That's impossible to answer. It's a subjective decision that you need to make for yourself. I thought I wanted one before I bought my S but after having it for a couple of years I can't imagine hassling with it. Things might be a bit different if I had a garage and a hoist to attach/remove/store the hardtop.

Even with the typically adverse weather here in Houston (heat, humidity, rain) I still enjoy being able to drop the top on a whim.

 

Go with the hardtop for the winter months, offers slightly better rear visibility than the soft top. Plus it withstands the elements better than the softop if you do not have a garage for your car.

I don't nknow how harsh your winters are in the UK, but in the northeast US, there is not many days to go topless Nov-Feb. Ultimately its a subjective answer...you can live without it.

 

well said.

 

I would get the Hard Top for safety reason and because it decreases cabin noise.

 

^^no, increases cabin noise (drivetrain, engine, etc)...decreases outside noises (large trucks, wind, etc)

 

^^ and also doesn't increase safety....YOUR safety....unless you mean the safety of your seats getting stolen.

 

There could be some objective benefits to having a hard-top. For instance, I would imagine it is more aerodynamic, and thus would save you gas, and give you more speed. Now, if you were not removing your softop and supporting hardware, adding the hardtop would be extra weight, and might negate gains in aerodynamics. I would also suppose if you use a wing or other aero devices behind the roof, the smoother flow of air over the hardtop might make these devices more effective. Also, some hardtops are probably heavier than your softtop, and thus would make your car more top-heavy, and thus affect handling, perhaps in non-noticeable miniscule amounts, or maybe more significantly.

But I think if you were to remove your old hardware, and put on a hardtop, depending on the model there could be definitely some significant performance gains.

 

OEM HT FTW....

i was always a big fan of the coupe look... maybe take the top down once in a while..
i had a mugen replica HT on my old S and i sold it because i wasnt satisfied with the fitment... plus it leaked sometimes when it rains very hard.. i had to use the softop for a few months and i hated how loud it was inside..

i got an oem HT for my new S and man i love it.... it its more quiet than my Mugen replica.... plus the oem one has a vinyl headliner inside that matches the rest of the interior... fitment is A+



-jacob

 

^^ Alright, very intuitive thinking and some thoughts I had myself when debating about using a HT.

However, my fuel mileage did not change. Body roll or handling has not changed (granted, not scientific testing here). Additional weight yes...but its only nominal 40lbs. You loose more fuel economy carrying a passenger or golf bag. Its an absolute minimal difference though. Your last statement is absolutely correct...remove the soft top hardware and add a hardtop for significant gains...just like the CR.

The benefits are appearance (subjective), saving the soft top from winter elements, slightly improved rearward visibility, and keeping your seats from being stolen easily. Those are the reasons for buying the hardtop.

Good luck OP with your decision.

 

[QUOTE=berlinablackie,Nov 17 2009, 10:25 AM]Go with the hardtop for the winter months, offers slightly better rear visibility than the soft top.