At one time, sunroofs were metal panels in the roof of a car that opened to let in light and air. Moonroofs were basically tinted windows in the roof of a car that let in light even when they were closed. Now, however, they are essentially the same thing: glass panels that can let in light or air, or both.
Identification
Sunroofs and moonroofs are normally tinted glass panels built into the roof of a car that can be opened by either a hand crank or electronic controls.
Functions
Light and air filter into the vehicle once the moonroof or sunroof has been opened.
Advantages
While sunroofs don't let in as much light and air as a convertible, they're much easier to open and close in the case of an abrupt change in weather.
Types
Types of sunroofs include pop-up, spoiler, folding and top mount. One of the newest sunroofs offered on the market today is the panoramic roof system which is available on vehicles such as the Pontiac G6 and the BMW mini. People sitting in both the front and rear seats enjoy the benefits of a large open area in the roof.
The Iconic T-Top
The T-top was a type of sunroof popular in the late '70s and early '80s, most notably on the Pontiac Trans-Am and the Chevy Camaro. These tinted glass roof panels could be completely removed for a real convertible experience. However, they often leaked, and storing the panels was problematic.
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