convertible vs coupe

Coupé vs. Cabrio is the difference between just sitting in the car and actually SENSING that you are driving.

I drive sports cars b/c I like the sensation of driving - to me a cabrio is the only way to go. I would prefer an old Alfa Spider over EVERY closed Ferrari for daily driving.

I understand though, that for people doing some serious driving a coupé is the better option (less weight, more rigidity, no distraction from wind blowing in your face).

 

Four years ago, when I first started looking for my Mondial, I decided it would be a coupe. I knew it would be my daily driver and in NYC and its environs, a convertilble top just yells "SLASH ME !" A coupe is much more practical, in my opinion.

 

Yes I did. My Ferrari has been very practical.

 

practical and boring are not synonyms. coupes are more useful than convertibles for all the reasons previously mentioned.

 

Road & Track tested both the Ferrari 360 Modena and 360 Spider. In the braking test from 60 mph, the 360 Modena stopped dozons on feet less than the 360 Spider. I usderstand convertibles getting less on the slalom or skidpad, but how does having a convertible top effect braking?

 

The convertible will always be heavier than the coupe because of the extra bracing, therefore heavier car = longer stopping distances.

 

355 gts all day long

cold days, warm days, freezing, whatever theres a application for all weather situations and comfortability.

Lamarossa

 

This is so true, a car with a full frame(non convertible) is must stiffer then a convertible.

Think of it like this, take the doors off both a coupe and a convertible and have a look then and that will answer your question.

There is so much more reinforced in the convertible to keep it stiff and its still not as stiff and it weighs a lot more.

and excluding all of that. Get a coupe!

 

I like this question, we did a poll on it once, check it out.

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23730

 

The coupe is by far the smarter choice, but driving a convertible is a sensational feeling that you can't get from a coupe - the GTS is a great compromise. Of course, IMHO.
David

 

How often will you be topless compared to on track? Bottom line: Select your pleasure.

 

For comfort & reliability, I switched from 355 spider to 355 GTB. If GTS was available, I may considered it then after taking it out for drive.

 

I have owned both a F355 Coupe and a GTS. I have driven a F355 spyder for a little while.

Out of all three of these I love the GTS. It had the best of both for me. It was a coupe look when I wanted it to be. Have always liked the coupe look. When I drove the GTS with the roof removed I had the great engine sound that I loved, plus the wind in your hair feeling. And yes if you want to be seen you still can be. In regards to the spyder. It is terrific when the weather is perfect and you have the top down and you aren't planning on driving terribly fast. It looks fab (spyder killer look), but not terrific for where I live. If I lived in Cal then possibly. Ultimately the F355 is a fun, reliable, kool looking, and it drives beautifully. I wish the 360 was available in GTS. Oh well such is life.

Happy travels.

 

simona-the 355 was so perfect looking as a GTS, but I guess ppl didnt like it enough to keep it. at any rate, i think a 360 would have looked a lot worse as a lift top, just my opinion...

 

I live in Florida. It is hotter than hell here more than half the year. My daily driver is a convertible and I maybe put it down three days out of the year. Too much sun and heat. I don't think soft tops get a lot of use in really sunny hot weather.
My 550 is perfect for this weather to me, a coupe with good air conditioning

 

That's why I got mine, it's the vest of both worlds. Esp. with the painted targa top.
I think a 360 GTS would actually be a great looking car too!

 

For car enthusiastic like us all, we need both. Open top is a great Grand tourer. Coupe is great for high performance, like a race car. That's why I have both. If You have either, You still feel like you are missing something...

 

Hi Gang,
Me personally, I feel that it requires an evaluation of what you want from those four wheels. Living in Burbank, CA - - If it starts to rain, I put my top up. When the day is sunny, it's down. What are we using this car for?
My rule of thumb is simply "cater to the preference". If you occasionally track your daily driver vehicle, and love the open air experience of daily driving, get a Cab. If it's stiff you want, get a coupe - - and stop whining!
Just kidding.
Enjoy the moment, Hank