Every summer, people renting a car for the Hamptons ask whether to go with a convertible or a hardtop. If part of the joy of the trip is the trip itself, especially if it’s to the Hamptons, then the convertible is the one to book.
If you do not care about the sun on you as you drive, then why bother with the convertible? If you can’t stand the feel of the wind on your face as you drive, then don’t bother. Likewise, if your entire focus is on getting from point A to point B, or if there’s a time pressure, or the destination is the point, then go with the hardtop.
The open top is about travel and transit. It’s about the motion, and feeling alive during the moments between when you left and when you arrive. When the top’s down, you are “outside,” you’re in the world, you’re part of what’s going on around you. You notice a lot more when the top’s down - you notice other people, you notice animals running through the bushes, you notice what people are wearing, how they’re acting, and everything. It’s about the rhythms of the road, the beat of the car, the texture of the pavement, and the feel of the open sky above you, which, while often blue, is sometimes brilliantly cloudless and other times threatening.
The pace changes on Route 27. The back roads to the South Fork are scenic detours, if you are there for the first time or in no rush. If the occasion is special, a convertible might be the right choice. The open car photographs well, and sounds even better. A soft sunset stop is well worth the detour if the goal is a memory, not simply transportation.
The Weather Changes
In July, for East Hampton, the average high is about 81°F. There are about 10 rainy days out of the 31. When it does rain it comes down hard. The EPA says that UV index of 11 or more means “extreme,” the top of the scale. But the weather shifts fast around the coast.
Modern cars close roofs quickly, even while moving. Take the Ferrari Roma Spider - its soft top is down in just 13.5 seconds and can be deployed at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph). Porsche 911 Cabriolets (992 generation) can be closed up to a speed of 50 km/h (31 mph). The Ferrari 296 GTS’s retractable hard-top goes away in 14 seconds and does so at speeds of up to 45 km/h (28 mph). And even though you can put the top up without stopping, it never puts you in a good mood.
The weather changes, and so must you. Cool and clear? The top stays down, bringing you closer to the scenery. Wind picks up? Close the top. The 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet has all-wheel drive, giving you the confidence to take on damp pavement and other challenging conditions.
The Closed Car
Hardtops have advantages. Most of the time, passengers enjoy the silence and repose of the closed car, especially in the rain, or at night.
The closed car is a more flexible, practical choice, though not as involving or memorable. It offers more of a retreat from the world as you drive. You settle into the beginning of a long trip in the summer heat and the Expressway traffic can make a short trip feel even longer. Passengers want to arrive fresh, and the closed cabin is more insulated, calmer, and drier.
With the top up, the Ferrari Roma Spider has 255 litres of cargo space. That shrinks only slightly when the roof is folded. That should be enough for a light weekender. But if you’re travelling in a big group, or with lots of bags, then an SUV is more sensible.
Whichever you choose, before booking, check the weather for the duration of the rental. Confirm the exact model that you will get and understand that availability may change. Read the rental agreement. Ask what they require for age, license, and insurance.
So think about how you will spend the weekend. Do you expect to make a couple of short scenic drives? Will the weekend include a late sunset drive? Then go ahead with the convertible. Choose the hardtop, and never mind the disappointing looks, if you have guests, there’s traffic, or the weather forecast is mixed.
