About 8175 miles on the odometer (enough time for some settling to happen), and over 1 year of ownership, here are my observations comparing top down vs top up driving:

Top Up:

More precise
More aerodynamic, hence I can drive faster and get to higher speeds quicker
Obviously better shelter when it’s cold
Best driving set up when I’m trying to break records/achieve personal bests
Cabin is loud and intermittently creaky, soft top creaks particularly on the highway. Also wind noise when I’m going fast, which I try to do as much as possible
Engine sounds nice from the interior—I love the PSE and I’m glad I have this upgrade
This is the best driving set up to satisfy my mind and competitive edge

Top down:

Less aerodynamic, loud, obviously windy and can’t be done in cold or rainy weather
Wont set any records or personal bests with this set up
Auditory glory. Seriously. The absolutely best way to enjoy the sound of this car and the PSE if that matters to you. Smiles abound when I drive this way
Wear sunscreen!
Cabin sounds are irrelevant because wind noise and the flat six drown everything out!
This is the best driving set up to satisfy my heart and soul

Verdict:: Top down wins for me, by a landslide. Can’t wait till next Spring!

 

Thanks for the comparison. I will be taking delivery of my cabriolet next month -- can't wait!

 

This is why I never considered the Burmester upgrade... In a Cab it is all about the engine noise... driving a 2020 Z4 M40i Roadster now ... My C2S Cab is scheduled to get delivered mid January... fingers crossed!

 

Top down is the best. Can hear the engine, exhaust, and turbo whistle much better. And it feels like you’re going faster than you are when the tops down.

 

And photo just came in!

 

I live in arizona so the next few months of driving will be nice!

Spring is when the top goes up, but otherwise I agree with you, top down wins

 

In Texas, 10 months of the year works for a cabriolet (as long as you have ventilated seats)

 

Great post. Thank you. Waiting for my C2S Cab in Feb…:-)

 

If you get a Cab then be sure to get Smart Top. So nice to put the top down as you are approaching the car and after you get out of the car. Really nice to not have to stoop down to get into it. Just step in and sit down or stand up and step out.

 

I've been driving convertibles continuously since 1989 - BMW 325, Boxster 986, 997, 992. Also a year or so as a kid with convertible wrecks - '63 LeMans, '65 Mustang. I love convertibles.

The 992 cab is fantastic - quiet (for a convertible), opens/closes quickly and while you're moving, easy to get really big boxes into the car (just put the top down), looks great topless, sounds even better topless. The wind screen is even better than the 997 one - quiets the interior, electrically operated and self-stowing. Really kills much of the buffeting and wife-hair-messing.

My 997 had a removable hard top, which was a pain to put on and off each year. And there would inevitably be some warm days after it was on when I couldn't enjoy being topless. I don't miss it at all with the 992.