Having had a coupe R for a few years now, I recently bought a convertible R and the two cars feel quite different.

It's hard to put my finger on, but the coupe seems quicker and there seems to be more scuttle shake in the convertible than I would have thought, but I've never driven a convertible before.

I wonder what others think about this and the difference in 'feel' between the coupe and convertible?

Andy

 

Never driven a coupe before but I would expect it to feel more solid and planted....

 

Hard to say whether there truly is a difference without the cars being mechanically identical.

I have the Convertible, and my car is smooth as silk, and very tight. I hear or feel nothing.

However, I did change tires, shocks, mounts and replaced any rubber joints along the way.
So, IMO I think its more to do about the vehicle itself, than the model.
Just my .02 cents.

 

I would think some scuttle shake is unavoidable on the convertible. That alone would make it feel a little less solid. It's the nature of the beast (that generation of convertibles). My MB SLK convertible has almost no shake. My XK8 has it. I've gotten used to it.

 

Of course the coupe has a stiffer body. Having driven a coupe for 9 years and a convertible for the past year: I can say the convertible is definitely more fun! An xkr with the top down, nothing like it

 

The coupe and convertibles are not necessarily alike. Of course an XK8 versus an XKR will have different spring rates, but on the coupes if your car was equipped with the handling package (bigger brakes, stiffer suspension, quicker steering, and 20" wheels) you will definitely notice a firmer ride in the coupe. The handling package was not available in the convertibles, AFAIK.

I once had an XK8 coupe that was a lot more cushy for daily driving, but not nearly as confidence inspiring at higher speeds as the XKR coupe I have now, with the handling package.

 

Regarding the "quicker" throttle response, have you verified full throttle application on the cars? The cable can be adjusted under the cover by the master cylinder. There are posts to walk you through it. 10 minute job. I did my 05 and it was like adding 20 HP!