 My prior soft top experience was with my TR8. The Miata GT is certainly more reliable, has more creature comforts, and handles better, but Grand Tourer it aint. Eight hours on the freeway in 100+ weather is not so good, I got leg cramps after 3 hours and the road noise even with the top up precluded conversation. Lack of handy cockpit storage and decent drink holders is a problem on long trips with two people, as is the lack of trunk space. That said, blasting along Angeles Crest in the early morning, or anywhere else, is guaranteed to get me smiling. I bought this car for fun not convenience, and it delivers.Follow-up = Still great fun to drive locally. I especially like the 3 second top up or down. Hit a deer but it was still drivable, so pretty stout as well! Repair cost wasn't too bad.Follow-up = Winter driving in the Dakotas turned out to be OK, the heated seats are great and the heater works well. Just dump the summer tires!