why is our sunroof so big?

[Doel]

I've had people look at my car and comment on how big the "moon roof" is, or at least how big it looks like it should be. Little do they know the actual opening is not much larger than a standard sunroof. I'm pretty sure that piece of glass is twice as wide as the actual opening. Why is it so big? Is it just a cosmetic thing? Did they restrict the size of the opening to keep rigidity?

 

[OliverNuther]

I’m guessing you’re right on both counts.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Design with stability in mind. A smaller piece of glass and the frame to carry it would be more prone to noises. (I just made that up.). Really, it looks good. How else would you make a hole that big and get the glass out of the way, and look sleek all at the same time?

 

[eflyguy]

Just the trend towards all glass roofs I guess, although I would think it's easier to seal up compared to a traditional insert-style sunroof..

 

[Doel]

Just the trend towards all glass roofs I guess, although I would think it's easier to seal up compared to a traditional insert-style sunroof..

just extra weight then, that giant glass panel must weigh a ton.

 

[DiabloStinger]

Makes me feel like i'm in a spaceship