HARD TOP VS SOFT TOP – THE BEST COMPARISON!

It is always difficult to come to a decision on whether to get a hard top or a soft top for your vehicle. The best way to decide is to know all the facts and make an informed decision. Both Hard Top and Soft Top have major similarities like they are both 100% Waterproof and will protect you from the elements. They both do the job well however they have some crucial differences.

Following are key differences between a Hard Top and a Soft Top.

MATERIALS

Hard Top:
Metal
FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic)

Soft Top:
Canvas (ranging from high poly cotton blend to 100% cotton)
Nylon Cloth, etc.

SET UP

Hard Top:
Time Consuming Setup
Fabrication and Installation in Workshop
May require Cutting and Welding on vehicle
Installation Time Required: 7 -15 days

Soft Top:
Easy and Quick
Can be set up without any professional help
Does not require any cutting or welding
Installation time required: less than 30 minutes

LOOK

Hard Top:
Changed Look
SUV Style Look

Soft Top:
Original Look
Jeep Style Look

VERSATILITY

Hard Top:
Permanent Modification to your Vehicle
Opportunity of Versatility is extremely limited
Switching back from a Hard Top is very difficult

Soft Top:
Multiple Looks can be achieved for your Vehicle
Raining, go with a full soft top
Bright and Sunny, go with a Bikini or a Cabin hood
Change your Soft Top based on your Mood and Activity Plans

CABIN NOISE

Hard Top:
Better performance
Minimal Outside Sound
Due to Metal body and Insulation

Soft Top:
Weaker Performance compared to a Hard Top
Due to Soft Top being made with Cloth

SECURITY

Hard Top:
Higher Level of Security
Almost similar to any other vehicle

Soft Top:
Basic Level of Security
Slightly lower as the Soft Top is made with Cloth

WEIGHT

Hard Top:
Adds Significant Weight to the Vehicle

Soft Top:
Does not add much Weight to the Vehicle

STORAGE

Hard Top:
If removed off the body, Large Storage Space is Required
The Storage Space Needs to be Dry and Well-Maintained
May require a Garage/Store Room

Soft Top:
Can be easily Folded Down
Small Storage Space needed
Can easily fit in a wardrobe or closet

COST

Hard Top:
A Big Investment
Starting from INR 70 k and go upwards of INR 1.5 lacs

There is no single best option. The right top depends on your individual needs and requirements. Weighing the pros and cons of each, it is best to decide what is the right fit for your vehicle. This is not an all encompassing list and we would like to know what other factors do you look at when deciding a Hard top vs. a Soft top.