*still* a Revy 4-cylinder engine up front *still* a sneaky manual gearbox *still* rear wheel drive *still* a mechanical limited slip differential *still* just two seats *still* very compact dimensions and lightweight construction *still* one of the purest driving experiences going *Still* Dre...
Still a hairdressers car still driven by oap's still uneconomical 20mpg nightmare to run at 65mph at 4000 revs on the motorway still get beaten by an SLK
@@curtisducati how many hairdressers buy those? Any proofs for that? maybe in the UK oap's driving MX5's, but not everywhere else. wrong. it's 3k rpm at 75 mph and 6 liters per 100 km. Btw, no one is driving MX5 on the motorway. Lol, SLK is not even produced anymore. So, dude, you are still wrong.
Even the most focused, sportiest¹ SLK, @@curtisducati, was nothing like the MX5 was/is as an actual _sports car._ ¹ The SLK really never was a 'sports car'.
I am in a "very similar boat" to yours, albeit 45 years toiling. Rewarded myself with a "guilty passion" retirement present, got myself a ND3 Manual(of course) in Aero Grey Metallic, took delivery on 23rd July this year. Been smiling since that day. ZOOM-ZOOM!
I've been dailying a manual 1.5litre ND1 for the last 6 years and I have zero regrets. Reliable, fun and still draws looks after all these years. Cheap to maintain and repair if anything actually breaks. 6 ft 2 and I fit with no issues. Don't think I'll ever sell it.
I own a manual V8 Holden SSV ute. But this year bought a beautiful red NA MX5 1.6 and the MX5 is so much more fun, and you can enjoy it without encouraging the attention of the law enforcement. My happiest purchase of anything in my life.
I also own a manual V8 Holden SSV Ute (VE). I used to own an NB mx5, and honestly didn't love it. I span my mx5 on wet roads a few times, whereas the Holden does effortless powerslides. I suspect an open diff and cheap tyres limited the mx5. I'd love to try a later ND, with the benefit of LSD, stability control, and better tyres.
@@DumbAccordionTricks the SSV is a great cruiser, but when my girlfriend bought a Toyota 86 it gave me more smiles than the V8 ever did, so I took it a step further and bought the MX5. And now I think the MX5 is the very definition of a perfect drivers car. Unfortunately public roads can’t be enjoyed with having a powerful car, (I’ve just lost my license from accelerating for only 5 seconds in the SSV). So enjoy the roads in a car that feels fast, but isn’t. I was going to make my next purchase a lotus exige, but now I am in no rush at all to go buy it, as I doubt it would be as much fun as my mx5.
@@xkimopye I've got an Exige and still have my NA Miata. The Exige is great fun on track but as you said about your Holden, it's to fast to really enjoy it on the road. On the road I prefer my MX-5. On the track it's the Exige. 🙂
@@GTKlopfer yep sounds pretty spot on to me. I was hell bent on buying an Exige for my 40th birthday, but since getting the MX5 I’m in no rush at all. Will buy one some day as I love what they are all about, but I will do it when I’m ready to buy it.
I can say that about all the MX5s that I have owned. But there is still some specialness about the NAs that is not quite matched by the others in the series. It is a laugh out loud joy machine.
I’ve been lucky to own several “ serious “ drivers cars including 458 / 3 911’s / Aston etc , I recently got an ND2 Club ( only my ego had held me back ) honestly on a mountain road it’s by far the best “ road drivers car “ I’ve owned , I’m still finding it hard to believe It’s a masterpiece ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@@razrramon2256 I'd say only an Elise would be more fun. The long geared Porsche or the automatic-only A110 would be quicker, but more fun? Probably not.
@@justinbennitt835 I can’t say about an Alpine as I’ve never driven one - I do have an Exige. The ND in stock form is less serious and does not exhibit the snappy handling tendency that is in the Lotus. On warm sunny backroads, the MX-5 is more fun to drive because it is just more fluid and enjoyable most of the time compared to my Exige.
@@PRS-dk4mz that's great to know. My current upgrade path from an MX5 ND2 RF (with BBR Super 220 and Eibach springs and anti-roll bars) is either a Lotus Evora S or Exige v6 but I think both of the Lotus are too hardcore (as I don't plan to start track driving).
We ( my wife included ) have had every model since 1990 . I finally sold our 2014 ND3 2 litre last September and said goodbye to Mx5’s at 76! This April we added a new Homura 2.0 these do recuperate into a capacitor and are incredibly efficient. I just need to grow up 😂
I currently own an NC and am on the hunt for 1.8 NA. Waiting to see if Mazda will offer BRG in the final year of the ND and I'll then add that to my collection. My favorite car, I can't wait for the spring and summer when put the car on the road.
I recently purchased an NC and have to say that driving it is an absolute delight , so engaging and fun to drive , even after driving Boxsters for years I would have to say in many ways this is preferable, sure, it hasn’t got the sheer grunt but on Britain’s country roads it’s pretty much the perfect roadster …
I went from 00 NB to 08NC1 then 18 ND but to be honest it didn't lived up to expectations, then made the jump back to 2013 nc3 prhti have being in love with it ever since , people talk trash about the nc due to the first gen but oh boy they did it right in the couple next years
@@bryanrq27 I spend a lot of time on track with my NC and have also had days where I swap in and out of an ND 30th, and in most ways I prefer my NC. The ND’s electric steering is too light, the gearbox feels too fragile, and in general all the touch points feel overly assisted. I feel like I’m controlling an mx5 via computer simulator controls, not via an actual mechanical system. It isn’t really for me!
@@1061shrink1061 I have same worries about ND, additionaly the screen sticking from the dash is just ugly. Have NC for 13 years, and love it, but ND is no go, I'd rather buy the mint NA. Assists kill the car, maybe ND it is faster, but it ain't the goal.
bro. please dont hype up a good thing online. I'm begging you. Just cope with the jokes and enjoy your hidden gem thus allowing them to stay affordable until clean ones are gone because all the kids and racers have already gone through them
Been dailying a 2017 RF for the last few months and I can honestly say it is the most enjoyable car I have ever driven. Had the privilege of driving Ferraris, McLarens, Porches, AMGs and so on, and they dont come close to the level of engagement an MX5 offers. This one is a keeper.
I’ve had an NC1 2.0 Sport from new. The optional Eibach springs and a good geometry setup transformed it. I fitted a set of Meister R CRD coilovers a couple of years ago which stepped it up to another level. I still love it 17 years on and can’t see any reason to change it.
Own a NC1 since 2011. No issues at all. I didn't really like the body roll, I prefer flat cornering. Lowered it, Eibach sway bars and it already came with H&R wheel spacers (I know that does not help, but it looks so much better). When you come home, you always think: why not took the long way home... Problem is: I'm 6'3 and I lowered the seat already by 1" A ND will be problematic, if it wasn't for my son's who love driving it, but are longer than me. My sister once lent me a BMW M6 convertible. That car is just boring compared to an MX5.
