Besides, lateral rigidity isn't sacrificed so much as longitudinal rigidity, so it's less noticable. Again, for the really hardcore guys, it's a perhaps significant difference, but for the average person the fun of having T-tops probably outweighs the performance advantage of a hardtop. More rigidity handles more precisely, but even the T-top cars are very rigid from the factory. (Based on bolt in cages, not custom designed ones) So basically, if you put a full cage in a ttop, and a rollbar with side bars in a hardtop, the two cars will be similarly rigid, but the hardtop now has even less weight. There are too many factors between cars to get an exact weighing, but I am pretty sure it is close to 35-40lbs, however the hardtops are much more stiff with much less reinforcing metal. The same goes for all of us here in the US, to us, rhd models are more rare, but a rhd hardtop turbo 98 would be the ultimate sw20 to obtain.ĭoes anybody know exactly how much lighter the hardtop is compared to both ttop and sunroof i know its at least 30lbs but it may be as much as 50 compared to the ttop Left hand drive models are only more rare in countries that were only offered right hand drive models. Its not the actual motors and arms of the convertable tops that make them heavier, its the reinforcement of the lower portion of the car to make up for the lack of strength up top. Perfect examples of weight differences would be between hardtop and convertable models. On a ttop or targa vehicle, you have to reinforce the areas around the tops in order to make the overall rigidity of the car similar to that of the hardtop models. With a hardtop on ANY car, you are strengthening it on the A to C pillars and B to D pillars with about a 2 lb sheet of metal to fill the void. The point is the rigitidy AND the lower weight. As for more rare, I think that only applies to left-hand drive models the rest of the world envies our crazy supply of t-tops and sunroofs, from what I gather. well I could stand to lose 10 more lbs myself, and just the wheels and/or tires you buy can make up for that. It's what, like 10 lbs lighter? I know for the ZOMG!-shave-every-last-ounce-off-the-car guys that's a huge difference, but for most of us. The only problem is the whole "what if I flip or a truck lands on my head" thing, but that's not a highly likely scenario. Folds up and down in seconds and has a dedicated storage area. Of course, my vert is a lot nicer-great visibility, that feel of open air, etc. The hardtop has the advantage of being simple no need to ever bother with anything. However, it doesn't really do anything for me I still have to duck to fit in and out, can't put my left hand anywhere while waiting for the stoplight, or really much of anything. It's also a good place for a friend's head if you need to fit 3 people in the car. It has a nice storage spot in the frunk so you can hit bumps and corners without damaging it. The sunroof flips open easily for a little airflow, but isn't really useful (just roll down the windows or turn on the vent and you get way more air). The disadvantage is the lack of a hold-down, so they can flop about in the cabin. I don't really care about the leaks-it's just a matter of new seals. I chose T-top, for overall goodness, however I think each has its perks: T-tops make it easy to get in and out, allow you to stick your head straight up and out, and put your hands out the top like a roller-coaster. This is probably the zillionth time I've responded to one of these threads, but it's still fun. Toyota could've too! :)Įitherway, I think the MR2 MII designers were Magnum PI fans. But, you're saying the entire midsection of the mr2 is held in place by that thin t bar? So, how do all other convertibles hold up without collapsing? Anyway, If Ferrari could do it. But, with the rigidity of the back window and b-pillar it would've made sense to go that way. Not that it doesn't look great with any of the options it came with. It would be real nice until the body (both the car's and the driver's) begin to sag in the middle.:rofl: Then it would be kinda sad. Let me guess, it was only available in Japan? I had no idea there was a spyder version. Since this poll was thrown in the General Discussion forum I think you're right, there should be another choice considering the MKIII doesn't come in any other flavor (unless you buy the optional hardtop cover).
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