[legion]

In general, convertibles are heavier and have a more flexible chassis than their hard-top counterparts. They are usually designed for people who put "look at me" above performance. In general, convertibles do not make good sports cars or ruin an already good sports car. This is a pretty purist sports car crowd on this board.

There are exceptions though. The Boxster, Pontiac Solstice, and Mazda Miata come to mind. These were all designed from the ground up as convertible sports cars, and they do both very well. Of course, the Cayman and the Solstice Coupe are more capable cars than their roofless counterparts.