+John Connelly Yeah for a car that light 155 hp is plenty. I have a blast in my 86 Fiero GT and it only has 140 hp and weighs more 2700lbs vs Miata at 2200lbs.
+John Connelly My 500 Abarth weighs about the same, and it's got 160 HP and 170 Tq. And you're right, these light cars are so fun, they feel like a better driving experience. But you always want more power. Even with my last car, an SS Camaro with over 400 HP, I wanted more. But light and fun wins my heart at the end of the day.
+John Connelly I pick up my Australian spec ND tomorrow, with the even smaller 1.5L engine, It is even slower, but it revs to 7600, weighs less than the 2.0 and still makes your mouth hurt from grinning so much. Thats what i really want from a car, that's why i bought it.
+John Connelly I'll have the Mazda MX-5 Miata please. After test driving it, the purity is addictive. It's crazy fun to drive, and 155 HP is enough for the streets. It'll put a smile on your face, and won't get you in trouble with the law.
in case you where wondering here are the lap times until now : 1. Cadillac CTS-V 1:38:52 2. Mercedes Benz AMG C-Class 63s 1:40:50 3. Lexus RC F 1:43:20 4. Mazda Miata 1:50.68
Back in 2009, Randy tested the NC Miata and ran 1.5 seconds slower than this car. In 2012, Randy tested the BRZ and ran 0.6 seconds slower than this car. Nice job, Mazda!
***** because you can buy a mid engine porsche for less on the used market. And a NA miata to go with it. This car is actually very similar to a boxster or cayman though, its the same dyamics just the porsche is more of everything, more space, more power, more luxury, more practical, more badge, better handling. Its the same phiospohy as the miata just it doubles down on everything, so when you can buy a cayman S on autotrader instead of a quickly depreciating mx5, the porsche is by all means MORE VALUE for money, and who doesnt want that!
Truly amazing a modern manufacturer can capture the essence of the 'sports car', the roadsters I enjoyed nearly 50 years ago, with the qualities of ride, handling and reliability the MG's and Triumph's of my era never had. I might just have to buy one of these little gems.
Gen 4 is awesome inside and out. Saw one at my local dealership. The simple manual latch for the roof is superior to anything else on the market. Perfect vehicle.
I saw this new Miata in person, and I had to do a double take thinking it was some higher sports car or something. I'm half tempted to buy one add 150hp or so and bring on the big boys. This thing looks like a lot of fun.
Got a Sport last week, it is the perfect car for the tight NH backroads. Here most turns don't have good views through the turns, you can't see the exit at the entrance, so it is slow in and nail it when you can see the exit. So far great fun, and isn't that the point? I'm not riding Ducatis anymore, I have much the same sort of fun in my ND as my departed 900 Supersport, slower though. Had a 1099, too much power can spoil things.
Looking forward to drive one of these next year. I think it's going to come in 2nd place behind the Cayman GT4 if they're really looking for the best drivers car they should go for the manual transmission cars.
I wish, when Randy Pobst driving a MT Car, there would be camera angle, that catches pedals and stick, just like in Best Motoring videos. It would be very interesting.
This Mazda is very fast.Only 4 seconds slower than the VW Golf R who has twice the power and 7 seconds slower than the Bentley GT3-R who has almost 4 times more horse power and is made for track.Its amazing how the little Mazda keeps up to the big rivals.
seems the trim with the brembo brakes is a must-have. so long for paying 26k =( big brake kits for this car will be 4-7k easily with how popular it will become
Normally i think this would be one of the top 3, But given MTs credentials, I highly doubt it, But IMO, This is still one of the true cars today thats sticks to its faithful formula.
I understand the reengineering and I understand making it lighter. All of that is awesome what I don't understand is the previous Miata had more horsepower and now this has less. Why not put the previous engine in or why not put the SKYACTIV engine from the Mazda 6 that has 184 horsepower?
