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| Convertibles
- Autos : Review, Rating & Buyers Guide |
| The
Best Convertible Cars Reviews and Convertible Cars Ratings |
Best Consumer Products.com have reviewed and rated the best
convertible cars for our auto guide. Please let our convertible
car reviews and convertible car ratings help you to purchase
the best convertible car.
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Performance
Power is supplied by three six-cylinder engines familiar from
the 3- and 5-series. Power outputs range from 170bhp in the
new 2.2 to 231bhp in the 3.0-litre. All pull well, so your choice
depends on whether you want a car that's quick or outright fast.
Ride & handling
The Z4 is a much better drive than the Z3 thanks to an all-new
suspension set-up and a stiffer body. Sharp handling, accurate
steering and good body control put the Z4 right up there as
the handling benchmark in this class - and even ahead of the
Porsche Boxster. The suspension does a good job of masking
road blemishes.
Refinement
The six-cylinder engines which power the Z4 are superbly refined,
with an appealing snarl under hard acceleration. There’s
a little wind noise with the roof up, but it’s not a
problem, and wind deflectors prevent too much disturbance
with it down.
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Performance
Like most Honda VTEC engines, the S2000's demands a lot of revs
before it starts to deliver its best. Peak power of 237bhp arrives
at a dizzy 8300rpm. Ultimate performance is astonishing, as
is the exhaust note. But even by VTEC standards this engine
is low on mid-range pull, which can be frustrating.
Ride & handling
A front-engine, rear-drive chassis is the traditional set-up
for a sports car, and changes to the suspension in 2004 make
the most of this layout. Handling is sharp and responsive
yet less tricky on the limit than before. The steering is
still short of feel, however, and rather spoils the fun. The
ride is much improved, and now absorbs broken surfaces with
ease.
Refinement
Drivers will have to get used to a lot of exhaust noise, but
many feel that's the nature of the beast. If you drop the
hood you'll suffer from a lot of wind buffeting, too.
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| Porsche
Boxster/Boxster S Review |
Performance
A pair of classic Porsche flat-six engines powers the Boxster
range. The standard car has a 2.7-litre engine with 228bhp.
The more powerful S has 260bhp from its 3.2-litre engine. Variable-valve
timing lends both units terrific driveability, so it's not worth
spending nearly $7000 to get the most powerful version.
Ride & handling
The Boxster has its engine mounted in the middle of the chassis,
giving near-perfect balance. You do not have to push the car
to its limit to enjoy its poise through bends and its sublimely
responsive steering. Both versions are firmly sprung but yielding
enough to be comfortable through town and on the motorway,
while still cornering flatly.
Refinement
There is some wind noise with the hood raised, but lower it
to take in the sun, and there is little buffeting, especially
with the optional wind break in place. There is some engine
noise, but it's that cultured wail and many will thrill to
hear it at full blast. Road noise is no problem at any speed.
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| Mercedes-Benz
SL500 Review |
Performance
Even the entry-level 3.7 V6 is smooth and punchy. Two V8 units
- a 306bhp 5.0-litre and 500bhp 5.5 from AMG - are super-smooth
and capable of pulling the SL along very quickly. The AMG is
blisteringly fast, but so is the new twin-turbo 500bhp V12.
All are mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox.
Ride & handling
The V8 and V12 versions are both sports car and smooth tourer.
Rack-and-pinion steering, aluminium suspension and Active
Body Control eliminate much of the cornering lean and makes
the car crisp and balanced. The car has a magnificent ride,
too. The V6 has conventional suspension and is less controlled
and sporty as a result.
Refinement
The tin-top ensures the cabin is a haven of peace and quiet
when it's raised. There's just a mute burble from the V8 engine
and minimal road and engine noise. Drop the roof and occupants
can talk without shouting, and with the side windows and rear
wind blocker up there's little buffeting. The engine and gearbox
are super-smooth.
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