Convertible vs coupe

[DaveMcC1967]

I'm looking to buy a 2009 or 2010 sport tech MX5, and at this age there are both soft top convertibles and folding hard top coupes. I prefer the looks of the soft top, but other than from a security / vandalism point of view, what real world difference is there in living with each? Is the coupe noticeably quieter? How reliabke is the folding hard top mechanism? And what about water leaks - is one better than the other?

Thanks
Dave

[Saliiim]

I don't have much knowlege of the NC miatas, however, from test driving an NC (back when I thought leasing an NC was the best bet for me) with a soft top I can say that the noise wasn't really a problem, the roofs are pretty solid and there was no wind noise coming through the cabin. The engine noise was strong, but in a good "I want to know my engine is running" sort of way. At the time I was completely convinced by the soft top option, IIRC the soft top was conciderably lighter, nearly 100kg, which for me was a huge sticking point and also, you can just throw the soft top down when you're driving which would make me look really cooooool.

Something I did think about since deciding to purchase an NA instead (and hence loosing interest in the NC) is the extra ridgity that the hardtop brings, on the NA this is, from what I've heard, noticable and I would assume the same is true for the NC. This is something that I would suggest looking into further.

[Shaw Tarse]

I've only driven the soft top version, so can't comment on coupe.
I did think about buying a hardtop for winter, but never did & glad I didn't. Would often drop the top in winter
Keep drainholes clear & no issues with leaks.
No problems with wind noise.

[g40steve]

Folding hardtop actually only adds 34Kg.

Defo quieter place to be, find i have more headroom also, especially for very cold track days.

Don't go bad either, this is mine popping to the shops

http://youtu.be/JmJ-EYBqja0

Edited by g40steve on Monday 16th March 12:28

[scz4]

g40steve said:

Folding hardtop actually only adds 34Kg.

80kg according to Mazda.

• Kerb weight of coupe shown in brackets

[Gilhooligan]

If it was me, I would go for the soft top for those sunny days, plus it looks better imo. Then there's always the possibility of buying a bolt on hardtop for winter. The folding hardtop looks horrible. The side profile is all wrong.

[g7jhp]

Gilhooligan said:

If it was me, I would go for the soft top for those sunny days, plus it looks better imo. Then there's always the possibility of buying a bolt on hardtop for winter. The folding hardtop looks horrible. The side profile is all wrong.

+1 this.

The roof line of the coupe with folding





The charm of the MX5 is the light weight and being able to throw back the roof on a sunny day.

Anything that adds weight or complexity is unnecessary.

[g40steve]

Regarding weight,

Published weights for 2013 2.0 6-speed manual transmission cars:

Japan
2.0 RS 1120 kg
2.0 RS Coupe 1160 kg
Difference 40 kg


USA
2.0 Miata 1139 kg (2511 lbs)
2.0 Miata Coupe 1176 kg (2593 lbs)
Difference 37 kg (82 lbs)


It is standard practice for European "kerb weight" to add 75kg for driver and luggage, I have removed this from the UK figures for comparison with the USA and Japan.
2.0 Sport Tech 1090 kg (1165 kg with driver)
2.0 Sport Tech Coupe 1173 kg (1248 kg with driver)
Difference 83 kg


Now allowing for minor specification variations the Japanese and American difference figures are in agreement. For me it's too much of a coincidence to have the USA and UK difference in weights being 82 lbs and 83 kg. So my theory goes whoever edited the UK brochure was told the difference in weight was "about 83" and assumed the units were kilograms, when in fact they were pounds. What this means is that the UK brochure weight for a 2.0 soft top car of 1090kg is inaccurate and should be around 1130kg.

[g40steve]

Mine weighs 1139Kg with half a tank of fuel, had it corner weighted

The hardtop don't flood like the soft top due to rubbish less likely to block drains.

[scz4]

g40steve said:

For me it's too much of a coincidence to have the USA and UK difference in weights being 82 lbs and 83 kg. So my theory goes whoever edited the UK brochure was told the difference in weight was "about 83" and assumed the units were kilograms, when in fact they were pounds. What this means is that the UK brochure weight for a 2.0 soft top car of 1090kg is inaccurate and should be around 1130kg.

I think you could be right, as I've also seen this published in another official Mazda brochure. 37kgs is 81.5lbs

[g40steve]

Whichever model you get they are un bust able so long as you max the oil.
A few modifications & they can embarrass cars they should not

[DaveMcC1967]

Thanks all. I'm definitely leaning towards a convertible as to my eyes they're nicer looking and I prefer the contrast of the black hood to the bodywork colour.

Just need to find one now - don't seem to be too many advertised locally to me at the moment in my price band. Missed out on a copper red one I was going to see last saturday - it sold before I got there.

gt40steve - what mods have you done to yours - did seem to go rather well in your video!

Dave

[g40steve]

Mine has RB mani, Rodders SS mid pipe/sports cat, Rodders large BB, Remapped,
Light/bal fly, MeisterRs with custom spring rates, aligned/corner weighted by Rodders, Nankang NS2R tyres on Speedline 2120 8J 17, rodders race pads.

Rodders is Championship winning race car builder & general MX5 guru

Looks standard goes anything but....

[sbird]

g40steve said:

Mine weighs 1139Kg with half a tank of fuel, had it corner weighted

This old argument (again)

I've had two of mine corner weighted (a Mk3 roadster-coupe and a Mk3.5 r-c), and got the same result as Steve (ie. about 35Kg extra for the folding hardtop).

While we're dispelling myths, the car isn't a perfect 50:50 weight distribution either. It's about 53:47. It really annoys me people quote that.

[ScorpKing]

I have a hardtop 2007 NC (Roadster) and put the roof down at every opportunity no matter how short (or cold) the journey is so I can safely say they are very reliable. I also fitted the 1 touch operation relay which allows operation while moving which is brilliant if you get caught out (in the rain) ! Works at up to 30 MPH - looks cool too..............

[Saliiim]

g40steve said:

Regarding Weight...

That's interesting, I think you may be right. I did think that 80kg was a lot.
Do we think that 40kg is going to result in a noticable difference to the car's dynamics?

I think I agree that the best option is the softtop + bolt on hardtop for the winter.

[hornetrider]

Saliiim said:

Do we think that 40kg is going to result in a noticable difference to the car's dynamics?

No, the mechanism is low down and mid-mounted (ie between the two axles). The roof is not metal, it is plastic, therefore the small additional weight is mostly low down behind the passengers.

[g40steve]

The removable hardtop is a waste of time I had one for one winter when I had a soft top.
On a cold morning with sunshine you cannot just press a button to remove.
Also they are not light!
37Kg is nothing for the folding top, less than carrying a child as passenger.
Remove your front strut brace as this is heavy & does nothing for handling pure cosmetic.
I have added quiet a few horses also

[Flip Martian]

I wouldn't bother with a removable hard top either. I thought about getting one when I bought my NC in December but really - no need. Its not a cold car to drive (I have the Sport with aircon and heated leather seats) and the soft top is not draughty.

[Shaw Tarse]

There were times when I would be too warm, driving in sub zero temps, wearing just a t-shirt & jumper. (and jeans)