C8 Corvette Coupe vs Convertible? Which One is Best for YOU?

You would be foolish to buy a new Corvette coupe instead of the convertible. Or is it the other way around? We examine each choice.

First things first, if you are ordering a new C8 Corvette it is impossible to make a bad choice. Well, maybe an orange car with red interior, red fender hash stripes and yellow brake calipers would be a bad choice. However, even with a questionable color scheme you would still have a hell of a performance car. Also, if you are not happy with the color, you could always wrap it and get anything you want. Of much more importance to the overall driving experience is the body style you select. Will you go for the full open-air experience of the convertible or are you more of the buttoned-down coupe type?

This is a big decision. Unlike paint which you can wrap, you cannot easily make a coupe into a convertible and vice versa. We are here to help you navigate this type of first world problem. Below you will find a list of reasons why you should consider each variant. At the end of the day the only true answer is of course to pick up one of each. Chevrolet will thank you. However, if you are not in such a fortunate position, we hope you find the below helpful.

Advantage Coupe – The Coupe is Cheaper

Depending on the trim level you are looking at saving roughly $7,000 buying the coupe instead of the convertible. That is seven grand you can spend on the Z51 performance package along with the magnetic suspension. So, you basically have a fully Z51 equipped coupe for the price of the base convertible. You could also simply save the money and invest it elsewhere. That is pretty boring though, and you know you want that Z51 package. Score one for the coupe.

Advantage Convertible – It is Only Money

Yes, the convertible will cost you an extra seven grand. If you finance that over 5 years, you are looking at roughly an extra $130 a month over the coupe. If your budget is so tight that a little over a hundred bucks is a deal-breaker, perhaps you should not be looking at new Corvettes. This is a dream car for many, and why cheap out on your dream? Get the car you really want. If you want the convertible, go for it. You can’t take your money with you, so make yourself happy. In case it is not obvious we are not financial advisors so keep that in mind.

Advantage Coupe – It is Lighter and Less Complex

As the great Colin Chapman once said: “Simplify, then add lightness.” The C8 coupe does not have the 6 motors required to operate the convertible hardtop. That helps the coupe weigh in about 100 pounds less than the convertible. Weight is the enemy in a sportscar. It dulls acceleration, and handling, and it impacts fuel economy. Every pound counts and lugging 100 fewer pounds than the convertible means the coupe is the sharper car. In addition, it has 6 fewer motors that could potentially fail. If you want to build the best performing Corvette, you want to start with the coupe.

A lot of us could stand to lose a few pounds. However, do you really want to give up beer and steak for water and salad in order to drop a couple? The convertible gives you the full open-air experience and for that you pay a weight penalty. At the end of the day, does it really matter all that much? If we blindfolded you and put you in the passenger seat of each car as we drove you around a racetrack, we doubt anyone would be able to tell if they were in a coupe or convertible. The performance is virtually identical. The MPG is the same as the coupe, interior dimensions are the same. Even truck volume is the same. In fact, in reality it is better in the convertible. If you want to take out the targa top in the coupe you have to store it in the trunk. The convertible has no such issue.

Advantage Coupe – Show Off the Engine

For decades Corvette owners could show off the engine of their prized Corvettes by popping the hood at a car show. With the new C8 the engine is on full display all the time to anyone who wants to take a peek. It might not seem like a big deal, but it is a cool feature that adds to the more exotic feel of the newest Corvette. Chevy even offers an engine appearance package option to further highlight the LT2. If you opt for the convertible car, you lose the engine view.

Advantage Convertible – Unique Design

Yes, the convertible loses the cool, clear engine cover. That does not mean the convertible is lacking any flair. The car features unique fairings behind the driver and passenger that lead to a sculpted tonneau covering the engine. It gives the car a more exotic look, especially with the top dropped. Thanks to the hardtop design, when the top is up, the car can pass for a coupe. It is the best of both worlds.

Advantage Coupe – You Might Actually Find One

Buying any C8 right now is a challenge. Due to high demand and a number of production delays C8 Corvettes are scarce on the ground. However, if you are looking for one, you are much more likely to find a coupe than a convertible. The first convertible cars just hit dealers about a month or so ago. Finding a C8 coupe for sale might be like finding a four-leaf clover. Finding a convertible would be like finding Bigfoot standing in a field of four-leaf clovers. This may become less of an issue as production ramps back up but don’t expect to see many convertibles for a while.

Advantage Convertible – You Might Actually Have the Only One

If you want a convertible, and if you can get one, you will likely be the only one in town with one. The convertible is a rare car right now. Part of the fun of having a sports car is having something unique that you won’t see ten other examples of at the local cars and coffee. It won’t be long until torch red C8 Corvette coupes are commonplace. A Zeus bronze metallic convertible? That is going to take some digging to find another.

Advantage Coupe – It is a Convertible!

Do you want to save some money, weight, and show off your engine while still enjoying the open air? Then buy the coupe. All coupes have the removable targa top. Nice weather and fancy a little open-air motoring? Pop the top, stick it in the trunk and you are off. It might not have the full convertible experience, but it is pretty darn close. You still get unlimited headroom, and the wind in your hair, but you don’t suffer from any of the convertible drawbacks.

Advantage Convertible – It is a Coupe

The convertible allows you to enjoy real top-down motoring when you want but acts just like a coupe the rest of the time. The power-folding hardtop is a breeze to use and when it is up, most people could not even tell you have a convertible. Did it start to rain during your top-down drive? No problem put the top up in 16 seconds at the next traffic light. Or just slow down to 30 mph and do the same. The C8 convertible allows you to have two cars in one.

So which car are you going to pick? Let us know in the CorvetteForum forums.

Photos: Chevrolet.com

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