SOLSTICE/SKY VERSES THE MIATA PT2

[hobie2302]

ha, seriously who cares? this is probably the smallest car they ever made and you're suddenly so wow'd by it beating a miata on 1 track in a given trial. how much cheaper and faster is it that makes it so worthwhile to get? such awesomeness, yet pontiac is dead... hrmm, i dont get it?

if youre a big pontiac fan just go get back into your 5 ton behemoths that pontiac was ever known for, drive in a straight line and shut up. pontiac has no place on a track like this.

[luisthebean17]

How much would the solstice cost right now? Someone help me! I can find a straight answer on bluebook.

[erick67firebird]

Fuk all of u miata fags. Hahaha

[bboy4050]

dont care what people say... id still prefer my NA over a Pontiac...

[zan300]

i completely agree with the conclusion of this video. i own a miata. i bought it because i love it more than almost any other car. in a very pure sense, in stock form, the solstice is definitely more enjoyable throughout a corner, at least to someone who knows driving and car dynamics. the main holdback for the miata is it's shocks. i also 100% agree with the solstice handling very similar to a Z. both of these car make the transition from under to oversteer much smoother than the mx-5 does.

[morkrom1]

I love the very casual conversation at the end, so Japanese!

[at37akis]

which is better? i believe there's only one between the two that still exist in the market today...

[lilpattman]

judging by my observations i do not think the subtitles reflect what Tsuchiya is really saying as the subtitles say he saying that the solstice is neutral and well balanced it understeered badly on corner entry so i find it hard to belive that he would say that. american cars are coming up and yes it could be better just wait a few more years when they develop it abit more but for me the MX-5 is great too but i guess its all on taste really MX-5 for the twisties and sostice for cruising around

[aracabushcabar]

but its butt ugly.....

[Merto6]

miata will soon be in iracing.com :) we can try this race there too

[ae864age16v]

miata powa!

[OSUCherokee]

I bought my 2009 Solstice a few months ago. Paid 20,000 after discounts. Glad I went with the 5 speed. It's such a blast to drive. I can definitely agree with the driver about the gears being wide. I think it has to do with American road speeds and mileage. 2nd and 3rd are where the fun is. 4th gear takes you as far as you are willing to go. I've easily hit 140. 5th gear is a low rpm cruising gear.

The balance in the corners is seriously good. It rewards you for pushing it harder into turns.

[gnova68]

the problem is is that the new MX5 was built to cater to us Americans it is a bigger car than the originsal roadster and i beleve is using the RX8 platform between the two the rx 8 gets beter suspensions mybe even dif than the mx5 and as for the solstice it was probably desinged by Opel in Europe since they got the turbo 260hp engine from the start of production i own afirst gen mx5 and other than the 90hp to the rear wheels, i would not trade it for any of other roadester i love Betty

[ParisHypocrisy]

bueno en mi punto de vista me gusta mas el pontiac solstice, pero un mazda es de 180hp y el solstice 160hp

asi que me quedo con el mazda pero el nujevo gxp es mucho mejor ya que tiene 260hp muy bueno

[buelentz]

2004 or 2005 mazdaspeed miata is the best if you want to buy. Horse power almost 180 HP ,great handling ,more responsive as stock car, but can not keep up with turbo solstice and saturn skyline , not enough torque unless you add up some

[mambour]

An '89 miata is unbelivably thrilling and fun to drive.. I'd reckon the NC loses some of the original's charm and drivability..

[fenderguy9]

they are both almost at 50/50 weight distribution. the reason the mx-5 understeers badly is because of the way the factory suspension is setup. its way too soft and gives the car too much body roll. With new suspension the car is transformed.

[mroethem]

the mx-5 is likely to feel more torquey because of the lower weight and comparable power. however, the big difference is the weight distribution. the solstice has an even distribution while the mx5 has more weight to the front, thusly causing understeer, or the front tires to lose grip. that is how the driver was able to keep the solstice quicker through the corners and not fight with the understeer.

