Kinster,
My existing Alfa has both sunroof and Air-con, climate control to be precise. My new Mini will have both as well despite the expense. Personally I drive with the sunroof open as often as I can simply because it is less claustrophobic and gives me some of the benefits of an open air car with out all the disadvantages. Its great in the country, you fell “closer to nature”, get to hear all the bird song etc ( if you like that sort of thing) and on B roads gives you a better sense of speed especially going through tree arches.
The Mini sunroof is a very superior beast because of its length plus the glass panels which give a very light feel.
Although opening the windows/sunroof can be seen as an alternative to air-con, this only works at low speeds because of the general noise and buffeting at higher speeds. I usually don’t have my sunroof open above 60mph. Also in traffic jams, opening the windows/sunroof can make things worse by letting in all the fumes and lorry noise.
IMHO, Air con is an essential:
1)On hot days especially in the city stuck in traffic-open sunroof can make things worse mind
2)Cold damp days-it clears condensation-a HUGE hidden advantage
3)On cold damp days and hot humid days even if the car is not steamed up, its makes for a less “clammy” environment.
Finally, its worth considering the extra for Climate control because when you open the sunroof on cold days, it takes all the hassle out of fiddling with the temperature controls to avoid getting roasted when you open it or frozen when you shut it.
I could not live without either. Hope this helps!