Originally Posted by Mike-in-Orange

I don't mind the looks of the Solstice but find the Sky to be the much better looking of the pair - it actually has some character while the Solstice has that same "careful" styling as the recent GTO. Obviously the performance of the turbo versions is great, but being an ex Miata owner I'm perfectly fine driving a well balanced car with modest horsepower so even the N/A versions can be quite enjoyable.

But I do have a serious issue with the roof on either car, and it's actually a deal breaker for me. In the Miata you just flipped a couple of latches and tossed the top over your shoulder - it was down in literally 5 seconds, if not less. Raising it was a simple matter of reaching back over you shoulder to pull it up, then close the two latches. Done. With the GM twins you actually have to exit the vehicle and walk around it to unsnap the buttress on the passenger side, and repeat the process to put the top back up.

I used to love stopping at a light with a Solstice/Sky next to me in my Miata (or behind me, in front, whatever) and make sure they were looking, then either drop the top or raise it. You know, just to screw with 'em a little. I see more of these cars driving around with the top up....I assume that's due to the hassle. Pity.

Oh, and the complete lack of trunk space further kills it for me. Last weekend I drove the Crossfire to and from Buttonwillow Raceway Park with the top down. In the trunk I had my suitcase, detail kit, folding chair, 6 pack cooler and laptop briefcase, which is a rather sizable piece in its own right. I only needed to put my helmet bag on the floor of the passenger side. In the Miata it all would have gone in the trunk with plenty of room to spare. In the Solstice/Sky, I would have needed to FedEx it all to the motel the day before I left.