Cabriolet vs. Convertible: What’s the Difference?

A cabriolet and a convertible refer to the same type of car: one with a retractable roof. In modern usage, “convertible” is the broad, widely used English term, while “cabriolet” is a French-derived label favored by some European brands and often associated with soft-top variants. Beyond regional and marketing preferences, there is no strict technical distinction; both can have soft or hard retractable roofs and similar seating layouts.

Definitions and Origins

“Convertible” describes any car whose roof can be converted from closed to open. “Cabriolet” originated from a light, two-wheeled, horse‑drawn carriage with a folding hood; the term carried into early motoring via French and European usage. Over time, the words converged in meaning in the automotive context, with “convertible” becoming standard in North America and “cabriolet” remaining common in Europe and in branding language.

How Automakers Use the Terms Today

Although the concepts are the same, manufacturers choose terminology to fit brand heritage or market norms. The following examples illustrate current naming practices across major brands.

• Audi: “Cabriolet” (e.g., A5 Cabriolet) for soft-top models.
• Mercedes‑Benz: “Cabriolet” (e.g., C‑Class Cabriolet), typically fabric soft-tops.
• Porsche: “Cabriolet” (e.g., 911 Cabriolet), soft-top with power operation.
• BMW: “Convertible” (e.g., 4 Series Convertible), historically both soft and retractable hard-tops depending on generation.
• Volkswagen: “Cabrio”/“Cabriolet” historically (e.g., Golf Cabriolet), reflecting European naming.
• MINI, Ford, Chevrolet: “Convertible” is the standard label (e.g., MINI Convertible, Mustang Convertible, Camaro Convertible).

These examples show that the badge often reflects brand tradition or regional preference rather than a mechanical or structural difference.

Common Misconceptions

Shoppers often assume the terms imply specific engineering traits. The points below clarify frequent misunderstandings.

• Roof material: Both cabriolets and convertibles can be soft-top (fabric) or retractable hard-top; the name doesn’t mandate one or the other.
• Seating: Either term can describe two-seat, 2+2, or four-seat layouts; it depends on the model.
• Performance: There’s no inherent performance difference tied to the name; chassis tuning is model-specific.
• Safety and rigidity: Structural reinforcements vary by vehicle, not by whether it’s called cabriolet or convertible.
• Weatherproofing: Modern soft-tops can be highly insulated and weather-resistant; the label doesn’t determine refinement.

In practice, equipment, comfort, and capability are dictated by the specific car’s design and generation, not the marketing term.

Technical Features: Roof Mechanisms and Body Styles

Both cabriolets and convertibles span a range of roof technologies and body configurations. Understanding these options helps set expectations.

• Fabric soft-top: Typically lighter, with multi-layer insulation, faster operation, and lower center of gravity.
• Retractable hard-top: Foldable metal or composite panels offering coupe-like quietness; adds weight and complexity.
• Power vs. manual operation: Most modern systems are power-operated with one-touch controls; some classics are manual.
• Rear window materials: Glass with defrosters is common; some older or lightweight tops use plastic.
• Storage impact: Roof packaging can reduce trunk space regardless of terminology.

These engineering choices affect weight, practicality, and refinement and should guide buying decisions more than the name on the trunk lid.

What They Are Not

Several related open-top terms describe distinct formats that are sometimes confused with cabriolets/convertibles.

• Roadster: Traditionally a two-seat, sport-focused convertible; minimal rear seating.
• Spider/Spyder: An Italian-rooted term for lightweight open sports cars; functionally similar to roadsters.
• Targa: A fixed rollover bar with a removable roof panel and often a separate rear window section.
• Drophead Coupé: Historic British term for a luxury convertible (e.g., classic Jaguars, Rolls-Royce).
• Landaulet: Rear section opens while the driver’s compartment remains closed; largely ceremonial/limousine use.

These labels denote body philosophy or historical niches distinct from the general cabriolet/convertible category.

Buying Considerations

Choose based on the vehicle’s engineering and your use case, not the badge wording. The checklist below highlights practical filters.

• Climate and insulation: Multi-layer soft-tops vs. hard-tops for noise and temperature control.
• Security and parking: Fabric tops can be more vulnerable; consider garaging and alarm systems.
• Maintenance: Soft-top care (cleaning, waterproofing) vs. hard-top mechanism complexity and repair costs.
• Visibility and safety tech: Rearward sightlines, wind buffeting, and availability of driver aids.
• Trunk and passenger space: Roof storage intrusions and rear-seat usability.
• Insurance and resale: Premiums and value retention vary by model and condition more than naming.
• Chassis rigidity: Look for factory reinforcements and test-drive for squeaks/cowl shake.

Focusing on specifications, test drives, and ownership needs will deliver a better outcome than relying on terminology.

Bottom Line

Cabriolet and convertible are effectively interchangeable today: the former leans European in branding, the latter is the global generic term. Roof type, seating, and driving character are determined by the specific model and generation—not the name used. Prioritize the engineering and features that fit your life, and treat the label as a style choice.

Summary: Both terms describe cars with retractable roofs; differences are chiefly linguistic and marketing-driven. Evaluate roof design, practicality, and performance per model rather than relying on the badge.

What makes a car a cabriolet?

A cabriolet is simply another word for a convertible car, which is a passenger vehicle with a roof that can be retracted or removed to allow for an open-air driving experience. The term “cabriolet” is the European term for convertible and is often used by manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The roof can be a flexible soft-top made of fabric or a rigid metal structure, and its operation can be manual or automatic.
 
Key characteristics of a cabriolet:

• Retractable or removable roof: The defining feature is its ability to switch between a closed-top and an open-top configuration. 
• Soft-top or hard-top: The roof can be made of multi-layered fabric (soft-top) or metal (retractable hardtop). 
• European origin: The word “cabriolet” is French in origin and was first used for 18th-century horse-drawn carriages with folding roofs. 
• Interchangeable term: In modern usage, there’s no structural difference between a cabriolet and a convertible; the choice of word depends on regional preference or manufacturer marketing. 

In summary, when you see or hear the term “cabriolet,” think of a convertible car with a folding roof designed for an open-air drive.

Why are convertibles called cabriolets?

cabriolet, originally a two-wheeled, doorless, hooded, one-horse carriage, first used in 18th-century France and often let out for hire. The name is thought to derive from cabriole (French: “caper”) because of the vehicle’s light, bounding motion.

Are cabriolet and convertible the same?

There is no functional difference between a cabriolet and convertible in modern automobiles. Which word you use generally depends on where you’re from. Cabriolet—often shortened to cabrio—is the common name for a convertible in many European countries.

Is the cabriolet being discontinued?

Volkswagen will cease production of the T-Roc cabriolet in 2025, ending a 75-year tradition of internal-combustion-engine-powered convertible models at the German automaker.