Vehicle(s): 2006 Pontiac Solstice with Leather Pkg, Power Pkg and ABS
2006 Mazda MX-5 GT with Performance Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$30940 (Solstice) CDN$35350 (MX-5)

Introduction: Since the introduction of original MX-5 Miata in 1989, Mazda roadster has always been the benchmark in the affordable roadster segment. It was so fun-to-drive that many people have called it a “British roadster that won’t leak oil”. A couple of years ago, Toyota discontinued the Miata challenger, MRS roadster, which is an excellent roadster. Its not until 2005’s Detroit auto show when the next Miata challenger shown to the public, which is Pontiac Solstice. 2 years latter, Pontiac introduced this gorgeous roadster and posed the biggest threat to Miata’s dominace. In our inangural comparison test, we will find out whether Miata will remained the benchmark.

Performance: The Solstice is powered by a 2.4L Ecotec engine that is good for 177 hp and 166 lb/ft of torque. This is a surprisingly refined engine in the not-so-refined Ecotec family. However, its hp figure really does no justice because this engine feels a little bit legthetic compares to MX-5’s 2.0L unit. While there is enough low-end grunt with 166 lb/ft arrives at 4800rpm. Pontiac engineers should be able to message more horses from this Ecotec or added a forced induction to give it more grunt. Another issue is the weird 4th and 5th gear ratios. While 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears have decent ratios, 4th and 5th ratios are just too high. Solstice needs a 6th speed stick shift and about 30 more hp to complete the overall package.

On the other hand, Mazda really has done a marvelous job for MX-5’s powerplant. All the complaints about the lack of power have become a thing of history with this generation. Its 170 hp and 140 lb/ft of torque really does wonder with lighter weight than the Solstice. With Mazda weighting in 2498 lb for our GT tester and 2860 lb for Solstice, the power-to-weight deficit really shown in the Pontiac. Mazda is a more willing roadster than Pontiac even if latter have higher numbers on paper. Plus MX-5 still have the legendary short throw 6-speed stick shift that has proper gear ratios and excellent gates. While GM has produced excellent shifter for Pontiac, the gates aren’t as well defined as Mazda. This 2.0L is also a smoother motor with racier engine note and more willing to rev at higher rpm.

In the performance category, MX-5 is a clear winner.

Handling: Both of these roadsters have excellent platforms that are solid, completely free of rattles and cracks. I never felt any cowl shakes when driven aggressively through bumps, it shows how well engineered these roadsters are.

We begin with the Solstice which has a precise steering, a sure-footness ride quality with easy to detect at the limit. When one pushed Solstice into the corners, it doesn’t feel as communicative as the MX-5. MX-5’s steering should considered as one of the world’s finest units. Its sharp, precise and feel superb. Its magical steering response and feedback rated as highly as any Porsches I have ever driven. While Pontiac’s steering is definitely not a numb one, it doesn’t have the surgical feedback as the Mazda.

The stability control on MX-5 also has done a marvelous job for keen drivers. It never kicks in until the last moment when driver nearly lost control. There is always a highest threshold to kick-in at the highest limit. On the other hand, Solstice’s limit is lower than those of MX-5. When driving through twisties, MX-5 just feels like in a comfortable go-kart while Solstice feels like a roadster with fat. Solstice just feels more nervous in and close to the end of the limit. With an even more aggressive suspension setting and lighter weight, Pontiac shouldn’t have problem reaching Mazda level of drivability.

MX-5 scores in another category with sharper handling characteristics and level of control in the limit.

Interior: Solstice’s interior ergonomics and materials are delightful surprises given the recent worn at GM these days. Yes, you still can find hard plastic somewhere in the center console. Its use of materials have been head-and-above many of the preceding GM products. Its ergonomic-friendly and driving position is superb. That’s despite the stereo placed below the climate control.

In the past, Miata has always been criticized for its tight interior dimensions. Not so with the latest generation. The 3rd generation has plenty of interior space, excellent interior materials and fit-and-finish. The overall ambience is classier than those in the Pontiac. The interior has tighter gaps than the Pontiac. We also found MX-5’s sports seats are more supportive than ones in Solstice. Mazda designers also smart enough to put stereo on top of climate control. The most amazing thing is Mazda engineers are able to save 8g from using the lighter material for center rear view mirror.

Score another for MX-5 for its excellent use of interior materials, fit-and-finish and space. That’s despite Solstice is one of GM’s best efforts.

Cargo space: Solstice has nearly no cargo space with the top off. It barely have enough space for toothbrush when the top on. That’s because of the gas tank. However, MX-5 has much more cargo space which is enough for two people’s weekend gateway. Ironically, Mazda also has a gas tank.

MX-5 is the clear winner in practicality category. It got proper cargo space for two people on the road, on a contrary, Solstice is only enough to drive to the nearest supermarket. But just don’t buy anything from supermarket because you have no place to stow them.

Conclusion: Solstice is indeed a truly worthy roadster. Its not only gorgeous to look at, its got street cred and very much fun-to-drive. However, MX-5 is just too much for Solstice’s own goods. MX-5 really upped the ante with its latest iteration. Handling is sharper, interior has matured without losing original Miata’s British roadster character, interior is more comfortable and even better finished. At the end, MX-5 remains an affordable roadster for which others are judged on.

Ratings
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Performance: 4/5 (Solstice) 4.5/5 (MX-5)
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5 (Solstice) 5/5 (MX-5)
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5 (Solstice) 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5 (Solstice) 4.5/5 (MX-5)
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5 (Solstice) 4/5 (MX-5)
Value-f0r-money: 4.5/5 (Solstice) 5/5 (MX-5)

Overall rankings:
2nd place: Pontiac Solstice (4/5)
1st place/winner: Mazda MX-5 (4.75/5)