Hardtop vs. Cabrio

[oldschool73]

Alright guys apparently all smarts are not built the same. I'm not sure if this has come up before but, which one would you rather have, a panoramic glass roof or drop top.

I'm really debating on this one as I live in sunny socal and while the convertible sounds like fun I find the hard top to be more masculine or at least it appears to provide additional structural support. Plus I happen to think that it looks cleaner.

What would you rather have and why? Let the debate begin.

[Old smart]

Me: Passion panarama - lighter (by 22 lbs), tighter, more completly intergrated tridion. And like was said, less "cutsie."

[RLove]

I'm just not a convertable guy. Too hot here in Texas, although many drive with their tops down on 100 degree days...not me.

However, the Smarts look doesn't suffer too dramatically because of the drop-top like say a 350Z or a Z3/4 does. My apologies to anyone that has one of those cars, but they are butt ugly with their tops up.

[delyan]

I like a cabrio if it is a one button operation without the extra work for removing panels and ets.

[scoutmaster]

I've indicated my desire for the cabrio. I like to feel the wind in what used to be my hair. Of course, I don't open up in the heat of a day. Right now I have a Mini convertible and thoroughly enjoy it.

[idahosmart]

The 2006 and older models have 4 rooflines to choose from. The coupe can have solid (like on pure), panoramic glass, or a moonroof. The fourth is the cabrio convertible top. The moonroof options are nice on the coupes.

Tom

[MicroNut]

Originally Posted by oldschool73

I'm really debating on this one as I live in sunny socal and while the convertible sounds like fun I find the hard top to be more masculine or at least it appears to provide additional structural support. Plus I happen to think that it looks cleaner.

Where I am, I'd either cook or freeze most of the time with the roof open, so it's a coupe for me. But I'd consider the cabrio if I lived in a different climate.

I fear that the integrity of the tridion cell might be severely compromised on the cabrio if you remove the roof side pieces. But you can still enjoy the open air feel without that step, so no big deal.

[SmartCard]

Yes, this is the age old debate whether to have the hardtop or the cabrio.
I think almost everyone of us would like to have the ability to drop the top every now and then (and it would also be nice to lower the Smarties' roof too! ) Then practicality gets in the way, and we wonder about the insulation when its cold (or hot), road noise, how often we would use it, etc.....

One thing I like about the passion cabrio is that it does not look bad as a convertible. I think this is because to the removable panels above the doors that keep the tridion profile, and the high profile of the rear window and roof line. SO many convertibles look terrible compare to the sedan/coupe they mimic. (the PT cruiser was one of them.) I also like the partial opening feature as well (oops, I guess that make TWO things I like about the cabrio!)

[MicroNut]

Originally Posted by SmartCard

...I also like the partial opening feature as well...

I try never to go out in public partially open if I can help it.

[lhoboy]

Originally Posted by MicroNut

I try never to go out in public partially open if I can help it.

I'm not so inhibited, but my reasons for going with the coupe is structural stability and the fact that with the top down on a cabrio, you got to slather on slimy sunblock.