by ozone » Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:57 pm
3230 pounds is NOT heavy. That is lighter than a new Volkswagon GTI. Most cars the size of the Solara weigh much more than that. In fact, I recently saw an automotive report that essentially said that people's perceptions that small cars are more dangerous are really not that well founded, because even small cars continue to gain weight. In 2005 the lightest new car you could buy (I'm pretty sure) was an MR2 Spyder weighing in at 2195 pounds about 100 pounds lighter than a Miata. But in the 80's you could buy an 1800 pound Honda CRX. Just check around and you will find that there are far fewer cars that weigh in under 3000 pounds these days.
The Solara isn't a limousine or anything, but I wouldn't call it a compact car either. Check out this smattering of cars and try to remember the size of the trunk on the Solara and the overall size.
2008 Corvette Z06 = 3132 lbs.
2007 Porsche Boxter S = 2987 lbs.
2008 Audi TT quattro V6 = 3152 lbs.
2007 Hyundai Azera = 3629 lbs.
2007 G35 Coupe = 3524 lbs.
2005 G35 Sedan = 3485 lbs.
2005 Acura TL = 3481 lbs.
2007 Ford Mustang GT (V8) = 3483 lbs.
