I live in the Detroit area, and see the new Solstices running around. GM has given them to a good number of employees for testing purposes. They are extremely cool little roadsters. The fact that they start at $19,000 got me to thinking about picking up a little roadster as a second car. I'm driving a Jeep liberty and really miss having a sportscar.

So I put my order in for a Solstice. Right now if you put an order in, it probably won't be pulled until next year. However out of twist of luck my dealer called me and said my order would go in on Monday. So I'm geeked!

But then, I just saw they are offering S2000's for $299/month on a lease. I've always loved the S2000, but just couldn't justify a $600/month payment for a "pleasure" car. So now that Honda has lost their mind and offered this little monster for such a cheap price, I'm torn.

The solstice and the S2000 both pull .90 g's on the skidpad. The S2000 motor is heads and shoulders above the Solstice motor. They both use transmissions from the same company (Aisin), albiet the Solstice has a 5 speed. The Solstice styling is considerably better in my opinion. Both interiors look excellent. The solstice definately has the "gotta have it" factor. The price (if I were to lease either of them) is almost identical. Over 36 months they would both cost me $14,000.

 

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!S2000!!!!!!AP1woooooooooooo!!!! !!or AP2 yeaaaaaaaaaa solstice suk 8====D. HONDAA!!!!

but seriously, dude, this is an !S2000! forum, my estimate is 98% vote for the obv choice of an s2k. if you realllllly want a forum to vote on which car YOU should buy, take it to a neutral forum like a miata, evo, Z, or some other car forum.

EDIT:
p.s. i voted for the solstice

 

hey doc, please get a solstice because we don't want to see another S2000 on the road. BTW, you're a doctor why you gotta be so cheap?

 

Saturn Sky styling > Solstice styling

but S2000 styling > *

 

I think the Solstice looks like it is rear heavy.... The S looks more balanced. I like the look of the Solstice a little more (more flowing lines). Styling wise....the Solstice wins (the S hasnt been really redesigned since inception 6 years ago). Performance wise (based solely on paper....as I have not driven the Solstice yet) the S2000 wins hands down. PLUS that 8-9k redline! SEXY!!!

John

 

Heh, Doc is just a nickname I've had since I've been a kid. I'm by no means rich.

 

I'm not feeling this shot, at all.

Being from Motown, I feel your pain. Buy American.

 

^Nice looking shot of the Solstice BTW

For even money you'd have to be insane to take the Solstice over the S2000, and this is coming from someone who thinks the Solstice/Sky are going to be great little roadsters. I don't think the S2000 competition will arrive until the Sky Redline version. I've not looked into the lease details on the Solstice but it appears that you're saying a 36 month lease on the Solstice also comes in around ~$14K, if so that is terrible (shoot, that's worse than terrible), you'd be better off financing for 60 and then trading it at 36 if you feel the desire to do so at that point.

 

I believe, like the S2000, the solstice have a nearly 50/50 weight distribution. I suspect that even though they both put up similar numbers on the skidpad, that the S2000 probably has better handling manners. If I know GM, the lawyers made the engineers dial in a whole bunch of understeer.

You hit the nail on the head. One has the edge in performance, and the other had the edge in style. Neither one are slouches in either category though. It's too bad the turbo version of the Solstice isn't coming out until '07.

If I could just afford to swap an S2000 engine into a solstice the problem would be solved.

 

It sounds like you are really excited about the Solstice. Go for it. Personally I think the better comparison is Miata and Solstice, not S2000 and Solstice. Between the Miata and Solstice, I would take the Miata. And I would never lease a car.