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Coupes & Convertibles Pontiac Solstice Pontiac Solstice vs 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
376 messages, Last post on Jan 17, 2008 at 3:20 PM
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Replying to: paul38 (Sep 30, 2005 4:51 am)
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test drove the mx5. It might be the newer miata, but had same plastic, handled a little more sluggish due to larger size and weight. Compared to solstice, nimbler, better handling, and engine sounded way better. Don't quite understand mx5's attraction. Soltice's design and looks rule. Check it, clean, new, amazing.
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Replying to: draknad (Dec 22, 2005 11:32 pm) Sport Compact Car had an article on the MX-5. Apparently, it loses 15-20 of its horsepower when the ambient temperature is above 77ºF! The ECU does it on purpose, for longevity. What Mazda should do is put the 2.0L head (which is better) on the 2.3L block (which is... bigger). According to the magazines, they're compatible. |
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Replying to: otillito (Dec 22, 2005 11:12 pm) aftermarket products are beginning to hit the streets and the cold air intakes and improved exhausts seem to be helping immensely..per some recent dyno tests posted on another forum....waiting to see how the combination of the two items increase HP at the rear wheels now.... we arent out to autocross ours....but find it to be nicely responsive...and can easily get down the highway.... |
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japanese cars always seemed a bit week. Miata's always been low on power, and suposedly high on handling/performance. Here, solstice matches or beats miata in handling, power, and definitely styling. Remember mustanged v8 miata's? Check out Solstices Corvetted 400 6.0 l Solstice. Kiss miata mustang goodbye. Mallett Solstice -thedrak
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Replying to: draknad (Dec 27, 2005 2:27 pm) Actually, most road tests seem to confirm the Miata is quicker in 0-60 and 1/4 mile, has shorter stopping distance and has a handling advantage over the Solstice. Why? Maybe the 400 extra pounds of curb weight the Solstice lugs around has something to do with that. And if your idea of making the Solstice 'better' is cramming 400 hp under the hood (and a few hundred more pounds over the front axle), you miss the point of these cars.
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Replying to: rorr (Dec 27, 2005 3:52 pm) As for the handling experience, seems to me there is a real choice and real reasons for choosing one over the other. The reviews all take pains to point out the Miata is more skittish, while the Solstice has more or a planted to the ground feel. I had a Miata for many years. Skittish is fun in short bursts. You can live with it on long trips, but it gets tedious. If I were to buy a car now, my main use would be for extended road trips in the US and Canada. As it would just be me, the storage situation is not an issue (I like to travel light anyway). Better road feel characteristics could push the Solstice (or more likely the Sky) over a third generation Miata for me. n.b. It will be interesting to see which direction Nissan takes with the Urge. Solid or skittish?
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Replying to: logic1 (Dec 28, 2005 6:53 am) Agree 100%. I think the point I was trying to make to a different individual (who seemed to have some sort of an issue with Japanese cars in general) was that the Solstice wasn't obviously superior to the Miata in all performance categories, which was the original implication. If fact, I had to laugh at the idea that the existence of a 400hp Mallett Solstice somehow made the ordinary Solstice 'better' than the Miata. "As for the handling experience, seems to me there is a real choice and real reasons for choosing one over the other." The whole 'handling' issue seems (to me at least) to be very subjective. Some folks have a tendency to just look at slalom times and skidpad results and proclaim one car superior to another based on stats. I don't recall the term 'skittish' being applied to the Miata but I wouldn't be surprised. Perhaps 'excessively responsive' would put a more positive spin on the Miata's handling characteristics. I think this is intentional on Mazda's part; they want the Miata to feel more 'lively' in the driver's hands. In the proper circumstances, this is desireable. For long distance driving, I can see where this would NOT be desireable for the reasons you mentioned. I envy your ability to take ANY kind of extended solo road trip. I did a few of those when I was in college; any future road trips I undertake would include (at a minimum) my better half. In this case, a Solstice would make absolutely zero sense due to the total lack of storage space. While the Miata is no minivan, it at least is feasible to use it for an extended weekend for two.
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Replying to: rorr (Dec 28, 2005 8:20 am) Understood. I think the better way of looking at it is for once in a long while the market has two interesting variations on the same theme. I had to laugh at the idea that the existence of a 400hp Mallett Solstice somehow made the ordinary Solstice 'better' than the Miata. I agree with your point. While very cool, I do not see how Mallett's 100 Solsti have much to do with what the rest of us will buy. I don't recall the term 'skittish' being applied to the Miata but I wouldn't be surprised. I think R&T used the term. I already recycled my magazines and cannot confirm. In any event, the authors, nor I, did not mean it to be perjorative. (I used the term very affectionately with my Miatas) As you say, Mazda is going for instant response. That is their thing. Always has been. A lot can be said for it. In my experience, however, it can become tiring on longer trips. In this case, a Solstice would make absolutely zero sense due to the total lack of storage space. While the Miata is no minivan, it at least is feasible to use it for an extended weekend for two. Storage in the Solstice is a real issue. Again, there is a definite choice for the consumer. An aftermarket company has come up with a cool set of (made in USA even  ) luggage that fits in the Solstice trunk when the top is down. The luggage is made in forms that squeeze into the nooks and crannies left with the top down. You really cannot put a whole lot into them though. I hope maybe someone will come up with a trunk that attached on the back bumper like a bike rack. It would effect the weight balance a little. If you are travelling with a passenger, presumably you will not be hitting the corners full out. To your point, in any event it would be a compromise over what you get stock with the Miata. |
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| like any small car...you learn to use each and every space available to you...we have had our solstice two weeks...and have already learned to how to pack it...you can definitely get an extended weekends worth in the "trunk" using small duffel like bags that are soft side...having travelled for business and in the military...one learns how to pack clothes that dont look like you slept in them when you pull them out of the bag....again....we have found sufficient room for two people to pack...for a long four day weekend...to include a hanging bag with one suit and one dress laid across the back and the two other bags molded so to speak along the rear...with room for small misc items along the side....all with the top down....now admittedly you have to raise the top to get anything out..but that is the price and choice one makes.....we traded the trunk space for more cockpit space in the solstice compared to the MX-5.....but again...each make a personal choice.......having a blast with our solstice!!!! | |
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