I was driving (topless, of course) last night with a friend after dinner. He said wow this is really a fun car.
He asked what size engine. He said the way it felt, he thought it was at least a V6.
I told him what it had and he couldn't believe it. He said it handled like it had a bigger engine. I said, well maybe it's just the way I drive it.
Anyway, I had a GT Mustang in the past - fast car. But with the Solstice I don't feel I miss the power much. I have no issue with gaining speed when necessary or climbing a hill (grade). I know the next release will have more horsepower, which will really make it fun. But I've had her up to well over 80 mph already and feel no hesitation or lack of power. I'm perfectly content with the engine, so far. Oh, another thing - I really love how the Solstice handles the road. It's teriffic.
You mentioned ..."the next release will have more horsepower." Are you referring to the '07 Solstice GXP or have you heard the the base '07 Sol's 2.4 liter Ecotec will have more hp?
I've been driving 4 cylinder Pickup Trucks for the last 20 years.
The Solstice to me feels like im driving a Grand Prix Car.
This is the first car that I feel I can pass someone with no fear.
The Sol is my daily "summer" driver. My other daily is a Silverado SS with a beefy, slightly mod'd, 370hp V8. I love driving my SS for power reasons.
I have yet to find myself saying, while driving the Sol, "damn, I wish this thing was faster." So far, I have been impressed with the 4-banger; it is a lot better than I had imagined.
IMO, the Sol has a great balance of fun and power. I find it extremely fun to drive. If I wanted power I would have bought a Z06.
My car before the sol was a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer OZ. 2.0 Liter with 120hp/130tq. The sol puts it to shame, so i don't miss what i "gained"!
__________________
Envious, Vin #9234 - AEM CAI, Solo Header, Solo Cat, & Magnaflow Catback Exhaust. Eagle F1 GS-D3's. Werks ECM tune coming spring of 2009 (If i don't decide to to go F/I).
There are a lot of people that say you can never have too much HP. My last car had 300 HP and yea I do miss it every now and then but I would not want it back. I never did get a ticket in it but I sure in the heck should have. There are a lot of nice country roads here in northern Virginal that are great for spirited driving which to me is the posted speed +10. At that speed the cops will generally leave you alone. The Solstice has a really performance sweet spot for that type driving.
but I'm getting used to it. My previous was a '97 Eclipse GS-T Spyder manual with AWD. It would move out effortlessly where the Sol needs a little more time & higher starting RPM. It's taken me awhile to get accustomed to running the higher RPMs.
I figure the ECM tune & maybe a K&N should be enough to give it the additional HP it needs. If I'd not had something like the Spyder before, might not even be looking for that.
__________________
Daiwa
VIN 1702 DOD 10-22-05 BEAUTIFUL, BLACK
& CLUBS IN THE BACK
My previous car was a Miata. Other than not being as quick off the line, my Sol has more power than my Miata and the Sol's torque is fantastic.
__________________
AKA xmm
First 1000 Order VIN # 000218 - Time Stamp 2:35:20 DEEP with Steel/Sand leather,
137,600+ miles on the odo and still goin' strong - My wife named my car "Nittany" after Penn State, my Alma Mater
Reborn at the factory at 57,100 miles
New water pump and timing chain at 104,181 miles
Exhaust cam solenoid valve at 121,000 miles WPASC ( Western PA Area Solstice Club )
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NASSOA
Founding Member #41
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Resting up for the Pgh. Vintage Grand Prix !"
I'm happy with my Solstice ... I drive it daily to work, I use to drive a Grand Am (also 4 Cyl), but this is a better ride.
When I want to have or feel more power, I just drive my CTS.
You mentioned ..."the next release will have more horsepower." Are you referring to the '07 Solstice GXP or have you heard the the base '07 Sol's 2.4 liter Ecotec will have more hp?
I was thinking of the 07 Solstice GXP - Sorry, I didn't make that clear. I think I may have to go test drive one, when they eventually make it to the dealer next year. I'd love to feel the difference.
Traded in a “95” Cad Seville for my Sol, yes I miss the power. 315hp is easy to miss even if it did weigh 1500# more. Hope to up power at some point or get a GPX in a couple of years. To quote Mark Donahue “ you have enough power when you leave two black strips from one corner to the next”. I bought my Sol expecting exactly what I got so no regrets. But I’d be the guy that would fry the dilithium crystals on the Enterprise.
__________________
Future so bright I have to wear shades!!!
Mean GXP (VIN 117835 11/06 )
Name: Growler
Name: Growler (Vin #4878) Traded for Mean GXP 3/19/07
Mean, dark side, ebony leather w/red stiching, LSD, ABS, AC, Monsoon 6CD changer, mats , headliner, stability control, XM, power pkg., convenience pkg., chrome wheels, sport peddles, Fiam Air Horns, Magnaflow, De-badged, shortened waste gate rod mod.
Garage Mates: 2005 Yamaha FJR1300, 2003 Yukon w/K&N CAI, 2003 Honda CRV
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Pontiac builds excitement... Saturn has rethought it's image...
The time has come for the enthusiasts... NASSOA
Founding Member - Northeast ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My previous daily driver (which I still have) is a '93 LT1 (300 hp) Corvette.
It may be my driving style but I feel the SOL is a little quicker in city driving. I know the rear end gear ratio has a lot to do with this. 80 mph and it's turning 2000 rpms.
Picked up the SOL 5/19/06 - mileage today 2265 -
miles on the 'vette since 5/19 - 60 (1 round trip to work)
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
)
Linear Mode
