As with the previous C7 generation, the 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray Coupe features a removable Targa top. Which makes it a convertible, right? Well, not according to Chevrolet who just revealed the 2020 Corvette Stingray Convertible. That begs the question: what's the big difference between the Coupe and the Convertible?

We had a chance to view the new convertible when it was revealed to the world at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Chevy also brought along a 2020 Corvette Coupe so we could see (and feel) the differences between the two cars. Here's what we discovered.

The Price: Is It Worth The Upgrade?

Pricing for an entry-level Corvette Convertible starts at $67,495, which is exactly $7,500 more than a base 1LT Stingray Coupe. Chevy says the Convertible will have a few more standard features than the Coupe but the main reason why you would spend the extra money is for convenience. The Convertible uses six electric motors to raise or lower the top in just 16 seconds at speeds of up to 30 mph. Conversely, the Coupe requires you to undo three latches, then physically store the roof in the trunk (getting out of the car in the process).

We had a chance to remove the Coupe's top and it seems to be a two-person job. If you get caught in the rain sans roof panel, it won't be easy hopping out for a quick reinstall. So if this seems like too much trouble, the Convertible might be worth the upgrade.

The Convertible: Does It Feel More Airy?

Aside from the convenience of a power-operated top, the Convertible does offer a few more advantages over the Coupe. We have not had a chance to drive either car yet, but after sitting in both, the Convertible does seem to offer a more airy driving experience, if only slightly. Unlike the Coupe, the Convertible also features a rear window between the buttresses that can be raised or lowered regardless of the roof position. This will allow the driver to take in some fresh air without fully lowering the top or keep the cabin slightly more protected when driving with the roof down.

Differences: What You Lose With The Convertible

The C8 was designed from the get-go to be a Convertible, so it doesn't lose much in the way of practicality. When the roof is down, it doesn't steal any space from the rear trunk, leaving enough room for two sets of golf bags (according to Chevy). This is actually better than the Coupe, which requires you to store the roof in the trunk, losing it almost entirely. There is one slight disadvantage with the Convertible though. You will not have any access to the engine compartment, so you can not show off the mid-mounted 6.2-liter LT2 V8 to your friends if you opt for the Convertible.

Performance: Will You Feel The Difference?

Chevy has not quoted any performance figures yet for the Corvette Convertible but we don't expect the numbers to be too different. No final weight figures have been posted but engineers at the launch event told CarBuzz the convertible mechanism should add less than 80 pounds to the car. The differences in 0-60 mph times are measured in tenths of a second and 80 pounds should have some effect on performance, so we predict the Convertible will not be able to crack three seconds like the Coupe. Will you really be able to feel a difference out on the road? Likely not.

Comparison: How It Compares To The C7

The switch to a mid-engined layout has completely changed how we feel about the Corvette Convertible. With the C7 model (and previous generations), we always felt the loss in style and functionality was not worth the supposed upgrade over the Coupe. But with the new C8, the Convertible sacrifices almost nothing compared to the Coupe aside from cost and not being able to see the engine. More so than any previous Corvette generation, we might be inclined to consider a C8 Convertible.