The Maachi is somewhat brick-like... I didn't weight it, but it "felt" and flew like it was very heavy with a Saito 65 in it. No low speed capabilities at all.

I haven't flown it much after it stalled on landing and the wood in the firewall disentegrated (rather than popping out like most). The cowl survived where the wood did not so I'd say Matt's statement about improved plastics is probably true. Personally I would have preferred the cowl be less rigid than the wood in this case though