Yes lower vents

Yes and I also use the lower vents when it's really hot outside. I put the top down every time I drive unless I'm heading to work or it's raining. Cool weather, hot weather, top is down!

Wife uses it all the time...SoCal...

Never have. if it gets that hot I put top up and AC on (once)
I was just joking with my wife about putting AC on with the top down
I should use my AC more(used it 2,3 times in 2 years- daily driving) to keep it in shape
I have always rarely used AC in any car

I do use the heater when colder

Only when it gets really hot... like last Sunday, it was 97˚F here in the Bay Area.

Top down, Windows up, AC on!

Absolutely!

There are times it gets too hot and the top has to go up, but usually the top is always down and I almost always have the AC going.

not just you. AC on any car draws power from the engine. the more powerful the engine, the less you may notice. I can imagine that running AC on Electric vehicles is devastating to the battery life.

I like to let the AC blast for a few minutes to cool down the interior, then drop the top. I don't like hot leather. But in general unless its really hot I don't run the AC with the top down.

Hell yes! It's hot in Florida!

Yes. And I find that my engine runs cooler since the AC keeps the condenser fans running.

Yes, try Utah in the blazing sun!

If it's that hot, I put the top up and I use the A/C.

But if it's just a little warm, I have ventilated seats, and those work quite nicely, thank you. :D

I do the same. Full blast. I close the vents so I don't freeze my legs. Especially if I hit any traffic in these high summer temps. Then I watch my low temp thermostat do its thing as the needle starts tilting to the left. Basically if I lived anywhere that has lots of 90+ degree days and plenty of traffic...I'm running the AC if its top up or down.

Actually I am a born and raised Southern Californian. If I go to SoCal it's to the Pasadena area to visit my brother. Half the people here are from California getting away from the high cost of living and the others half from the Mid-West to get away for the long winters. But I know what you mean a ton of people head to San Diego. I just put the hardtop on.

I don't have to a ton in my area, but I definitely drive with the AC on when it's really hot out. Especially while I'm rowing the gears and navigating the lights on my way to the highway.

Interesting. Knew it would draw a bit more current but to a point of reducing power by almost 1/3 (feels like it anyway) that is a bit harsh. And a news to me for sure. Maybe the 2.5 is not geared for that huge compressor ;)

Fine with blasting the AC on the other cars I have here... feels different for sure but no major power loss as the 986-like.

the electrical power is only engaging the clutch on the compressor. the actual compressing (pumping) is done by the belt that is linked into the engine rotation. so obviously it takes energy to turn the compressor, more so when it is on and pumping freon (about 30hp).
however, 1/3 power loss does seem excessive. could be an issue with the pump or clutch. if it is not working correctly and is more difficult to turn, it could be putting more load on the engine. I would remove the belt, and apply 12V to the clutch wire with a jumper clip. Try to turn it by hand, If it turns moderately easily then the unit is normal. If it is really hard to to turn then the compressor or some other aspect of the AC may be defective.

Oh I see now. I was convinced it was linked to an immense additional power (current) consumption lol. Didn't realized it had to do with the AC pulley/pumping resistance. I'll get this one checked as soon as the engine panel is removed for sure.

* maybe not 1/3 but for sure it is missing more than 10-20 hp (on the butt-dyno scale anyway). Given I only have something like 200HP on the 2.5... that's a lot missing. Hate the AC!

So it's just mine then. I'll get that AC compressor checked out. Thanks for helping btw

yes all the time and I live on the West Coast of Canada !