Topic: CTC Review: 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP

[Mitlov]

The Solstice is not a stand out in anything even if it does a number of things pretty well.

Actually, it's the fastest roadster out there for US$35k, which is impressive considering that it costs US$28k.  It runs laps around the much heavier 350Z.  It handles like an S2000 (even before you add $6000 in aftermarket to the Solstice), yet also has more power and bucketloads more torque.  It blows the new Miata into the reeds engine-wise, and while people talk about how a new Mazdaspeed Miata might beat it, that car doesn't exist yet.

So I'm not sure you're going to find a better inexpensive track car than the Solstice GXP, provided you're buying new.  It does stand out in that respect in my mind--possibly the best car on the market if that's what you're looking for.

[wing]

I'm not sure it really is faster than an S2000, I hammered on it hard today at lunch and an extra shift is needed to grab 100km/h so it seems to be slightly slower.  The extra few hundred pounds makes  big difference I guess, but I still maintain it drives remarkably well.  Geez those tires have GOT to go though.

[quadzilla]

It blows the new Miata into the reeds engine-wise, and while people talk about how a new Mazdaspeed Miata might beat it, that car doesn't exist yet.

Are you comparing the GXP to a regular Miata with regards to the engine? 

[Mitlov]

I'm not sure it really is faster than an S2000, I hammered on it hard today at lunch and an extra shift is needed to grab 100km/h so it seems to be slightly slower.  The extra few hundred pounds makes  big difference I guess, but I still maintain it drives remarkably well.  Geez those tires have GOT to go though.

According to Honda, it's only a 121 lb difference.  I'm surprised if that was enough to undo the 98 ft-lb and 23 hp advantage of the Solstice GXP.

Honda's side-to-side comparison

Fair point about the tires though.

[wing]

Well yeah but I guess mine is a lot less weight than that more like 2650 which makes a rather big difference.

According to GM the Solstice does 0-60 in 5.5s and I have seem published numbers for the S2000 from 5.4 - 5.9 so they are very close.

[Mitlov]

Are you comparing the GXP to a regular Miata with regards to the engine? 

I'm comparing the GXP to EVERY inexpensive ($35k or less) roadster on the market in terms of both handling and engine, and the base-engined Miata is all Mazda offers.  I'd rather compare it to a turbocharged Miata, but Mazda doesn't currently make such a car, so I can't.  The point I'm making is that the GXP gives you more performance than any other roadster that's even in the same price ballpark.  That's in response to an assertion that the GXP isn't a standout in any way.

So yes, I'm comparing the Solstice GXP to a "regular" Miata, but there's more to it than that.

[mdxtasy]

Out of the two, I like the Solstice less...that's true.  I like the Sky better.  But I like the Elise more than the Sky.  However, the big difference is when the top is up, the Elise has a trunk....the GM cars still have that hump out back. 

At the end of the day, it's a nice effort from GM.  I just wish they fixed this little problem to make this car a more practical purchase.  It would be a true home run if that was addressed.  The rest of the car is very nice and a great contender for the 'best affordable roadster' title.

[mdxtasy]

How is the trunk space in the 911, MD?  

It's there.....not great but still manage to get some things into it.

[Greg B.]

Does adding the hardtop remove that big hump in the trunk?  The space still doesn't have a flat floor for anything. 

What IS that big lump right in the middle of things, anyway?

[wing]

Gas tank.

[Mitlov]

Gas tank.

Huh.  Is it further back than on other cars, or just more visible?  Any chance of another Pinto/Crown Vic fiasco here?

[wing]

It's basically right behind the driver / passenger similar to my S2000, it is lower in the S2000 though and directly behind the passenger compartment.  It is slightly further back in the Solstice but I think it has more to do with the car being shorter.

I doubt this is an issue like the Pinto technology has advanced a lot since then.

[Greg B.]

Gas tank.

Seems a very poor design. I thought with today's plastic gas tanks that they could be formed to the shape of an available space.

[Wolfe]

Don't forget the top has to fit into that space as well. I believe the top rails fold into the spaces alongside and behind the bump in the middle. That's probably all the space that was available for the gas tank.

[Mitlov]

Does anyone know what the folding mechanism for a 350Z roadster is like?  That's another one where there's no folded roof left visible behind the seats, and I'm wondering if they packaged the roof and the gas tank differently and/or more efficiently.

[mdxtasy]

Does anyone know what the folding mechanism for a 350Z roadster is like?  That's another one where there's no folded roof left visible behind the seats, and I'm wondering if they packaged the roof and the gas tank differently and/or more efficiently.

They package them behind the seats but leave the trunk alone.  As you can see by the pictures, the car is longer and as a result, it has the room to hide the top.

[initial_D]

The wheel base on the 350Z is a lot longer.

[mdxtasy]

The wheel base on the 350Z is a lot longer.

Exactly.  I can't think of a worse design in the segment that the Kappa twins play in.  Miata....easy to stow, easy to raise/lower.  S2000.  Ditto.  Z4....covered.  SLK....okay, the hardtop does take some room....but it's a forgivable since it's the tin roof. 

[barrie1]

I think these are more built for performance then dailey usage getting a weeks groceries. As a sports car it does fill the bill quite well and the handling ability and performance alone put it ahead of a lot of the others it seems. I am sure the dependability will be there as well for many years also.

[mdxtasy]

I think these are more built for performance then dailey usage getting a weeks groceries. As a sports car it does fill the bill quite well and the handling ability and performance alone put it ahead of a lot of the others it seems. I am sure the dependability will be there as well for many years also.

There are many cars built for performance....but a bit of practicality is always nice.  Most of them have it.  I still believe there's no excuse for the tank to jut into the trunk so much.