Solstice GXP Roadster vs. 350Z Coupe

[Sakiale]

The Z roadster has a screwed-up ass.

It looks almost as retarded as a bangle 7-series.

I would take the Solstice, gets more girls, and IMO looks better.

 

[niky]

It's kind of iffy comparing two such disparate cars. The Z is a big heavy muscle car, while the Solstice is a light roadster in the Miata vein... only done American style, with more power.

Wait a minute... we're comparing a Japanese Muscle Car to an American über-Miata? Someone pinch me...

I personally like the Z better, but that's just because of the looks. There's no denying the Solstice will feel quicker and be lighter on its feet, and it probably deserves the Car and Driver win... (so, they're BMW biased and they didn't give it to the Z4? Heaven forfend... )

Let's just wait for a Mazdaspeed Miata, then we can do a comparison of like-minded machines.

 

[Poverty]

I would take the 350Z

 

[rollazn]

Having riden in a 350Z numerous of time, I would choose the Z over a Solstice. The 350 seems like a fun and practical every day car. I mean I thought the trunk was small on the 350Z but look at that Solstice. How am I ever going to be able to fit anything in there? Haha.

It seems like the quarter mile time for the 350Z is a bit slow. Stock 350Z can run high 13s easily.

Anyways overall I prefer it because of the look, and the fact that i've riden in it.

 

[=V8 Power=]

Hold on a second:

Why is it GM's falut for not accomodating a few select people out there? The average height of an American male is indeed 5'8", and generally the spead of height stops right around 6' even. The majority of cars in America, thusly, are designed for that sweet-spot in the height matrix. Granted there are some models that leave plenty of room for 6'4" males, but it isn't every single one.

Want bigger? Buy a Corvette...

Ya sure, let me go waste another $18,000 so I can fit in it?? Any way, the fact the Solstice also has zero trunk space makes it completly worthless.

Heck, for $26,000 (cheaper than a GXP) I can get a Mustang GT with a 4.6L V8. Its Accelerates to 60 in 5.2 seconds while the Solstice is 5.6. It also has tons more room than the Solstice. Save money while going faster and getting more room?? Wow thats a concept.

 

[Poverty]

what about handling? I couldnt really give a toss for that 0-60 malarky as its pretty much useless, apart from red light racing.

 

[=V8 Power=]

what about handling? I couldnt really give a toss for that 0-60 malarky as its pretty much useless, apart from red light racing.

Well the only racing I ever do is redlight racing. Handling doesn't really matter to me as I don't drive on any twisty roads too often. I'd also have to say the Mustang GT looks 10x better than the Solstice or even SKY

 

[SagarisGTB]

Motor Trend gave the nod to the Solstice GXP in their comaprison with the 350Z Convertable and BMW Z4 3.0... Just thought I would throw that in there...

To be honest that was one of the worst comparos MT has ever done. The solstice won by default, because the Z4 was too expensive, even though it was hands down the best car. In the 350Zs defence, its a 4 year old cabrio version of a coupe.

Until BMW brings out the Z2, Honda replaces the S2000 or Mazda does a Mazdaspeed MX-5, the Solstice will be on top of the 30k Roadster segment.

 

[Poverty]

Or audi brings out the R3

 

[CFM]

Until BMW brings out the Z2, Honda replaces the S2000 or Mazda does a Mazdaspeed MX-5, the Solstice will be on top of the 30k Roadster segment.

Mazda did a Mazdaspeed MX-5. I bought one in 2004.👍 (I know you mean a current-gen MX-5 )

It's kind of iffy comparing two such disparate cars. The Z is a big heavy muscle car, while the Solstice is a light roadster in the Miata vein... only done American style, with more power.

I'm sorry but Solstices are bloated pigs compared to any Miata. This GXP will no doubt weigh close to, if not over 3000lbs, as the stock one rings in at 2850 or more with options. My Mazdaspeed weighs 2550, and it was the heaviest ever released to that point due to the turbo, intercooler and plumbing. Most second gen Miatas weighed 2450ish and if I'm not mistaken the current gen MX-5 is right around 2540 fully loaded? I believe the heaviest a current gen Mazdaspeed MX-5 would be is 2650, at the very most. Bottom line is Miata is a different driving experience than a Solstice, as well as the 350Z and GXP will be different from each other also. You wouldn't think that a few hundred pounds can make that much difference, but let me tell you, it does. But it's all personal taste.

Whoever it was that described the styling of the Solstice as an ugly Lima bean, you nailed it brother. Talk about the fugliest thing I've ever seen. It makes the funky looking 350Z 'vert look like a prince in comparison. The Saturn Sky looks halfway decent though.👍 (The front half, that is )


I'd take a 350Z coupe over any solstice any day of the week.

 

[YSSMAN]

...Speaking of the Germans, has the Opel GT (essentially the same car as the Solstice GXP and Sky Redline) made its debut yet? Any reviews thus far?

 

[Dave Ranteer]

i actually have both. 2008 GXP and 2006 350Z GT. both convertibles. the GXP is black; the 350Z is red. i will start by saying that i love the GXP but it doesn't hold a candle to the Z. the Z feels faster, and IMHO is a much better car in every respect. I was surprised to see the GXP is faster off the line, and that the top speeds are essentially identical. lets talk about what makes the Z a much better car: first of all - the top. really? that GXP top is a pita to put up and down. so annoying. no spare tire??? no trunk room??? changing the battery???? remove the fender??? whaaaaaat????? the Z just feels so much more sophisticated on the inside in every way. 5 speed (GXP) vs 6 speed (Z). styling - have to give that to the GXP. upside down bathtub vs Viper wannabe. the look from the cockpit - GXP is much more of a sports car look. and the sound - the Z just has a wonderful unique sound.

but i'm selling the GXP and keeping the Z. although i was tempted to keep both.

 

[kikie]

This thread seems to be in the wrong forum.

Cars in general maybe?

 

[TexRex]

This thread seems to be in the wrong forum.

Cars in general maybe?

Seems the thread started as a comparison between two broadly similar new cars, which may justify it having ended up in Auto News, but it appears someone has discovered it in a web search and breathed life into it after nearly 14 years of dormancy.

 

[kikie]

Seems the thread started as a comparison between two broadly similar new cars, which may justify it having ended up in Auto News, but it appears someone has discovered it in a web search and breathed life into it after nearly 14 years of dormancy.

Yes, but it was a personal question and no new news about cars. Not that it matters because it is an old thread.

 

[Frank McGank]

What a necrobump. 14 years-dead thread

 

[Robin]

Has to be some sort of record. I was thinking, isn't Pontiac dead?