With the rising temperature, many drivers can’t wait to jump in the car and drive to someplace with a scenic view. Unlike buying a new or used automobile, your options aren’t as simple as choosing between manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ford, and Toyota, or the average price of the vehicle you are considering. You may need to also take into consideration other factors, such as the type of convertible you are looking to purchase a hardtop or soft top.
Here are some primary advantages of each type of convertible top.
The Benefits of a Hardtop Convertible
- Theft Protection
Both hardtop and soft-top convertibles have a rear window that allows the driver to clearly see behind them, even when the top is up. However, some soft-top convertibles have windows made from plastic that can be easily slashed or torn.A rear window in both hardtop and soft-top convertibles is designed to allow the driver to safely look behind them during driving. However, some convertible windows, like soft-top windows, may be made of plastic that can be torn or slashed easily.
- Better Insulation
As hardtop convertible roofs are built similarly to conventional roofs, they can offer as much shelter and insulation from the elements as a soft top convertible. Noise insulation is also an added advantage of a hardtop, as a top design is able to cut down on the amount of sound you and your convertible passengers experience when on the road.
- Safety Is Key
No matter what type of car, truck, SUV, or convertible you’re interested in purchasing, the score for safety distinguishes itself from the rest. Because of the safety features detailed in your convertible’s make and model, the rollover accident rating can change, depending on the make and model.However, there is another level of safety that cannot be duplicated on a fabric roof of a soft-top.
- Durability & Longevity
Because of their design and the materials they’re made of, hardtop convertibles are not only intended for insulation, but are also made to last. Like tops that are mostly fabric, with some having a plastic rear window in them, soft-top convertibles are constantly susceptible to damage and cracking. Driving at high speeds with a soft-top can lead to tearing of the topmost layer. Across a wide range of typical soft-top materials, you’ll need to spend several hundred dollars to replace the top every few years.
The Benefits of a Soft-Top Convertible
- Cut Down On Waiting
An extra-fast method of opening and closing the top may be a good selection for you if you’re often eager to hit the road. Soft-tops, like their hardtop convertible counterparts, are good at going up and down quickly when you’re on the move. With most soft-tops, it’s better to engage in a complete stop when driving at speeds slightly higher than the optimum level.
- More Space
Convertible tops, regardless of their particular size, tend to be smaller than standard sizes. Because of this, those in the market for a convertible often place emphasis on making the most of their customary cargo space. Because of the design behind soft-top convertibles, you will have more cargo room than a hardtop. This is because the rear of a convertible with a hardtop has to be removed before it can be retracted into the trunk.
- Shedding Some Weight
A fabric top will likely have a plastic or glass rear window. But in the majority of cases, a soft-top convertible will weigh less than a comparable hardtop convertible. Without the added 100 or so pounds of additional weight of a hardtop, the soft-top convertible will remain less stressed and strained on hardware and components, such as an engine or suspension, than a hardtop convertible.
- More Savings
Like soft tops, soft-top convertibles use less mechanical and electrical components than counterparts. This means that the likelihood that your convertible top will break down or malfunction is reduced. Just as many extended auto warranties or vehicle service contracts may not cover repairs for your convertible top.
In summary, many of us are car shoppers who are looking to buy a convertible, but may wonder which one will meet our specific needs. Hardtop convertibles are great to have for several reasons. Not only do they provide added security with the hardtop, but they also offer improved gas mileage. Soft-top convertible, on the other hand, allow for easy convertible top operation. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
