The Solara is remarkably quiet with the top down. There is little noise from the engine/exhaust and even less from the tires. Wind noise is also well controlled. The Pontiac was not excessively loud, but the Toyota was much quieter.
Both cars were pretty smooth during the test drive, but the Toyota did a better job absorbing small bumps. Neither car felt unsettled or shaky during the test drive. Upon further driving, the Toyota does exhibit cowl shake under some conditions.
The Toyota Solara SLE is much better equipped than the Pontiac G6 GT. The Toyota has heated leather seats, automatic climate control, HID projector low beams and a 6-disc MP3/WMA-compatible CD changer.
Neither car has an active roll-over protection system as seen in the Volvo C70, Saab 9-3, VW Eos, BMW 3-series, etc. However, the Toyota does have large, non-adjustable rear head restraints for the same purpose.
The Solara felt more "convertible" than the Pontiac did with both cars' tops down. In my normal driving position, the Toyota headliner is in front of me, not over my head, so I see plenty of sky over my head.