Which do you prefer; the Saturn Sky or the Pontiac Solstice?

[ReadTomPaine]

These cars, a pair of fun-to-drive convertibles based on GM’s new Kappa architecture, are virtually identical mechanically. They both have 177 horsepower, weight in at a surprisingly hefty 2875 pounds and run to 60 mph in ~7 seconds. Turbo versions of both are coming soon that will add another 85 HP for more hardcore speed fans.

The Solstice starts at 20k, quite a bit less than the 24k Sky. Saturn counters with better interior materials, a more carefully calibrated ride & more standard equipment (AC, ABS, cruise, power interior and an insulated headliner being the main upgrades). Saturn’s trademark buying experience may also be a plus for some.

Here they are – which do you prefer?


Pontiac Solstice:






Saturn Sky

[tokenlib]

1. Does the Sky have the polymer panels???

If so, it wins for sure. If not--it isn't "really" a Saturn to us diehard Saturn loyalists. I can't wait to see it!!

[ReadTomPaine]

3. Saturn is taking a new turn - according the GM...

They are becoming the venue for products made for GM of Europe (Opel).

Here's an interview excerpt with Bryan Nesbitt (Head of GM European Design)

AutoWeek: So, Saturns will be Opels from now on?

Nesbitt: Well, in large part, yes, but there will be exceptions. For instance, the new Outlook SUV is simply too large for Europe and something like the next Opel Corsa or Agila is too small for North America. But the core models will be mostly identical, apart from the brand touches.

AW: Everyone is saying how Saturn will benefit, but what’s in it for Opel?

Nesbitt: Opel has excellent fit-and-finish at that mid-price point and will definitely bring that perceived quality aspect to Saturn. Saturn has great warm interior design execution, which is something Opel is lacking.

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060427/FREE/60424018&SearchID=73243058613730

Those flexible panels were very durable and had a lot of pluses, but they also featured huge gaps and occasional rattle problems that gave some models a low rent ambiance.

[Fenris]

2. Tough choice. Id have to say the Sky.

It looks and sounds like it's worth the extra investment.

[ReadTomPaine]

8. Personally I would have to agree.

4K is quite a surcharge in this price segment, but the standard equipment upgrades are significant and I much prefer the looks of the Sky, which has its styling roots in a Vauxhall version of the previous Lotus Elise.

Once you start looking at the turbo version however, the choice gets tougher. I expect around a 5k premium for the turbo versions of both, and the Sky starts to make much less sense at 30k to me. A Solstice GXP would run the same price as a regular Sky, and that's a much harder sell for Saturn. The Turbo is expected to run in the low 5's, and that's fast.

[American Tragedy]

4. Ohhh, at first I thought this was a weird astrological question.

Hard for me to say, since I know little about automobiles. They're similarly sexy-looking cars; the bottom interior shot of the sky almost looks unreal, with the contrasting red and black.

[RevCheesehead]

5. I'm a Saturn owner, and love, love, love my car!

But I'm probably more in the price range of an Ion. :)

[alarimer]

6. OOOH I want one!

The Saturn I think. I think I have found my next car! (How I will transport a kayak with it is a problem, I admit)

[El Fuego]

7. I like the retro look of the Solstice

They are basically the same car with different option packages. GM makes them both.

[ReadTomPaine]

9. While I don't care for the 'trademark' twin kidney Pontiac grill...

the smooth lines are somewhat German/British retro, I agree.

[El Fuego]

15. To me, the Sky looks like a "poor man's Corvette"

I just read an article written by a guy who really liked the cars, but wants to wait and see if they turn into "girl's cars" before he buys one. He said if 16 year old girls start getting them as birthday presents, it will ruin it for him. I had to laugh!

[Oeditpus Rex]

10. I'll take the Corvette Summer

[ReadTomPaine]

11. As a fan of C3 Corvettes, I alway thought what they did to the car...

in that movie was hideous! It looked better stock...

I can't believe I actually saw this film when it was new. (shakes head)

[Oeditpus Rex]

12. I know

"Corvette Summer" automatically popped into my head, but what they did to that car was criminal.

[NNadir]

13. I'll take whichever one has the lowest environmental impact.

If I was going to get a two seater, it would be a Honda Insight, a far sexier car.

[Momgonepostal]

14. After having owned a Pontiac Sunbird years ago,

I say I would NEVER, EVER own anything named Pontiac again. I was mechanically, the absolute worst car I've ever owned.

So, I'd go with the Saturn, because it's not a Pontiac.

[El Fuego]

16. I've had two Pontiac Firebirds

Both great cars. I have a 2000 and I've never had any problems (knock on wood).

But I too used to drive a Sunbird, and it was the worse car I've ever had. What a shitty little car!!! :puke:

Firebirds, TransAms and Camaros were manufactured at their own factory in Canada, so I wonder if that makes a difference. Because I think they are quality cars.

[havocmom]

17. Who makes the tranny for the Saturn?

Last time I drove one, I lived the tranny

[ReadTomPaine]

18. It's an Aisin 5-Speed stick, short throw..

the automotive press loves the shifting action. An automatic 5 speed is coming later for the shiftless set ;)

[havocmom]

19. Then I vote the Saturn

zippy trannies rock

[Nicole]

20. Saturn Sky

[bluecrush]

21. Sky cops a meaner attitude

and the softer suspension can be a good thing. :)