The 2020 Corvette C8 is here, bringing all the goodness of Corvettes past, but now packaged with a fresh mid-engine layout. No doubt about it, the new Vette is one very desirable sports car. But the question is this – would you rather have the C8 Coupe, or the C8 Convertible?
The answer might not be quite as straightforward as you think. For starters, the new 2020 Corvette Convertible is now equipped with a foldable hardtop, which stands in stark contrast to the soft tops of every previous Corvette convertible model. That means that buyers not only get the unlimited headroom expected of a convertible, but also similar NVH (noise/vibration/harshness) levels when compared to the Coupe model.
What’s more, the foldable hardtop provides enhanced security compared to the old soft tops as well, diminishing the list of traditional convertible drawbacks even further. However, at the same time, the Coupe’s removable top may provide enough blue sky to satisfy some buyers.
Then there’s the thorny issue of aesthetics. Both vehicles looks quite good, but the 2020 Corvette Convertible offers a slightly different look thanks to the addition of the rear nacelles. What’s more, the Coupe stands apart for its see-through engine cover.
But what about weight? While both the 2020 Corvette C8 Coupe and C8 Convertible offer roughly similar curb weights, with the latest unofficial figures coming in at 3,535 pounds and 3,637 pounds respectively, the 102-pound difference could be a deal-breaker for hardcore performance enthusiasts.
Luckily, the powertrain is identical between the 2020 Corvette C8 Coupe and C8 Convertible, with both body styles rocking the naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 V8 engine, which throws down 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque when equipped with the optional performance exhaust. Output is send rearwards through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
All told, it’s a hard choice between these two beauties. So we throw the question to you, dear reader – which would you rather have? Let us know by voting in the poll, and make sure to voice your opinion in the comments as well. And don’t forget to subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
i think the convertible looks a little more exotic with the two nacelles in the back.
but that symphony of motion and coordination required to put the top up/down gives me the willies.
so i’d take coupe in zeus bronze w/o any wing/spoiler.
I like the convert, but I wanted week one delivery, so I took first production run over personal choice.
And I like the window over the motor, but I like the increased visibility out the back of the convert.
My choice would have been 2LT Z51 Convert with window in lift deck and week one delivery.
So the convert was not an option.
Convertilble corvair or a corsa 180 turbo coupe…
I’ll take the corsa….
Wow,
It’s just a comparison ,
Structurally coupe ,
Convertilble Sunday driver car and you know who you are… GOLD CHAINS and LEATHER GLOVES …
No that will be the passenger you see riding with the top down, she will be in leather, wearing gold chains and being structurally sound
The one thing I want to see on the convertible is a factory rollbar option, or rollbar seats. I’ll pay for it.
Yes, the windshield is armored. But on the track, you want rollbars. People will pay if you offer more safety.
Heck the Buick Cascada had Saab’s amazing (and cheap) flip-bar system. They didn’t do that for fun.
A rollbar for the track ?
Promote it as ….
Track day on a Sunday GOLD CHAINS and LEATHER GLOVES …
You’re funny..
lol
While the hardtop which allows people to see the engine is a plus; the convertible C8 Corvette with retracting hard top gives the Chevrolet C8 Corvette an even more exotic appearance and the obvious car to buy as it’s just a matter of time before someone designs and builds transparent plexiglass to give the convertible a look similar to the original hardtop.
From a pure styling standpoint, the convertible looks a touch more exotic – that is to say – a bit more super car in the appearance of it. The 102 Lb. difference is primarily in the motors and bars and while their weight is lower than its moving roof, I’d be interested to confirm which of the two has its weight lowest to the ground for that lower polar moment of inertia.
The ultimate C8 for me would be a lightweight Z06 with a fixed roof and the styling of the convertible. A target weight somewhere around 3300-3350 would make it a real track weapon especially considering the wider stance and larger brakes and tires.
Coupe all the way!! You can take off the roof anyway on the coupe, so why have the convertible!!
Convertible only for me…love the look and the ease of top down
I don’t like convertibles at all but the C8 may be the exception. Having seen both version live, the vert is so much more sexy and exotic. As a bonus, some say the vert has a bit more headroom depending how you adjust the seat. And also, the rear window is retractable allowing better visibility and better air circulation on the highway.
Currently own a C4 convertible and the C7 coupe and find I rarely remove the targa. Long trips in the coupe for noise. Seeing the engine isn’t a biggy for me and just dropped my jaw with the convertible hard-top reveal, as I haven’t seen the engine in any of my cars.
