That just goes to show that numbers don't tell the whole story. But if you were going for the numbers approach, I'd be more impressed with some lap times. I mean a Cobalt SS turbo pulled some amazing numbers when it ran the VIR for the C&Ds lightening lap--much faster than cars twice the price with more hp. However, the key to a sports car isn't so much numbers as it feel and balance. I'm not a huge miata fan, but if I'm honest, the subjective qualities of the miata are exactly what make it an excellent sports car and the MUCH faster Cobalt SS turbo just a quick sports compact.

You take something like the SL63 which without a doubt will be faster than a miata in pretty much any performance category and it's still more GT than sports car.