What a fantastic video, and spot on feedback. I'm on my fourth NA, my dad has a NC (bought to replace his NA after it was destroyed by a driver looking at her phone rather than the road). We both love the NA the most, but the NC is sooooo much better than its reputation. I would love to do a multi-thousand mile road trip in his NC, it would be the best Miata ever for that trip.
Love these comparisons guys. One thing I'd have mentioned is the NC1 was a bit of a rare miss for Mazda, it was too floaty in its suspension and the 2.0 felt weak. The NC2/3 are MUCH better cars and fixed basically every negative point with the first NC. Also the ND2/3 is almost the perfect MX5 but it's a shame about the electronic power steering. Still amazing cars though.
@@FenderUsa all good, I think the NC1 is a great little car. The NC2 and NC3 seem to be noticably more expensive on the used market; maybe because they're newer, maybe because they're better, maybe both. I agree that the NC1 wasn't exactly spectacular from the factory, but almost all of their woes can be rectified easily enough thanks to the extensive aftermarket. Cheers.
I own a 2008 NC1 in the USA (GT model with PRHT and 6MT). The suspension was the only complaint I had about it. A set of MeisterR CRD coilovers fixed that issue. So when people still put down the NC1 because of the stock suspension that Mazda put on the car, just remember that a relatively small amount of money can address this issue. The NC1 is the best driving car I have ever owned, and that includes an BMW 1995 E36 M3 (which I still own). The M3 is an awesome driving car, but the NC1 is just the right combination of size, power (I installed aftermarket Goodwin Racing (GWR) Max Power 1.8" header, GWR Helmholz midpipe and GWR SuperQ exhaust), handling (with the MeisterR CRDs) and grip (17x8" wheels with 235/40R17 tires). It is truly a fun drive every time, even if it's just a drive to the market.
Current NC1 owner here, I never understand when people complain about the poor dampening on old cars, as dampers are consumables, and cheap, throwing in a quality set of new dampers, or coil overs for that matter, is a no brainer, just like all regular maintenance. My NC is hands down way better than my old NA and NB in every way, and, a low km 2.5 basically bolts straight in, which is nice. As for the ND, whilst the engineering is impressive, I personally don't like the body lines, especially the rear end, way to modern, I personally prefer the more rounded shape of the NA, NB and NC. Talking about lines and personal preferences, I truly dislike the roof line on the NC PRHT, if a MX5 need a hard top, the original detachable hard top is the way to go, whilst logistically problematic for storage, a NA, NB or NC with a colour match hard top is a beautiful thing compared to the bulbous PRHT. I only wish I could find a good OEM hard top for my NC, my NB had a hard top which was great, simple to install, and I was lucky enough to have the storage for when it was not installed.
Hate to disagree about the NB, but I think you missed some key points. Styling was vastly improved when the fog lamps became standard. The standard 5 speed gearbox is very notchy like the NA though I wish it either had an overdrive or made 5th gear an overdrive gear. Another key feature missed in your analysis is the WAY more practical trunk. AND it still has a spare tire. I've had my NB 22 years now and still have a smile on my face every time I'm behind the wheel!
I disagree with the conclusion. If anything this proves the best mx-5 is the one you're able to and decided to own. There is no "missing out" or "better" amongst these 4. Like saying the west highland terrier is the best terrier.. absolute nonsense, unless you have one at home
For a car as old as myself, the NA has always been my favorite car since I was a little boy, it still is. Finally owning one and driving it through thick and thin(in and out of the garage), I love every moment of it. The only problem I have is because I have gotten so used to that "Jinpa Ittai" feeling of this little Miata, when I have to drive any other car I never feel as in control and confident as driving the NA.
07 or 08 Honda Fit 5 speed manual. I've owned both years. Also have 95 NA manual. Remarkably similar. Not the same exactly, but they are both a hoot to drive. The Miata is a beauty. The Fit is a tiny minivan with cool Japanese pokemon looks. Great companion cars
I think the best thing about the older MX5's is the amount of aftermarket modifications availiable for them to really make them individual and an ongoing project which you dont necessarily get with the latest model. Also the fact you didnt use the MK2.5 that has better bracing, interior and a slightly better front design than the mk2 but used later versions of other models in the video was a bit strange. Great video nontheless and all MX5's are brilliant!
Thanks for your excellent review on on all four generations of the MX-5 a very engaging watch on my favourite motor vehicle. I’ve owned an NC2 special edition since I bought it new in 2011 and still absolutely love it. Recently in June I traded my original ND2 and bought an ND3 and the difference between the two is very noticeable the ride, steering , handling and even the gearshift has been improved and I have to say the new ND has got to be the best MX5 so far. I hope when the NE comes along sometime in 2025 or 2026 it remains just as good as all the MX-5’s that preceded it have been. At the age of 71 I’m just so happy that I have two of these wonderful cars in my garage because in the world of two door sports cars what else would I need. Also my wife loves the NC2 and what do they say happy wife ……..!
Great video guys, and it should help get more people off the fence and into one of these gems. I've owned all four iterations (1990, 1999, 2007 & 2016) over the past 34 years and couldn't imagine my driving life without one. They are the ultimate therapy vehicle after a hard day at the office. My wife thinks I'm nuts, but I just put down a deposit on a 2024 Club w/ the Brembo/BBS option only for fear of the next gen being electrified. Don't do it Mazda!
Your credibility is up there, as you are obviously speaking from experience. Like you, my wife is quite dark about about it, when I recently bought a 2024 ND3 RF, but took the view - I only live once. I couldn't agree more with your last sentence and feel that there are still many of us "petrol heads" that love our ICE vehicles, especially when the MX-5 is still very sought after. MAZDA should keep making this icon and go electrify something else. ZOOM-ZOOM!
Great video. ARIGATO from New Zealand! 🇳🇿 I have a 1.5 litre ND2 roadster manual (JDM) and just couldn't help going for a drive this morning after watching the video. It's a perfect driving machine. I love it!
Here's my 3 pennyworth. When I was a lad back in 1972 I managed to scrape together enough dosh to trade in my horrid Beetle (my first car) for a Mk4 Triumph Spitfire. That was was like going from hell to heaven! A lightweight 2 seat open top sports car; I LOVED it! Then came marriage, a sensible job, kids etc and the Spit went, to be replaced by 'family cars', initially bought by me, then decades of company cars. But I always hankered after the simple 2 seat open sports car, and when the MX5 came out in 1989 I realised this was my dream car - a Spitfire with better handling, reliability, and practicality (i.e. it didn't leak). In 2004 circumstances enabled me to buy my first MX5. A new Mk2. I loved it, but then the Mk3 came out about 3 years later and I traded up to a foldy hard top one - a far better car. More refined, and a leap ahead on the Mk2. I kept that for 14 trouble free years before, in 2021, trading it for a an ND2 Mk4. I'd fallen in love with the looks of the Mk4, and fancied a change,, That was the best one yet! A soft top as the RF is only a targa top not a true open top car. In soul red of course - 2.0 with LSD and Bilsteins. That in turn is better than the Mk3, except for one thing which your review did not mention. The ND has an electric rack where the NC had a hydraulic one. And the NC's is better. Not by much, but it is slightly more 'talkative' than the ND's.
