AWD or Convertable?

[pnad]

Thinking about moving from the hardtop to the roofless DSM (Eagle Talon / Mitsubishi Eclipse).

All things being equal, I would basically be trading AWD for a droptop. Both are well modified with built motors, big turbos etc etc.

This is my 'toy' car. Only driven on nice days. I do not drive the Talon in winter, hell I hardly drive it in rain so other than traction leaving the stop light I don't really *need* AWD.

What I am looking for is opinions on convertibles in general. Anyone ever had one and hate it? Maybe they suck? Maybe I just have this unrealistic romanticized dream of top down Sunday cruises through the country side.

The only negatives I have heard so far is verts suck in cold and rain. Not an issue for me. Also hear the opinion that an Eclipse Spyder is a b1t(h / gh3y car and can only be pronounced with a lisp.

My Talon
The Spyder

 

[freeway]

My "toy car" is a 2000 Camaro Convertible and my favorite times to drive it are in the spring and fall and summer evenings. Nothing beats driving around with the top down on a warm evening. It does suck in rain and I don't drive it when it is cold. My fiancee does not like it because her hair gets blown around and "damaged" and it has too much power for her liking, but it is my car and I like to drive it. Test drive one - you'll like it. Of all four of my cars it is my favorite. Also I don't care what other people think of my car - get one because you like it and to hell with what other people think.

 

[Arkaign]

Jesus. You have the chance to get away from DSM, and aren't leaping away? RUN .. RUN AWAY ... NOW ... WHILE YOUR CAR STILL RUNS.

If you want a good convertible that will run strong, easy to work on, and gobs upon gobs of mods off all types, get a Miata.

RWD, easy turbo/intercooler kits, Mazdaspeed goodies (like the LSD), etc. A well-kept Miata, with a decent tune, intake, and exhaust will put down similar numbers to a Turbo 1G/2G Eclipse/Talon in a straight line, and it them for lunch on turns. Add turbo and/or build the motor internals, and it really gets interesting.

Only downsides, the Miatas are pretty small cars (a shade too small for me, I'm 6'3", 225lbs), but undeniably a great performance platform.

I would suggest Vette, but hard to find anything beyond a beat-to-hell C4 for the kind of cheap $$$ you're probably looking at with those DSM candidates.

 

[Arkaign]

Oh, forgot to mention : abandoning AWD for FWD with the kind of power you're talking about (~230whp?) is just another reason to either get away from DSM, or stick with AWD.

 

[pnad]

Thanks for the opinions guys.

I have been in DSM land for over 10 years. I build them well so they don't break (as much).

Looking at about 400hp on mine with an FP Green Turbo (50 trim) I will be swapping my turbo to the Spyder.

Wheel spin at 65mph should be fun.

 

[Arkaign]

~400hp FWD.

le sigh.

Oh well, at least you have enough experience to keep fixing them

 

[zerocool84]

The crankwalk compels you.

 

[MBrown]

awd

 

[JulesMaximus]

Convertible will be heavier and less rigid structurally but I loved owning a 'vert and will own one again.

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Convertible will be heavier and less rigid structurally but I loved owning a 'vert and will own one again.

The AWD DSM cars are no lightweights. Also, good luck trying to actually get anything in the back. The rear drivetrain takes up almost everything behind the rear seat.

For the power you're talking about stick with the AWD. Convertibles are fun but 400 hp to the front wheels is a bit ridiculous.

 

[Gibson486]

Man...Mitsubishi really chnaged it's view on the Eclipse. I had a 1st gen for my first car. After it got totaled, I was going to get a 2nd gen.....it was alright, but i said i might as well wait and just drive my mom's car to school. I then tried the 3rd gen...WTF where they thinking? I thought they saved themselves with their latest one.....nope...it looks nothing like it drives.

 

[Jumpem]

Convertable ftl. AWD ftw.

 

[swtethan]

Spyder... all i see are blonde barbies driving them. Heck I seen a pink one too