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Motor Trend: MX-5 vs. Solstice

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Old 10-29-2005, 07:15 PM
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Motor Trend: MX-5 vs. Solstice

just got it out of the mailbox, so i haven't gotten a chance to read it through, but here's a excerpt:

"General Motors can take pride in what it's accomplished. The Solstice is a real sports car and not the topless poseur enthusiasts feared. It'll sell on looks and value alone. But if the Solstice is a solid runner, the MX-5 is a fleet-footed sprinter, delivering a more athletic, lithe drive in most every aspect."

the mx-5 came out on top, although the performance stats are very similar:
0-60 6.6 vs. 6.7
1/4 15.1 @ 92 vs. 15.3 @ 89.6
60-0 113 vs. 117
slalom 66.5 avg. vs. 66.1 avg
Old 10-29-2005, 07:36 PM
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nice, do tell us more when you read it!
Old 10-29-2005, 08:27 PM
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was that miata a 5spd or 6spd? I only ask b/c the 0-60 is the fastest I've seen and all the reviews to date have been the 6spd which requires an extra shift to get to 60
Old 10-29-2005, 08:28 PM
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Go Mazda!
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Old 10-30-2005, 12:16 AM
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they had the gt mx-5 with the 6-speed manual. the two major differences between the two were the output from the 2.4l i4 ecotec (177/166 vs. mazda's 2.0l i4 170/140) and the curb weight. i can't believe that the curb weight of the mx-5 is less than 2500 lbs. (2476 lbs. to be exact). on the other hand, the solstice tips the scales at 2878 lbs, which gave mazda the edge the subjective performance analysis.

after seeing the two together, i'll have to admit that the solstice has some visual appeal. the rear 3/4 and overhead views are probably it's best angles. both front ends will probably take some getting used to. good on bob lutz for delivering the goods.
Old 10-30-2005, 08:49 AM
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2498lbs on GT 6spd, still not bad.

This is what I expected of a major magazine review. The Miata edging it in performance, but proper respect being given to the Solstice. As opposed to some of the early "reviews."
Old 10-31-2005, 01:00 AM
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One magazine gave a slight edge to the Solstice because they said it was better for just cruising around, as opposed to the MX-5's energetic-all-the-time feel. The Pontiac will be getting a supercharger, so it'll be interesting to see how it will compare to the Mazdaspeed MX-5 when it comes out.
Old 10-31-2005, 09:40 AM
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I dunno if we will se a MS-MX5 again soon. If we go by history, Mazda only produces a MS version at the end of a vehicle's life cycle.
Old 11-05-2005, 01:18 PM
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Didn't want to start a new thread:

Saw my first Mx-5 on the road today, red one. Actually seeing it reinforced my feelings on its looks. It is just plain ugly from any forward angle. Maybe it just looks bad in red, but that front fascia is horrid.
Old 11-07-2005, 10:48 PM
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That's pretty funny because I actually saw a red one on the road today as well at night driving down a well lit area. This was also the first one I've seen on the streets.

I didn't think it was ugly at all. I thought it looked like a very mature car.

But one thing that REALLY PISSED ME OFF:

THE FRIGGIN HEADLIGHTS ARE THE EXACT SAME AS OURS.

If you take a picture of the RX-8 at night with its headlights turned on, and then do the same with the MX-5...the headlights are identical. They have the exact same HID along with that tiny little useless inner vanity white light that we have on ours.

It's bad enough that this thing almost looks like a mini RX-8 as it is with the fender flares and tails...but they even have to put on the same headlights.

That is NOT too ******* cool of you Mazda. "NO ES FRIO!"

Despite what you may think, the following three pics below are from a 2006 MX-5 Miata, not from an RX-8.

Just pathetic...
Attached Thumbnails Motor Trend: MX-5 vs. Solstice-2156570_5_full.jpg   Motor Trend: MX-5 vs. Solstice-2156570_16_full.jpg   Motor Trend: MX-5 vs. Solstice-2156570_6_full.jpg  

Last edited by JeRKy 8 Owner; 11-07-2005 at 11:04 PM.
Old 11-07-2005, 11:06 PM
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I think I read R&T...it was awhile ago.

I dont know what to think. PArt of me says they should have compared the Miata to the Saturn Sky instead of the solstice. But basically they chose the solstice even though the mx-5 out performs it spec wise. maybe teh stock factory set up is too soft.

Spec for spec, price for price the MX-5 is actually a better value. Its certianly more luxurious. solstic doesnt have ABS, electric windows and etc.

I didnt like the look until I drove it at zoom zoom live...it looked better and better as time went on. And the MAzdaspeed bodykit they sell in Japan makes it look very good!
Old 11-08-2005, 07:23 AM
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Originally Posted by Rockapotamus
I think I read R&T...it was awhile ago.

I dont know what to think. PArt of me says they should have compared the Miata to the Saturn Sky instead of the solstice. But basically they chose the solstice even though the mx-5 out performs it spec wise. maybe teh stock factory set up is too soft.

Spec for spec, price for price the MX-5 is actually a better value. Its certianly more luxurious. solstic doesnt have ABS, electric windows and etc.

I didnt like the look until I drove it at zoom zoom live...it looked better and better as time went on. And the MAzdaspeed bodykit they sell in Japan makes it look very good!
I have to agree. I also drove one for the first time at ZoomZoomLive. I loved the car. When I went in to look at the 8, I asked the salesman some questions about the MX5/Miata. He said I would be too tall to fit. I did just fine ZZL. I did have to have the seat all the way back though.
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