It'll probably take a few years off of Randy's life (traumatic experiences tend to do that) but you guys should give the General Mayhem a couple of laps on Mazda Raceway for S&G's. It'd be interesting to say the least :D
+blurkies1 The vtec engine is amazing, but not suited for the MX5. The torque-curve would make the car unpredictable and unstable, quite the opposite from what a MX5 is made for. In an MX5, you want a usable toque-curve, and the vtec engine only goes on top-rpm.
+jeffS197 Yes that's true but 16 years of development and still a power deficit that large is rather strange. Especially when considering that horsepower gains for small engines have been skyrocketing the last few years.
+DeSjeft The torque figure only increases with 20 ft-lbs when in VTEC compared to not running high RPM's so that's an invalid argument. When not in the VTEC-range it produces around 140hp which is quite similar to the new MX-5.
+jeffS197 I agree with you on the emissions part, but the S2000 has by no means very low torque. As far as I know 153-161 ft-lbs is pretty equal to this MX-5. As for the straight line part the S2000 is as much a straight line car as is the MX-5, in other words, it isn't. The S2000 was definitely aimed at a different type of customer but that still doesn't explain the huge power differential after all these years. If they wanted lower power the should have opted for a 1,6l engine.
I just bought one and am waiting on the car to get off of the container ship but I'd probably put my money on the Cayman GT4. If I could afford one I'd have one.
This car is not fast, but who cares? you have fun! thats what matters, to everyday people who buy it anyway, u get a smile on ur face when u drive down that twisty road, and thats a drivers car, I wont say it will win, but it has its chances :)
Let's not forget this car is only 30,000 dollars compared to most of its competition being well over 50,000.with only an extra 15,000 dollars this miata could easily be just as fast as a Porsche or an AMG
10 seconds slower than the atsv. impressive if you ask me. few thousand spent on better brakes, tires and some more power and you got a much cheaper car that can hang with the ats. not too bad
I'm disapointed with the power output of the miata. Ofcourse it doesnt need 500HP but an older car like the S2000 or Civic type r gets almost 250HP out of a 2L displacement NA engine. 150 is just plain weak in a modern sporty car of this day and age.
Love, love, love this car. Have a BMW, which is faster, but this car is a joy to drive. Very nimble, responsive and agile. Makes my 40 min commute a daily adventure, 😁
For all you folks disappointed with the 155 HP number: drive the car. Then let's see how you feel about it.
+John Connelly It's so much better than I went in expecting when I test drove one
+John Connelly Yeah for a car that light 155 hp is plenty. I have a blast in my 86 Fiero GT and it only has 140 hp and weighs more 2700lbs vs Miata at 2200lbs.
+John Connelly My 500 Abarth weighs about the same, and it's got 160 HP and 170 Tq. And you're right, these light cars are so fun, they feel like a better driving experience. But you always want more power. Even with my last car, an SS Camaro with over 400 HP, I wanted more. But light and fun wins my heart at the end of the day.
+John Connelly I pick up my Australian spec ND tomorrow, with the even smaller 1.5L engine, It is even slower, but it revs to 7600, weighs less than the 2.0 and still makes your mouth hurt from grinning so much.
Thats what i really want from a car, that's why i bought it.
+John Connelly I'll have the Mazda MX-5 Miata please. After test driving it, the purity is addictive. It's crazy fun to drive, and 155 HP is enough for the streets. It'll put a smile on your face, and won't get you in trouble with the law.
in case you where wondering here are the lap times until now :
1. Cadillac CTS-V 1:38:52
2. Mercedes Benz AMG C-Class 63s 1:40:50
3. Lexus RC F 1:43:20
4. Mazda Miata 1:50.68
Thanks captain!
+dominic graber So 10 seconds slower than an AMG, I'd take that
@@lal2235 The AMG is wicket in a straight line but it's super heavy and you have to slow down in curves way more than with the miata
The answer is always Miata.
It's "Miata Is Always The Answer". That way the acronym is MIATA.
Great Mazda at Mazda Laguna Seca.
Back in 2009, Randy tested the NC Miata and ran 1.5 seconds slower than this car. In 2012, Randy tested the BRZ and ran 0.6 seconds slower than this car. Nice job, Mazda!
+GT6SuzukaTimeTrials quciker than a brz... nice! This car is still too expensive in the world of used mid engine porsches though.
