I'm looking to get my wife a 03-04 GT. She wants a convertable. I on the other hand say she needs a hardtop. Along with my 99 GT I also have a 97 Jeep wrangler. i know the jeep is a blast in the summer to drive without a top on but in the winter it's cold as hell. (I have the top on in the winter LOL) Also it's kind of loud in the wind. Yes I know Jeeps are different from stangs but how is the driving the convertable in cold weather. Her stang will be placed in storage with mine when the snow flys but we will be driving it up into Nov. for sure.
So here is my question. What would be a better investment in the long run?
i know she only wants the convertable to drop the top downon nice days and who can blame her. But on every other day how good is the top when it's up? Also When we get it I will be putting Flowmasters on it and all the other goodies.I havefeeling the flowmasters will beso loud you can't stand it, top up and down.
I'm just looking for a lil insight. [align=right][/align]

 

I drive mine all year. In winter the temps can drop below -30C. I've never been cold in my Stang. As far as noise levels,, it's best you take a vert out on a test drive & judge for yourself.

My last vehicle was a Jeep Wrangler so, I know what' your're talking about LOL. The top is a whole nuther animal, a pain to raisse/lower and a LOT louder than a vert car. Still, I was nervous about buying a vert car too for all-year driving but, it's been awesome! No regrets whatsoever

 

I have a 2003 GT vert and I LOVE the vert.
In the winter (NY), I don't notice any difference inside as far as it being cold or drafty.
Noise level is higher than a coupe.

One MAJOR difference is the aftermarket exhaust droning in the vert. The open back where the top lives acts like
a huge drum and exhaust drone is amplified, a lot!
With that in mind, whatever exhaust system you are looking at it will be significantly louder in the vert.

I have a Magnaflow 15671 Catback and it's great but louder in my car than my friends coupe with the same system.

 

If you get flowmasters and keep the stock mid pipe, you should be fine. It sounds great with the top down (I have an O/R H with Flowmaster mufflers welded in).

Since you plan to store the car for the coldest months of the year anyway, why not get the vert? I wish I would have been in a coupe to compare how well the verts hold the heat in/cold out, but if I'm not mistaken I believe the top consists of two or three layers. In the winter months, I usually drive with the heat on, full blast for a few minutes, then on the lower settings while cruising.

Some people may say you can only drop the top a few times a year. Don't listen to these people, they usually never had a convertible, and they probably wish they did but instead they try to convince themselves instead that they shouldn't have bought one. ESPECIALLY now in the summer time, I can drop the top several times a week (at least the weather cooperates, although at times I don't drop the top, just roll down the windows).

 

mines not a DD and really a garage queen...however... if I take it out and the temp is above 50*... I drop the top!!! turn on the heat a bit and I'm good to go....

it will be a bit noiser with the top up than a coupe.....how could it not! isnt that what the radio is for anyway.

 

Hi,

The Mustang convertible noise level is minimal. No vinyl rippling and vibration like with a Jeep. Take a test drive. You'll be pleasantly supprised!

 

I've got a vert as a DD, and the sound isnt a problem at all. Its honestly 10 times more fun in the summer with the top down

 

mach460 stereo FTW

the tops are insulated, and you have heat, you will be fine, its a bit more noisy then a coupe but with exhaust and stereo it will still be liveable

 

It's interesting that you should say that. I was driving this morning and thought, "Wow that sounds like the (stock) exhaust has a lot of drone in it," but I had never heard anyone complain about it before and just thought that I was crazy. HAHA. I had heard it before, but happened to have the windows down, radio off, etc., and it was extremely noticeable.

 

Me and my wife love the drop top with the Mac exhaust on it, it sounds awesome with the top down.Ihave noticed no real difference temperature wise with the vert, it doesn't seem any colder on the inside than the van we have. It is a little noisier on the highway but not unbarable though. Cruising around at night with it in the summeris a blast, go for it you won't regret it.