I've been looking for an excuse to post about the new miata. It's great that Pontiac is putting pressure on Mazda, and it seems mazda has certainly risen to the occasion. With 2860 pounds to move around and 177 hp, the Pontiac Solstice has 16.16 pounds/hp.
The new miata weighs in at 2470 pounds and 170 hp, so it only burdens each of its hp with 14.3 pounds. The miata will be quicker in a straight line. Also just imagine how much more fun it would be to drive a car that weighs 390 pounds less. It will cost a few thousand more, but I can't imagine any real reason not to opt for the miata instead. I like my serious performance/track cars closed cockpit, but this little sub 25k car is very appealing to me as something to throw around on weekends if I'm not at the track. Pontiac calls the Solstice a "pure roadster," the mazda makes that statement look like a joke.
