2001 Cobra: Coupe vs. Vert?

[Jesse 28B]

I'm in the market to buy an 01 cobra. I was originally going for a coupe, but after seeing a bunch of pics, I'm starting to consider a convertible.

Being that I've never even rode in a vert before, I just have a few questions to help me with my decision. I was wondering if you guys could help me out?

1. I used to have a 97 GT. I always heard that with those bodystyles, the coupes were faster than the convertibles because the verts weighed a lot more. Is this still true with a 2001 Cobra?

2. Since there is no roof to keep the chassis stiff, does a convertible handle worse than a coupe? I would think that there would be considerable chassis flexing in the corners with no roof to hold everything together.

3. Does the convertible roof flap in the wind at high speeds?

4. Is it possible to drive down the highway with the top down? Is it extremely windy? I've only ridden in the back of a jeep that had its top down, and I thought it really sucked

5. Are there any other pros/cons to having a convertible?


Thanks a ton guys!

 

[Uncle Meat]

1. I used to have a 97 GT. I always heard that with those bodystyles, the coupes were faster than the convertibles because the verts weighed a lot more. Is this still true with a 2001 Cobra?

All things being equal... yup! A coupe will always be a little quicker than a vert due to the weight advantage.

2. Since there is no roof to keep the chassis stiff, does a convertible handle worse than a coupe? I would think that there would be considerable chassis flexing in the corners with no roof to hold everything together.

Again, all things being equal a coupe can pull a little quicker lap time vs a vert for the exact reason you state. The vert does not have the structural rigidity that a coupe does.

3. Does the convertible roof flap in the wind at high speeds?

What do you consider high speed? If it's old and loose or damaged, yes. I've been in some pretty raggedy rag tops that flapped in the wind and drove me crazy! Then again if the top is in good condition there won't be any noticeable flap.

4. Is it possible to drive down the highway with the top down? Is it extremely windy? I've only ridden in the back of a jeep that had its top down, and I thought it really sucked

I can't specifically answer this as far as a 2001 Cobra is concerned. Some convertible cars create almost a vacuum behind the windshield when the top is down and there's very little turbulence, others are like riding inside of a tornado with crap flying everywhere! Depends on the car.

5. Are there any other pros/cons to having a convertible?

Verts aren't as secure as a coupe, pretty easy to quickly & quietly access the interior with a simple box cutter or pocket knife. Top down cruising in a vert on a beautiful summer day is a lot of fun though! You can get more babes in a vert than a coupe too.

U.M.

 

[95 yellow 5 0]

none of my stuff flew around in the front seats, just the back. i'd hit 130-140 with the top down in the 95 gt. didn't notice anything, but then again after totalling the 96 cobra at a high speed, i don't think a vert is the right choice for me at this time .

coupes are cheaper; msrp and insurance.
then again you could consider a mach 1 if you want a coupe.

 

[cobrahissss]

Insurance was at least $100 a year more for my coupe because of the weight to horsepower ratio. Really odd because at the time the Vert was $4000 more and not much protection in a roll over. I also wanted to hear the exhaust which was nill in the vert with the top down.

 

[missouri_guy197]

coupes are cheaper; msrp and insurance.

I don't agree with coupes are cheaper on insurance...when I was looking for my car I found a vert I wanted and the insurance on it was about $20 cheaper per 6 months than the coupe was...I think it was due to the reason that cobrahisssss stated...less HP per weight...

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

I wouldn't worry about handling difference. I have had 4 convertibles all being 94-95's. I have had 3 coupes 94-04. I really couldn't notice any difference in handling. All of my tops were in good shape so they did not flap in the wind. They are louder than coupes, but not such a difference that you would sell it right away to get a coupe. I only noticed it because I would go back and forth in the same day. You will get used to it.

If you want to drag race I would say coupe, I used to get kicked off the track all the time in my verts because I would run faster than 13.99.

Having a vert is an awesome experience. Nothing makes you feel more free than crusing with the top down!!

 

[Jesse 28B]

Thanks for the input guys.

What about driving at decent speeds with the top down? Is it way too windy, or pretty bearable?

Thanks again!

 

[1999SVTVert]

It's very bearable. You can carry a conversation with the passenger pretty easily going 60 MPH with the top down.

Now sitting in the back seat, that is a different story....... Hurricane Seats!!

If you are looking at getting a convertible, budget for getting sub-frame connectors. Stiffening up the frame in the 'verts makes a big difference. Especially the ones with the jacking rails and cross braces. No more cowl flex. Car actually moves as it should over speed bumps.

After having a 95 GT and my 99 Cobra convertibles, I'll never own a hardtop mustang unless I buy it to race.

 

[Jesse 28B]

Thanks for all the help guys!
I found a Red Cobra Convertible about 400 some miles away in Chicago, drove there thursday afternoon, got home friday morning (15 hours later).

Wow! I love this convertible, thanks for setting me down the right path. It is so much more fun to drive than my old coupe was!