Drophead vs. Convertible — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 15, 2024
Drophead is a British term for a car with a soft, retractable roof, focusing on luxury and style; convertible, a more general term, refers to any car with a roof that can be folded or retracted.
Difference Between Drophead and Convertible
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Drophead, primarily used in the UK, refers specifically to luxury cars with a convertible soft top. While convertibles include a wide range of vehicles, from sports cars to sedans, that feature either a hardtop or soft top that can be lowered or removed.
In terms of usage, "drophead" conjures an image of classic British elegance associated with brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley. On the other hand, "convertible" is used more broadly in the global automotive market, encompassing a variety of brands and styles.
When discussing the roof mechanism, dropheads typically feature a sophisticated, often manually operated soft top designed to maintain aesthetic lines. Whereas convertibles may employ advanced automated systems for retracting their roofs, prioritizing convenience and technology over traditional design.
Drophead cars are often associated with leisurely drives and classic design, emphasizing their heritage and craftsmanship. Convertibles, however, are seen as versatile, fun to drive, and are popular in regions with favorable climates, appealing to a broader audience.
Market availability also differs; dropheads are rarer and often belong to the higher end of the market, reflecting their status as luxury items. Meanwhile, convertibles are widely available across various price points and are a common sight on roads worldwide.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
British term for luxury convertible cars
Any car with a retractable or removable roof
Roof Type
Usually soft top
Can be hardtop or soft top
Operation
Often manual
Typically automatic
Market Perception
Symbol of classic luxury and style
Seen as fun, versatile, and broadly appealing
Typical Brands
Rolls-Royce, Bentley
Includes brands like Ford, BMW, and Volkswagen
Compare with Definitions
Drophead
Often manually operated roof mechanisms are prevalent in these cars.
Adjusting the drophead’s roof requires a gentle touch and patience.
Convertible
Serves a wide market, from budget-friendly models to luxury sports cars.
Convertibles range from economical models to high-end sports editions.
Drophead
A term used mostly in the UK to describe high-end convertibles.
He admired the sleek design of the drophead parked outside the hotel.
Convertible
A car whose roof can be retracted or removed, allowing it to convert from enclosed to open-air.
She drove the convertible down the coastline, enjoying the sunny weather.
Drophead
A car with a retractable soft roof typically associated with luxury.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe offers an exquisite open-top driving experience.
Convertible
Available in both hardtop and soft top varieties.
His convertible features a hardtop that folds neatly into the trunk.
Drophead
Reflective of traditional British automotive elegance.
Dropheads often feature bespoke elements that highlight their craftsmanship.
Convertible
Often features automated roof mechanisms for ease of use.
With the push of a button, the convertible’s roof retracted smoothly.
Drophead
Primarily found in the luxury segment of the car market.
Only a few manufacturers specialize in crafting drophead models due to their niche appeal.
Convertible
Popular among car enthusiasts for its adaptability to weather conditions.
Convertibles are perfect for both summer days and cool evenings with the top up.
Drophead
(British) A drophead coupé.
Convertible
A convertible or cabriolet () is a passenger car that can be driven with or without a roof in place. The methods of retracting and storing the roof vary between models.
Convertible
Able to be changed in form, function, or character
Nationalism is too easily convertible into bitterness and selfishness
A convertible sofa
Convertible
A car with a folding or detachable roof
Brendan picked her up in his cherry-red convertible
Convertible
A convertible security
An investment in convertibles can bring a higher return than an investment in equities
Convertible
Capable of being converted
A convertible sofa bed.
Convertible
Having a top that can be folded back or removed
A convertible automobile.
Convertible
Lawfully exchangeable for gold or another currency
Dollars convertible into yen.
Convertible
Something that can be converted.
Convertible
A convertible automobile.
Convertible
A convertible security.
Convertible
Able to be converted, particularly:
Convertible
Able to be exchanged, one for the other, especially
Convertible
(logic) Able to undergo conversion (i.e., inversion) without falsehood.
Convertible
Able to be turned, especially
Convertible
Able to be turned into a different thing, especially
Convertible
Interchangeable things or terms.
Convertible
(vehicles) A convertible car: a car with a removable or foldable roof able to convert from a closed to open vehicle and back again.
Convertible
(finance) A convertible security: a stock, bond, etc. that can be turned into another (usually common stock) under certain set terms.
Convertible
(computing) A computer able to convert from laptop to tablet and back again.
Convertible
Capable of being converted; susceptible of change; transmutable; transformable.
Minerals are not convertible into another species, though of the same genus.
Convertible
Capable of being exchanged or interchanged; reciprocal; interchangeable.
So long as we are in the regions of nature, miraculous and improbable, miraculous and incredible, may be allowed to remain convertible terms.
Convertible
A car that has top that can be folded or removed
Convertible
A corporate security (usually bonds or preferred stock) that can be exchanged for another form of security (usually common stock)
Convertible
A sofa that can be converted into a bed
Convertible
Capable of being exchanged for or replaced by something of equal value;
Convertible securities
Convertible
Designed to be changed from one use or form to another;
A convertible sofa
A convertible coupe
Convertible
Capable of being changed in substance as if by alchemy;
Is lead really transmutable into gold?
Ideas translatable into reality
Common Curiosities
Can a convertible be considered a sports car?
Yes, many sports cars are designed with convertible options to enhance the driving experience and aesthetic appeal.
What kind of maintenance is required for dropheads compared to convertibles?
Dropheads, especially with manual roof mechanisms and luxurious materials, often require specialized maintenance to preserve their condition, whereas convertibles may need regular maintenance that is generally less specialized but frequent due to their mechanical complexities.
Are there any climate considerations when owning a drophead versus a convertible?
Yes, dropheads and convertibles are best suited for milder, drier climates where the open-top feature can be enjoyed without weather damage; however, convertibles might have better sealing and insulation against harsh weather due to their more modern designs.
What are the typical features of a drophead's interior compared to a convertible?
Dropheads often feature luxurious interiors with high-quality materials and custom design elements, whereas convertibles vary widely but generally have more standard interiors.
What is a drophead car?
A drophead is a British term for a convertible car, typically luxurious, with a soft retractable roof.
How does a drophead differ from a regular convertible?
Dropheads are generally luxurious and may have manual roof mechanisms, focusing on aesthetic and traditional craftsmanship, whereas convertibles can be any car with a retractable roof, often featuring automatic systems.
Are dropheads only made by British car manufacturers?
Primarily, yes, notable manufacturers include Rolls-Royce and Bentley, but the term can apply to any luxury convertible of similar style.
Which is more expensive, a drophead or a convertible?
Typically, dropheads, given their association with luxury brands and bespoke craftsmanship, are more expensive than the average convertible.
How do safety features in dropheads compare to those in convertibles?
Safety features in both dropheads and convertibles have improved significantly, but convertibles, including modern ones, might offer more advanced safety technologies due to their broader market presence and the integration of newer technologies.
Why might someone choose a drophead over a convertible?
Someone might choose a drophead for its exclusive luxury, classic style, and the prestige associated with high-end British craftsmanship, as opposed to the more widely varied styles and functionalities of convertibles.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