***** because you can buy a mid engine porsche for less on the used market. And a NA miata to go with it.
This car is actually very similar to a boxster or cayman though, its the same dyamics just the porsche is more of everything, more space, more power, more luxury, more practical, more badge, better handling. Its the same phiospohy as the miata just it doubles down on everything, so when you can buy a cayman S on autotrader instead of a quickly depreciating mx5, the porsche is by all means MORE VALUE for money, and who doesnt want that!
+TheBIGJake111 Then compare a used Miata to a used Porsche.
Stephen Peterson ill compare the two things that cost the same.
I do see your point if I could afford a new car I'd just get a used nicer car.
I would place my bet on this car..
+Chrstian “Driver” mrclep mazda on mazda leguna = win
I don't know, I feel like the cayman gt4 is going to pull ahead of it
Pooper the Ultimate Scooper oh ya, forgot about that car .
I am placing my bet on:
1. Z06
2. Porsche
3. Miata
+WhatIWant Nope, the AMG GT is going to win.
as always a pleasure to watch randy. He is awesome at communicating his expirience of the cars.
Truly amazing a modern manufacturer can capture the essence of the 'sports car', the roadsters I enjoyed nearly 50 years ago, with the qualities of ride, handling and reliability the MG's and Triumph's of my era never had. I might just have to buy one of these little gems.
love the sound of this miata, its clean and crisp
At last an actual "Drivers Car"!
You finally got to use your left foot Randy. ;-)
If Randy says it's a fun car, then it's a must have!
155 HP and 1:50:68 in laguna that`s impresive!!
was he doing the straight lines in slow motion? :P
1. Cadillac CTS-V - 1:38.52
2. Mercedes-AMG C63 S - 1:40.5
3. Lexus RC F - 1:43.20
4. Mazda MX-5 Miata - 1:50.68
+Leo Khedr ...Mazda at only 155hp wins!!!......YAY!!!....
What a lovely little car.
We need more of those in this world
It's just amazing watching how well this man can push the car to its very limits.
GT4 Cayman is going to take this year
GT S
+JDLARSON11 The magazine results are out already..
Gen 4 is awesome inside and out. Saw one at my local dealership. The simple manual latch for the roof is superior to anything else on the market. Perfect vehicle.
When is the next greatest drag race video
+Dizzle Dee World's Greatest Drag Race 5 debuts this Friday, Oct 2!
+Motor Trend Channel yes thank you I've been waiting all year lol.
+Motor Trend Channel get a gt350r for it ! pls
+Motor Trend Channel can you at least tell us the list of cars in it I can't wait till Friday I must know.
+Dizzle Dee maybe the cars that did the lap time and that video it did 5 days ago
That sure is a sweet little car, and Randy you are great.
Thanks
1. Mercedes AMG GT S - 1:35.57
2. Porsche Cayman GT4 - 1:37.43
3. Cadillac CTS-V - 1:38.52
4. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (Z07 Package - Engine problems, down on power) - 1:38.60
5. Cadillac ATS-V (Automatic) - 1:39.65
6. Cadillac ATS-V (Manual) - 1:40.18
7. Mercedes-AMG C63 S - 1:40.50
8. Lexus RC F - 1:43.20
9. Bentley Continental GT3-R - 1:43.51
10. Volkswagen Golf R - 1:46.95
11. Mazda MX-5 Miata - 1:50.68
I saw this new Miata in person, and I had to do a double take thinking it was some higher sports car or something. I'm half tempted to buy one add 150hp or so and bring on the big boys. This thing looks like a lot of fun.
+MaxwellReviresco Same. I mistook it for a BMW Z4. When I realized it was the new Miata I was surprised.
MT: Did you do anything to the car at all before Laguna? Alignment? What tires were you running, stock? Any mods at all?
Got a Sport last week, it is the perfect car for the tight NH backroads. Here most turns don't have good views through the turns, you can't see the exit at the entrance, so it is slow in and nail it when you can see the exit. So far great fun, and isn't that the point? I'm not riding Ducatis anymore, I have much the same sort of fun in my ND as my departed 900 Supersport, slower though. Had a 1099, too much power can spoil things.
