And how many would-be 7-Series owners are concerned with what Car and Driver says?

 

Yeah and the 'Fun to Drive' element can only really be fully exploited at the racetrack, otherwise, the cars offer much the same fun in normal driving. These vehicles will be bought up by people who like to show off... not that there is anything wrong with that.

Anyway, I've criticised journalists enough... for today!

 

It's interesting how subjective "fun to drive" can be. Automobile picked the Solstice over the MX-5 based primarily upon the driving experience.

That said, in a world of subjective opinion, I trust that of Automobile far more than that of Edmunds. Let us not forget that these self described "advanced" drivers tested an LS2 GTO and a WRX STi and managed 14.0 and 14.1 second 1/4 mile times respectively .

 

In a Motor Trend article, it seems that they more so favored towards the Solstice over the Miata, but obviously every editor has their own biases. The Miata is one of the most boring cars on the market IMO and its design doesn't really show any change over the years. But then again, they added a turbo......so, so exciting

 

I have no idea but obviously enough if C&D expects to sell issues with 7-series reviews. Especially people who might buy them used later on. Regardless, judging a car primarily based on its intended market and secondarily by the preferences of its non-intended market may be more suitable.


It is pretty high on the list relative to most cars, but still you have to realize that in this price and size class the majority of the buyers are going to be somewhat affeminant men and also women who own the car as a daily driver; both groups of which may care a little less about how the car reacts and the absolute limits of handling and more about how it feels just around town having a 'little fun' as well as how comfortable it is.

It's not like a Vette where over half the owners are probably wealthy upper-middle aged men have a more practical car to drive when needed and only bought the car to have fun in.

 

Meh, I probably would take the Miata anyway (I know I can't be making friends on this board by saying that.)

 

The way I see it is there's two sides to the bargain price. You can get a sexy, sleek, sporty 2 seater at an econo-car price. That's super duper.

However, they're so cheap, alot, i mean alot of people will have them. You'll see them everywhere and they'll quickly lose the wow factor. Soon they'll go the way of the miata. Hopefully without the girly feeling that the miata has.

 

Funny both Motor Trend and Car and Driver gave the Solstice the nod in handling over the Miata

 

Well the article did state that the Solstice was as quick around the circuit and slalom course as the Miata, yet stated the Miata as clearly the superior handler. The stopwatch doesn't lie and 'seat of the pants' feel is subjective.

What I also object to in the article was the reference to the slow revving engine in the Solstice. From an engineering perspective, given the engine in the Solstice is a big capacity 2.4L vs only a 2.0L in the Miata, that is understandable. Conversely, it could be argued that the Solstice has more usuable torque but the writer forgave the Miata by noting the engine's torque was well matched to the 6 speed gearbox as opposed to the 5 speeder in the Solstice. Again, the taller gearing helps to explain the slower revving engine.

Sorry, I lied, I had to have another go at the journalist.

 

funny you should say that, because last time the Miata went up against the then new "Mistertwo" the Miata won hands down. Not on performance but on usability and comfort.

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....rticle_id=3240

 

Given that most people who buy these for daily drivers, The trunk is a BIG slap in the face for the Solstice.

 

Both Autoweek and Automobile magazine picked the Solstice over the Miata as well. Actually, I don't think I have ever seen another publication pick the Miata over the better car.

 

Other than looks (which is subjective anyway, I think they're both ugly), what makes the Solstice the better car?

 

The Solstice will have to prove itself since it's the new kid on the block. 'nuff said. It's going to take a few knocks on it's way to the top.

Dan

 

That's purely your seat-of-the-pants opinion (that $20K compact cars are not for a "man's man" or women who care less how a car drives and that most will be daily drivers). I find both conclusions wrong and the first a bit asinine. You also speak of the Miata reviewed as if it is a $20K Elise, extreme fun at the expense of all everyday comfort and practicality.

Both are capable weekend toys and daily drivers; each approach their objectives from slightly different angles.