Tuesday, May 6, 2014

How to Compare Convertibles

For some people, a sunny summer day offers the perfect opportunity to relax with a ride through the countryside in a convertible. Potential buyers can use several factors when choosing their convertible.

Vehicle Class

    Convertible buyers can choose between moderately priced and luxury models. According to the Kelley Blue Book website, generally affordable convertibles include the Mazda Miata MX-5 and the MINI Cooper, while luxury models include the Audi R8, Dodge Viper, Porsche 911 and Maserati Gran Turismo.

Seating

    Some convertibles, such as the 2011 Volkswagen Eos and 2011 Volvo C70, can seat up to four people. The 2010 Audi TT Roadster is among the many models which only offer seating for two.

Under the Hood

    Some convertibles made by Audi, Mazda and other manufacturers include four-cylinder engines, while some Bentley and Mercedes-Benz models offer 12-cylinder power plants. More than 30 convertibles from the 2010 and 2011 model years offer horsepower in excess of 200, according to the Kelley Blue Book site.

Fuel Efficiency

    The U.S. government's fuel economy website shows the 2011 MINI Cooper Convertible gets 36 miles per gallon on the highway with an automatic transmission, while the Chevrolet Corvette with a manual transmission gets 20.

Safety

    The federal government's Safercar website and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provide safety ratings for vehicles based on crash test results. For example, the IIHS gave the 2010 Sebring its highest rating of "good."

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