Is there such a thing as a hardtop convertible?
hardtop convertibles provide better security than their soft-top counterparts, and they also offer superior insulation in wet or snowy weather. We can help you find a hardtop convertible that suits your needs. A hardtop convertible features a rigid roof made of metal or hard plastic. This roof can retract into the car’s body, combining the advantages of a hardtop sedan’s security and insulation with the option of open-air driving.The difference between hardtops and soft tops is the material used to make the roof. Soft top convertibles have fabric roofs. Some advantages hardtops have over soft tops include better security, superior noise control, and enhanced weather resistance, among others.
Why are hardtop convertibles going away?
Folding hard tops are complicated, heavy, and if something goes wrong – a real PITA. The engineering and build costs are higher than a soft top, and when you count the total number of all the convertibles sold each year – it is too much of a niche market to bother with. Hardtops fold into the trunk to be stored, often taking up more space than would a soft top. Because a soft top consists of fabric and, depending on the age of the convertible you’re considering, either a plastic or glass rear window, it offers decent weight savings when compared to the much heftier hardtops.
Are hardtop convertibles worth buying?
Hard-top convertibles offer enhanced security compared to soft-tops. When the roof is up, they provide the same level of protection as traditional hardtop vehicles, making them less susceptible to theft and break-ins. This added security can be particularly appealing in urban or high-crime areas. Loads of studies, including one by the International Institute for Highway Safety, have concluded that convertible cars are just as safe as non-convertible models. The common misconception comes from the belief that when these cars roll over, the adjustable roof becomes dangerous for the driver and passengers.