[lilpattman]

@mroethem THE MX-5 HAS PERFECT 50/50 WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION THATS IS ITS KEY SELLING POINT AND AS FOR UNDERSTEER WERE YOU NOT LOOKING AT THE SOLSTICE ?!?!?!?

[TNT4Th3Brain]

does anyone else wonder why this is the only source that rates the solstice above the miata? Especially since this comparison is strictly about how they drive, which every article ive read says goes hands down to the mx5. ive always loved miatas but is it really the better car here or is it just that people expect it to be better? I also wonder how they would compare if the solstice had an aftermarket final drive. (btw what is this show and how credible is it?)

[threehonks77]

BMi - Best Motoring International. You been under a fucking rock? Most testers are currently professional drivers.

[YOUCANNOTDENY]

you can see on his shirt that says "road and track"

[rotti69]

Actually, you should drive the Sky Red Line - 270 hp 2 liter. Flat as a pancake on turns. I can't see how a 20 year old tired design can keep up with new technology

[scottoworn]

I have driven both cars many times and do not agree with this drivers opinion at all-the MX-5 is much more a roadster then a Solstice will ever be-its so many years ahead that Solstice or Sky will never catch up. I currently own a 2007 MX-5 touring 6 speed manual and feel that there is no better roadster out there at any price, even Porche. Power is not everything in a true roadster, but the Miata has plenty of it considering its power to weight ratio and balance. Give me an MX-5 anyday!!!

[jrhager84]

I actually prefer my 99's handling to that of the solstice and sky...and I only paid 6k for mine!

[Eastmarch2]

I recently test drove the MX5 Grand Touring and the Solstice GXP. GXP MSRP 2 grand higher than a top line equipped MX5. Still, $2000 for almost 100 more bhp, that's 20 dollars a horse.

MX-5 - Gear shift is SUBLIME. It's like the stick is floating in grease. The clutch is awesome. I keep hitting my heels together. I have big feet I guess. Gear ratios make the engine angry, buzzing, and like a go-kart. Pure fun.

[Eastmarch2]

Solstice GXP - More serious. Bigger, more muscular feeling. PLANTED. Grip makes it feel like you have chemically bonded with the road. Feels less like im hanging on to a skateboard (MX5) than snuggled into the cockpit of a Fighter/Bomber. Drove an auto because they didnt have a 5spd. The turbo screams and that makes up for a lot. Not nearly as footloose / fancy free.

In a nutshell -

MX-5 - woohoo look at meeee!

GXP - get the f@#k out of my way, biatch.

[threehonks77]

Jesus Christ you're fucking stupid.

[threehonks77]

Did you buy a POS Solstice before Pontiac went out of business?

[retrohippie]

I own an '97 MX-5 and love it. I've always been so interested in the Solstice, and this video gave me a better idea of it. ;]

[504mazdaspeed]

miata is still the best roadster out there. i know a lot of people hate the look but for real car people driving experience is more important than looks and no roadster beats the miata for a great driving experience. it's one of the funnest cars you could ever drive. that's why the miata is the #1 selling convertible ever!!

[mo28mabini]

wow..what's the world coming to? they actually liked an American car. i'm thinking about getting a miata so this was very informative..

[verbusen]

Thats a nice video, I like the multiple camera angles of the two cars side by side. That driver was really good too, seemed like a cool dude! Since I'm not about to be putting either on a closed course I'll get whichever I can get the best deal on with leather seats, probably the Pontiac. God, I said I'd never buy American again, oh well got burned bad by VW so why not try again?

[diazapham]

MX-5. Everything else just lays there.

[jukiwi38]

hey obviously no one speaks Japonese here... who translated that ??

[funkysatty]

they seemed too pro-americain to me... any one else? i mean normally they eat up us cars for horrable handeling...is the pontiac really that good? wow

[nissangeeteear]

Very nice assessment.

