Convertible cars have always been distinctive due to their stylish appearance. With a touch of versatility, convertible cars have two types: Soft-top and hardtop convertibles. The soft-top convertible cars have cloth, leather or any soft material roof, whereas the hardtops have folding solid metal roofs.
Hardtop convertible cars are more reliable, safer and offer better noise control. However, they have cons too. Today, we’ll learn about the hardtop convertibles, their advantages, disadvantages and current list of models.
What Are Hardtop Convertibles?
Hardtop convertibles are also known as retractable hardtops, cabriolets or convertible coupes. With security, comfort and all-weather driving pleasure, the advantages of hardtop convertibles are multiple. These cars feature a retractable roof that folds away into the trunk at the push of a button, giving the pleasure of a sunny day or a windy night drive.
Hardtop convertibles use a complex system of motors, hinges and panels to achieve the retractable roof functionality. Moreover, that’s the main difference between hardtop and soft-top convertible cars. While hardtop convertibles offer the best of both worlds in terms of convertible and coupe attributes, they often come with some compromises.
Let’s go through the advantages and disadvantages of hardtop convertibles.
Advantages of Hardtop Convertibles
When you look for the reasons to buy a convertible car, the main advantage is an open-air driving experience. While soft-tops also provide an open-air drive, their mechanism and material are different.
Let’s go through the benefits of hardtop convertible cars, which are a coupe car body type when the roof is covered.
Safe and Secure
When you compare hardtops and softtops, the main advantage of a hardtop convertible is that it is safer and more secure. Whether it is road safety or protection from harsh weather conditions, hardtops prove to be a safer ride with the roof covered.
While it is recommended to follow safe driving tips for rainy conditions, the hardtop convertibles have a metal roof that protects the passengers from rain. The metal doesn’t allow water through gaps. Moreover, it doesn’t wear out compared to lighter materials used in soft-top convertibles.
During a rollover or accident, the hardtop has a better chance to protect you as metals can absorb more impact. Therefore, this provides an added advantage.
Better Noise Control
When you drive with a closed roof, you want a quiet drive. That’s where the benefit of hardtop convertibles comes into play. They provide better insulation against external noise compared to soft tops.
When the hardtop is raised, it seals the cabin tightly, reducing wind and road noise, and resulting in a quieter driving experience. This can be particularly noticeable at higher speeds. Besides, modern cars have active road noise cancellation systems to provide a comfortable ride.
A Good Weather Resistance
Hardtops provide better protection against harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain, humid weather or extreme temperatures. They offer superior sealing against water leaks, keeping the car’s interior dry and comfortable.
Easy to Clean
There are multiple ways to protect a convertible car’s top made up of fabric. However, a hardtop convertible car is even easier to clean. One can use essential car cleaning products to protect the convertible’s metal roof from dust or dirt.
Structural Integrity
Hardtops add structural rigidity to the vehicle, enhancing overall handling and stability. This can contribute to a more composed driving experience, especially during cornering or rough road conditions.
Visual Appeal
Some drivers prefer a sleek and sophisticated look when the roof is up. Hardtops often give the car a more polished appearance compared to soft tops.
Disadvantages of Hardtop Convertibles
While hardtop convertible cars have several advantages, they also have some drawbacks. The following are the disadvantages of hardtop convertibles:
Weight
Hardtop mechanisms add significant weight to the car. This may affect performance and fuel efficiency. The added weight often makes hardtop convertibles heavier than their soft-top counterparts, impacting acceleration and cornering. However, the latest hardtop convertible models, such as Mazda MX-5 come with a reduced weight of almost 20 kg.
Complexity and Maintenance
The mechanical systems in retracting and deploying the hardtop can be complex and prone to malfunction. Repairs and maintenance of these systems can be expensive and require specialised knowledge and tools.
Trunk Space
When the hardtop is folded down, it usually takes up a considerable space in the trunk. This limits the available cargo space compared to traditional coupes or sedans. Soft-top convertibles offer more flexibility in terms of trunk space when the top is down.
Cost
Hardtop convertibles tend to be more expensive than their soft-top counterparts due to the added complexity of the retractable roof system. Not only is the initial purchase price higher but repairs and maintenance can also be costly.
List of Hardtop Convertible Car Models
Several convertible car models are available among the plethora of used cars for sale in the UAE. Here’s the list of hardtop convertibles that you can look out for:
- Chevrolet Corvette
- Mercedes AMG SL
- Maserati MC20
- BMW 4 Series
- McLaren 750S
- Ferrari Portofino
- Mazda MX-5
FAQs
Who currently makes a hardtop convertible?
Several renowned car brands make hardtop convertible models. These brands include the following:
- Mercedes
- Ferrari
- McLaren
- Maserati
- Mazda
Is a hardtop convertible worth it?
Yes, hardtops are more durable and offer better functionality. Moreover, they offer several advantages, such as safer and quieter rides alongside easy cleaning and weather resistance.
Is a hardtop car better than a soft top?
It depends on personal preferences. Both convertible car types have their advantages and disadvantages.
This wraps the complete information about hardtop convertibles. These convertibles, also known as cabriolet cars, offer a complex retractable roof mechanism. That said, they provide a better riding experience than the soft top convertibles.
Meanwhile, you can also read the differences between sedan and coupe since a hardtop convertible with a covered roof provides an experience of the latter.
Stay tuned to the dubizzle autos blog for more details about different car types, their advantages and drawbacks.
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