A coupe is a type of vehicle that has a sleek, sloping roofline and of course a sporty appeal. Traditionally, coupes were defined by having two doors and a fixed roof, but today, some come with four doors.
Car makers now use the word "coupe" for stylish cars, not just ones with two doors.
Key Features
Let's take a look at the key features:
2 Doors (Traditionally) - Most coupes have only two doors. It is one of the ways you can easily tell them apart from other vehicle types like sedans and hatchbacks. Of course, some sedans have 2 doors but they are still quite different from coupes.
Sloping Roofline - The sloping roofline of coupes is a signature trait that stands them out completely. It gives them a sleek profile.
Fixed Roof - The fixed roof is another key feature of coupes. The roof gives the car stability and protects occupants from weather elements.
Sporty Design - Coupes usually have a sporty design that makes them look quite appealing.
Usual Dimensions of Coupes
Coupes vary in sizes so their dimensions differ. But here are some general estimates to guide you:
- Length - 15 to 19 feet (4.5 to 5.8 meters)
- Width - 6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1 meters)
- Height - 4.5 to 5.5 feet (1.4 to 1.7 meters)
- Wheelbase - Varies, but around 9 to 11 feet (2.7 to 3.3 meters)
Coupes vs Convertibles
Many people mix up coupes and convertibles because of their sporty designs but they are not the same.
To be fair when the convertible has its top up, it can look like a coupe. Still there are some notable differences between both.
Let's look at a couple of such differences:
Roof Type - Coupes have a fixed roof while convertibles have a roof that folds down.
Design - Coupes usually have a sleek and aggressive look like the Toyota GR Supra while convertibles usually have a stylish and laid back look like the BMW 4 Series convertible.
Types of Coupes
There are different types of coupes.
Luxury Coupe - These are high end coupes. They have awesome performance and luxury features. A prime example is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.
Sports Coupe - These are all about performance so they are designed with speed and agility in mind. Popular examples are the Chevrolet Camaro and Porsche 911.
Grand Tourer - These are coupes designed for long-distance driving. Because distance is the goal for these vehicles they typically come with comfortable interiors and powerful engines. A good example is the Aston Martin DB9.
4-Door Coupe - The goal with this type of coupe is to combine the coupe's style with the sedan's practicality. Examples are Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and Audi A7 Sportback.
Pros
There are some great benefits that come with owning a coupe. Let's take a look at a few.
Sleek Look - Coupes are usually admired for their sleek and sporty look.
Performance - Many coupes are performance machines, so drivers who love such vehicles will consider owning one a delight.
Exclusivity - Coupes are usually seen as more exclusive than sedans or hatchbacks. So if exclusivity is your goal, a coupe is a great choice.
Cons
Limited Space - Space is not a priority with coupes so you may end up with smaller interior and cargo space than you are used to.
Limited Access - Since most coupes have just 2 doors, there is limited access to the back seats which makes it more difficult for passengers to come in and go out.
Less Comfortable Rear Seat - The back seat space of some coupes are quite small so adult passengers may find them uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Coupes definitely stand out with their sleek design, sporty look and high performance engines. Weigh the pros and cons and decide for yourself if it is what you want now!