I bought my first MX5 in 2014. Had 5 NB and 2 NA. Still own one NB. It feels less and less underpowered. Average speeds on the road are decreasing due to traffic and radars. A MX5 is fun at legal speeds and I think that is a great (and rare) quality in a car.
i had 3 already as my only car and I couldn't be happier, it's a joy to drive, super sincere in every input you give it, extremely pretty on the outside, aging very well, doesn't cost much more than a city car to maintain. every should have one or drive one to experience what "fun driving" it's really like.
Couple years ago I bought the third generation PRHT. It had just a few thousand miles on it. Loved it. Never had a problem with it. I love the hardtop. But then I got a Corvette C8 allocation and got rid of that and now I have a C8. Totally different cars. I miss my Miata MX 5
Seem like beauty is the eye of the beholder. I find the the NB2 by far the best looking of MX-5s, both interior and exterior. It looks like less aggressive, classically elegant, cleaner shaped, downsized relative of Dodge Viper. With it's curves it looks great next to Supermarine Spitfire, shame I can no longer find the photo. NB1 is a bit cutesy, but the little wider lights and the sharper inner edge in NB2 leading to it balance it perfectly. I drove NA 1.6, NB1 1.8 Annie and decided on getting 1.8 5-speed NB2 skipping further trial on NC. Found out very low mileage Silver Blues.
I've got a 2017 RF Club. Put 13000+ miles on it since March. The only performance modification done was a mild set of sway bars. Super comfortable to me even on 500 mile trips. Always a blast to drive. Made some great memories with my boys in that car. Definitely my favorite car that I have owned.
The MX5, the Vauxhaul Calibra and the Dodge Viper marked a game change in car design. The MX5 showed lots of buyers cared about proper handling in a car, the Calibra showed people cared about styling even in a mechanically basic car and the Viper proved you could just build a concept car and find a market without watering it down. I think those 3 cars showed manufacturers they could take risks and sell a car in big numbers.
I've owned two NBs and currently have an ND. I've driven every generation many times. I cannot disagree more with the treatment the NB is getting here. 😀. Obviously it's all a matter of opinion but I love the styling and how it drives. The NB interior is also miles better than the NA. The NB is just an NA but better. My opinion of course.
Late NA with the 1.8 and Torsen … Flying Miata springs, KYB adjustables and an aggressive street geometry (1.5- front 2 degrees- rear) … scalpel like turn in …absolute terror in the S.F. Bay Area canyons.
What a great video.The only one out of that lot I’ve never had is the NB which just never appealed to me. I’m currently with a ND2RF and it’s an absolute blast and is more than enough power to have fun with,more fun on a B road than a previously owned 987 Boxster which was frankly too much power to have genuine and more importantly safe fun in for my limited driving ability.The RF is a keeper too.Cracking cars.Thanks for the upload,much appreciated.
Loved this episode. We had a NB almost from new for some ten years and regret every day selling it. My wife's hip/knee probs = it had to go. Always drove top down and always had a massive smile on my old face. In fact looking at an ND ( with the steering committee's ok) at the mo.
The one I like most is the one in my garage - a 2016 soft top. Most fun car I've ever owned. I bought it new and have no plans on letting it go any time soon.
Proud owner of a 1992 NA purchase new in California since I was looking for a yellow one. Less than 60k miles on it, drives like a charm, excellent quality, low maintenance and tons of fun: what more should you ask ? Oh yes, it's now worth nearly the same as when I bought it ! 😀
7:00 a lot of NBs had the 5 speed as well, FYI. the aisin 6 speed is less beloved for its shift than the mazda 5 speed, although the extra gear is nice on the motorway.
Over the years I've watched every single 'all 4 generations compared' that I can remember. And this is the best of the lot (excluding the extremely deep dive documentary of Savagegeese, which is just brilliant but not an apples to apples). Loved this video guys, thank you for your hefty investment in this UA-cam channel!
yeah, i think the NB does look better and a little more grown up than the NA, the NB2 even more so. but these things are subjective, so ig it varies from person to person
For some reason to me, a red nb looks fantastic but in the other colours it doesn’t look so great. The NA looks cute with the headlights up, but serious with headlights down.
I think the NB2 is the best looking of the bunch, just a shame there's no pop-ups. ND looks great, but in a more modern way. NC always reminds me of a bathtub - I think it's the curved line at the front of the bonnet (hood-USA). NA is the icon, however.
As a racing driver and daily biker, I wanted a more fun road car, so bought an NBFL Sport 6 years ago. It's still just absolutely brilliant every time I drive it! Nothing else feels like it on the roads whilst still being bombproof in terms of reliability - and I've driven a lot of supercars. The only problem with the old ones is battling the rust, and I'm finally thinking of changing cars rather than sink thousands more into mine... There is absolutely nothing else out there that I want, and can afford! So it's time to put my money down on an ND RF....
That's very kind of you.. I drive one and I love the profile view (with the retractable hard top) - it looks kinda loke a jet plane cockpit. But from any other angle I think it looks clownish. Still my preferred generation though. Affordable, more modern than the NA and NB and still light compared to everything else on the road
I've had a spirited green NC 3.5 for 3 years and love it. Used to have an NB years ago and total appreciate your comments about how they are the same yet different. I wouldn't change it for anything, I simply love every minute in it and in bright green it is an attention seeker as well
I'm on my second Miata now. Had a '95 NA8 for 10 years and sold it at the end of last year. I bought a lightly used 2020 ND2 about 2 years ago and I just love it. The old NA was a bit of a money pit. Although I loved it too, it never seemed to love me back. Lots of expensive maintenance that the previous owners had delayed. The new car has been nothing but fun. The only thing I really miss about the NA is the exhaust note. The factory ND exhaust is pretty unremarkable in sound. And a stiffer front sway bar would be nice. But those are minor complaints and easy enough to change once I find the money for it.
I owned an NC2 from new for 3 years (very tasty lease deal) and in 2021 bought an ND2 RF. I am not comfortable enough after 3 hours in the RF so took half my money back and swapped back into a very clean NC3.75, without looking back. I'll keep this one longer term and will likely use the winter months to add some of the recommended mods discussed in forums. Not one of the three have ever let me down.
I've had my '91 NA since 2012 and still look forward to every drive. I do like the ND, and to be honest I don't dislike any of them, but the NA is still the one I'd choose.
