Targa coupe vs. convertible
11-23-2008, 06:34 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Targa coupe vs. convertible
Am close to getting my first C5 - actually my first Corvette. Am trying to decide between a targa or convertible. I definitely like the look of the targa coupe better. The extra storage is a big plus as well as coupes generally being cheaper then convertibles. My question is, I'm 6'4" tall. I'm concerned I'll have to have the seat so far back, with the targa top off, my vision may be compromised by the side pillar - I won't get the total enjoyment of the open air. Any of you taller C5 owners have this problem? Have had a couple t-top Camaros in the past, but due to their long doors, it was never a problem.
11-23-2008, 06:57 PM
#3
Safety Car
the coupe is probably best if you plan to drive it alot or a DD. If not, then I'd go with the vert. 
11-23-2008, 07:11 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
The car, along with my boat (the reason I've waited so long to get a Corvette), will be another fiberglass toy to dump any and all my spare money into - so practicality is not a number one issue. Have been in a 1974 roadster and 1995 coupe - loved them both - but the C4 definitely had the side pillar issue with me needing the seat so far back.
11-23-2008, 07:30 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
I've owned both. I enjoy the open air experience! If you plan to do any traveling I'd go with the convertible. There's plenty of room for the top (down) and your luggage. Not so with the coupe. Also I hated the "drill" of taking the top off stowing it in the back etc. Convertible top takes about 10 seconds to lower. Never a height limitation 
Last edited by Vettman 1; 11-23-2008 at 07:49 PM.
11-23-2008, 07:38 PM
#6
Team Owner
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C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
A Coupe should be no problem for you.
11-23-2008, 08:24 PM
#7
Race Director
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
11-23-2008, 08:31 PM
#8
Both look great, I ended up with a Vert since where I live there are alot of nice days to drive with the top down. I like the look of the Z06 and the Vert more so than the coupe, but any of the three would have been fine with me. I have never driven a coupe, but the Vert does have a bit of a blind spot when the top is up.
Rudy from Northern NM
Rudy from Northern NM
11-23-2008, 08:51 PM
#9
Melting Slicks
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If you decide to do any 1/4 mile runs, many tracks have require a roll bar in a vert for runs in the 11s. Other than that its a matter of personal choice. The coupe with the top off is very turbulent IMHO. Still, I love the looks of the coupe and you can carry a fair amount of stuff in it.
11-23-2008, 08:54 PM
#10
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '10
I have a coupe and am 6'2. I have the seat all the way back and don't have any problems. The pillar wont be an issue. I think your choice should come down to whichever you like the best. Test drive both and then decide.
11-23-2008, 09:33 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Have been watching YouTube vids of the C5 - decisions, decisions. Hopefully the weather will hold out and I can get to check out topless versions of both. Like the idea of having a trunk in the roadster and the classic "waterfall" look between the seats is pretty cool. The convertible cost noticeably more then the coupe when new. Does the price difference reflect in the pre-owned market? Appreciate all the info.
11-23-2008, 09:34 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
Either should be fine for you. C5s have much better room and comfort than the C4!! I'm 6'2" with a fairly long torso(only 32" inseam) and drive a 2000 FRC,,which kinda splits both worlds.A full hard top,,but the lines and trunk of the vert. I fit fine,,can even wear a helmet by just lowering the seat back a notch or two,,and I usually drive in a slightly upright position!! Seats have lots of adjustability and you should find a position with the right head/leg room for yourself!!!
11-24-2008, 02:12 AM
#14
Drifting
Go coupe. My son is just over 6'4" tall and has plenty of room when driving mine. Since the roof lifts off, you can have the open air experience, and with it on, you get a quiter ride. And,you don't have to worry as much about vandalism -- like someone slashing the vert. top and droping in three flares as happened to one of our Vette brothers about 30- posts above. The C5 coupe is my 5th Vette, have owned and enjoyed verts in the past -- with hrd and soft tops -- and I find the C5 coupe blends the best of both worlds (open top or closed). Whatever you decide, enjoy!
