I love the look of the C but see a lot of complaints about it being much less sporty driving than the sedan. The 400 extra lbs and stowing the top in the trunk do not do good things for handling.
I love sports cars and fine handling but not as picky or hard core as I used to be (54). I really don't drive "hard" at all any more, but certainly enjoy a nicely balanced car on off ramps and the extra security margin that handling gives you. I sold a MazdaSpeed Miata that I loved dearly but I just want more room. I would NOT expect to drive the car like the Miata and sold it in part because I WAS being a bit too racy (ok a lot too, but it was 200hp at the rear wheels and extremely quick - like Mustang 5.0 quick).
I was fairly sold on the C until reading of problems with the top mechanism and sluggish handling complaints compared to the sedan.
Anyone here swayed away from the C and to a sedan (w/Sunroof!) because of the driving difference??
Thanks

 

From what it sounds like you'll enjoy the convertible more as you state you're neither picky nor hardcore about your cars performance (something, I at 26 desire)

200whp sounds like a blast but I think the G will be 90% of the speed in an all around nicer package. If you havent driven either drive the vert first because otherwise you'll compare apples to oranges in handling especially if you are driving an S

 

The G has about 270whp ... but it's probably a lot heavier than the Miata, especially the vert version. I believe the S 6MT verts come with a lower (higher numeric) final drive ratio to help make up for the weight. Not sure on the 7AT.