coupe or spider? | FerrariChat

coupe or spider?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by FerrariFreak85, Oct 15, 2007.

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  1. FerrariFreak85

    Oct 2, 2007
    19
    Larkspur, California
    Full Name:
    Kevin Lee
    I was just wondering which is more preferred by people who don't race them.
    My father absolutely despises convertibles so I have never been in one. :(
    If you are in a convertible, don't you get blinded if you are driving in the direction of the sun?
    And doesn't it get cold with the top down?

    Kevin
     
  2. Derek Trotter

    Derek Trotter Formula 3
    BANNED

    Jul 28, 2007
    1,790
    Cambridge, UK
    This has been discussed umpteen times before. My penny/cents worth:

    Coupe = For drivers with chest wigs.
    Spider = For Posers or Village People fans!

    ;-)
     
  3. ErikV10

    ErikV10 Formula 3

    Oct 30, 2006
    1,653
    It doesn't really get cold when the top is down. Unless its really cold out, of course. It just gets really windy which I don't like cause it messes up my hair.

    Anyhow, I really prefer coupes over convertible. Coupe just have better curves and convertible looks ugly and cheap when the top cover is on. That's just me though.
     
  4. Derek Trotter

    Derek Trotter Formula 3
    BANNED

    Jul 28, 2007
    1,790
    Cambridge, UK
    As I said...... :)
     
  5. gabriel

    gabriel Formula 3

    Is John Edwards on this thread? :)
     
  6. Bavarian Motorist

    Bavarian Motorist Formula Junior

    Apr 10, 2007
    943
    Westchester/NYC
    Full Name:
    Mike
    My BMW dealer told me that one lady really wanted the last of the '06 M3 convertibles (even though the new ones are coming out soon) not because she likes the E46 better, but because she wants people to KNOW it's a convertible by the soft-top. (The M3 is supposed to have a retractable hard-top)


    So I guess it's prestige???
     
  7. roccoriley

    roccoriley Karting

    Jun 24, 2007
    230
    So Cal
    I recently bought a Spider after spending a couple of months of looking exclusively looking at coupes. I prefer the looks of the coupe but, after a ride in the Spider I felt that it was the only car for me. Strange, because I have a SL and have only had the top down once on it but now, when I drive the Spider, the top is always down. I love the fresh air and the enhanced sound, and I love the 360 degree visibility with the Spider. I was surprised to find that, because of the way the car is designed, you really get very little buffeting from the air at speeds up to 80, more or less. The Spider is a very comfortable and enjoyable car to drive and now I couldn't imagine having a coupe, at least a Ferrari coupe!
     
  8. FerrariFreak85

    Oct 2, 2007
    19
    Larkspur, California
    Full Name:
    Kevin Lee
    But doesn't the sun blind you when you're driving?
    And don't you get sunburned?
    I love how the 360 spider looks though.
     
  9. James-NZ

    James-NZ F1 Veteran

    Jun 26, 2007
    5,822
    Hamilton, NewZealand
    Full Name:
    James
    For me, it was the lines of the Berlinetta, the spider is missing a large chunk of what the Berlinetta offers.

    Without doubt I would take a spider, but when it’s my money, it’s a hard top all the way.

    It all comes down to personal preference, this is why they make them in both coupe and spider.
    :)
     
  10. vteqe

    vteqe Formula Junior

    Mar 5, 2005
    664
    long Island, NY
    Full Name:
    Sandy
    roccoriley,

    Put the top down on the SL. I have 2 and rarely ever put their tops up or in my 308. They are all great rides with the wind in your hair. I also do not like AC.
     
