Hello all, I've decided that it's time to let my NA 4L coupe go in favour of a 4.2R 😜 the question is do I go for another coupe or plunge for the cab?

Whilst I love the idea of a cab, I have a few reservations.
I enjoy driving at night with the roof down, is the heater adequate for the colder months?
Theoretically if you were to cruise at 100-120 is there huge amounts of wind noise with the roof up?
Has the chassis lost too much stiffness for spirited cornering and handling?

Has anybody else had both? Any feedback welcomed.

Thanks in advance

 

I haven't driven a coupe, but the car is still good for spirited cornering as a cab. With the roof up, wind noise is minimal, not as silent as the coupe, but it's not loud at all.

 

I drove a 2000 XK8 Coupe a couple years ago and nearly pulled the trigger. From what I can remember and relate, at least around town, the chassis stiffness is the same. Perhaps over railroad tracks you'd get a little more wiggle. The top on the cab is very well done on the insulation, so it is slightly noticeable that there's fabric separating you from roadnoise and not metal, but not overtly so. It's acceptably quiet and isolating in traffic. There is not a huge amount of wind noise with the roof up at 100mph, though I didn't take the coupe I test drove up past 60mph to compare. With the top down and a good coat, the heater is pretty adequate at least on a cold 40*F evening around town with the seat heaters. Anything below that may start to get crazy.

I still really want a coupe. But after growing into the cab these past couple months, my first convertible ever, I'm starting to prefer it over my coupe dreams. Find a cab that has had the 'green shower' already (hydraulic lines repaired) and I think you'll really enjoy driving one. It is among motoring at its finest! Spring is coming...

 

It's a big debate, but I went for the coupé and don't regret it.

They're cheaper to buy, insure and maintain. There's (slightly) more space in the rear, and there's much greater choice in Europe. As for looks, the convertible looks better than the coupé when the roof is down, but not when the roof is up.

If I lived in California or the south of France, I would opt for the convertible, but having owned 2 other convertibles in the past, it is not a realistic proposition in north west Europe.

 

The cab is certainly very quiet with the roof down, and although slightly less stiff as the coupe, it certainly isn’t affecting my driving pleasure.

There plenty of good day's in Western Europe imho (at least the Benelux area), and they joy of driving topless is great for me. Especially on acceleration, you can enjoy the exhaust note so much more.

Yesterday was the 1st day again after 5 months or so to drive again with the top down, and what a joy it was, priceless.

 

Agreed. When you can use the convertible, it's a fabulous moment. The problem is, as you say, it's been 5 months since we had good enough weather here

 

The thing is that the difference is very small between the Cab and Cpe when it comes to noise/handling, at least barely noticeable for me for my kind of driving.

There plenty of good days in the other 6/7 months of the year, and with the cab you have the choice. I also don’t need to drive all the time topless, and choose the day’s/parts of a trip where I want it, that’s what makes it such a good package for me.

Both are beautifull cars on their own, so one should already be fortunate if they can choose.

 

I live in California, the convertible is absolutely necessary, IMO.

The only reason I'd get a coupe is if I were building a track car.

 

Forgot to actually answer some the questions...

100 to 120 mph is pretty fast cruising, its doable though (have done 160), but not that comfortable obvioulsy. 90 to 100 is still ok, and if you meant 60 to 70 mph, than with a wind deflector no issues at all.

Imo there is also plenty of heat if needed, but all depends the temperature outside, and your cruising speeds...

 

Thanks to all, looks like I'm going to have to try a cab.
I love my current coupe, but think a cab ,iChat just be that little bit more special.

I'll keep you posted

Anyone looking to buy a 4l coupe?

Thanks again