2006 Mazda MX-5 Vs. 2006 Pontiac Solstice

England invented it. America has attempted it. The Japanese perfected it. "It" being the moderately priced, front-engine roadster. How the tables have turned over the years. In little more than a decade, the Mazda Miata became the world's best-selling sports car. The prides of Britain--Triumph and MG--are long gone. And America has never really been in the game.

The balance changes with the arrival of the Pontiac Solstice, with its fraternal twin, the Saturn Sky, not far behind. By now, you know the new General Motors entries will run headlong into a new-from-scratch Miata--sorry, MX-5. The Miata name has been dumpstered for 2006, tossing away immeasurable brand equity for reasons nobody understands.

The Solstice rides on GM's new "Kappa" rear-drive chassis architecture and is powered by a 2.4-liter, 177-horsepower version of the Ecotec I-4 found in everything from Cobalts to Euro-market Opel minivans. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and an optional five-speed automatic will be phased in as production ramps up. Suspension is via upper/lower control arms front and rear, and four-wheel disc brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels are standard. The styling is like nothing else, the hood opens clamshell style, and the folding cloth top recesses beneath the rear deck. The Solstice is GM product chieftain Bob Lutz's personal baby, and he promised it would base at less than $20 grand. Which it does, by a five-spot.

In spite of the dumb name thing, Mazda knew enough not to mess with a winning formula, yet changed every nut, bolt, and grommet to arrive at this third-generation MX-5. It's two inches longer and 1.6 inches wider than the car it replaces, yet overall weight is about the same, depending upon options. The wheelbase has increased by 2.5 inches, opening up the cabin and giving the car a beefier stance. Too many American males branded the Miata a chick car, so a more macho look was important--and achieved. A fresh 2.0-liter four makes 170 horsepower over a wider powerband than the previous car's 1.8. A five-speed manual is standard, a six-speed stick is available, and the optional automatic also has six ratios. The chassis is stiffer,

the convertible top design has been simplified, and safety and standard equipment levels have increased.