Solstice buyers. Did you consider an MX5?

[DorianJGrey]

Ordered the solstice based on style. I never considered the MX-5, and the style of the Solstice more than makes up for the performance edge of the Z4, S2000, and Boxster. Guess I'm finally old enough to realize I don't really need a 300+hp car for daily cruising.

[dave clancy]

Originally Posted by danlbrau I thinkthe MX-5 is a great car, but while it is probably a better car than the Solstice, I just fell in love with the styling of the Sol and bought it on looks alone. Never considered the MX-5, although I did own a 1994 and loved it.

I disagee that the mx5 is a better car its foreign car, would buy an american car anyday over a foreign car the mx5 is dated I never knew there was a mx5 till they tried to compare this american beauty I never acknowleged it

[dave clancy]

Originally Posted by Uptownmarie Besides, there is no comparison in styling, imho

[vetteman]

Originally Posted by Fformula88 There has been some discussion here and on Miata.net recently about the sales figures of the MX5, the under invoice prices MX5's are being purchased at, and whether the Solstice is actually stealing sales from the MX5. So I am curious how many of our Solstice owners did consider an MX5, or would have had their not been a Solstice.

AMERICAN MADE IS THE ONLY WAY!!!!!

[Sol_Man]

It was on my agenda to drive one after testing(riding) the Sol, but that exciting "bar of soap" styling didn't quite cut it for me.

I could have gotten a good deal on a MX-5 through a friend of mine in K.C. that is the Gen Sales Mgr. (Near the hotel some people are staying for the KC Nat'l. Solstice gathering, wanna drive through there? )

[Fformula88]

So far over 75% of respondents have indicated that they did not consider the purchase of an MX-5 which is interesting. With all the internet chatter, and magazine comparos pitting these two up against each other and making comparisons, and so far most Solstice buyers are not really comparing the two in their purchase decision anyway.

From people's opinions, it looks like a lot of buyers were attracted by the styling, and the fact it is from an American manufacturer, and not necessarily which one would squeek out a win in head to head driving.

[AztekzRpurty]

I considered the NB, but too small.

Then saw the Sol concept, and knew that was what I wanted.

I kept an open mind when I heard about the NC, but once I saw pictures, I basically knew it was Sol all the way for me. I drove a NC around the zoom zoom autocross thing, and loved it. Would recommend it in a minute for anyone who liked the styling better, but haven't met anyone like that yet.

[Ex-Miata Man]

When I saw the new Mazda I was turned off. I liked the styling of my 2000 Miata, but not the new cars. The Solstice still seems to me to be a purer version of styling. I don't know what new car I would have looked at if the Sol had not come out. Thankfully, it was a decision I did not have to make.

[SATCH]

Originally Posted by escrayzee does that apply to every single item you purchase?

:
Aren't we getting just a little worked up over the fact that I would rather buy American.I can see any answer I give wouldn't be one you would be satisfied with.End of discussion.

[jimbo]

Originally Posted by Fformula88 So far over 75% of respondents have indicated that they did not consider the purchase of an MX-5 which is interesting. With all the internet chatter, and magazine comparos pitting these two up against each other and making comparisons, and so far most Solstice buyers are not really comparing the two in their purchase decision anyway. From people's opinions, it looks like a lot of buyers were attracted by the styling, and the fact it is from an American manufacturer, and not necessarily which one would squeek out a win in head to head driving.

This is why they don't let car enthusiasts completely run auto companies. Folks like us would demand all these arcane performance enhancements. Then some lady would show up and say, "its not cute enough and not in light blue" and you are toast, or some guy will say, "where's the V8 model" and you are toast.

The enthusiast community is so marginal in sales against all the Ford Focuses and Honda Civics out there, you have to wonder why car makers bother to worry about performance at all - except for marketing. Make race cars that win LeMans and F1, and all the rest of your cars can be slow econoboxes because people will still want your cars, if they are really good econoboxes. Incredible.

This poll has been HUGELY enlightening. I would have thought they would be direct competitors, and this poll appears they are not.

Then again, using my logic above this poll is worthless for knowing if they compete or not, since we are the enthusiast community. Among Joe midlife crisis, he might well have said he wanted a cheap roadster and looked at both of them.

[RODEO]

Originally Posted by AztekzRpurty I considered the NB, but too small. Then saw the Sol concept, and knew that was what I wanted. I kept an open mind when I heard about the NC, but once I saw pictures, I basically knew it was Sol all the way for me. I drove a NC around the zoom zoom autocross thing, and loved it. Would recommend it in a minute for anyone who liked the styling better, but haven't met anyone like that yet.

Aztek is a smart person! NB too small (and hey - I own two). Sol has winner looks. NC, may be fun, but styling hurts it's value to many here.

But looking at Aztek's avatar still reminds me - had the NC MX5 had the looks, like maybe a smaller Sosltice, they very well could have had my business - I still consider the Solstice slightly too large (much like I consider the NB too small) - I want a smaller Solstice - which the NC very well could have been

[RODEO]

Originally Posted by Fformula88 So far over 75% of respondents have indicated that they did not consider the purchase of an MX-5 which is interesting. With all the internet chatter, and magazine comparos pitting these two up against each other and making comparisons, and so far most Solstice buyers are not really comparing the two in their purchase decision anyway. From people's opinions, it looks like a lot of buyers were attracted by the styling, and the fact it is from an American manufacturer, and not necessarily which one would squeek out a win in head to head driving.

many here may have voted wrong however - note many said they never considered it because of the styling, but that actually means they did consider it, and dismissed it. At least that's the way I see it - think the question wasn't defined enough to seperate out that difference.

[mena661]

Originally Posted by jimbo This poll has been HUGELY enlightening.

I don't own the car yet but what made me decide was that this car will have roughly the same power to weight ratio as a 350Z but with a convertible top, and more aftermarket potetial (turbo engine stock - GXP). Styling wasn't a deciding factor but the car definitely looks better than the Z.

[mceb]

Originally Posted by Fformula88 So far over 75% of respondents have indicated that they did not consider the purchase of an MX-5 which is interesting. With all the internet chatter, and magazine comparos pitting these two up against each other and making comparisons, and so far most Solstice buyers are not really comparing the two in their purchase decision anyway. From people's opinions, it looks like a lot of buyers were attracted by the styling, and the fact it is from an American manufacturer, and not necessarily which one would squeek out a win in head to head driving.

Actually shows what GM said would happen...this car would bring new buyers to the roadster market

Cross link with the older poll on what would you buy if there was no Solstice, had 8-9% saying MX-5.
Which car would you be buying if there was no Solstice?

[dtayls]

Originally Posted by mceb Actually shows what GM said would happen...this car would bring new buyers to the roadster market

They got it right in my case. IMHO it's all about styling and for me the Solstice has it hands down. I had no plans to enter the roadster market till I saw the prototype, after that it was all over. To me 0-60 in 0.2 seconds faster has no impact on my buying decision. I fully recognize there are those though where 'the numbers' make a bigger difference. Bottom line, it's 'whatever floats your boat'.

Originally Posted by mceb Cross link with the older poll on what would you buy if there was no Solstice, had 8-9% saying MX-5.

Not sure if I fit into their poll or not, if it wasn't for the Solstice I'd probably buy a second motorcycle.