Automotivation: Often Confusing? Lemme Sort It Out-2

Roadsters vs. Convertibles vs. Cabriolets and Sports

What are Roadsters?

A roadster is an open (without a fixed roof or side weather protection) two-seat car with emphasis on sporty handling. While roadsters often have soft-tops, retractable hard-tops are becoming more common.

BMW Z4 Roadster With a Retractable hard top

Pontiac Solstice Roadster with a Soft Top (vinyl)

What are Convertibles?

Convertible is a mid-size and/or large-size 2-door 5-passenger convertible which is also available has a 4-door sedan. BMW is an example of this., their 325I is a 4-door mid-size sedan the equivalent of it is the 325IC mid-size convertible.

BMW 2014 325I

BMW 2014 325IC

What are Cabriolets?

Cabriolet is the name use for a small-size 4-passenger convertible. Is also the name use by Audi and Volkswagen to distinguish their convertibles from other manufacturers.
It is a German word meaning convertible.

Audi S5 Cabriolet 2013

What are Sports?

Sports Car - 2 seat, 2 door, lightweight, front engine/RWD, open top (convertible/Targa), focus on nimble handling.

Sports Coupe - Any 2-door coupe with focus on performance. any driveline and seating configuration

Roadster - tricky...very similar to a traditional Sports Car, but often less emphisis on handling performance and more on comfort. Most early cars that got this designation had no tops at all...just an open cockpit.