ZR-1 vs Z06 vs Z51

[Raza]

I almost never drive mine without the top on.  I keep telling myself I need to take it off more (especially with this weather), but when I get in the car it never occurs to me for some reason.

They also make a convertible with an optional power top.  The targa looks better, but the convertible is a full convertible...oh, the tradeoffs...

[280Z Turbo]

Well, there's something about putting the top down on a clear spring day that appeals to me.

I'm not a fan.

Convertibles are more expensive, less stiff, less safe, have small rear windows, aren't supposed to go through car washes, need rollbars in order to be tracked, slower, heavier, noisier, too windy, sometimes leaky, don't insulate as well in the cold, aren't as secure, etc.

[Lebowski]

They also make a convertible with an optional power top.  The targa looks better, but the convertible is a full convertible...oh, the tradeoffs...

Blah - the 'vert is $10k more expensive, loses the trunk space of the hatchback design, nosier w/ the top up ...

[sandertheshark]

The ZR1 stands out too far.  I'd be happier with a Z06, I think.

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

Well, there's something about putting the top down on a clear spring day that appeals to me.

+1

[Gotta-Qik-C7]

If I had to pay the note,Z51. But I lust for the ZR1! 

[Soup DeVille]

I'm not a fan.

Convertibles are more expensive, less stiff, less safe, have small rear windows, aren't supposed to go through car washes, need rollbars in order to be tracked, slower, heavier, noisier, too windy, sometimes leaky, don't insulate as well in the cold, aren't as secure, etc.

FWIW, the S2000 went through car washes just fine, didn't leak, didn't have excessive wind noise, and was plenty warm in the winter. Also, while I guess you could cut through the top, you'd have to be a nidge to get in between any of the roll hoops and actually gain access to the car.

It was also plenty stiff in the chassis department.

But, since there was never an S2000 coupe produced, I can't really argue against the other points.

But, it was a beautiful thing with the top down, and that makes up for any deficiency it may have in the dynamics department because of that.

[Raza]

FWIW, the S2000 went through car washes just fine, didn't leak, didn't have excessive wind noise, and was plenty warm in the winter. Also, while I guess you could cut through the top, you'd have to be a nidge to get in between any of the roll hoops and actually gain access to the car.

It was also plenty stiff in the chassis department.

But, since there was never an S2000 coupe produced, I can't really argue against the other points.

But, it was a beautiful thing with the top down, and that makes up for any deficiency it may have in the dynamics department because of that.

[JYODER240]

I'm convinced that almost everyone who hates convertibles has either never driven one or the last example they did was a 89 Mustang.

[565]

I'm convinced that almost everyone who hates convertibles has either never driven one or the last example they did was a 89 Mustang.

Or they might just not like top down driving, and then there's just absolutely no reason to get a vert.

I drove a Miata, S2000, and Z4 and many others.  I liked the cars (the Z4 not so much), but I perferred to drive with the top up.  I seriously considered the S2000 and Miata, but would have driven both with the top up exclusively. I simply don't see the appeal of not having a roof over your head at 80mph.  I like being cocooned in from the elements and the sun, with the temperature and humidity exactly as I want them.  I don't like the wind in my hair or the sun giving me a sunburn or the wind noise not letting me enjoy my CD.  I guess it's different strokes for different folks.  Some people are the outdoors type who want to spend every minute in the elements, some people like me just want to stay in my cozy home and watch some movies.

[JYODER240]

Or they might just not like top down driving, and then there's just absolutely no reason to get a vert.

I drove a Miata, S2000, and Z4 and many others.  I liked the cars (the Z4 not so much), but I perferred to drive with the top up.  I seriously considered the S2000 and Miata, but would have driven both with the top up exclusively. I simply don't see the appeal of not having a roof over your head at 80mph.  I like being cocooned in from the elements and the sun, with the temperature and humidity exactly as I want them.  I don't like the wind in my hair or the sun giving me a sunburn or the wind noise not letting me enjoy my CD.  I guess it's different strokes for different folks.  Some people are the outdoors type who want to spend every minute in the elements, some people like me just want to stay in my cozy home and watch some movies.

I'm not the outdoors type but feeling the warmth of the sun, the feel of the wind, the smell, etc are all part of the driving experience IMO. A backroads drive it much more enjoyable when you're soaking in all of those things versus being secluded from whats going on around you.

[280Z Turbo]

FWIW, the S2000 went through car washes just fine, didn't leak, didn't have excessive wind noise, and was plenty warm in the winter. Also, while I guess you could cut through the top, you'd have to be a nidge to get in between any of the roll hoops and actually gain access to the car.

It was also plenty stiff in the chassis department.

But, since there was never an S2000 coupe produced, I can't really argue against the other points.

But, it was a beautiful thing with the top down, and that makes up for any deficiency it may have in the dynamics department because of that.

Imagine how much better it would be if it was a coupe!

My friend just picked up a '99 Miata and the owner's manual says not to put it through an automatic carwash.

[280Z Turbo]

I'm convinced that almost everyone who hates convertibles has either never driven one or the last example they did was a 89 Mustang.

I've driven a '63 Corvette convertible. I wish it was a split window instead.

[JYODER240]

I've driven a '63 Corvette convertible. I wish it was a split window instead.

No kidding, it would probably we worth 3 times as much.