I can't speak to the feel of the newer cars, but the ride and handling of the 107 is very noticeably improved by the hardtop. The top also has a reasonably solid attachment to the structure of the vehicle - how do the newer models' hardtops attach?

Structural stiffness of convertibles is laughable compared to sedans/coupes - as I mentioned, the main problem is shake, noticeable when you hit a pothole, etc. Clever (and expensive) tuning can cover a lot if sins, tho.

That being said, one of the reasons we all enjoy our MBs is because they are so stiff! Structural integrity can be felt by everyone...

...if only there was a bit more headroom in the hardtop...

best,

Dave