Driving differences between a convertible and a hard top Fastback

[Adamrx11]

I have a 2024 GT convertible with performance pack but now that I'm used to the power I want to track it but that requires a roll bar and adding even more weight. As a daily Cruiser it is fine. Can anyone tell me what differences there are between a convertible and hardtop Fastback besides the weight? Is the handling any different? Agility and aerodynamics? My convertible is a rare bird with the night Pony package, performance pack, magneride, 401a, AVE, so I could trade it in for a performance pack GT or even a dark horse my dealership just acquired. Half the fun for me is to put the top down but after 3 months I'm kind of over it to be honest so just looking for feedback one way or the other. I do plan to get to a dealership soon and test drive a Fastback but it's hard to find one with a performance pack so would like others thoughts on the matter so that when I do test drive one I know what things to look for

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[Farmer Fran]

I am not 100% sure, i think the rear bar is smaller but might be confusing with the Camaro.

I can tell you this convertible is no where near as planted as a camaro convertible.

That said, are planning on racing for fun or for sport? If for fun, do the necessary upgrades and have fun.

 

[Skye]

Handling-wise, I'd expect the fastback to always be better. The solid roof reduces flexing throughout the car.

Aero, same: the fastback will be better. Air crosses a surface much like a light, silk sheet. The slightest disruptions cause airflow to be lost across the surface. A vert top isn't the slightest bit smooth.

Big picture-wise, I think you ought to pause and think things out. New car, the vert, you've already laid money into. You've got threads discussing several issues which need to be resolved. Now, you're considering moving on to a fastback (selling at a loss, then buying another, new car) and tracking (ca-ching).

Are you going to be doing this while still living where you got your car keyed?

I'd consider trying to forgo any more expenses, save what you can towards buying a condo or a house. If you're already saving for that, great. Save more still. Or for retirement. Over time, you could bank a nice down payment. The housing market is expensive right now. When the economy softens, that'll be your chance to punch out, move, then return focus to the Mustang.

Best Wishes in whatever you decide.

 

[BoostRabbitGT]

The fastback has better visibility than the convertible with the top up. That's the only difference I could find during my test drives.

 

[Adamrx11]

Handling-wise, I'd expect the fastback to always be better. The solid roof reduces flexing throughout the car.

Aero, same: the fastback will be better. Air crosses a surface much like a light, silk sheet. The slightest disruptions cause airflow to be lost across the surface. A vert top isn't the slightest bit smooth.

Big picture-wise, I think you ought to pause and think things out. New car, the vert, you've already laid money into. You've got threads discussing several issues which need to be resolved. Now, you're considering moving on to a fastback (selling at a loss, then buying another, new car) and tracking (ca-ching).

Are you going to be doing this while still living where you got your car keyed?

I'd consider trying to forgo any more expenses, save what you can towards buying a condo or a house. If you're already saving for that, great. Save more still. Or for retirement. Over time, you could bank a nice down payment. The housing market is expensive right now. When the economy softens, that'll be your chance to punch out, move, then return focus to the Mustang.

Best Wishes in whatever you decide.

I've paid the car off already in full. Thank you for the suggestions. I think you're right, i should focus on getting it fixed first before any hasty decisions.

 

[Upacurb]

I've paid the car off already in full. Thank you for the suggestions. I think you're right, i should focus on getting it fixed first before any hasty decisions.

Or if you want to get into tracking and have some extra funds.....pick up a cheap Miata to start off with and see how you like it...... great car to learn on as well and while I know they get a bad stigma.....they are really fun little cars that you can pick up cheap and very difficult to break.....bonus things like tires and brakes will be much cheaper then your Mustang.....

 

[MAT1955]

@Adamrx11 ..... no there is no comparison. Respectfully, it isn't even fair to compare. Although Ford has done an amazing job of stiffening the S650 convertible's frame - it now has two under frame stiffening bars that are now welded to a robust steel plate instead of just bolted to the trunk spare tire well AND mine came with the strut tower brace as well as the two support bars running from the fire wall to each strut tower - the convertible is no where near as rigid as the fastback. If you run it hard at a track you will feel it flex, even with a roll bar and various aftermarket braces it would IMO never run well, it would always feel loose. Doing so would also, IMO, ruin the very reason and fun of having a convertible. With the money you would lose trading it in why not get an older GT (say 2014) build it up a bit and track that?

 

[Fruitstang]

Very good ideas, both the Miata and an older Gen 5 Stang.

I couldn't stand the creaks and squeaks when tracking my beautiful Stang vert on a regular basis.

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