Well, I actually just bought myself an 04 R53 a few months ago, and have to say that there's only 2 things that leave me unsatisfied: lack of LSD and not having a droptop!

I actually went to Prestige yesterday with my friend (convinced him that the Clubman S was the only way to go after graduation, he's placing his order today), and talked to my MA about the convertible.

It looks awesome, and I want it! My only question though, is how the car compares handling-wise to the hardtop? Does the lack of a roof make a significant difference? And what about the added weight of the roof mechanisms and chassis-stiffening that's most likely in there?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated, after sorting this out, it's down to whether I can get one in black

 

Weight differential is 180 lbs.
Adding the M7 USS (which is only a few pounds) provides tight handling equivalent to the hardtop.

Performance-wise, my only regret with the cabrio is that most tracks will not let the cabrio play there . . . but unless you're tracking the car, this is not an issue.
And frankly, even if performance wasn't as good -- it's still worth it 'cause it feels like more. For example, driving the Dragon in a MINI is a blast, driving the Dragon with the top down -- Awesome!!

PS the R/C Mod is even cooler on the cabrio 'cause people can really see there's no driver

 

Ah damn, I was definitely looking to auto-x and track the car too. I can only imagine how awesome it must feel with a completely open car, ripping it up through the twisties!

So I'm guessing the rollhoops aren't enough to let it pass, as far as tracking the car goes? I could have swore I saw a thread where someone said it depends on the events?

Haha, I should do a better job, and get RCMOD v2 out there!

 

Depends on the event. I autocross the heck out of my cabrio, and it's a blast. You'd probably have a harder time getting it accepted on a full-blown road course, but the SCCA Solo 2 rules don't exclude convertibles, and you'll see plenty of them at just about any autocross event.

 

+1
Auto-cross is not a problem.
Tracks, for the most part, are -- but even those have exceptions. Some track events are open to cabrios too -- that's why my original statement was just that "most tracks" are prohibitive.

Edit: for example, see Blimey's Dec. 7th post at http://www.blimeycabrio.com/
We should start a thread for cabrio-friendly track events.

 

Yep - I echo eager's comments... 100% match my own experiences.

In general, you will NOT be able to do true HPDE events with the cabrio - at least, not often. I began to investigate what it would take to have a compliant rollbar built for the cabrio... but my very race-knowledgeable mechanic discouraged me... my original concept probably wouldn't work out structurally...

But the sheer joy I get during the 98% of the time I use my car on the street outweighs the 2% that I don't get to drive HPDEs. It's like driving a go-kart ALL THE TIME. And yes, the Dragon (and other similar twisties) topless is a wonderful thing.

The cabrio is NOT as quick as an equally modded tintop - due to weight. But it feels plenty quick with the top down... mine feels plenty quick with the top up, for that matter.

And, yes, the USS or another front chassis brace is a necessity to get the rigidity the car should have had from the factory.

Someday I'll have a tintop as a track rat. But until then, if I could only have one, I have the one I'd want....

 

Ya know...I happen to know about a hot black cabrio for sale if you want to go that way. Sidewalk too!

 

I drove an 06 MCS with the sport suspension back to back with my 07 MCSC and found the MCS ever-so-slightly edgier/stiffer.

I don't do autocross (yet), but in day to day driving, I can't imagine the handling is that dissimilar.

 

Go with what you feel you'll have more fun in!

 

I have noticed that the only problem with my R52 has been that it isn't as stable as the R53 we have. I can't wait till MOTD to get my rear sway and uss installed so it will be as good.

On the other end, I have found that I feel "stuffy" in my husband's R53, so I prefer having NO TOP!!!!

I don't track either car, but I love them both!

 

Actually, that could really work out... I'm actually from Austin originally, and have tons of family out there. Maybe I could fly out there and drive her back! I've always wanted to do that.

What are you asking for it?

 

So ultimately, it looks like I've got only one option - open top motoring!

The M7 USS isn't that expensive, so if I do the switch, I'll definitely be picking that up immediately. Now it comes down to finding the cabrio for me, and sorting out all the financial business.

Thanks for the info everyone, I didn't wanna just jump into an R52 without knowing for sure that I wouldn't experience a big drop in the go-kartiness that I've come to know and love with the R53!!

 

In the meantime, keep your eyes open in NAM's marketplace -- they sometimes show up there (that's how I got mine)

 

Good luck to you finding a cabrio, having the top down definitely makes NJ traffic much more bearable

 

The USS is definitely required for great coupe style handling. I also added a 19mm anti-sway bar and now the car tracks like it's on rails. It's also a very inexpensive mod.