Is this true?
 

Well, I'm only a couple of days away from trading in my 2000 V6 Stang for a 96 or 97 GT 5-speed. I was looking at some convertibles of that era and my question is: I heard that a convertible is much heavier than a hardtop.

Is that true?

I like the '96-97 GT convertibles but I don't want to be driving a car that is too heavy.

My girlfriend likes the GT convertible that we saw (from that year) and she was like; "Get that one BABY":p

I would get the convertible but I heard they are heavier than the hard tops because of they have to equal the weight - or something.

Packing on the pounds
 

All convertibles - Mustang's or otherwise - are heavier than hardtops. The extra bracing plus the top mechanism (motor, braces) all add up to maybe 150 pounds, at most, to haul around.

If you really want a ragtop, go for it, especially if this is your daily driver as well as a weekend cruiser. Saving weight is great but you're not buying a drag car and a few good mods can make up the weight difference.

Re: Packing on the pounds
 

so once I put a few good mods on it the 150 extra pounds wont be a problem then?

If I were you, I would stay away from the 96-98 Mustangs. They are notorious for being the slowest of all recent Mustangs produced. You will spend more in modifying it to run with the 99+ GT's than if you just buy one in the first place. Look into the 99+ GT's (260 HP).

Just my recommendation. :)

E

I don't notice the added weight. Look at my sig though. Little things like a fiberglass hood and lighter wheels can get you close to what a regular coupe weighs.

3 years ago when the 99's hit the scene that would be right. Now it's as simple as putting 99 heads/cams, and a Bullit intake onto the 96-98's and getting well over 300hp from them. The 99 equipment boosts compression ratio on the Gen I 4.6's to somewhere around 11:1 and the Bullit intake makes for an inexpensive upgrade to round out the power package. Not to mention the fact the 4.6L responds very well to boost.

Re: Re: Packing on the pounds
 

Originally posted by silverv6

So once I put a few good mods on it the 150 extra pounds won't be a problem?

Correct. Don't worry about it.

Just make sure you have a skinny girl friend and keep her away from the "Whoppers".......


:p

There is a 2000 GT for sale on the lot here in Sebastopol for $16,995. Not sure of the mileage but it looks brand new.

Amen Brother! :D

May I suggest you boys stay away from the "Whoppers", too?!?! ;)
silverV6 - Good move deciding on a GT. I wouldn't worry about the added weight....doesn't seem to effect anyone else with a convert - I see plenty of them at the track.
Good Luck in your search,
Mandy

vert.
 

Go for the vert. Before I bought mine i wasn't sure If i wanted to carry aroudn the extra weight...but HEY, stang verts. are sooo much fun in the summer..u won't be dissapointed...and like Mr. 5.0 you'll make up for the weight in light mods. go for it