If you are looking into buying a new or used Mercedes-Benz, such as a coupe and cabriolet, you may wonder what kind of top is best: soft or hard top. While choosing between a soft and hard top likely won’t significantly affect actual ride quality, your overall car-owning experience will still change based on this decision.
Let’s take some time to learn about the pros and cons of the different types of Mercedes-Benz, so you know you’re making the best decision possible.
Soft Tops
Soft top roofs are often made of a sturdy canvas for Mercedes-Benz, and while it may not be as secure as a standard hard top, a soft top has its advantages.
Now that you know what I mean when I refer to a soft top let’s look at the pros and cons of these luxury cars.
Pros
A pro of owning a soft top convertible is that it takes up much less space than a hard top, which allows you to better utilize the room in your car and trunk space. However, with older Mercedes, hard tops are entirely removed, not folded away, which is nice but means that even if you still get a hardtop, you’ll have to find a place to store it. Another advantage of a soft top roof other than the storage space is that soft tops can be toggled more quickly than hard tops. So, if toggling takes up too much time, a soft top may be your best bet.
Cons
While using a soft top Mercedes is beneficial, it is important to get the whole picture. When you use a soft top convertible, the top can feel much less secure when you’re driving around. In addition, some older models tend to rattle when driving too fast. Finally, soft tops can often get dirty or succumb to the elements, such as fading in the sunlight or getting ruined due to rain quicker than a hard top. Luckily, there is a solution for this.
If you own a soft top convertible, you can make sure you do everything you can to protect your car. For instance, purchasing a seal kit can go a long way toward helping your soft top last longer.
Hard Tops
While convertibles can be fun, some people are looking for something more straightforward, and this is where the hard top Mercedes-Benz lineup comes into play.
Sometimes referred to as a “drop-top”, hard top convertibles allow the driver to toggle their top whenever they want, allowing them to feel the wind as they drive but also protect their leather seats at the push of a button.
Now, let’s look at some pros and cons of a hard top Mercedes-Benz.
Pros
One of the most significant advantages of using a hard top is the security you feel from using it. Also, a hard top convertible is much more insulated, which means that when you’re cruising down the highway, the road noise will be at an absolute minimum, unlike a soft top. Along with the more comfortable ride, you can also rest easy when it rains, as hard tops are much less prone to leaking.
Cons
Older Mercedes models don’t fold away. Instead, they are completely removed. While this does save trunk space, you will have to find a place to store it in the garage. In addition, it is likely to need to install a hoist in your garage to lift the top off the car. Another major disadvantage of a hard top convertible is that it makes the car heavier. While this may not be a problem to some, it can lead to difficulties accelerating, lower miles per gallon, and less sharp maneuvering than a soft top.
Overall, it is vital to decide on the type of top that best fits your lifestyle. Make sure to get into the front seats of both a hard top and soft top before you make your decision. Going for a test drive usually is your best option.
Get Help at Adsitco
Whether you need help with a C-class sedan or an S-class sports car, our team at Adsitco can get you the help you need for any Mercedes-Benz model. We not only offer canvas and whole used tops, but we can also get you the tools you need to ensure that these tops get a long-lasting life.
Take a moment to check out our site and peruse our stock to see if there’s any way we can help you make owning a Mercedes-Benz more enjoyable.
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