Owned more convertibles than hardtops, but preferred hardtop for protection, weight and all that goes with it. Now one can have both, awesome…
I love convertibles. The look of the C7 convertible is it.
I hate those nacelles on the C8. Looks like a T-Top or Lamborghini.
I ordered one anyway.
I’ve had 3 convertibles, and enjoyed the push-button instant top-down of each one. Now that the C8 is a HARDTOP convertible, I could ask for nothing better. If I had the bucks, it would be in my garage right now!
You mean, once they start shipping.
They should start shipping in a week according to my Bolling Green factory guy.
All Corvettes should be Red and Convertible. 🙂
Coupe a must , in Z06 set up , NO not slower , bad question .
Convertible but, it has to be a ZO6!
Quad overhead cam flat plane 9,000 rpm V8 (with aftermarket Armytrix exhaust), 2 piece carbon ceramic brakes with 6 & 4 pot callipers, big aero…..etc, etc….the ONLY way to go :)))
Z06 , waiting , would like GM corvette to start much more info about Z06 at least start with body differences & more engine specs 🤫
I absolutely love the new Vette. It’s a dream car in every respect. Even before the convertible was available I was hoping that one was on the way soon. No that it’s here, I would take this car in a convertible without a second thought.
I’ll take the 2019 ZR-1 all day!!!!!!!
You’ll note that the C8R is leading the IMSA racing series with two 1, 2 finishes. That would be the mid-engine Corvette that you eschew in favor of the ZR-1. If kick a$$ is part of the Corvette image the C8 has it all over the ZR-1. A great car, no doubt. However, that all day portion of the comment includes the race track, if I understand it.
This is my first Corvette. Seeing the convertible in person at SEMA was awesome! The coupe beside it wasn’t near as much attention. So you like to look at the motor ??? Seriously ? that novelty will wear off in a week. Have fun cleaning that glass every week. To me having the convertible will be more practical and less hassle to go topless. Besides you can’t have anything in the rear trunk if you plan to take the top off the coupe.
Both options will be great so enjoy! I am going Vert LT2 AYM.
Why is there 1 percent of those who prefer something slower? Anyway, I will buy a fully loaded 3LT Z51 coupe with museum delivery soon.
I prefer the convertible but would like to hear from someone that has one. It looks like there is an electronic mirror when the top is up but the camera disappears when the top is down so you must use the standard mirror which looks restrictive in view. Also does the wind flow in the cabin change when the back window is raised/lowered? Others with the coupe have complained about the wind strength
The first convertibles will start Coming off the production line and head to QC hold for 2 weeks. The first ones should be in customers hands at the end of Aug 2020. The convertibles will have better open air use with less buffeting / wind throb than the T tops. I expect to have my HTC by the beginning of October so I will have a couple weeks to enjoy driving before winter storage.
Another blogger just confirmed what I assumed from various pictures. The electronic rear view mirror only works when the top is up. You need to use the normal mirror when its down. I haven’t seen any comments yet as to how viable that option is.
Another uninformed buyer…
It’s a shame,
Call your dealer…
Maybe they can help…
Make you more frustrated 😞
Good luck with that …
Lol
Of course buyers are uninformed, dealers don’t tell you anything. I wound up emailing the owner of my dealership twice because since November 2019 I had not heard a thing about my order. All I got in response was a call from my salesman with absolutely no new information. The only information I get is from the internet or the Chevrolet Concierge.
Chevrolet Concierge?? Back around February I got a couple of generic messages from them but since then, Nothing! Not a peep. Silence seems to have decended around GM since August 3rd.
My understanding is that the Chevrolet Concierge is there for you to be able to contact with questions. I don’t believe they are there to contact you. That is what your dealer is there for.
All I can say is that my salesman was extremely lazy at a Central South L. A. dealership. He never provided me one single up date no any codes. Ultimately, I backed out of the deal. A coupe that someone in Northridge did not want any more became available and it was advertised on the net on April 12 and I scooped it up the next day. I’ve never looked back. Light gray and I love it.
The Convertible controls the wind better than the coupe, when the latter is topless. And the wind is worse when the rear widow is down. Source of this: multiple YouTube presentations.
The first convertibles will start Coming off the production line and head to QC hold for 2 weeks. The first ones should be in customers hands at the end of Aug 2020. The convertibles will have better open air use with less buffeting / wind throb than the T tops. I expect to have my HTC by the beginning of October so I will have a couple weeks to enjoy driving before winter storage.
T tops? Who still makes T tops?