Mazda MX-5 vs. Pontiac Solstice

[SoCalCTS]

With all the talk about the American Family Association and Ford, I thought I would post this review from a gay mens magazine called Instinct. GM has been getting some good reviews lately in the gay press.


Mazda MX-5 vs. Pontiac Solstice
Miatas and Homos have been Married for Years, but a Muscly New Roadster from GM will be inspiring Lots of Infidelity

The Price is... Right?
Mazda - $24,995 base price (just over $27K with a premium package).
Pontiac - $19,995 base price (about $24,700 fully decked out).
Advantage: Pontiac Solstice Major props to the General for keeping his promise to keep the Solstice under $20,000. AND you get a decked-out roadster for less than the base MX-5.

He's Got the Look
Mazda - Even with the new exterior design, the Mx-5 still looks like your typical Japanese 2 seater, which are more known for performance than looks.
Pontiac - The Solstice like a typical American just screams, "Look at me!" And people do.
Advantage: Pontiac Solstice Superficially speaking, the Solstice looks a lot more expensive than its price tag lets on.

We Need a Top
Mazda - Manual drop top that can be operated from inside the car.
Pontiac - You need to get out of the car to shed the top.
Advantage: Mazda MX-5 Neither is a power top (stop snickering), but the MX-5 carries on the tradition of being able to toss the ragtop back over your head, which lends itself more to a sense of impulsiveness.

Its Whats Inside that Counts
Mazda - An upgrade on the previous model's interior, but still slick, even if there are too many cup holders.
Pontiac - For the price, and considering it's the first generation, the interior is pleasant to look at -- even if some of the knobs and vents feel cheap.
Advantage: Draw It would be too easy to hand this round to the MX-5. The Mazda's interior looks more modern, but the Pontiac's looks more classic. Which fits a roadster better depends on your taste.

Pressure to Perform
Mazda - It's light on its wheels, making it speedier, but it doesn't feel as firmly planted on the ground.
Pontiac - It may be slower, but the Solstice's handling and shifting making it a true cruising roadster.
Advantage: Pontiac Solstice - Those who want speed should wait for the rumored turbocharged Solstice coming out next year.

Man Magnet Factor Out of 10
Mazda - 7
Pontiac - 9
Advantage: Pontiac Solstice - Based on looks alone, the new kid on the block is getting all the attention. We even got an Aston Martin owner to check us out (but he was obviously to shy to ask us out).

Favorite Detail
Mazda - Cool keyless ignition option with the premium package.
Pontiac - Well-placed pockets in the front of both seats.
Advantage: Pontiac Solstice - Pockets are in this season.

And the Winner Is...
The Pontiac Solstice. Mazda can change the name, but the new Miata, while a nice update, can't take away from the Solstice's fresh factor.

Edited December 10, 2005 by SoCalCTS

[Flybrian]

Its Whats Inside that Counts
Mazda - An upgrade on the previous model's interior, but still slick, even if there are too many cup holders.
Pontiac - For the price, and considering it's the first generation, the interior is pleasant to look at -- even if some of the knobs and vents feel cheap.
Advantage: Draw It would be too easy to hand this round to the MX-5. The Mazda's interior looks more modern, but the Pontiac's looks more classic. Which fits a roadster better depends on your taste.

[post="56128"]<{POST_SNAPBACK}>[/post]

Oh my GOD! A review of two cars actually concedes that interior style is not cut-and-dried objective but even invites the reader to make their own decision?!

Seriously, that photo makes the Miata look oh-el-dee.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

WOW! A better review than MOST auto rags... Then again, auto rags stop being professional YEARS ago.

[jd2b]

What a great review! About time somebody gave a fair review of an American auto.

[Cremazie]

I agree completely with the review. It is fair to both models. Solstice wins the most important thing of all, man factor :)

[nzr]

Good review. Lol @ Man Magnet Factor.

[Cory Wolfe]

So it took a gay men's magazine for a fair review to be had... Wow. :P Can I switch subscriptions? :D

[bearrunner44]

Man Magnet? Hmm....I guess I'll never look at a Solstice the same way after that kind of description:p

[regfootball]

pretty impressive considering Miatas have a rap for being gay men's cars.

[Imaj]

This is much better than stupid MT's review!!

[BuickEight]

Anybody notice the Lacrosse in the back? Does the front end look different? The wheels too? Or I'm I just being hopeful? :(