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Honda S2000 vs. Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice

15 messages,  Last post on Nov 12, 2007 at 5:53 AM

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What is this discussion about? Honda S2000, Saturn Sky, Pontiac Solstice, Convertible

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#7 of 15 Re: . [habitat1] by accelerator May 22, 2007 (6:02 am)
Replying to: habitat1 (May 22, 2007 2:53 am) I wanted to add/remind readers who strictly compare cars on paper... while it is true that the S2000 doesn't reach max torque until the around 6800rpm, the engine is so free reving that it takes a split second to get the rpms up there. My last vehicle had more torque, AWD and about the same horse power but due to the turbo lag, I feel less secure about jumping into traffic with it than I do with my rwd S2000 and I'm not done with the break-in yet! Replies to this message: trucktricks (May 23, 2007 8:14 am) accelerator (May 23, 2007 8:46 am)
#8 of 15 Re: . [habitat1] by trucktricks May 22, 2007 (8:10 am)
Replying to: habitat1 (May 22, 2007 2:53 am) But there are times that I slightly miss the point and shoot visceral feel of the S2000 revved up to 8,500 rpm.   I think what you are telling me is that the audio sensation of 9000 RPM is high on your list of wants from a sports car. Personally, I put the G's of acceleration, braking and cornering at the top of my list.   One thing for sure, I wouldn't take a Corvette Z06 if I was given one.   If someone offers you a Z06, I suggest you take it. They hold their value very well (I know this to be true, I have owned three new Corvettes) and the cash when you sell it could come in handy for your daughters college tuition.   I will let you know how I like the 2000 after I do my test drive. Replies to this message: habitat1 (May 22, 2007 8:46 am)
#9 of 15 Re: . [trucktricks] by habitat1 May 22, 2007 (8:46 am)
Replying to: trucktricks (May 22, 2007 8:10 am) "I think what you are telling me is that the audio sensation of 9000 RPM is high on your list of wants from a sports car. Personally, I put the G's of acceleration, braking and cornering at the top of my list."   The sound of 8,500+ rpm probably had something to do with it, but by "visceral" I mostly meant the direct "connected" feel of the S2000. Also, there are a fair number of cars that, thanks to supersized rubber, can post pretty decent maximum g's and braking. The S2000 has such tight steering and exceptional balance, that you really need to drive it in twisties with a lot of transitions to appreciate it. It feels like a go cart and is almost effortless in its ability to handle quick "S" turns. Far more so than the Z3/Z4 and SLK's and right up there with the Boxster S. The 350Z feels like the Love Boat by comparison.   "the cash when you sell it could come in handy for your daughters college tuition."   You didn't think I'd have splurged on a 911 without first pre-funding their 529 accounts, did you? As long as the market doesn't crash or the Ivy League decide to bump tuition by 15% per year, they should be covered.   But I think you may get my point after driving the S2000. There are some people, a few I even call friends, who worship torque and love raw power. One such friend had a Buick "SS" Gran National, or something to that effect in the 1970's that could do a 1/4 mile in the 11 second range. I suspect in his hands, the S2000 would dissapoint. He's a IHRA and Nascar kind of guy. A straight line or a counterclockwise oval are his metrics for a sports car. I'm a Formula One and Grand Prix kind of guy. I have a tough time getting excited by a 2 minute horse race around an oval, let alone a 2+ hour car race around one. Show me Monaco.   I look forward to hearing about your test drive.
#10 of 15 Re: . [accelerator] by trucktricks May 23, 2007 (8:14 am)
Replying to: accelerator (May 22, 2007 6:02 am) I wondered about the turbo-lag issue. Turbo lag has been a problem with some (most?) of the high performance engines of the past. The engine designers are finding ways around that now.   Solutions have included twin scroll impellers (like the Solstice), ceramic impellers and even plastic impellers. BMW has even gone to using two small turbos like on the 335i.   Interestingly enough, the 3.0 liter in the BMW with two turbos produces 300HP. This is 1.63 HP/cubic in. A far cry from the 2.1 HP/cubic in. of the Solstice. And this coming from a manufacturer known for their engines. I would suggest the GM boys have one-upped them on this one.   At any rate, my somewhat brief (10 mi.) drive in the GXP revealed no noticeable turbo lag and very, very snappy shifts. Replies to this message: accelerator (May 23, 2007 8:46 am)
#11 of 15 Re: . [trucktricks] by accelerator May 23, 2007 (8:46 am)