Yeah I think the NC2/3 is the best gen. The new car does some things better but its interior is just too small and it’s steering is a major step back in feel, a real dealbreaker for me
For many people the NC is the answer because indeed it’s roomier😊.It’s well built has less rust issues than NA\NB.It’s also an all season car because you are better protected inside and the heating is brillant. Yes it smiles all the time yess.😊
I had a bright orange 30th Anniversary ND2 and it was fabulous. I could demonstrate oversteer to my wife at 25 mph on a wet roundabout (much to her delight...) and also take it up to North Wales for a comfortable week's holiday. It went when my daughter came along, but I do miss it.
Really enjoyed this. I was lucky enough to own a ‘97 NA, a 1.8 Eunos VR-limited japanese import to be specific, for5-6 years, and tracked it, daileyed it, and even did a yearly trek to le mans for the 24 hours… an absolute gem of a car, that I still think about over a decade on. Just brilliant. At 6 ft 2, i fit in my NA fine, but when i test drove an ND RF my head was literally touching the roof, so hopefully gen 5 will reclaim a little more cabin space.
Understood. I had an NB and then an NC which was so much better in so many ways. I was okay to fit in an NB but the NC was a genuine road trip car. It also drove better than my NB in many ways too e.g. an LSD and better over bumps etc. Not tried an ND but suspect it's going to be too small again. It wouldn't have been to hard to make it 40mm longer? Perhaps 15Kg if that.
If I had to sell every track day/race car I won and keep one, it would be my 2003 NB LS. The only mods are coilovers, roll bar and a front sway bar, plus some lightweight wheels. Still full interior and unmodified drivetrain. I am adding a proper racing seat and harnesses this weekend. It's the car I take to track days when I have a student because it is sooooo good at demonstrating various driving techniques.
The original is the prettiest and the interior too, but Mazda have done a great job with the current model. Maybe they'll adopt something similar to the 911's hybrid system. I hope the MX-5 continues for a long time.
My 19 year old son wanted an NA for his first car so we bought one two years ago and have slowly fixed it up and now its his summer driver. This summer I sold my super seven and bought a 2016 ND 2.0 and I absolutely love it. The seven might have been quicker in a straight line and more special as I built it myself, but for overall enjoyment I would take the ND easily. Mine sat on Öhlins road and track when I bought it which seems to have taken out some of the original body roll even if I run them in the softest setting.
I have had an NC for many years and got an ND this year. I agree with your assessment - I still have the NC and when I go back to it I notice the weight and the space in the cabin. The big drawback with the ND is that there is nowhere to put anything in the cabin. Two of us manage quite well in the NC on trips, but with no glove box and stupid cup holders in the ND we really struggle.
As a man, I don't want to make more than one trip from my car to my front door with the groceries, so I never buy more than 4 bags at once. And an MX-5 can easily fit 4 bags of groceries, with plenty of space to spare for a sun shade, etc. I even brought home an IKEA bookshelf once. Just drove with the top down.
I modified an NA with a turbo + suspension to make my own little "poor man's Ferrari". With about 250hp, it could chirp the tires shifting to 4th and FTD most autocrosses. And I could still daily drive it. Loved that little car. Just perfect.
Having owned a NA and an NB I would I say the NB is the better all rounder , but on the perfect road the NA is superior but for 80% of the time give me an NB
I got into these about 11 years ago. Had an nc1 2.0l first which was a great all-rounder and more creature comforts on longer trips. I then picked up a couple of cheap Eunos Roadsters in late 2016 with a view to cleaning them up and selling them on. I made about £800 on the vspec but ended up keeping the other one and still have it today. It's 1 of 1000 S-limited models, black with red interior and quite rare in the UK. It's never let me down and I absolutely love it. The NC was a more civilised car and faster but the NA is way more fun to drive.
Wanted an NA, but the NB2 kept growing on me, and now I have a Mazdaspeed Miata NB. I think the MSM is the best looking miata ever made. It has a ton of upgraded components as well as a little turbo.
Don't know what they did with the NB but I could never not have my knees in the dash. Had my NC and loved every minute of it. Absolutely despise the RF. Convertible all the way.
I drive 40.000 kms a year in my 1.5 ND2. It’s so much fun, very economical (even more than Mazda claims) and very easy to live with. I’m taking it to the south of France in a week, can’t wait.
I’ve owned since 1990 an NA1, NB2, NC1, NC2, and currently an ND2. I think the ND2 is overall the best car, but it did need mods on the suspension to really make it enjoyable. The NA1 or NA2 is still so uniquely special that I am always keeping an eye on the market to get a nice one, just to have because it is so special to drive. But if anyone is looking for the best performance for the money, modifying an NC2 is pretty tough to beat, and typically being overlooked right now in the market. My choice for a track toy is an NC2 (not an NC1) over the ND series. The NC2 is easier and cheaper to modify to match the performance of any ND. And it still has hydraulic steering which I prefer over the ND models.
The miss-shifting also happens in the first generation mx5, but the real problem on the NB is tired engine/diff mounts allowing the entire drive-train to move. Freshen these up and the problem goes away.
I have two NBs and they are VERY different from each other. The first is a 5-speed '99 base model with open differential and power-nothing, and I love it for it's simplicity and how I have to work it to get anywhere. The second is an '04 Mazdaspeed, 6-speed and LSD, much more effortless power and I think still the stiffest Miata ever built. I have more fun in the city with the '99 5-speed but the MSM is the better highway car, especially after swapping the 4.10 gear ratio to 3.63. And that's the thing - buy a Miata, ANY Miata, and there's a worldwide community of people and companies who have done everything under the sun to these cars.
Love my 04 MSM except for the lower redline . The diff change is an excellent idea. Also still think the NA with its little chrome door handles and hideaway headlights is a very cool car. I tracked an NA in the 90s which I had stiffened up with heavier sway-bars, shock tower and rear suspension cross bracing. It was the best 6 years of my driving lift.
I've owned a 2004 NB 1.8 that I ran for just over a year back in 2017/2018 and then bought a 2016 Recaro Sport ND in August 2018, I still have that now and until Jan this year it was my daily driver. Because of the model it has Recaro seats (hence the name) and they are excellent and apart form Eibach lowering springs it's standard. Cracking little car, no intention of getting rid of it any time soon as there's nothing else I like that would replace it. Would be nice to have the later 180hp engine (mine is the 160hp) but the cost to change makes it not an option. Bloody love my MX5 they are the only car that have been anyting other than just a transport as all my other cars have been.
My mk1 has a supercharger, but otherwise looks standard. It's perfect. :) I appreciate the mk4... but no pop-up headlights, so it can't possibly be the best.
