You have obviously never driven a honda 4 cyl or a BMW i6 to redline. Some engines can sound and feel really sweet past 6000rpm. Others just feel like nails on a chalk board. I don't even bother taking my Neon past 4000rpm. Huge contrast to the smooth power from my Volvo's inline 6
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Pontiac Solstice - ! ??
- Thread starter buster
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Yes, actually, I have. (I've also experienced the gutless feel of a Honda I4 at low RPMs. Suffice it to say I'd be begging for someone to shoot me if I had to drive one with a manual in rush-hour traffic). At higher RPMs including redline, the Duratec makes a nice growl that could be sampled and used in a videogame, it sounds that good. There's no vibration or harshness from it, either. I've actually hit the rev limiter in it many times because it's so smooth it's hard to tell you're getting up there.
I cannot say that about my Mustang 5.0--that engine lets you know you're getting close to redline (it's also pointless to rev it there, anyway since power starts dropping off before then which is in contrast with the Duratec which keeps the power going until redline).
I haven't taken the Neon's engine to redline. I haven't even driven one. I do think it's an insult to the Duratec to compare it to what powers the Neon. BTW, I saved my brother from buying one of those Neons, and I'm glad I did.
I cannot say that about my Mustang 5.0--that engine lets you know you're getting close to redline (it's also pointless to rev it there, anyway since power starts dropping off before then which is in contrast with the Duratec which keeps the power going until redline).
I haven't taken the Neon's engine to redline. I haven't even driven one. I do think it's an insult to the Duratec to compare it to what powers the Neon. BTW, I saved my brother from buying one of those Neons, and I'm glad I did.
The October C&D wasn't an actual comparison, just kind of a preview. In both mags I mentioned, they really seemed to like the Solstice despite liking the Miata a little more.
I haven't driven an Ecotec so I can't compare, but I like a smooth revving engine. I'm sure my Mazda3 is nothing special in this category, but it's better than most other vehicles I've driven. I love how it keeps building power and remains smooth all the way to 7100rpm. I wish I had a 6500rpm shift chime, since the rev limiter can occasionally sneak up on you!
The 2.4L quad-4 derived engine on my mother's Sunfire isn't quite as smooth, but certainly is acceptable and enjoyable in the 6000's. How does the Ecotec compare to that engine?
I haven't driven an Ecotec so I can't compare, but I like a smooth revving engine. I'm sure my Mazda3 is nothing special in this category, but it's better than most other vehicles I've driven. I love how it keeps building power and remains smooth all the way to 7100rpm. I wish I had a 6500rpm shift chime, since the rev limiter can occasionally sneak up on you!
The 2.4L quad-4 derived engine on my mother's Sunfire isn't quite as smooth, but certainly is acceptable and enjoyable in the 6000's. How does the Ecotec compare to that engine?
Isn't the powertrain in the Solstice already proven in other GM applications?
As I said, I've not heard about any problems with the Ecotec other than a couple of timing chain problems.
As far as the automatic goes, the 5L40E has apparently been used in BMWs since 1999.
As I said, I've not heard about any problems with the Ecotec other than a couple of timing chain problems.
As far as the automatic goes, the 5L40E has apparently been used in BMWs since 1999.
I briefly test-drove the Solstice just yesterday.
obviously I was interested in the natural comparisons to the new Miata, which I drove a couple weeks back.
The good:
-taut chassis/suspension
-direct steering feel(not overboosted, a pet peeve of mine)
-top stows cleanly (aesthetically, at least)
not so good:
-cheap looking interior surfaces and bits
-front visibility: super-thick A-pillar and upward-protruding fenders. as an Autocrosser, this would be a tough one to forgive.
All in all, while this is a worthy effort by GM, I agree with C&D in picking the Miata. none of those extra 400 lbs. the Solstice packs on do anything to help comfort or performance, versus the Mazda.
obviously I was interested in the natural comparisons to the new Miata, which I drove a couple weeks back.
The good:
-taut chassis/suspension
-direct steering feel(not overboosted, a pet peeve of mine)
-top stows cleanly (aesthetically, at least)
not so good:
-cheap looking interior surfaces and bits
-front visibility: super-thick A-pillar and upward-protruding fenders. as an Autocrosser, this would be a tough one to forgive.
All in all, while this is a worthy effort by GM, I agree with C&D in picking the Miata. none of those extra 400 lbs. the Solstice packs on do anything to help comfort or performance, versus the Mazda.
just as long it doesn't turn out to be another Fiero fiasco
There are a lot of differences between the Solstice and Fiero, not the least of which was the rear engine configuration of the Fiero, which made it a real oddball. From what I understand, based on a conversation with an engineer familiar with the car, the biggest issue with the Solstice is fit-and-finish. I've seen several of them in my position, including a test vehicle or two, and have noticed some problems in this area. If you take a close look at the car, you can see that the way the body structure is designed is a little unconventional for GM. I don't mean that in a bad way, just that the car seems to be proving a challenge in terms of lining things up straight. I haven't heard anything about unusual mechanical problems. Besides, that Ecotech engine is well proven. The car also has a near 50/50 weight distribution, which is great for handling.
If it were me, I'd give them a year to sort out the fit-and-finish. If that doesn't bother you, go right ahead.
In terms of production numbers, they're currently building 20 - 25k cars per year. Starting in January, the plant that builds the car is adding a third shift that will boost the output to 30 - 35k cars per year. There is apparently quite a waiting list for the car right now.
If it were me, I'd give them a year to sort out the fit-and-finish. If that doesn't bother you, go right ahead.
In terms of production numbers, they're currently building 20 - 25k cars per year. Starting in January, the plant that builds the car is adding a third shift that will boost the output to 30 - 35k cars per year. There is apparently quite a waiting list for the car right now.
Funny you should say that. In 1995 when the Neon came out all the magazines were raving about how advanced and refined the Neon was. They called it car of the year and even had a whole dedicated racing series built around it with ACR cars prepped from the factory. Now its some kind of automotive pariah. I wonder if the Solstice will go the way of the Neon in 10 years.quote:
I do think it's an insult to the Duratec to compare it to what powers the Neon. BTW, I saved my brother from buying one of those Neons, and I'm glad I did.
Here's my source:quote:
Not saying you are wrong, but C&D is usually a pretty good source.
http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=103570
And what did I say about automotive journalists?
Wait, that's not fair..it is advanced and refined..compared to the Dodge Shadow it replaced.
Given that most cars are kept in production for about 5 years or so, I would hope that the Solstice isn't around (in it's present form) in 10 years.
Wait, that's not fair..it is advanced and refined..compared to the Dodge Shadow it replaced.
Given that most cars are kept in production for about 5 years or so, I would hope that the Solstice isn't around (in it's present form) in 10 years.
Where does the front license plate go.... . . .
My boss ordered his a long time agao. His is one of the first 1,000 made and had a ittle plaque on the dash indicating so. It is a small car with absolutely no storage space.
It's pretty good looking, but the complete lack of practicality would keep me from buying one.
It's pretty good looking, but the complete lack of practicality would keep me from buying one.
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