Replying to: trucktricks (May 23, 2007 8:14 am) In my previous turbo, if I accelerated too hard/long, boost would charge and the turbo would kick in but I didn't like that when I was in rush hour traffic. You have to watch the turbo guage and back off the throttle just before booast was reached to avoid that rapid acceleration. I guess you could say the same thing about VTEC but with VTEC, you control it more than it controls you. Make sense? I don't recall any lag on the GXP I drove. I also didn't drive the GXP in rush hour I can't compare that to the normal, green light, go, red light stop, test drive I did (also about 10 miles).   I've driven a couple of BMW (none were boosted) at demonstration events in the past and aside from the way a BMW looks (which I love the exterior lines), they just don't "fit" me. Even despite that, I prefer to be a bit more unique. I live in a pretty prominent part of town and everyone has a BMW or Mercedes or Lexus.   The Solstice/Sky/S2000 are far more unique and rare. Does that say something about how I view myself? Of course it does! That is why I want a roadster!   I'm on day 5 and 500 miles into my new S2000 and am 110% satisfied with my choice; And I've NEVER been able to say that about any car I've owned in the past except my 2000 Toyota Tacoma (but that is for another thread).   I may still take a Solctice/Sky for a test drive in another year once more tweaks have been made. But I do have to say, the power top of the S2000 is a fantastic feature. I was heading home Friday after work with heavy cloud cover and I didn't think I would make it home before the bottom dropped out. In the solstice, I probably would have left the top up since it is a bit more complicated to put up/down. In the S, I knew I only needed 4 seconds and I could have the top up. So, on a Friday evening after a long week and a hectic day, I left work with the top down enjoying the cool breeze on my face, with the radio cranked up. Good times...   ... and yes, it did rain but I managed to stay dry.
#12 of 15 hold on hold on give the u.s.a. a chance by solstice375 Nov 12, 2007 (12:53 am)
O.K. guys we are all going off of motor trend reports and commercially recognized opinions. what about what is real, there are alot of things about the solstice that i love, some people see the long gears as a flaw. but i think it's a step up. it's good to get away from those 1 second shifting ricers like the miata and civic, honestly... one thing the civic may be reliable but people who focus on performance like me... who really cares about reliability. and as of power. my solstice pushes about 375 Hp give the united states a chance we are all too use to these squeeky little japanese toys, that we think all compact sports cars should perform like them... the solstice is a roadster not a ricer. it's going to be deeper in tone and have longer gears that is its nature. get use to it. if you want toy go buy and integra or mazda-3 know the difference people. Replies to this message: fedlawman (Nov 12, 2007 4:44 am) anythngbutgm (Nov 12, 2007 5:12 am) fedlawman (Nov 12, 2007 5:53 am)
#13 of 15 Re: hold on hold on give the u.s.a. a chance [solstice375] by fedlawman Nov 12, 2007 (4:44 am)
Replying to: solstice375 (Nov 12, 2007 12:53 am) Thanks for mentioning that the Miata is legendary for it's very slick shifter and proven bulletproof reliability.   Also, I'm sure it was an innocent oversight, but you forgot to mention that the GXP weighs 500 lbs more and costs $5000 more than a Miata, and also lacks the Miata's telepathic steering, neutral chassis, large trunk, high quality materials, and simple/quick operating cloth top.   What happened to GM's promise of a world-class, lightweight, affordable, back-to-basics sports car? Instead, we got a "traditional" American sports car - mediocre parts-bin mechanicals/underpinnings covered up with good looks and horsepower. Replies to this message: anythngbutgm (Nov 12, 2007 5:12 am) fedlawman (Nov 12, 2007 5:53 am)
#14 of 15 Re: hold on hold on give the u.s.a. a chance [fedlawman] by anythngbutgm Nov 12, 2007 (5:12 am)
Replying to: fedlawman (Nov 12, 2007 4:44 am) Bob Lutz had a pricepoint in mind when he came up with the concept. That pricepoint was a lot lower once the beancounters got their say.   "squeeky little japanese toys" LOL, My S is going on 4 years old and it doesn't squeek on bit. Still tight as a drum. Replies to this message: fedlawman (Nov 12, 2007 5:53 am)
#15 of 15 Re: hold on hold on give the u.s.a. a chance [anythngbutgm] by fedlawman Nov 12, 2007 (5:53 am)
Replying to: anythngbutgm (Nov 12, 2007 5:12 am) The target was under $20K IIRC.   Americans have been describing Japanese cars with these terms for 30+ years - mostly out of insecurity. I'd feel insecure too if I spent $30,000 on a Solstice.

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