NB is the best looking one personally to me, ALONG with ND. I'm tired of everything from X5 to Yaris being super agressive, so NB is a breath of fresh air, it's got some actual lines, whereas the NA is a bit nondescript looking. ND, though has got agressive styling, is at least agression done right.
MR2 pre dated the MX5 and a Mk1is still a great drive. The 3rd gen MR2 was always dismissed due to lacking a boot but it's an in-between car not as cute as MX5 but more practical than a lotus Elise and great fun to drive.
A well-presented article. 👍That pretty much sums up all there is to MX5 ownership. I still have my NA that I bought new in Nov '89 here in OZ, and then patiently viewed future iterations that might have warranted an upgrade. That didn't happen until the ND and I purchased mine in Nov '15. The only "mods" I've made to the ND have been the fitting of a Goodwin Racing RoadsterSport RACE muffler and a tune to enable the use of E85 fuel. I smile every time I drive either of mine.
I have an 11' nc prht gt in stormy blue mica. Most fun you can have with your clothes on and within the limits of the roads. I'd be in jail if I had a fast car!!!!
American here. I absolutely love my NC-1. Because it is the least liked of the MX-5 variants I was able to get a super cheap reliable fun daily commuter and can say I have no regrets
yeah, they made the ND lighter absolutely.... mostly by removing about 15 kilos out of the gearbox, and making it out of chocolate. Is the only real compromise on the ND, the gearboxes can't handle heavy enthusiastic usage.
I bought my NA 5 years ago (cheapest 1.6 on the market, nearing 300.000km) when NAs were still affordable. I've owned around 25 cars and this is by far my best purchase ever. It's really reliable and the most fun car I've ever owned, especially considering how cheap I bought it and how cheap it is to own.. It truely is one of the greatest cars ever made. The only real disadvantages that I can think of are they rust really bad and people tend to overlook them because they're so small and low. Also they're not the safest cars as they're nearly 35 years old. Taking those things into account, doing some rust repairs/proofing and such and you're golden. Really enjoyable little cars!
I have the NX2, and at the end of this month I will have had it for one year. I am partial to it. I first imagined having an MX-5 when they debuted, and it took me 34 years to get one. Simply put, I am glad to have one, a 2023 GT RF in Zircon Sand. A nicely done review by the way, quite informative.
ND3 Club ST here. Still breaking her in. Cant beat this - all the good things of the Miata, just totally modernized with a lovely screen, nice tach, great reliability and even better steering plus diff.
Hard to compare models over such a long period. Anniversary NB was heavier and stiffer, had Bilstein shocks and LSD. A better comparison to the NA would be NB8A (lighter, better suspension) or NB8B with more torque in the VVT. Also, other countries i.e. Australia deliverd a different mix of specifications.
Strange how opinions differ. I feel the NB is the beat looking of them all, but must add it has to be a later model NB as they look much more serious. Then with regards to the jump from NB to NC I agree it's a massive jump but here we have a very early NB with a very late NC, a late NB to early NC that difference is significantly smaller. Regardless, brilliant video and I rate Dan as ons of the best motoring journalists out there if not the best.
Love my NC RT , I don't have a garage and live in a cold climate. The lines with the top down are beautiful. He's dead on about shaky on uneven roads. The missed the drawback on the ND that it is a T-top and not a convertable
*still* a Revy 4-cylinder engine up front
*still* a sneaky manual gearbox
*still* rear wheel drive
*still* a mechanical limited slip differential
*still* just two seats
*still* very compact dimensions and lightweight construction
*still* one of the purest driving experiences going
*Still* Dre...
Those who know, know!
Still a hairdressers car
still driven by oap's
still uneconomical 20mpg nightmare to run at 65mph at 4000 revs on the motorway
still get beaten by an SLK
@@curtisducati
how many hairdressers buy those? Any proofs for that?
maybe in the UK oap's driving MX5's, but not everywhere else.
wrong. it's 3k rpm at 75 mph and 6 liters per 100 km. Btw, no one is driving MX5 on the motorway.
Lol, SLK is not even produced anymore.
So, dude, you are still wrong.
@@vvevvevvvv 😂
Even the most focused, sportiest¹ SLK, @@curtisducati, was nothing like the MX5 was/is as an actual _sports car._
¹ The SLK really never was a 'sports car'.
Got an ND3 in May.Its brilliant.Makes being a pensioner worth the 40+ years dicking about with metal in a factory finally worth while.
I am in a "very similar boat" to yours, albeit 45 years toiling. Rewarded myself with a "guilty passion" retirement present, got myself a ND3 Manual(of course) in Aero Grey Metallic, took delivery on 23rd July this year. Been smiling since that day. ZOOM-ZOOM!
Like the guys say the MX-5 is a global car, is so true; as I live in Perth Western Australia.
I’m glad you’re having a blast in them guys :)
I've been dailying a manual 1.5litre ND1 for the last 6 years and I have zero regrets. Reliable, fun and still draws looks after all these years. Cheap to maintain and repair if anything actually breaks. 6 ft 2 and I fit with no issues. Don't think I'll ever sell it.
Has the rear hub things gone yet
@@razrramon2256 replaced the rear wheel hubs a year ago actually due to bearing noise. Is that a common issue?
@@razrramon2256I actually replaced a rear wheel bearing on my ND1 too recently, is it a common fault?
You’d imagine how many looks I get in my NA!
Nice, I have the ND2 2.0, but I've heard the 1.5 captures the essence of the original car more
I own a manual V8 Holden SSV ute. But this year bought a beautiful red NA MX5 1.6 and the MX5 is so much more fun, and you can enjoy it without encouraging the attention of the law enforcement. My happiest purchase of anything in my life.
I also own a manual V8 Holden SSV Ute (VE). I used to own an NB mx5, and honestly didn't love it. I span my mx5 on wet roads a few times, whereas the Holden does effortless powerslides. I suspect an open diff and cheap tyres limited the mx5. I'd love to try a later ND, with the benefit of LSD, stability control, and better tyres.
@@DumbAccordionTricks the SSV is a great cruiser, but when my girlfriend bought a Toyota 86 it gave me more smiles than the V8 ever did, so I took it a step further and bought the MX5. And now I think the MX5 is the very definition of a perfect drivers car. Unfortunately public roads can’t be enjoyed with having a powerful car, (I’ve just lost my license from accelerating for only 5 seconds in the SSV). So enjoy the roads in a car that feels fast, but isn’t. I was going to make my next purchase a lotus exige, but now I am in no rush at all to go buy it, as I doubt it would be as much fun as my mx5.
@@xkimopye I've got an Exige and still have my NA Miata. The Exige is great fun on track but as you said about your Holden, it's to fast to really enjoy it on the road. On the road I prefer my MX-5. On the track it's the Exige. 🙂
@@GTKlopfer yep sounds pretty spot on to me. I was hell bent on buying an Exige for my 40th birthday, but since getting the MX5 I’m in no rush at all. Will buy one some day as I love what they are all about, but I will do it when I’m ready to buy it.
I can say that about all the MX5s that I have owned. But there is still some specialness about the NAs that is not quite matched by the others in the series. It is a laugh out loud joy machine.
I’ve been lucky to own several “ serious “ drivers cars including 458 / 3 911’s / Aston etc ,
I recently got an ND2 Club ( only my ego had held me back ) honestly on a mountain road it’s by far the best “ road drivers car “ I’ve owned ,
I’m still finding it hard to believe
It’s a masterpiece ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lowered and alignment set up properly not much better probs only special caymans and Boxsters and possibly an alpine would be more fun arguably
@@razrramon2256 I had the Boxster Spyder with some Sharkwerks performance upgrades
ND2 club better for me
@@razrramon2256 I'd say only an Elise would be more fun. The long geared Porsche or the automatic-only A110 would be quicker, but more fun? Probably not.
@@justinbennitt835 I can’t say about an Alpine as I’ve never driven one - I do have an Exige. The ND in stock form is less serious and does not exhibit the snappy handling tendency that is in the Lotus. On warm sunny backroads, the MX-5 is more fun to drive because it is just more fluid and enjoyable most of the time compared to my Exige.
@@PRS-dk4mz that's great to know.
My current upgrade path from an MX5 ND2 RF (with BBR Super 220 and Eibach springs and anti-roll bars) is either a Lotus Evora S or Exige v6 but I think both of the Lotus are too hardcore (as I don't plan to start track driving).
I still use my 2000 NB as a daily driver with 224,019 on the odometer. Still puts a smile on my face every time I'm in it.
We ( my wife included ) have had every model since 1990 .
I finally sold our 2014 ND3 2 litre last September and said goodbye to Mx5’s at 76!
This April we added a new Homura 2.0 these do recuperate into a capacitor and are incredibly efficient.
I just need to grow up 😂
Do not ever think of growing up !
Fair play man, keep having fun!
one of the best journalists. crystal clear communication
I currently own an NC and am on the hunt for 1.8 NA. Waiting to see if Mazda will offer BRG in the final year of the ND and I'll then add that to my collection. My favorite car, I can't wait for the spring and summer when put the car on the road.
Ok then.
I recently purchased an NC and have to say that driving it is an absolute delight , so engaging and fun to drive , even after driving Boxsters for years I would have to say in many ways this is preferable, sure, it hasn’t got the sheer grunt but on Britain’s country roads it’s pretty much the perfect roadster …
I went from 00 NB to 08NC1 then 18 ND but to be honest it didn't lived up to expectations, then made the jump back to 2013 nc3 prhti have being in love with it ever since , people talk trash about the nc due to the first gen but oh boy they did it right in the couple next years
@@bryanrq27 I spend a lot of time on track with my NC and have also had days where I swap in and out of an ND 30th, and in most ways I prefer my NC. The ND’s electric steering is too light, the gearbox feels too fragile, and in general all the touch points feel overly assisted. I feel like I’m controlling an mx5 via computer simulator controls, not via an actual mechanical system. It isn’t really for me!
@@1061shrink1061 I have same worries about ND, additionaly the screen sticking from the dash is just ugly. Have NC for 13 years, and love it, but ND is no go, I'd rather buy the mint NA. Assists kill the car, maybe ND it is faster, but it ain't the goal.
Agreed NC is the best
bro. please dont hype up a good thing online. I'm begging you. Just cope with the jokes and enjoy your hidden gem thus allowing them to stay affordable until clean ones are gone because all the kids and racers have already gone through them
I absolutely adore my MX5, I used to over look them but once I drove one I wanted one.
Been dailying a 2017 RF for the last few months and I can honestly say it is the most enjoyable car I have ever driven. Had the privilege of driving Ferraris, McLarens, Porches, AMGs and so on, and they dont come close to the level of engagement an MX5 offers. This one is a keeper.
Had the absolute pleasure of driving a Rocketeer NA recently...what a glorious machine...ive been grinning for days.
I’ve had an NC1 2.0 Sport from new. The optional Eibach springs and a good geometry setup transformed it. I fitted a set of Meister R CRD coilovers a couple of years ago which stepped it up to another level. I still love it 17 years on and can’t see any reason to change it.
Own a NC1 since 2011. No issues at all. I didn't really like the body roll, I prefer flat cornering.
Lowered it, Eibach sway bars and it already came with H&R wheel spacers (I know that does not help, but it looks so much better). When you come home, you always think: why not took the long way home...
Problem is: I'm 6'3 and I lowered the seat already by 1"
A ND will be problematic, if it wasn't for my son's who love driving it, but are longer than me.
My sister once lent me a BMW M6 convertible. That car is just boring compared to an MX5.
What are the mm on the spacers? Thx@@asphalthedgehog6580
What a fantastic video, and spot on feedback. I'm on my fourth NA, my dad has a NC (bought to replace his NA after it was destroyed by a driver looking at her phone rather than the road). We both love the NA the most, but the NC is sooooo much better than its reputation. I would love to do a multi-thousand mile road trip in his NC, it would be the best Miata ever for that trip.
Love these comparisons guys. One thing I'd have mentioned is the NC1 was a bit of a rare miss for Mazda, it was too floaty in its suspension and the 2.0 felt weak. The NC2/3 are MUCH better cars and fixed basically every negative point with the first NC. Also the ND2/3 is almost the perfect MX5 but it's a shame about the electronic power steering. Still amazing cars though.
Keep hating on the NC1. Keeps them cheaper, saves money for suspension mods. 😅
@@button-jeff no hate at all
@@FenderUsa all good, I think the NC1 is a great little car. The NC2 and NC3 seem to be noticably more expensive on the used market; maybe because they're newer, maybe because they're better, maybe both. I agree that the NC1 wasn't exactly spectacular from the factory, but almost all of their woes can be rectified easily enough thanks to the extensive aftermarket. Cheers.
I own a 2008 NC1 in the USA (GT model with PRHT and 6MT). The suspension was the only complaint I had about it. A set of MeisterR CRD coilovers fixed that issue. So when people still put down the NC1 because of the stock suspension that Mazda put on the car, just remember that a relatively small amount of money can address this issue. The NC1 is the best driving car I have ever owned, and that includes an BMW 1995 E36 M3 (which I still own). The M3 is an awesome driving car, but the NC1 is just the right combination of size, power (I installed aftermarket Goodwin Racing (GWR) Max Power 1.8" header, GWR Helmholz midpipe and GWR SuperQ exhaust), handling (with the MeisterR CRDs) and grip (17x8" wheels with 235/40R17 tires). It is truly a fun drive every time, even if it's just a drive to the market.
Current NC1 owner here, I never understand when people complain about the poor dampening on old cars, as dampers are consumables, and cheap, throwing in a quality set of new dampers, or coil overs for that matter, is a no brainer, just like all regular maintenance.
My NC is hands down way better than my old NA and NB in every way, and, a low km 2.5 basically bolts straight in, which is nice.
As for the ND, whilst the engineering is impressive, I personally don't like the body lines, especially the rear end, way to modern, I personally prefer the more rounded shape of the NA, NB and NC.
Talking about lines and personal preferences, I truly dislike the roof line on the NC PRHT, if a MX5 need a hard top, the original detachable hard top is the way to go, whilst logistically problematic for storage, a NA, NB or NC with a colour match hard top is a beautiful thing compared to the bulbous PRHT.
I only wish I could find a good OEM hard top for my NC, my NB had a hard top which was great, simple to install, and I was lucky enough to have the storage for when it was not installed.
I sold my GR86 for ND3, it's just more pure! No rev hang, better steering and hearbox feel, lighter, better sound, topdown fun and Better gas millage😌
Hate to disagree about the NB, but I think you missed some key points. Styling was vastly improved when the fog lamps became standard. The standard 5 speed gearbox is very notchy like the NA though I wish it either had an overdrive or made 5th gear an overdrive gear. Another key feature missed in your analysis is the WAY more practical trunk. AND it still has a spare tire. I've had my NB 22 years now and still have a smile on my face every time I'm behind the wheel!
I have had a NB 1 for 15 years love the way it drives and the boot is much better than the NA
I disagree with the conclusion. If anything this proves the best mx-5 is the one you're able to and decided to own. There is no "missing out" or "better" amongst these 4. Like saying the west highland terrier is the best terrier.. absolute nonsense, unless you have one at home
For a car as old as myself, the NA has always been my favorite car since I was a little boy, it still is. Finally owning one and driving it through thick and thin(in and out of the garage), I love every moment of it. The only problem I have is because I have gotten so used to that "Jinpa Ittai" feeling of this little Miata, when I have to drive any other car I never feel as in control and confident as driving the NA.
07 or 08 Honda Fit 5 speed manual. I've owned both years. Also have 95 NA manual. Remarkably similar. Not the same exactly, but they are both a hoot to drive. The Miata is a beauty. The Fit is a tiny minivan with cool Japanese pokemon looks. Great companion cars
I think the best thing about the older MX5's is the amount of aftermarket modifications availiable for them to really make them individual and an ongoing project which you dont necessarily get with the latest model. Also the fact you didnt use the MK2.5 that has better bracing, interior and a slightly better front design than the mk2 but used later versions of other models in the video was a bit strange. Great video nontheless and all MX5's are brilliant!
Also most of them came with 5spd, which is the same as in the NA and much better than the 6spd
NC was based on the RX-8 because mazda didn't have the funding for a new from scratch miata. That's why it's so much bigger and different.
As a 6ft 2 guy with long legs, I'm glad it happened 😀
When I went looking for an MX-5, I looked hard at and drove them all. Found a 1999 NB, woman-owned never abused,
Thanks for your excellent review on on all four generations of the MX-5 a very engaging watch on my favourite motor vehicle.
I’ve owned an NC2 special edition since I bought it new in 2011 and still absolutely love it. Recently in June I traded my original ND2 and bought an ND3 and the difference between the two is very noticeable the ride, steering , handling and even the gearshift has been improved and I have to say the new ND has got to be the best MX5 so far.
I hope when the NE comes along sometime in 2025 or 2026 it remains just as good as all the MX-5’s that preceded it have been.
At the age of 71 I’m just so happy that I have two of these wonderful cars in my garage because in the world of two door sports cars what else would I need. Also my wife loves the NC2 and what do they say happy wife ……..!
Great video guys, and it should help get more people off the fence and into one of these gems. I've owned all four iterations (1990, 1999, 2007 & 2016) over the past 34 years and couldn't imagine my driving life without one. They are the ultimate therapy vehicle after a hard day at the office. My wife thinks I'm nuts, but I just put down a deposit on a 2024 Club w/ the Brembo/BBS option only for fear of the next gen being electrified. Don't do it Mazda!
Your credibility is up there, as you are obviously speaking from experience. Like you, my wife is quite dark about about it, when I recently bought a 2024 ND3 RF, but took the view - I only live once. I couldn't agree more with your last sentence and feel that there are still many of us "petrol heads" that love our ICE vehicles, especially when the MX-5 is still very sought after. MAZDA should keep making this icon and go electrify something else. ZOOM-ZOOM!
I just bought my '24 ND3 RF last week and have been having the time of my life with it. What a magnificent little car.
I did over 8500 km in mine since I got it mid June 🥲
Love my 2016 ND. It’s given me 5 years of huge driving pleasure and I will sorely miss it when I have to let it go.
Great video.
ARIGATO from New Zealand! 🇳🇿
I have a 1.5 litre ND2 roadster manual (JDM) and just couldn't help going for a drive this morning after watching the video. It's a perfect driving machine. I love it!
I agree with the video remarks. Once you own an MX-5, you learn how to identify cars that can give feedback and engagement at civil speeds.
Here's my 3 pennyworth. When I was a lad back in 1972 I managed to scrape together enough dosh to trade in my horrid Beetle (my first car) for a Mk4 Triumph Spitfire. That was was like going from hell to heaven! A lightweight 2 seat open top sports car; I LOVED it!
Then came marriage, a sensible job, kids etc and the Spit went, to be replaced by 'family cars', initially bought by me, then decades of company cars. But I always hankered after the simple 2 seat open sports car, and when the MX5 came out in 1989 I realised this was my dream car - a Spitfire with better handling, reliability, and practicality (i.e. it didn't leak).
In 2004 circumstances enabled me to buy my first MX5. A new Mk2. I loved it, but then the Mk3 came out about 3 years later and I traded up to a foldy hard top one - a far better car. More refined, and a leap ahead on the Mk2.
I kept that for 14 trouble free years before, in 2021, trading it for a an ND2 Mk4. I'd fallen in love with the looks of the Mk4, and fancied a change,,
That was the best one yet! A soft top as the RF is only a targa top not a true open top car. In soul red of course - 2.0 with LSD and Bilsteins.
That in turn is better than the Mk3, except for one thing which your review did not mention.
The ND has an electric rack where the NC had a hydraulic one. And the NC's is better. Not by much, but it is slightly more 'talkative' than the ND's.
I bought my first MX5 in 2014. Had 5 NB and 2 NA. Still own one NB. It feels less and less underpowered. Average speeds on the road are decreasing due to traffic and radars. A MX5 is fun at legal speeds and I think that is a great (and rare) quality in a car.
I drove a 01 NB1 1.8 6-speed a lot back then. Weak, slow, high consumption (perfectly maintained, highest grade synthetic oil). No, just no.
