Roadster

Lug · 06-03-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_Nash

But which version of convertible and which version of coupe?

Whether it's Edmunds or some other source, without knowing exactly what equipment was on each of the two different models (that generated the two weights you mention above), there is no way to tell how exactly how much weight difference the convertible top actually makes between the two vehicles.

For example, if you had a loaded coupe (all the bells and whistles) compared to a stripped-down (manual top) convertible then you can't say that the only difference in weight between the two vehicles is that one is a coupe and one is a convertible.

I guess what I'm saying is that I suspect the real weight difference is more than just 30 lbs but hey, I could be wrong!

That was base coupe to base convertible. They also list the Z06 at a different weight (3162). The weight is so close because the Vette frame is designed from the ground up as a convertible and the coupe just adds a roof (targa top). The roof adds a little support (I assume since the Z06 does not have targa option) but nothing like most convertible conversions.

Modshack · 06-03-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lug

That was base coupe to base convertible. They also list the Z06 at a different weight (3162). The weight is so close because the Vette frame is designed from the ground up as a convertible and the coupe just adds a roof (targa top). The roof adds a little support (I assume since the Z06 does not have targa option) but nothing like most convertible conversions.

The Zo6 is listed at a different weight because the frame is aluminum rather than steel. The Z06 is also ONLY sold in a fixed roof coupe form due to the need for the additional roof rigidity It ties things together. basically the same roof section, just bolted into place rather than removable..

Lug · 06-03-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modshack

The Zo6 is listed at a different weight because the frame is aluminum rather than steel. The Z06 is also ONLY sold in a fixed roof coupe form due to the need for the additional roof rigidity It ties things together. basically the same roof section, just bolted into place rather than removable..

I wondered why the weight was the same even though they went to Aluminum....then I remembered the engine!

elmz · 06-05-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fly yellow

I do think the appearance of the car with the top up is very important because based on my personal experience of owning convertibles and the ones I see on the road, the top is usually up. A convertible is a novelty that wears off somewhat quickly.

I've never owned a convertible, so I don't know how much of that statement is true. But I think it all depends on where you live and what the weather is like. I plan on getting the roadster so I'm hoping this isn't the case for me =).

CBRich · 06-05-2009, 03:49 PM

I've owned a targa top del Sol and the novelty never wore off. But everyone is different.

xiven · 06-12-2009, 04:21 PM

Heck, I just like the heated and cooled seats option.

CBRich · 06-12-2009, 10:28 PM

I will say that watching all these convertible owners with their tops up in 90 degree weather has me thinking the cooled seats should really be worthwhile. Maybe some tops will actually come down.

Tenorino · 06-17-2009, 03:20 PM

Geez, enough of the hardtop! We don't need another bloated boutique car. I've had many convertibles and I have no idea what maintenance issues you're talking about unless you owned one in the 50's-80's. The whole purpose of a convetible is to drop the top and ride. The top has become too much of a discussion. Nissan looks like they made a good one and that's the reason I am waiting for one rather than buying a new BMW Z4.

Tenorino · 06-17-2009, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elmz

I've never owned a convertible, so I don't know how much of that statement is true. But I think it all depends on where you live and what the weather is like. I plan on getting the roadster so I'm hoping this isn't the case for me =).

A convertible is a 'novelty'??? You sound like you've never owned or even driven one. There is NOTHING comparable to driving a great convertible except maybe cruising on a Harley. A true convertible lover buys the ragtop to drive it with the top down even if it's not all the time. The way it looks with the top is NOT the priority!

kantonm · 06-18-2009, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lug

Kinda a misnomer. Cars like the Vette are designed with the roof not providing any major structural support. He means designed from an aesthetic point of view on the 370Z. The Vette convertible only weighs about 30 lbs more than the coupe. The 200lbs is mostly extra bracing under the chassis.

