nateh wrote:The 2006 MX-5 has significantly better power-to-weight ratio (and similar torque-weight) than the other cars we are discussing. I don't think we need to move it.
Why is it slower??
- Nate
Torque, suspension, gearing, & wider tires?
Code: Select all
tire 1/4 mile
Model Weight HP TQ width Time @ Speed Link
=================================================================================
MX-5 2498 170 140 205 15.3 @ 90.2 http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/mazda/mx5miata/100563877/specs.html
Solstice 2860 177 166 245 15.5 @ 88.3 http://www.edmunds.com/new/2006/pontiac/solstice/100529859/specs.html
Sky 2933 177 166 245 http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/saturn/sky/100681571/specs.html
From Car & Driver:
Mazda MX-5 vs. Pontiac Solstice
Ride: On rough roads, the MX-5 feels as if it has softer springs and more wheel travel than the Solstice. The MX-5 feels wispy and light on its feet, but the Solstice's stiffer suspension still manages to sop up the bumps while feeling more planted.
Advantage: Solstice.
Handling: Both have handling limits that are substantial yet easy to probe. Approach the limits in the MX-5, and the softer suspension never quite settles down. The light-footed ride gives the MX-5 a delicate character. The Solstice trades that featheriness for a secure, buttoned-down feel at the limit. Comparatively narrow summer tires on the MX-5 stick and then break away; the Solstice's wider all-season rubber loses grip more gradually.
Advantage: Solstice.
It takes a lot to get either roadster to shake, but the heavier Solstice feels a little stiffer.
Advantage: Solstice.
Primary controls: The shifter in the MX-5 doesn't go easily into gear when cold; once warm, its short throws and directness are superior to the Solstice's good but unremarkable gearbox. Brake-pedal feel is similar in both cars: no lost motion and easy to modulate. We preferred the turn-in feel of the Solstice's steering-nicely weighted and precise. The MX-5's gets you close to the contact patches, but excessive kickback over bad roads gets annoying.
Advantage: Draw.
Engine: The MX-5 sounds wimpy at idle but builds revs quickly and sounds happier as the revs increase. The Solstice idles better and barks louder, but the engine feels as if it has a heavier flywheel, and it buzzes more than we like. Nevertheless, the growling Solstice sounds better.
Advantage: Draw.
THE VERDICT
The frenetic and lightweight MX-5 is a single-minded sports car. The heavier Solstice has two personalities: cruiser and sports car—it excels at both. In this purely subjective evaluation, the Solstice scores higher. When we do a formal and objective comparison, the result might change. But we'd say the General has won this skirmish.
:joker:
