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During a great drive on Hwy 17 south to Santa Cruz, We had the top down on our 07 convertible and I began to wonder what difference there was in the handling characteristics of the car with the top down vs. w/ the top up. some additional weight is added to the rear when the top is down, less equal distribution of weight. Does this help or hurt the handling and aerodynamics? Does the air having access to the interior of the car affect it's aero-efficiency?
Are there any studies out there that speak to this? Do you guys have any opinions? Educated or not!
Well, it hurts the aerodynamics, since my fuel economy is always worse on highway drives with the top down.
As for handling, I've autocrossed my '06 convertible a bunch, and at the lower speeds where you're doing tight technical maneuvers, I don't think the added drag makes a lot of difference. The convertible is heavier than the coupe overall, but having the top down would lower the center of gravity compared to the coupe, so that might offset the extra weight a little bit.
Overall, I think the handling and aerodynamics probably both suffer with the convertible compared to the coupe, but I think it's a small price to pay for the amount of sheer fun the convertible offers.
I totally agree. Other than a bit less torsional stiffness and about 200 pounds more weight the handling would be fairly similar. A convertible generally has much more drag with the top down.
It takes energy to mess up our hair that badly . To me it is all small price to pay for all the fun of the convertible.
__________________ '09 MCS Convertible - Dark Silver with Tuscan Beige Leather/Piano Black/6 Speed Manual/Convenience/Sport/Cold/Premium/Mini HiFi/Black Bonnet Stripes/Armrest/17" Web Spoke Wheels/Michelin Pilot A/S Plus tires/Backup Camera /JCW Carbon Fiber Hood Scoop/Multivex Mirrors/Cocomats.com mats/2010 HK Speakers/Sound Deadening/Anti-torque steer reprogram 4/25/09 (Ordered), 5/08/09 (Built), 5/30/09 (at dealer), 6/3/09 Drove Home!
Overall, I think the handling and aerodynamics probably both suffer with the convertible compared to the coupe, but I think it's a small price to pay for the amount of sheer fun the convertible offers.
Hear, hear!!!
__________________ 'Neptune' Laser Blue 2010 MCSC|Manual|Premium|Sport|Comfort|Cold|HK|PDC|Rear Fogs|Sirius|Pacific Blue Color Line|Piano Black
. To me it is all small price to pay for all the fun of the convertible.
'09 MCS Convertible - Dark Silver with Tuscan Beige Leather/Piano Black/6 Speed Manual/Convenience/Sport/Cold/Premium/Mini HiFi/Black Bonnet Stripes/Armrest/17" Web Spoke Wheels/Michelin Pilot A/S Plus tires/Backup Camera /JCW Carbon Fiber Hood Scoop/Multivex Mirrors/Cocomats.com mats/2010 HK Speakers/Sound Deadening/Anti-torque steer reprogram