I think that the huge glass hatch on a Corvette probably compensates for some of the weight(ie losing the weight). Also that chassis probably doesn't need structural enhancement because the coupe has a targa top..

nicknick · 06-18-2009, 07:20 PM

I think the Zed is great and one day I hope to add one to keep my MX5 electric hardtop company. I do beleive though that Nissan should have gone with a folding hardtop even if it had to increase price just a little. It could have gone for a composite roof like the MX5 and kept the weight low. Anyway from what I have seen in pics the vert still looks good top up or down.

Lug · 06-18-2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kantonm

I think that the huge glass hatch on a Corvette probably compensates for some of the weight(ie losing the weight). Also that chassis probably doesn't need structural enhancement because the coupe has a targa top..

A targa doen't offer any structural support over a regular converable. T-tops do, however.

kantonm · 06-19-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lug

A targa doen't offer any structural support over a regular converable. T-tops do, however.

I meant that the targa offers more structural support over a hardtop to compensate for losing the roof, much like a convertible... therefore there would be little, if any, additional weight adding structural support to chop off the roof. The corvette is made as a targa, so I think that the support would be there in all body styles. Sorry for the ambuguity.

MutantChicken · 07-07-2009, 01:03 PM

As fast as this car is I'm not buying it to race. I am buying it to have a great time on the road. It will still handle great, have plenty of power, etc. I'm not too concerned about the tiny bit of loss in hanldeing or power as the fun factor will go up to compensate.

The more I look at it the more I am holding out for the roadster...

BeachZTT · 07-07-2009, 02:04 PM

I am waiting on a roadster but not "holding out" because they will be available before I am ready to purchase. Our plan is to pay off the XTerra before we buy one.

As far a performane goes, my TT will be the modified car in the stable and the roadster will get minor bolt ons. That is the plan for now.

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06-05-2009, 03:49 PM	#35 (permalink)
CBRich A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SC Posts: 2,464 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 544	I've owned a targa top del Sol and the novelty never wore off. But everyone is different.

06-12-2009, 04:21 PM	#36 (permalink)
xiven A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta Age: 43 Posts: 4,128 Drives: Cookie Monster Rep Power: 294	Heck, I just like the heated and cooled seats option.

06-12-2009, 10:28 PM	#37 (permalink)
CBRich A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SC Posts: 2,464 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 544	I will say that watching all these convertible owners with their tops up in 90 degree weather has me thinking the cooled seats should really be worthwhile. Maybe some tops will actually come down.

06-17-2009, 03:20 PM	#38 (permalink)
Tenorino Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: LA Posts: 12 Drives: M Roadster Rep Power: 16	Geez, enough of the hardtop! We don't need another bloated boutique car. I've had many convertibles and I have no idea what maintenance issues you're talking about unless you owned one in the 50's-80's. The whole purpose of a convetible is to drop the top and ride. The top has become too much of a discussion. Nissan looks like they made a good one and that's the reason I am waiting for one rather than buying a new BMW Z4.

06-18-2009, 07:20 PM	#41 (permalink)
nicknick Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 438 Drives: Mazda mx5 2007 6sp m Rep Power: 16	I think the Zed is great and one day I hope to add one to keep my MX5 electric hardtop company. I do beleive though that Nissan should have gone with a folding hardtop even if it had to increase price just a little. It could have gone for a composite roof like the MX5 and kept the weight low. Anyway from what I have seen in pics the vert still looks good top up or down.

07-07-2009, 01:03 PM	#44 (permalink)
MutantChicken Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NorCal Posts: 40 Drives: 2004 Ram-2007 Harley Rep Power: 16	As fast as this car is I'm not buying it to race. I am buying it to have a great time on the road. It will still handle great, have plenty of power, etc. I'm not too concerned about the tiny bit of loss in hanldeing or power as the fun factor will go up to compensate. The more I look at it the more I am holding out for the roadster...

07-07-2009, 02:04 PM	#45 (permalink)
BeachZTT Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 746 Drives: '10 BC ZR T/S/Nav Rep Power: 17	I am waiting on a roadster but not "holding out" because they will be available before I am ready to purchase. Our plan is to pay off the XTerra before we buy one. As far a performane goes, my TT will be the modified car in the stable and the roadster will get minor bolt ons. That is the plan for now.