Cabrio versus Coupe

cadfael_tex · 05-13-2009, 01:12 PM

Got a couple of thoughts as I scope out which Smart I might want. How hot does the Passion Coupe with the panorama roof get in the summer - ie how good is the cover? Also, Cabrio Owners, how well do yoo like the roof? How well does it work?

How is visibility in either model? (My current Mini Cabrio's biggest drawback is zero reward visibility)

Belleveu1 · 05-13-2009, 01:59 PM

We have had both models.
Passion pluses:
Rear wiper great when you need it to clear the window
Visibility - pretty good given the rather large rear window. I noticed more limited right rear visibility with a passenger because of the high seat back
Storage - more in the Passion and easier somewhat to access. There is an empty space in the hatch door
One can always slide the cover forward to cut down the sun heat.

Cabriolet
When it finally warms up, the sliding roof is nice - wear a hat if you are at all follicly (sp?) challenged.
I found that the blind spots of both side are significant. My solution was 2 2-inch convex mirrors from Harbor Freight (99 cents on sale) that I stuck on the side mirrors.
A little noisier on the road - mostly noise from a rear quarter such as a car or some other external source
Gas mileage - can't tell the difference
No problems with the roof, but haven't used it much.

NCC1701 · 05-13-2009, 03:15 PM

Visibility in the cabrio is substantially reduced (the rear window is smaller than the coupe's) ... especially reduced in stage two open. In both models, a good third of the rear view mirror shows seat back rather than a view behind your car. I find that I readjust the rear view mirror and rely more heavily on the side mirrors when I've got the top back. I also have a rear view camera.
Discoloration on the interior side of the roof may be coming from contact with the roll bar according to some discussion on this forum. Mine show some of this and I am being more diligent now to keep my roll bar clean. For me, at least, the question of how to clean the interior surface is my primary cabrio concern.
I generally keep the windows closed when the roof is back. Just a bit too much air for my taste with the windows also open.

I haven't heard of anyone having problems with the mechanism. I am hoping it is very durable because I use it frequently.

I absolutely love my cabrio and have the roof back whenever practical. Nice that it can be opened and closed at any speed. I don't regret getting the cabrio at ALL.

Oh, BTW, I've recently discovered visibility can be tremendously improved when you're not carrying a passenger simply by folding the passenger seat down. That should hold true for either model. And, it makes a decent arm rest too.

padi176715 · 05-13-2009, 06:08 PM

After 40+ years of driving this is my first rag top. Just love it. Being able to open and close at any speed is wonderful and I have used that option often. I agree that the windows down position does make it very windy so I keep my windows up. If I were to get another Smart it would be another cabrio. Let the fun begin

SmartDigger · 05-13-2009, 06:21 PM

Roof works great at any speed. The noise is not bad except on windy days with one window down and top up, I get a whistle from the back.

I find the view about the same as my 05 vibe. There is a blind spot on the sides but if the driver pays attention it is not bad.

GiantKiller · 05-13-2009, 07:16 PM

I've been driving a coupe for the past week. It's a lot hotter than my cabrio.The cab has more headroom, I have about 2" above my head in my cab. about an inch in the coupe. And if I close the sun shade it rubs my head .(very annoying). The clear roof is cool. But only if its not nice enough to put top down.