This show is much better than anti-American BBC's Top Gear!

The "Drift King" Keiichi Tsuchiya is more forgiving on US cars this time.

[dngerclownz]

lol the gear ratios are very american

[lvcsslacker]

That's flattering.. the first cheap sportscar made by GM in... hell, I dunno how long, and it gets a good review from the drift king...

wuddayuhno? GM can make something that isn't failtastic every now and again. :D

[xlxROBxlx]

There would be no contest or comparison if they added the gxp. The solstice is a mean little car, some peope have already started LSX solstice projects!

[DemoFly]

I choose the mx-5 because of the exact words the man said "The mx-5 feels faster"

[Renatubie]

The mx5 makes you feel more alive. Sportier than luxurious. Better gas mileage and nearly 600 lbs lighter. Very nimble. No matter the project, weight is very important to keep down. Lotus Elise, Shelby Cobra, Caterham, Westfield are a few examples. The true roadsters legacy.

[hector7710]

sweet cars come and turbochargedgm . net and register

[saenzlopez]

the solstice drives well because it's not american is german, is an opel speedster with bad american interiors.

[stopcrazypp]

I love how you euro fanboys have to come on here and try to knock down any american accomplishment. Funny thing is it's the other way around. The new 2007 Opel GT (NOT speedster) is based on the kappa platform of the saturn sky. The GM Kappa platform uses parts entirely based on American components. It was designed following corvette architecture. You are thinking of the old SPEEDSTER based on a british (not german) Lotus platform!

[saenzlopez]

you are absolutley rigth, my mistake, the problem is american cars are good for american driving standars, but not for the international ones like some asians or some europeans do, americans are now buying those and american car makers are changing their models for asian or european chasis models like solstice, 300c, fusion, astra, aveo, cobalt, etc... you see is not me, is real life by the way, asian and european cars are more fuel eficient.

[stopcrazypp]

We aren't arguing about fuel efficiency here. Most US automakers are adapting "global platforms" so you will only see more & more american cars with better handling. This means the US is more than capable of creating a better handling car than europe and asia. You were suggesting the US is incapable of producing a well handling car, which is flat wrong. This is a stereotype most people hold on youtube & one that I personally resent.

[saenzlopez]

ok, let's no arguing, you buy a dodge while i buy a jetta. you are happy, i am happy, that's what it realy matters

[striguens]

yes

[striguens]

you have envy. The solstice, sky and opel gt is made in USA. Please read magazine and surf the net

[swindm]

Miata is a good car but the style is more like a girl's car in the other hand the solstice is more of a man's car bc the style and design..Besides is faster and cheaper.

[QuestForTruth885]

How do you figure?

It's called the MX-5 now btw, and don't stereotype please.

[Georgenfla]

I wouldnt drive an american junk if you gave it to me. The only thing the Puntiac has is good looks. It also has no reliability going for it, a piece of good looking shit!

[bishopkitch]

and in 5 yrs your solstice is 1/5 of what you paid for it and your miata is still worth half

[F41Driver]

It's great how you can predict resale value on a brand new model that has only been out two model years.

[bishopkitch]

history try reading some time

[magicalistik]

These guys made things easier by taking a concept and improving the manufacturing process with cheaper materials the japanesse car will always be a gap product for a very bad time of the US economy that´s why those fucks are rich keep buying those cars and someday they will own your mom´s ass and they are going to sell it to you at$1 the piece fucking chimp lover.

[dustziggy]

Whatever?! Miata's are the real deal! Solstice hahaha i mean comeone guys, you really think GM is going to build a car as nice as the classic miata? Id rather drive a 1990 miata then a new american copycat car.

[avick84]

someone check this kid's IQ!

[avick84]

GM created this car segment a long time ago with a little classic roadster called the CORVETTE!!!

