Key Points • MX-5 is the more refined car
• Solstice is the sexier car
• MX-5 powertrain is smooth, powerful and refined
• Solstice steering and handling are superior
• Solstice is very cheap on the inside

Sixteen years ago, the Mazda Miata redefined a dead segment, spawning in the process a roadster revival that continues unabated today. As evidence, enthusiasts have been panting in anticipation for the arrival of the 2006 Pontiac Solstice, and now that the Solstice is on the road, everyone wants to know how it stacks up to the iconic MX-5 Miata, which is also all-new for 2006. We happened to be driving the new MX-5 Miata the week we took our test drive in the Solstice, and though we didn’t drive them back-to-back, here are our unvarnished impressions based on an unofficial comparison “test”:

Powertrain – Miata has a slicker shifter with shorter throws, and a more refined engine that is happy to run to the red. Solstice has a Colorado pickup truck gearbox with whine, lash, and longer throws that are sometimes clunky. Plus, we kept graunching third gear during quick downshifts. Solstice’s engine has a pleasing burble at low rpm, but the engine whines and thrashes as revs climb. Plus, the distance between the gearing in second and third is cavernous. Advantage = MIATA.

Braking – Miata pedal feels better with more natural progression and easier modulation. Solstice features less travel and feel. Brakes on either car are effective. Advantage = MIATA.

Handling – Miata’s steering is razor sharp, almost darty, and the steering wheel vibrates excessively in the driver’s hands. Plus, Miata exhibits a bit more body roll in tight turns. Solstice feels solidly planted, features very little body roll, and the steering is linear and light off center with a pleasing heft on center. Solstice’s wheel doesn’t dance in your hands like the Miata. The Pontiac is more confidence inspiring, even if the Solstice’s added heft is evident. Advantage = SOLSTICE.

Ride Quality – Solstice is a little more firm than Miata, feeling solidly planted but a bit more ponderous. Miata is lighter on its feet and better at soaking up bumps, but feels less connected to the road. Neither car beats up occupants. DRAW.

Fun to Drive – Miata is better at going and stopping, while Solstice is better at turning and handling. Differences, however, between powertrains and that light, tossable feel every roadster should have, weigh in favor of the Miata. Advantage = MIATA.

Comfort – Solstice has nice flat door panels and center console trim. Miata sticks cupholders on the doors, fer cryin’ out loud, which can dig into the driver’s left knee and cause painful bracing in quick right-handers. Both seats have more lumbar support dialed in than some might prefer. Miata quells wind buffeting better and has a superior trunk design, but Solstice is easier to get into and out of. Miata’s top is simpler to use. Advantage = MIATA.

Quality – Miata is a paragon of refinement compared to Solstice. Solstice has too much cheap, GM-truck-grade plastic slathered all over the interior. Plus, the Solstice’s exterior build quality was terrible, though our sample MX-5 could have used more attention to detail, too. Advantage = MIATA.

Design – Solstice is sexiest car on the outside, while Miata is preferable inside (except for stupid door-mounted cupholders). Ergonomically, it’s a draw. Advantage = SOLSTICE.