As I drove the new 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 Cabriolet yesterday, I couldn't help but think "why do I need a hardtop?"
The E Cab's multi-layer soft top lets remarkably little wind noise into the cabin even at 80 mph -- a revelation as a soft top convertible owner who must keep his car under 65 in order to keep things pleasant even with the top up.
With the top lowered, there is still enough room in the trunk for a pair of carry-on roller bags. In the Lexus IS C, there is precisely enough room for a golf bag and nothing else. My carry-on roller bag had to be put in the back seat when I decided to lower the roof while on vacation in Las Vegas. Of course, the E's trunk can't quite carry the same amount of stuff with its top up as the IS, 3 Series and Volvo C70 can.
Of course, with the exception of the 3 Series, most hardtop convertibles have ungainly rear ends that even Sir Mix-A-Lot would say "That butt's getting a bit big." Now look at the E550 and the soft top-adorned Audi S5 -- same elegant caboose as its coupe counterpart.
Then there's the issue of weight -- a whole bunch of metal and the mechanisms needed to lift and origami it weigh a whole heap more than some (admittedly thick) fabric with some metal supports. Given the need to cut weight in order to improve fuel economy (and heck, performance), I wonder if the era of hardtop convertibles will be a short one?
Of course, a hardtop should look better in the long-term as it requires less cleaning maintenance and isn't susceptible to the same type of deterioration. However, if you take care of it, I say a modern multi-lined soft top convertible has more appeal than a hardtop. And with apologies to Sir Mix-A-Lot, I'd rather have less weight and a smaller butt any day.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor
By carguy622
on September 1, 2010
06:43 AM
I think living in Manhattan (or any big city) that a hard top is advantageous if you're worried about vandals. Heck vandals can even be in the sticks. You never know. Hardtops just add an extra layer of security.
I prefer a soft top though for all the reasons you mention; more trunk space, less complexity, less weight.
By vic_pe
on September 1, 2010
07:14 AM
I think the hardtop deploy and retract process is too cool to overlook! :)
By sabastian
on September 1, 2010
07:57 AM
I can only think of one car that actually works with a hardtop, and that is the Mx-5. It doesn't take up any cargo space, it doesn't drastically alter the lines, and it doesn't come with a substantial weight penalty. Other than that single exception, I'd say that hard top convertibles have jumped the shark.
By redwoodaggie
on September 1, 2010
08:55 AM
Don't forget better security, because people can't just slash the tops with little effort and don't even have to break noisy glass to steal your change. Also, more warmth in the winter months. All of the above is why my friend went with the power hardtop when she got a Miata a couple years ago (and she got a manual trans. woohoo!).
By cruiserhead1
on September 1, 2010
09:31 AM
G37 hardtop convertible: manages to look light, balanced and sporty. Very pretty and much better looking than the coupe or sedan versions.
Nissan did a great job with that one.
Convertibles are a compromise anyway, so I would rather have the long term durability, security, rigidity and quiet of a hardtop convertible.
By cruiserhead1
on September 1, 2010
09:32 AM
additionally,
I don't think some of the hardtop convertibles are that heavy. With smart material use, some makes keep the weight well within reason.
By 06scooby
on September 1, 2010
09:56 AM
@cruiserhead1: Although the G37 is all that you stated, its over 400 lbs heavier than the coupe.. thats a ton of extra weight on a car like that!
By blackadder5639
on September 1, 2010
10:39 AM
Hardtop is better.
By yankeez
on September 1, 2010
11:06 AM
I think most people have realized that the added weight, electrical complexity issues and other such compromises (reduced trunk room, etc) just aren't worth the benefit of al fresco motoring. Not to mention most hardtop convertibles look, well... weird.
Perhaps there's something to be said for a good ol' fashioned canvas top. Sure they'll probably be a bit noisier and leak more than a hardtop, they probably won't last as long, and yes, security will be a bigger concern - although I'd submit to you, however, that most ragtop owners most likely understand such risks when they buy one.
By blueguydotcom
on September 1, 2010
11:48 AM
Shrug. Unless the car is a purpose built convertible (like a Boxster not like that ratty R8 job on the site right now), I don't see the point. Either way, hard or soft, it's a waste.
By ed124c
on September 1, 2010
01:59 PM
I have owned 5 convertibles and never had one vandalized, never had a problem with the top, nor with noise; of course this was when I was in my twenties. Three had large trunks, the two Corvairs did not, but their front trunks were OK).
I think I stopped caring about convertibles in the early 70s. And with the adoption of optional sunroofs on many cars by the mid 70s, that was all I required for open air motoring.
By ne1butu2
on September 1, 2010
10:02 PM
I have an S4 convertible and live in Manhattan. If you have a nice car and want it to stay that way, you have it in a secure garage and not on the street. Also, with a multi-layer top that has tons of noise insulation and interior lining... have you seen how thick they are? It's not exactly going to be easy to cut through. It'll be much easier to break the window. Also, there is absolutely no appreciable difference in the warmth provided by a hardtop versus a soft top.
Just sayin'
By billt9
on September 3, 2010
07:50 AM
MX-5 hardtop. Can't beat that. doesn't take up extra space.