These new GM roadsters are a smaller less expensive cousin of the current day Corvette, which happens to be the most praised roadster on the planet.

[dustziggy]

Read up on your history. The british invented the cheap roadster. Americans bought thousands of them post ww2. GM created the Corvette to tap into this market (the original was a small 6 cyl roadster). In the 60's the vette moved upmarket and british companys went broke from bad management. Mazda decided to fill the gap in the 80's with a proper cheap roadster. Everyone from BMW to Toyota to GM has tried to make a better one but they just cant get it right.

[dustziggy]

This is really going to get up your nose, but i have say that because your from the US i dont blame you for being a bit uneducated. Hehe.

[avick84]

For you to generalize a comment such as this about the most dynamic population is the world, I would have to say YOU sound quite uneducated little boy. I could go on for days about all of the technological breakthroughs and accomplishments by US citizens, but I will not gloat. Now, have some self-respect, do us all a favor, and go kill youself.

[avick84]

Sorry for my wording in my last message. I meant to say GM popularized and created recognition for this car segment with the creation of the corvette. Some would say they revolutionized the roadster. And for all you sore Brits, I will give them props for those ugly heaps of metal they created prior to the corvette and their own demise.

[dustziggy]

Yeah, i was generalizing. I know you guys have accomplished alot. Just thought id wind you up with the comment on Americans, its always easy to do. Im an Australian by the way. Yeah the brits early roadsters dont look good except for the lotus elan which mazda based the miata on.

[ZeusATP]

Faster, cheaper, easier to drive.  Case closed

[JoMammaSmurf]

@ZeusATP Pontiac and saturn don't exist anymore. Mazda has been doing this for 30 years. They know what works... case closed.

[intermenater]

@ZeusATP You're right, sort of. Casket closed on Solstice. Here at Buttonwillow few get past Miatas. Definitely not the demised Solstice.

[Beepa01]

Man, that guy can really drive! That was really fun to watch both cars, the shifting and the inset of the foot work. I think this type of video comparison is far more illuminating than relying solely on the words of a magazine writer with driving skills that are unknown to me.

[DA4LE]

Anyone remember the FIERO?

BWAAAA-HAAAAA-HAAAAA-HAAAAA-HA­AAA!

[F41Driver]

Anyone remember the '85 AW11 MR2? No? Maybe it's because they all fell apart and went to the junk yard like everything else from the '80s.

[magicalistik]

the test driver said this: the pontiac is cheaper FASTER!! and easier to drive! lol thanks mister sushi

[magicalistik]

be objective shot the solstice has american build quality but te japanesse copied that build quality many years ago the miata ist a very good car dont get me wrong but it hasnt the charm of the american one. i would like them to try th gxp version that would make a difference well be in touch fuckingshot.

[Genisin]

I'll take the miata any day. The lower ratios make it more fun and the aftermarket is enormous. I would take the Solstice for a long drive on the highway but I would take the Miata for a nice long drive through the twistys. Pontiac did an amazing job with the solstice, and I hope that seeps over into their other models.

[magicalistik]

i dont think so the solstice is by far the better of the two models is very smooth and beautiful

[magicalistik]

also it is going to be a classic in 20 years the japanesse isn´t

[fuckingshot]

sure it will just like the old mercury capri and Cadillac allante oh yeah no one remembers those cars because they have terrible American build quality

[F41Driver]

The Mercury Capri was built in Australia and the Allante's chassis was built in Michigan and sent to Italy for the coachwork, then shipped back to Michigan for final assembly. The Allante is a very well-built car, not that you would know with your Civic hardon. I mean, you thought the Solstice had a 2.3L V6, LOL. Check the most recalled list for 2007, GM is nowhere in sight, but Toyota is number 2, right behind Volkswagen.

Do the world a favor and off yourself.