How would this car fit as a commuter between Salinas, Santa Cruz and Monterey? Would the ride be to stiff for daily driving?
is this one vs the Cayman Gt4. Hands down.
Randy is such a cool dude.
Clear winner
The telemetry is cool, would be nice to have a tach and gearbox indicator as well.
It is too good and too reliable to get it as new, I'd take it as used any day. But new? No.
especially since the car is a bit pricy new, used is totally worth it.
got my vote!!!
I have a feeling this car will be the winner. Miata has always been a drivers car.
Looking forward to drive one of these next year. I think it's going to come in 2nd place behind the Cayman GT4 if they're really looking for the best drivers car they should go for the manual transmission cars.
are those wide angle lens on the gopros?
I wish, when Randy Pobst driving a MT Car, there would be camera angle, that catches pedals and stick, just like in Best Motoring videos. It would be very interesting.
The last 2 cars will probably be the gts and the z06
By the way Randy, what happened to the racing line man? MT should make more of that.
hi, you mentioned brake fade. plz its critical to know if that was the brembo pkg on this one. plz we have to know.
brake fade is from street oriented pads and fluid. the rotors and calipers themselves are good, just need to upgrade the consumables
okay thx.
mx5 is a standard of the public sportscar
This Mazda is very fast.Only 4 seconds slower than the VW Golf R who has twice the power and 7 seconds slower than the Bentley GT3-R who has almost 4 times more horse power and is made for track.Its amazing how the little Mazda keeps up to the big rivals.
You hit the nail on the head with the MX-5 - it doesn't have to have a ton of HP to be a fun car to drive!
very cool see the new mazda mx5 all ways like them they have the perfect weight power ratio
I would love to see the one takes from the helmet cam for all of these videos. Any chance of that happening?
seems the trim with the brembo brakes is a must-have. so long for paying 26k =( big brake kits for this car will be 4-7k easily with how popular it will become
I'm not sure what kind of question you are trying to ask, but this car is most probably the answer.
I love your show
That looked the most fun. Mazda should make a XL version for large people.
Normally i think this would be one of the top 3, But given MTs credentials, I highly doubt it, But IMO, This is still one of the true cars today thats sticks to its faithful formula.
some magazines have gotten 0-60 in 6 seconds which is amazing for 155 hp. mazda nailed it with this car
The engine noise always seems to sound like an induction vacuum cleaner. Why put the mic where you do, guys?
Holy SHIT! They used ultimate rc's old theme song! Well done motortrend!
I understand the reengineering and I understand making it lighter. All of that is awesome what I don't understand is the previous Miata had more horsepower and now this has less. Why not put the previous engine in or why not put the SKYACTIV engine from the Mazda 6 that has 184 horsepower?
It's still faster than the previous NC Mx-5, so your arguments are invalid.
It'll probably take a few years off of Randy's life (traumatic experiences tend to do that) but you guys should give the General Mayhem a couple of laps on Mazda Raceway for S&G's. It'd be interesting to say the least :D
Great lap Pobst!
considering one to buy
Randy should have his own show IMO
What does naturally aspirated mean?
why does it jump from 1:50.59 to 1:50.68
I wonder how it compares to BRZ?
the little car punched well above its wieght great little car
Sounded like a 3rd gear chirp outta the 4-banger! Sweet!
Nicke SOUND and good looking CAR!!! ❤️❤️❤️
This shoulda won drivers car of the year
You guys should drive the Nissan Micra!
Best sounding car tested so far lol.
Only new car along with the GT350R and Cayman GT4 I actually want...
You guys should do something with hummers
Why 991 gt3 never make it in drivers car?
test the aventador sv
The FRS/BRZ is rear wheel drive and 200 hp. It is not as evenly balanced as the Mazda, but it would be interesting to run the two against each other.
+bashr52 I've been in both, and the MX5 is faster. probably due to its light weight and lots of torque down low.
+bashr52 Motortrend did run both. Miata was faster and they were a little bit split on which they liked more but gave the edge to the Miata.
