2011 Convertible? Pros/Cons.. lets hear it
Cobra Member
Joined: September 6, 2005
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 2
From: Colorado
I had a coupe '05 and now a convertible '06 and have to say, I love them both! LOL!
Had my top cut last year and while it sucked, I did end up getting a cloth top out of the deal... 
And with my coupe, it was keyed and egged, so no matter what you buy, you're gonna get vandalism, just depends on what kind...
I am not a huge fan of the glass top, unless it's on the Black car color, otherwise, it doesn't look like it belongs, IMO...
And I would agree that if you plan to go to the track or anything, coupe is definitely a better idea. Unless you want to weld a roll cage in, which I am not a big fan of.
But, in the end, you need to get what you want! I went back and forth a lot over getting the convertible, but I am glad I did! Even if the next Mustang I get is a coupe, at least I can say I had a vert for a few years...
Convertible pros
Top down motoring is great. Wind in your hair, sun beating down great unencumbered view. -agreed! Nothing better than putting the top down and having a great view, wind in your hair and just all around fun!
Convertible Cons,
Noisy with the top up ( S197 and later are better, but it's a fact that top up driving is noiser than a hard top. -This is my first Vert, but I gotta tell ya, I don't think it was that much noisier than my coupe... Yes, it is noisier in general, but not enough for me to list it as a con. I can talk to other people and on the phone no problem...
Wives and girlfreinds hate the wind in their hair (it tangles, whips me, flattens hair, makes it look dirty, etc.) I loved my 2005 GT Convertible, but the wife dreaded it when I put the top down which leads to Con #1 -My wife enjoys the top down! If she knows we're going to put the top down, she either brings a hair tie or hat... Problem solved!
Nobody liked the back seat on the highway. -Very true...
Long trips with the top down leads to dehydration and sun burn. It's even more annoying to be stuck in traffic. (leads to Con #1 again) -Have not really had this problem, and as long as you take the proper precautions, you should be fine. And if you're stuck in traffic, you can always put the top back up...
Top down motoring is great. Wind in your hair, sun beating down great unencumbered view. -agreed! Nothing better than putting the top down and having a great view, wind in your hair and just all around fun!
Convertible Cons,
Noisy with the top up ( S197 and later are better, but it's a fact that top up driving is noiser than a hard top. -This is my first Vert, but I gotta tell ya, I don't think it was that much noisier than my coupe... Yes, it is noisier in general, but not enough for me to list it as a con. I can talk to other people and on the phone no problem...
Wives and girlfreinds hate the wind in their hair (it tangles, whips me, flattens hair, makes it look dirty, etc.) I loved my 2005 GT Convertible, but the wife dreaded it when I put the top down which leads to Con #1 -My wife enjoys the top down!
If she knows we're going to put the top down, she either brings a hair tie or hat... Problem solved! Nobody liked the back seat on the highway. -Very true...
Long trips with the top down leads to dehydration and sun burn. It's even more annoying to be stuck in traffic. (leads to Con #1 again) -Have not really had this problem, and as long as you take the proper precautions, you should be fine. And if you're stuck in traffic, you can always put the top back up...
There are other concerns too, like what if a thief or hater wants to slice up your roof?
And with my coupe, it was keyed and egged, so no matter what you buy, you're gonna get vandalism, just depends on what kind...I am not a huge fan of the glass top, unless it's on the Black car color, otherwise, it doesn't look like it belongs, IMO...
And I would agree that if you plan to go to the track or anything, coupe is definitely a better idea. Unless you want to weld a roll cage in, which I am not a big fan of.
But, in the end, you need to get what you want! I went back and forth a lot over getting the convertible, but I am glad I did! Even if the next Mustang I get is a coupe, at least I can say I had a vert for a few years...
Mach 1 Member
Joined: September 9, 2004
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
Living in San Diego I've usually had a convertible or a sunroof. Aftermarket sunroofs are available for Mustangs by ASC among others.
My 05 Mustang GT was a coupe. Due to some tough economic times and decisions I had to sell it. I bought a used Miata and I love it. Now I'm considering a 3.7/manual Mustang convertible....it even gets BETTER gas (highway) mileage AND better G's and braking than a Miata! WTF!
My 05 Mustang GT was a coupe. Due to some tough economic times and decisions I had to sell it. I bought a used Miata and I love it. Now I'm considering a 3.7/manual Mustang convertible....it even gets BETTER gas (highway) mileage AND better G's and braking than a Miata! WTF!