  11. hnko

    hnko Formula Junior

    Jan 9, 2007
    608
    Quebec
    Full Name:
    nico
    stop asking question, buy the duo :)
     
  12. BillyD

    BillyD Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 28, 2004
    1,774
    Pacific Northwest
    Full Name:
    Bill
    Lets talk serious performance cars:
    McLaren F1 = coupe
    Bugattti Veyron = coupe
    Enzo = coupe
    250 & 288 GTO = coupe
    etc, etc, etc

    Now I still think theres a place for a spyder: the Ferrari Daytona & 250 California, the Lambo 350GT, Toyota 3000GT, the Porsche Speedster & 550 spyders and many many more but serious racers have solid tops! ;-)
     
  13. James in Denver

    James in Denver Formula 3

    May 23, 2006
    2,136
    Centennial Colorado
    Full Name:
    James in Denver
    Hmmm...... lets see, my FAVORITE Ferrari is ......

    The F50............ its a SPYDER!

    James in Denver
     
  14. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,352
    Indian Wells, California
    Full Name:
    Jon
    NO. The sun comes through the windscreen like on any normal car. If the sun is above you, when the top is down/off, it doesn't blind you. If you're bald, wear a cap. :rolleyes:

    If you're an idiot and drive with the top down/off at noon in Phoenix in July, you will get sunburnt. Prime convertible weather is early morning and late afternoon/evening, and I usually leave the top on if I'm out mid-day.

    I bought the targa version of my car (328) because it looks better and I enjoy open cars. If you're worried about your hair getting mussed, get the coupe. Driving a Ferrari with the top down is magical -- it would be even better in a 250 GT California Spyder, or possibly a Daytona Spyder, but they're all fantastic. You get to hear the engine properly.

    If you've never been in a convertible, I'd suggest you go rent a Mazda MX5 for a day, or a Mustang convertible, and see how you like it.
     
  15. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,352
    Indian Wells, California
    Full Name:
    Jon
    I think it's more a modern thing. You can't really do 200mph with the top down, or a piece of cloth up there, and at Enzo or Veyron speeds the aerodynamics/safety of a coupe are essential. In the early days, I believe all of Ferrari's racing cars were topless, as all its F1 cars have been.

    The coupes were made for the rich customers who liked to tour in comfort.

    Open air motoring = sport.
    Closed cars = comfort.

    Obviously it's more complicated in the 500bhp, 200mph+, 1g era, where cars are capable of speeds that aren't enjoyable in an open car.
     
  16. FerrariFreak85

    Oct 2, 2007
    19
    Larkspur, California
    Full Name:
    Kevin Lee
    I really must go rent a mustang or something.
    But I'm only 15. Poses as a small problem.
     
  17. wingfeather

    wingfeather F1 Rookie

    Feb 1, 2007
    3,653
    rock bottom
    Nothing beats the sheer soul-stabbing terror of pedal to the floor, fifth gear, 165MPH winds ripping your hair out and piercing your eardrums. After that, a coupe is... sterile.
     
  18. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
    12,313
    At Sea Level
    Never driven an F40 have you?
     
  19. Fred2

    Fred2 F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 2, 2005
    16,965
    nj
    As I seem to recall....

    "Coupes are for Drivers, Convertibles are for Playboys"

    Enzo Ferrari.
     
  20. Oengus

    Oengus F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed Silver Subscribed

    More chance of a Coupe or GTB being tracked over a spider.
     
  21. wingfeather

    wingfeather F1 Rookie

    Feb 1, 2007
    3,653
    rock bottom
    Is that an offer? ;)
     
  22. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,352
    Indian Wells, California
    Full Name:
    Jon
    True. I wasn't sure the OP was looking for a track car or road car.
     
  23. Aaya

    Aaya F1 Veteran

    Jul 12, 2007
    8,239
    Full Name:
    Wu Tsai
    The sun won't blind you if you're wearing sun glasses.

    You WILL get sunburned if you drive often.
     
  24. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,352
    Indian Wells, California
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #24 Bullfighter, Oct 16, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  25. wingfeather

    wingfeather F1 Rookie

    Feb 1, 2007
    3,653
    rock bottom
    #25 wingfeather, Oct 16, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

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