David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
11/9/23 10:00 a.m.
feature_image

No matter the make and model, the size or propulsion, the age or the condition, all cars on this planet seem to fall into one of two categories: open or closed bodywork. Either the top folds back–or completely comes off–or it’s fixed in place.

(Somehow, we admit, sunroofs fall i…

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Floating Doc (Forum Supporter)
Floating Doc (Forum Supporter) UltimaDork
11/9/23 10:14 a.m.

I've owned two NB Miatas. Had the hardtops for both. 

RonnieFnD
RonnieFnD Reader
11/9/23 10:18 a.m.

I had a 87 mustang gt convertible for years and never seemed to put the top down.  Every time I get a convertible in at work to inspect as a used car I instantly put the top down.  I think for me it's just a novelty thing, it's cool because I don't have one but once I do I seem to not care anymore. 

ChrisTropea
ChrisTropea Associate Editor
11/9/23 10:20 a.m.

I have never owned a convertable but every time I get the chance to drive a Miata the top immediatly goes down. For a daily driver though I like a hard top with a sunroof. 

iansane
iansane Dork
11/9/23 10:21 a.m.

I have one convertible among a plethora of hardtops/wagons and it's one of the most engaging ways to experience piloting a car. I definitely prefer it. At times.

Noddaz
Noddaz PowerDork
11/9/23 11:07 a.m.

I just got my first Miata, so you know my Answer is the answer.

tomhargold
tomhargold New Reader
11/9/23 12:20 p.m.

I am one of the lucky ones. I fall on both sides of the question. In my garage I have a '74 MGB roadster and a '67 MGB/GT. The weather and my mood on the day decides which is wheeled out. Admittedly, the top down version gets more use.

wspohn
wspohn UltraDork
11/9/23 1:06 p.m.

I used to own convertibles, but now everything I own is a coupe - much more comfortable for trips - at the end of a long day driving the roadster types fall out of their cars and look for somewhere to collapse while the coupe guys are usually still pretty fresh.

Datsun240ZGuy
Datsun240ZGuy MegaDork
11/9/23 1:08 p.m.

Owned a Datsun 1600 Roadster and now a 240Z. 

I prefer a hardtop. Now about finding that Datsun 510........

Automobilist
Automobilist New Reader
11/9/23 2:04 p.m.

Generally, hardtop.  Quieter, no wind or sun beating on us.

My 911: hardtop w/sunroff. Rarely open roof.

My 450SL: hardtop on all winter. Off spring-fall.

My MG-TD: top down, though it's nice with the top up for shade.  50/50

 

Appleseed
Appleseed MegaDork
11/9/23 2:49 p.m.

Hardtop. If I want wind in my face  I'd rather ride my motorcycle.

Ian F (Forum Supporter)
Ian F (Forum Supporter) MegaDork
11/9/23 3:03 p.m.

I own a Spitfire and a GT6, so... both?  I also have a hardtop for the Spitfire and while my TR8 is a drop-top, I would buy a hardtop for it if I could find one.  Unfortunately, the company in the US that was making them is no longer in business. 

If I were to get an NC Miata, it would be the folding hardtop version. 

californiamilleghia
californiamilleghia UberDork
11/9/23 3:50 p.m.

My choices ,

How about a BMW  2002 Baur Targa ?

And I would rather have a 911 Targa than a 911 cabrio 

Or a cloth folding canvas sunroof of an old VW bug or bus

gsarahs
gsarahs New Reader
11/9/23 3:56 p.m.

This is an easy one to answer!

My daily driver is a C70 Volvo that is both a hardtop and convertible.

I also have a Triumph Tr250 with Surrey Top, that has both hardtop and softtop convertible panels.

My Jaguar E-Type Coupe - hardtop.

My 2 Austin-Healey 3000s - softtop convertibles.

My MGA Coupe - hardtop.

My Volvo 1800ES - hardtopped sports wagon.

My 2 Mazda Miata NBs - I had both hardtops and softtops for these.

I wouldn't want another softtop convertible as a daily driver due to wear and possibility of vandalism.

So for daily drivers, I will stick with my favourite daily driver, my Volvo C70 hardtop convertible, the best of both worlds.

ae86andkp61 (Forum Supporter)
ae86andkp61 (Forum Supporter) SuperDork
11/9/23 9:26 p.m.
Appleseed said:

Hardtop. If I want wind in my face  I'd rather ride my motorcycle.

Seconded. For cars, I prefer a coupe. I've owned convertibles, I enjoy convertibles at times, I even have one now. But a hardtop has so many advantages: lighter, stiffer, safer, eligible for more motorsports events, more aerodynamic, quieter, more secure, better for date night, more trunk space, rear window defrost, etc. If I want a visceral open-to-the-world experience, I've got motorcycles. wink

sir_mike
sir_mike Reader
11/9/23 9:54 p.m.

Tin Tops are my favorite....own two.

Jerry
Jerry PowerDork
11/10/23 8:47 a.m.

Definitely hard top.  I had the Miata for about 2yrs & think I put the top down 5-6 times total.  Not a fan of the wind in my face, tends to be humid or cold around here.  But it was fun to drop for local drives in nice weather.

Now the auto hardtop options in recent Miatas have my interest.

lotusseven7 (Forum Supporter)
lotusseven7 (Forum Supporter) Dork
11/10/23 9:16 a.m.

Convertible. Every vehicle I currently own is a convertible! Spitfire, MGB, Austin Healey, Corvette, Lotus and Gladiator. 

wspohn
wspohn UltraDork
11/10/23 4:48 p.m.
gsarahs said:

 

My MGA Coupe - hardtop.

 

One of my favourite cars!

stu67tiger
stu67tiger Reader
11/10/23 5:30 p.m.

After I sell my current toy, I think I would be looking for and older Mercedes SLK or Miata retractable.  So my answer to which I prefer is both.  Top up for highway trips, or noon drives on sunny hot July days, quiet and comfort being the deciding factors.  Fall weather, early morning or evening summer cruises for icecream, then top down is the best.

chandler
chandler MegaDork
11/11/23 12:31 p.m.

I like both, hardtops on convertibles are great though

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
11/13/23 9:08 a.m.

In reply to chandler :

Locally we have a Dakota convertible–a rare beast these days. I have been next to it at red lights. I have also seen it at Lowe’s. The owner has a cute dog.

And I also find something magical about a convertible, especially late at night on a winding road. 

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