C8 Corvette Convertible Requires Virtually Zero Concessions Over Coupe

C8 Corvette convertible is so close to the coupe that it’s going to entice lots of people to make the switch.

For decades, those choosing between a fixed roof and convertible version of the same car knew the drill. Choosing the wind-in-your-hair experience meant accepting a number of concessions, including increased weight, decreased performance, and sometimes even things like leaks and more wind noise. But with the new C8 Corvette convertible, GM is making the decision between coupe and convertible rather difficult, according to this review from Internet Brands Automotive editor Derin Richardson at our sister site, LS1Tech.

Richardson has driven the C8 coupe in the past, and after spending some time behind the wheel of a C8 Corvette convertible, he came away somewhat shocked by the fact that the two drive pretty much the same. In fact, the drop-top’s extra 102 pounds doesn’t seem to be felt whatsoever. “Honestly, the extra weight is negligible,” Richardson said. “You don’t feel the difference at all.  That is an achievement, no matter how you slice it.”

That translates to both performance and handling, as well as just normal driving. “Like the coupe, it has nearly zero body roll,” Richardson noted. “And while the steering could be more accurate, this Vette has excellent road feel and amazing lateral grip on the street. You simply feel confident while driving this thing. And in Sport and Track modes, manual transmission shifts are quicker than Tour, making for a very driver-connected experience.”

If the C8 Corvette convertible was priced equally with the coupe, this decision might be a no-brainer then. However, that isn’t the case, which is stating the obvious. The fancy folding hardtop adds around $7,500 to the Corvette’s base price, which is a fair sum of money. And, as Richardson points out, the coupe has a removable roof panel, so it too offers a bit of an open-air experience for less dough and without the weight penalty.

For those reasons, the coupe remains his personal choice. But it’s clear that the C8 Corvette convertible requires fewer concessions than most every drop-top built to date, and that’s truly something worth celebrating. And in fact, we bet that a lot of folks who would have never even considered buying a convertible Corvette in the past might take the plunge for that very reason.

Photos: Derin Richardson

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.