What Car? Q&A - Cabrio and roadster: what's different?

Q: What are the main differences between a cabriolet, convertible and a roadster, or are they just different names for the same thing?
Nigel Wallace

A: Cabriolets and convertibles are indeed different names for the same thing - a car with a folding roof that is based on an existing hard-top model.

The Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet or Vauxhall Astra convertible are good examples of such cars. They usually provide four seats and reasonable space and practicality.

Roadsters, on the other hand, are purpose-built soft-tops, such as the BMW Z4 or the Mazda MX-5, and are usually two-seaters and far less practical.