If you’re planning a road trip this summer and want to be one with the outside world, a convertible can provide the best experience. There’s nothing like cruising the open road and feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. However, if you choose the wrong road trip convertible, you could be in for a very uncomfortable experience. To make sure you don’t end up in misery on your road trips, here are four of the most uncomfortable convertibles you can buy.
1. Mazda Miata MX-5
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We couldn’t love the Mazda MX-5 Miata more than we already do. When it comes to thrills on the road and fun to drive, Miata really is always the answer. The fabric convertible top falls down in seconds and if you’re the type who likes hardtop convertibles, the MX-5 RF is for you. There’s also a 181 hp engine under the hood to keep you smiling for miles and miles and the smooth-shifting manual gearshift is superb.
That said, when it comes to road trips, Miata isn’t always the answer. While it boasts 43 inches of legroom and 37 inches of headroom, it can feel a little cramped over time. Especially if you plan to travel across the country. If so, you might want to check out some more comfortable convertible options.
2. Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 is a legend when it comes to convertible cars and there is no denying that we are huge fans. Its high-revving naturally aspirated engine can sing up to 9,000 rpm and its six-speed manual transmission is from the gods. What’s even better is that the convertible top folds down in seconds, connecting you to the outside world in no time. There’s honestly no better feeling than hearing VTEC kick off on a beautiful sunny day.
However, if you’re planning on taking a legendary S2000 on a road trip, you might want to reconsider. It only has 44.3 inches of legroom, so the interior is slightly more cramped than that of the Miata. Also, the S2000 is noisy at highway speeds, the suspension is stiff, and it also doesn’t get the best gas mileage (21 mpg combined). Save the S2000 for the weekends and drive something more comfortable, like a sedan, for road trips.
3. Smart ForTwo Convertible
One of the coolest aspects of the Smart ForTwo Cabriolet is that you can raise or lower the roof in just 12 seconds, even when the car is in motion. There are even three different position settings for the cloth top: you can pull it back slightly for a sunroof experience, lower the top for more visibility, or remove the roof racks for a true convertible feel.
Surprisingly, the interior of the Smart ForTwo offers a decent amount of space. However, the ride quality is what can bother you. According to Edmunds’ review of the Smart ForTwo 2017: “the suspension is far too stiff to provide peace of mind on rough city roads. With an extra short wheelbase, large bumps are an adventure.”
4. Fiat 124 Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider is basically a Mazda Miata with a turbo engine and an elegant aesthetic. That means it has the same amount of head and legroom, which translates into a cramped feeling over time. Sure, you can go on a long road trip with a 124 Spider, as the ride quality is good and the interior may be roomy, but it can wear out over time.
The most uncomfortable convertibles
While anyone can technically take one of these four convertible cars on a long road trip, it’s not entirely advisable. Yes, cars like Mazda Miata can conveniently fit occupants over six feet, but it’s the hours and hours of driving that ultimately make it uncomfortable. If you’re a passenger, you’ll also have a hard time sleeping in one of these passenger seats because they don’t really recline. However, if you’re planning a road trip in one of these cars this summer, keep in mind you’ve been warned.
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