What’s your preference, hard top or convertible?

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 in between.)

So, which camp are you in? Do you always …

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

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. 

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.

Owned a Datsun 1600 Roadster and now a 240Z. 

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

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

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

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. 

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

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.

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. 

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

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.

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

gsarahs said:

 

My MGA Coupe - hardtop.

One of my favourite cars!

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.

I like both, hardtops on convertibles are great though

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.