Cobra Member
Joined: July 27, 2004
Posts: 1,292
Likes: 2
From: Bakersfield, CA
I have had 2 65 convertibles and a fox body vert many years ago. Loved it. Considering getting one. Realistically, I won't be heading to the track. So weight and rigidity is at best a side note. The wife is kind of hinting that she would like me to get one so that she can borrow it.
Who can say? I have talked myself out of more cars in the last couple of years.
Who can say? I have talked myself out of more cars in the last couple of years.
Bullitt Member
Joined: August 4, 2006
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
Best thing I ever got for my Vert is this
http://www.classicdesignconcepts.com...t_detail&p=130
You can actually talk and have a conversation. My wifes hair does not blow all over the place and she even lets me put it down when we go out now. Plus I can comfortably drive down to 50 degrees with the heat on. Which in NY makes top down weather almost 6 months of the year.
http://www.classicdesignconcepts.com...t_detail&p=130
You can actually talk and have a conversation. My wifes hair does not blow all over the place and she even lets me put it down when we go out now. Plus I can comfortably drive down to 50 degrees with the heat on. Which in NY makes top down weather almost 6 months of the year.
FR500 Member
Joined: July 1, 2008
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 0
From: Oxford, UK
Best thing I ever got for my Vert is this
http://www.classicdesignconcepts.com...t_detail&p=130
You can actually talk and have a conversation. My wifes hair does not blow all over the place and she even lets me put it down when we go out now. Plus I can comfortably drive down to 50 degrees with the heat on. Which in NY makes top down weather almost 6 months of the year.
http://www.classicdesignconcepts.com...t_detail&p=130
You can actually talk and have a conversation. My wifes hair does not blow all over the place and she even lets me put it down when we go out now. Plus I can comfortably drive down to 50 degrees with the heat on. Which in NY makes top down weather almost 6 months of the year.
Cobra Member
Joined: June 25, 2004
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
You might want to consider that there have been structural improvements to the 2011 convertibles. Although these quotes are referring to the GT500 Ford has said that the same changes apply to all 2011 'verts.
"The Shelby GT500 convertible model features enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. The V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened, while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam has been added to increase rigidity.
The structural improvements to the convertible gave SVT the opportunity to be more sport-oriented in the chassis tuning, without trading comfort. Along with the chassis and structural improvements, the 2011 model also will get standard 19-inch aluminum wheels.
“One of the biggest changes for this Shelby is that the convertible acts and feels like a coupe,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “Before, they had a very different character, and the convertible is taking a big step in the sportiness and handling precision area, without degrading the ride.”
"The Shelby GT500 convertible model features enhanced structural rigidity, with lateral stiffness improved by 12 percent versus the 2010 model. The V-brace has been stiffened by adding gussets. The secondary crossmember also has been stiffened, while a front Z-brace has been added, connecting primary and secondary crossmembers. A-pillar stiffening foam has been added to increase rigidity.
The structural improvements to the convertible gave SVT the opportunity to be more sport-oriented in the chassis tuning, without trading comfort. Along with the chassis and structural improvements, the 2011 model also will get standard 19-inch aluminum wheels.
“One of the biggest changes for this Shelby is that the convertible acts and feels like a coupe,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “Before, they had a very different character, and the convertible is taking a big step in the sportiness and handling precision area, without degrading the ride.”
I have'nt driven a 2011 GT yet. But, Verts are pretty nice. If you want performance and plan to take your car to the track a lot, I suggest not getting a Vert and go with the hardtop.
Member
Joined: May 31, 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
There was no question for me about the convertible / coupe argument. Don't get me wrong as I full well know the advantages strength wise of that solid metal roof tying the 4 points of the body together, but I wasn't going to buy this car to be a full time track car and the enjoyment of getting it out early on a summer morning or a sunset drive with the top down is way more candy to me than the little better handling that the ridgidity brings. When I was on the track during a club event I was passing coupes around the track and I've always said that it is 50% car and 50% driver on the road courses. Not bragging because I am just a novice at this, but going through 3-4 driving schools will allow you to take your heavier, less agile car out and go around those that may be superior on paper.
Link: http://marblesmotors.com/GT5002011Hallett.htm
Link: http://marblesmotors.com/GT5002011Hallett.htm
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