[bishopkitch]

yeah my 05 had 2 recalls - one was to put a plastic visor on the top ( scion tc) - so if gm is soo good whats with the pricey extened warranties

[F41Driver]

GM warranties expensive? Try a Toyota warranty. You'll really want it too with Toyota's new subpar quality, just ask those that suffer from sludge, shitty automatic transmissions or Tundra owners with thier quality tailgates.

[neocataboi]

they are going to release the mazdaspeed miata at the LA Autoshow in december from what i've heard. its going to have the 2.3 turbo from the MazdaSpeed3

[Genisin]

Have you seen the resale value on solstices? They're through the roof! They're hard as hell to get ahold of, and since a majority of the people drive them are old people they make them in autos more then manuals. The value stays high, even between dealerships. (And I drive a 2000 Miata).

[hobosapien081]

even though the solstice has better performance and is cheaper, i'd still get the miata just because to take the roof off, you'd hae to park somewhere whereas the miata hardtop just pops on or off in like 4 seconds

[mastercko]

yeah, that's true (about the tops). I wish the Solstice had an auto top. Oh well.

[Philmoscowitz]

thanks for posting this! it was very informative--even though it sounds like pontiac paid the japanese driver to praise the solstice. well, i just hope they change the gear ratios in the newer models of the solstice.

[mastercko]

also, the one in this test that performs nearly identically (but better, according to Tsuchiya) is the standard model (and the first model year). It's not even a contest (speed-wise) between the MX-5 and the GXP.

[TokuiEastCoast]

because you are comparing a turbo 2.0 with 260 ft/lbs of torque and 260 bhp to something with almost one hundred less...

[mastercko]

yes, I am aware of what I said. I brought it up because it's an option that you can get with the Solstice, whereas the Miata has no comparable option as far as performance. Also, note the first part of that comment where I said that the one in this comparison is the base model.

[mastercko]

um, 2.3L v6? Really? Which car are you talking about? Because I'm pretty sure you're not referring to the Solstice. It's just so blatantly wrong you couldn't possibly be referring to it. Try 2.4L 4 cylinder (177HP) on the normal Solstice, and 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder (260HP) on the GXP. What you think of the looks is your opinion, great. And you're right about the resale. Good for you, you got another one. Maybe it's because of uninformed consumers such as yourself?

[mastercko]

wow, it's so interesting and witty and original that you're dissing on domestic cars. Please tell me more. Also, please use more of your offensive language when you do so. It speaks volumes of the quality of your education.

According to Consumer Reports, the quality is not great (good job, you got that one), HOWEVER, it has an 82 or 3 percent satisfaction rating, so they must be doing something right. Oh, and don't forget that 100k mile warranty.

[bigbcraig]

"if they make one in right hand drive i'll buy one." THe Opel GT is basically a Saturn Sky Red Line (rebodied Solstice GXP), and is ponly RHD. LOL. Good car though, really. I've never liked the miata. I really want to know how a GXP copmpares to a S2000, its heavier but more powerful. hmm.

[94miata]

I'll take the miata any day over the solstice, but that is because I'm a big miata fan. One thing I don't like is how the miata has grown over the years. Going from around 2200-2400 lbs. all the way up to around 2700-2800 lbs.

[mastercko]

and btw, the Solstice (especially the GXP) looks about 10x better than the Miata, but that's just my personal opinion.

[markch81]

You are right, that is personal opinion. Personally, I preferred the new Miata's styling. I find the Solstice to be too bold with slightly uneven lines. I prefer the Miata's subtler, smoother styling.

[mastercko]

GM wins! At least according to Tsuchiya. Say what you will, but win or not, the fact that the first year model is even in the same league as the Miata is quite an accomplishment. This gives me a lot of hope for the platform. If only GM could apply this thinking to everything!

And for the comment with "better aftermarket support." Gee, you think? The car has only been out forever. The Solstice is only wrapping up its second year, right? Give it time.