This is one of the few actual "driver's car" in this competition. What's with all the 4 doors and automatics?
+Dethmeister 4 doors don't count a car out of being a drivers car, never have. And today with DCTs neither do automatics.
GT350R will win this year, it's the biggest surprise of them all
lol mclaren won
holy shit that car looks happy as fuck
I better see a gt86 sometime this week. If thats not a drivers car I don't know what is
+Brent Moore This series will probably only be new vehicles
Randy Posbst is the man
is this a Jaguar F type
Cadillac is fucking fast.
Fastest of all 4 cars tested until now i think its either it or the z06
and it's look is also killer :)
mortada chevy The winner has already been announced in twitter.
+NightBot Ban Not much of a drivers car with that 14 mpg city lol
+EliteHero36 happy drivers don't care about mpg they care about SPG!
That body roll...
I'd love to see randy do a hot lap in a 2005 lotus elise.
Interesting to see that 16 years of engine development is still 90 hp down on the F20C-engine..
+blurkies1 The vtec engine is amazing, but not suited for the MX5. The torque-curve would make the car unpredictable and unstable, quite the opposite from what a MX5 is made for. In an MX5, you want a usable toque-curve, and the vtec engine only goes on top-rpm.
+jeffS197 Yes that's true but 16 years of development and still a power deficit that large is rather strange. Especially when considering that horsepower gains for small engines have been skyrocketing the last few years.
+DeSjeft The torque figure only increases with 20 ft-lbs when in VTEC compared to not running high RPM's so that's an invalid argument. When not in the VTEC-range it produces around 140hp which is quite similar to the new MX-5.
+jeffS197 I agree with you on the emissions part, but the S2000 has by no means very low torque. As far as I know 153-161 ft-lbs is pretty equal to this MX-5. As for the straight line part the S2000 is as much a straight line car as is the MX-5, in other words, it isn't. The S2000 was definitely aimed at a different type of customer but that still doesn't explain the huge power differential after all these years. If they wanted lower power the should have opted for a 1,6l engine.
Damn. I want one
new drift era
The AMG GT S won MT 2015 Car of the year.
It was on Twitter... Sorry, no Miata.
Yeah I was so pissed off when I saw it on Twitter, what a massive spoiler! And I would've liked the GT4 to win...
JDM tuners favorite pick on this year Best drivers car: Miata
I just bought one and am waiting on the car to get off of the container ship but I'd probably put my money on the Cayman GT4. If I could afford one I'd have one.
I love my 2016 club
somebody wake me up when it's cross the line lol
Track Day Bro!
This car is not fast, but who cares? you have fun! thats what matters, to everyday people who buy it anyway, u get a smile on ur face when u drive down that twisty road, and thats a drivers car, I wont say it will win, but it has its chances :)
damn it didnt even beat the golf R around the track
Let's not forget this car is only 30,000 dollars compared to most of its competition being well over 50,000.with only an extra 15,000 dollars this miata could easily be just as fast as a Porsche or an AMG
+Quinton Battaglia Are they really trying to charge $30K+ for a Miata?
Holy moly, you can do donuts in a Miata?!
All you need to do with this cute car is installing Flyin Miata'a supercharger kit :) It makes around 250hp and well... it's fast.
What about worlds greatest drag race 6 Lamborghini aventador sv posh gt4 2015 dodge ferari gtb4 mclaren p1
2296 lb is light weight.
I don't like the look but i like the spirit.
And what if u put a turbo in it ? :D
THE BEST
10 seconds slower than the atsv. impressive if you ask me. few thousand spent on better brakes, tires and some more power and you got a much cheaper car that can hang with the ats. not too bad
I'm disapointed with the power output of the miata.
Ofcourse it doesnt need 500HP but an older car like the S2000 or Civic type r gets almost 250HP out of a 2L displacement NA engine.
150 is just plain weak in a modern sporty car of this day and age.
Love, love, love this car. Have a BMW, which is faster, but this car is a joy to drive. Very nimble, responsive and agile. Makes my 40 min commute a daily adventure, 😁