Bespoke convertibles vs. "converted" convertibles

"Someone Else's Projects" (someoneelsesproject) 05/24/2014 at 22:46 • Filed to: None

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I recently test-drove a classic Saab 900 convertible and disliked it. The chassis wasn't as floppy as conventional wisdom suggests, but it was an uninspiring drive and the shifter has horridly long throws. The thing that most disappointed me was the fact that the windshield came up too far over the driver, drastically diminishing the sensation of actually being in a convertible.

The last time I felt that ways was in a rental Chrysler Sebring, which, like the Saab, was based on the chassis of a hardtop sedan. By contrast, the Miatas and MR2 Spyders I've been in definitely have the convertible feel when you put the top down, with windshields far enough forward that you actually feel like there's no roof. I realize that this isn't quite an apples to apples comparison, as the roadsters are two-seaters and the converted convertibles are four seaters, so I need to ask the oppo masses, are there any convertibles converted from hardtops that retain a convertible feel, or will I have to stick to bespoke roadsters from now on? Am I out of options if I'm looking for a four-seat convertible?

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Someone Else's Projects 05/24/2014 at 22:52

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Speaking from the experience I've had with one, the E90 convertible I ride in all the time feels very convertible-ish.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Someone Else's Projects 05/24/2014 at 22:58

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I think Top gear did a comparison like this with an R8 Spyder which started as a coupe, ad something else that was designed as a vert to begin with, and came to a similar conclusion. That a car designed to be a vert to begin with will generally, be better then a car that was a hardtop, and changed to be a vert.

I've noticed something similar with how some cars were clearly designed to be hatchbacks, so the sedan/coupes look awkward, and visa versa

jariten1781 > Someone Else's Projects 05/24/2014 at 23:01

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All of them from the 70s and earlier give a way more open feel than anything I've been in recently including the miata. Some of them are 6 seaters as well.

ZiptieMcBumper > Someone Else's Projects 05/24/2014 at 23:13

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You know, I've thought about the fact that I've always said that I don't like the idea of convertibles. Every "convertible" I've ever driven has been extremely underwhelming.

I have however, owned an NB Miata, extensively driven an S2K, and had a test drive in an older model SL Benz. These cars felt NOTHING like my "convertible coupe" driving experiences.

To be completely honest (and obvious), if you're driving a car that's been compromised to increase sales by chopping off the roof (whether it be a Saab, C3 'Vette, an Eclipse, or a Sunbird), you're driving a half-assed car.

If you compare a roadster to a comparably well-sorted coupe, it will probably fall short. However, it will fare much better than if you compared a coupe and convertible version of the same base car. I realize that companies add bracing and such to reduce cowl shake and all of the other problems that come with chopping off the roof of a perfectly good car, but a convertible version of a coupe is always a compromise.

Even if you don't care about "at-the-limit" handling, you're still going to get short-changed in some kind of experience; noise, open-air feeling, comfort, etc.

If you want a soft top AND a pleasurable experience, go for a roadster. If you want four seats, you'll have to settle for a big sunroof.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Someone Else's Projects 05/24/2014 at 23:17

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How about the Audi A4 Cabriolet? I heard those were pretty good, especially if you went for an S4, or if you had the money, an RS4. Don't know if those were ever offered in the US though…

Squid > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/24/2014 at 23:42

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The Mini 'verts are pretty open and airy if you don't mind the Mini face and potential problems they incur. But cars designed as 'verts to begin with are generally better than ones that have the roofs cut off. I will say that I have generally liked the BMW 3 series 'verts though I have not driven one.

Is your main complaint about the windshield deflecting too much wind up and over your head or what? You can solve the wind issue by driving with the windows down. They engineer most cars to have decent wind flow with the windows up so there is minimal buffeting with the top down, just look at what MBZ has put into their CL and E class 'verts. They have wind deflectors on the windshield to push the air up and over the cabin so your hair doesn't get messed up and they give you an "air scarf" so your neck stays warm at night.

Just know that a purpose built 2 seat roadster will give you a better ride than a coupe with the roof cut off. All the extra bracing was engineered into the roadster while it had to be added into a coupe with the roof cut.

If there isn't anything you like you can always just stick with a sedan or coupe with one of those big ass glass roofs.

saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars > Someone Else's Projects 05/25/2014 at 00:34

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So what you need to do is drive an SPG.

Someone Else's Projects > saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars 05/25/2014 at 00:39

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Been there, driven that, still can't get over that shifter.

saabstory | fixes bikes, breaks cars > Someone Else's Projects 05/25/2014 at 00:40

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So what you need to do is drive a 2012 9-5 SportCombi.

Aaron James > Someone Else's Projects 05/25/2014 at 09:02

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Fox body mustangs have a low windshield if that's the criteria. There is a huge size difference in the cars you are comparing. Every convertible I've ever driven has felt like a convertible to me. I've driven everything from K-car verts to Corvette verts. all gave the same feel of openness with very different driving experiences.

Someone Else's Projects > Squid 05/25/2014 at 10:14

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It's more a matter of being able to see daylight around the windshield when I'm looking ahead in my normal driving position. If the windshield frame takes up all my peripheral vision, then in my head it makes no difference if I'm in a convertible or a hardtop.

Squid > Someone Else's Projects 05/25/2014 at 10:20

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I dunno, I have to struggle for looking out the windshield of my NB at stop lights and the mirror blocks a good portion of view. Really an open top is an open top and you'll have wind over your hair. I'd rather have a windshield closer to my head than farther away. I think you are the exact opposite of most 'vert buyers or you must be really short.

Someone Else's Projects > Squid 05/25/2014 at 10:22

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I'm 5'7" so Richard Hammond sized, but not too short. Come to think of it I do sit with my seat further forward than most people, so that might be part of it. I'll probably just keep looking.

Squid > Someone Else's Projects 05/25/2014 at 10:23

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You are probably SOL. but go try a mini 'vert. their windshields are really far forward.