[BATTAOUSAI]

to tell you guys the truth...through the years, the miatas handling actually got worse...a 1990-1997 wouldve done better on this time attack. I own one and driven the new one, 90'-97' is even better and a whole different category that the solstice

[magma511]

There were actually 5,428 MSM's made. 4K in 2004 and 1428 in '05

[thinkfaster]

i don't think mazda has quite dialed in the suspension on the mx-5 at this point, i hope they fix it soon.

[roewedge]

To properly judge between the cars you have to have a proper setup for the track. There is no car that will just be universally better than every other one at a track. I still believe the Miata is a much better roadster with much better aftermarket support

[JgHaverty]

"plenty of aftermarket support"...

obviously you dont own a 99+ Miata... lol getting parts for my 04 MSM is NUTS and EXPENSIVE! its tretarded...

[thinkfaster]

There were less than 10k MSMs made I believe, parts and aftermarket support availability on the normally aspirated versions is significantly better as a result.

[jocamp5]

Miata is more practical altought Solstice is more beautiful. Think of Solstice as a second car; no trunk space at all. I'm planing to buy a Miata and trunk space, eliability history are two good reasons for that. Also, do not forget Miata offers a Hard Top cover, easy to operates too.

[RaulVirgil]

The solstice looks way better than the miata

[hatamakoto]

the new miata have more torge and power and bigger engine than the oder model but weight, handling and cornering, wasnt good as the older model...

[rickim24]

man i'm really glad i watched this. i've been debatin on gettin the new miata or solstice. really thought the miata had the solstice beat, but if tsuchiya says it, then the solstice has to be a better car.

[Saml01]

Why dont you go test drive it for yourself and make up your mind.

[turboman808]

Hmm that was cool! I really like the looks of the solstice. I finaly went to there site to see the GXP was coming out. Well I am gonna place my order. Nice car but yep the interior sucks. NO BMW or Porsche but real cheap. I think this is definetly gonna be a future classic.

[Agonotheta]

Ugh but can you believe the interior of the GM car is probably crap!!!! NO THX.

[il1k3c3r34l]

So you don't even know what the interior looks like, but you're dismissing a pure drivers car based on it? The interior is actually pretty nice. Most people's complaints are with the lack of storage space, but it's a two seat roadster. Please stop posting about cars, Agonotheta.

[flipkid87cs]

lmao. Or give me death. Nice. I can't believe GM's actually stepping up. Props.

[Jm42086]

Sad day for miata owners everywhere... Dammit Mazda... dont take this shit lying down... Give me Mazdaspeed Mx-5 or give me death...

[zymotix3]

Happy to see my solstice came out on top :] So happy!!

[OLDS98]

It was just nice to see the contest and see the GM/Pontiac vehicle featured here. Thanks...

[CeeStyleDj]

And this is just the base model Solstice! The GXP has 83 More horsepower then the one tested here. Also better handling.

[mak450]

Yeah I'm sure GM and Ford officials spend lots of time dicking around on youtube watching videos from a show most people have never heard of...

Anyway Ford owns a controlling share of Mazda I'm sure they know enough about the mx-5 already, also the Solstice is currently beating the crap out of the MX-5 in SCCA racing so I don't think GM has any obligation to watch this either.

[mak450]

Oh i just finished watching it, i didn't realize it wasn't sold in japan. Hm i have doubts that it would be a success anyway though

[CeeStyleDj]

The Solstice is already a success. Doing VERY well. The Sky is following. The Soltisce GXP and SKy Redline have more horsepower then any Miata ever made to date.

[mak450]

I meant a success in Japan, small island and very big following for the Miata as far as I'm aware. I know the Solstice is a success here, so far it has the highest residuals of any car on the market, thats impressive.

[CeeStyleDj]

Oh ok, I undersatand. Sorry bout that. Yeah I wish they woudl sell out GOOD cars over there so everyone wouldn't think american cars are crap. As you can see in the video, This guy really likes this car.

[Kaguyua]

I hope Ford and GM are seeing this.