagine tracks would require a roll bar or at least a hardtop just to satisfy insurance.
delete-me-please123
> Victorious Secret
08/30/2013 at 16:00 |
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Topless here.
bikesandcars
> Victorious Secret
08/30/2013 at 17:14 |
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All convertibles should be sold without AC. Otherwise what's the fuckin point.
JasonStern911
> Victorious Secret
08/31/2013 at 00:34 |
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While a hardtop convertible can have the same structural rigidity as the coupe version, if properly engineered, the problem then becomes the additional weight. The motors, tracks, etc. to lift and close the hardtop add up.
The second, lesser problem is that the average Jalopnik can't afford a new hardtop convertible. And what happens when convertible tops - both hard and soft - age? They become wear/maintenance issues. So instead of spending time driving, or at least working on something that could improve the vehicle's performance (engine, suspension), one is stuck fixing the track/motors on a hardtop or replacing the fabric/back window on a softtop.