@@Abszurdista-fatalista *An 01 1.8 6 speed is an NB2, not NB1.
i had 3 already as my only car and I couldn't be happier, it's a joy to drive, super sincere in every input you give it, extremely pretty on the outside, aging very well, doesn't cost much more than a city car to maintain.
every should have one or drive one to experience what "fun driving" it's really like.
Couple years ago I bought the third generation PRHT. It had just a few thousand miles on it. Loved it. Never had a problem with it. I love the hardtop. But then I got a Corvette C8 allocation and got rid of that and now I have a C8. Totally different cars. I miss my Miata MX 5
Seem like beauty is the eye of the beholder. I find the the NB2 by far the best looking of MX-5s, both interior and exterior.
It looks like less aggressive, classically elegant, cleaner shaped, downsized relative of Dodge Viper. With it's curves it looks great next to Supermarine Spitfire, shame I can no longer find the photo.
NB1 is a bit cutesy, but the little wider lights and the sharper inner edge in NB2 leading to it balance it perfectly.
I drove NA 1.6, NB1 1.8 Annie and decided on getting 1.8 5-speed NB2 skipping further trial on NC. Found out very low mileage Silver Blues.
I've got a 2017 RF Club. Put 13000+ miles on it since March. The only performance modification done was a mild set of sway bars. Super comfortable to me even on 500 mile trips. Always a blast to drive. Made some great memories with my boys in that car. Definitely my favorite car that I have owned.
The MX5, the Vauxhaul Calibra and the Dodge Viper marked a game change in car design. The MX5 showed lots of buyers cared about proper handling in a car, the Calibra showed people cared about styling even in a mechanically basic car and the Viper proved you could just build a concept car and find a market without watering it down. I think those 3 cars showed manufacturers they could take risks and sell a car in big numbers.
Have an MX5 and had the 4x4 Calibra turbo...
I've owned two NBs and currently have an ND. I've driven every generation many times. I cannot disagree more with the treatment the NB is getting here. 😀. Obviously it's all a matter of opinion but I love the styling and how it drives. The NB interior is also miles better than the NA. The NB is just an NA but better. My opinion of course.
Late NA with the 1.8 and Torsen … Flying Miata springs, KYB adjustables and an aggressive street geometry (1.5- front 2 degrees- rear) … scalpel like turn in …absolute terror in the S.F. Bay Area canyons.
"terror"
What a great video.The only one out of that lot I’ve never had is the NB which just never appealed to me.
I’m currently with a ND2RF and it’s an absolute blast and is more than enough power to have fun with,more fun on a B road than a previously owned 987 Boxster which was frankly too much power to have genuine and more importantly safe fun in for my limited driving ability.The RF is a keeper too.Cracking cars.Thanks for the upload,much appreciated.
Loved this episode. We had a NB almost from new for some ten years and regret every day selling it. My wife's hip/knee probs = it had to go. Always drove top down and always had a massive smile on my old face. In fact looking at an ND ( with the steering committee's ok) at the mo.
The one I like most is the one in my garage - a 2016 soft top. Most fun car I've ever owned. I bought it new and have no plans on letting it go any time soon.
Proud owner of a 1992 NA purchase new in California since I was looking for a yellow one. Less than 60k miles on it, drives like a charm, excellent quality, low maintenance and tons of fun: what more should you ask ? Oh yes, it's now worth nearly the same as when I bought it ! 😀
7:00 a lot of NBs had the 5 speed as well, FYI. the aisin 6 speed is less beloved for its shift than the mazda 5 speed, although the extra gear is nice on the motorway.
Great roundup with good, non-irritating presenters that can speak properly which is a rarity nowadays. Well done. Subscribed.
Over the years I've watched every single 'all 4 generations compared' that I can remember. And this is the best of the lot (excluding the extremely deep dive documentary of Savagegeese, which is just brilliant but not an apples to apples).
Loved this video guys, thank you for your hefty investment in this UA-cam channel!
Just picked up a NB a few days ago - but the NA looks 'cuter' IMHO, the smile and the pop ups make it. Always preferred the NB even if I love pop-ups
yeah, i think the NB does look better and a little more grown up than the NA, the NB2 even more so. but these things are subjective, so ig it varies from person to person
For some reason to me, a red nb looks fantastic but in the other colours it doesn’t look so great. The NA looks cute with the headlights up, but serious with headlights down.
@@xkimopye agreed. And a NA with sleepy eyes looks a bit like a maniac, a friend got one
I think the NB2 is the best looking of the bunch, just a shame there's no pop-ups. ND looks great, but in a more modern way. NC always reminds me of a bathtub - I think it's the curved line at the front of the bonnet (hood-USA). NA is the icon, however.
As a racing driver and daily biker, I wanted a more fun road car, so bought an NBFL Sport 6 years ago. It's still just absolutely brilliant every time I drive it! Nothing else feels like it on the roads whilst still being bombproof in terms of reliability - and I've driven a lot of supercars. The only problem with the old ones is battling the rust, and I'm finally thinking of changing cars rather than sink thousands more into mine... There is absolutely nothing else out there that I want, and can afford! So it's time to put my money down on an ND RF....
IMO, I think the NC is the best looking of them all.
That's very kind of you.. I drive one and I love the profile view (with the retractable hard top) - it looks kinda loke a jet plane cockpit. But from any other angle I think it looks clownish. Still my preferred generation though. Affordable, more modern than the NA and NB and still light compared to everything else on the road
I like the side and rear but I just can’t dig the front. The only one that kind of looks good upfront is the Mazdaspeed bumper.
This car is a miracle in the auto world. Thank God for it!
I've had a spirited green NC 3.5 for 3 years and love it. Used to have an NB years ago and total appreciate your comments about how they are the same yet different. I wouldn't change it for anything, I simply love every minute in it and in bright green it is an attention seeker as well
I'm on my second Miata now. Had a '95 NA8 for 10 years and sold it at the end of last year. I bought a lightly used 2020 ND2 about 2 years ago and I just love it. The old NA was a bit of a money pit. Although I loved it too, it never seemed to love me back. Lots of expensive maintenance that the previous owners had delayed. The new car has been nothing but fun. The only thing I really miss about the NA is the exhaust note. The factory ND exhaust is pretty unremarkable in sound. And a stiffer front sway bar would be nice. But those are minor complaints and easy enough to change once I find the money for it.
I owned an NC2 from new for 3 years (very tasty lease deal) and in 2021 bought an ND2 RF. I am not comfortable enough after 3 hours in the RF so took half my money back and swapped back into a very clean NC3.75, without looking back. I'll keep this one longer term and will likely use the winter months to add some of the recommended mods discussed in forums. Not one of the three have ever let me down.
I've had my '91 NA since 2012 and still look forward to every drive. I do like the ND, and to be honest I don't dislike any of them, but the NA is still the one I'd choose.
Yeah I think the NC2/3 is the best gen. The new car does some things better but its interior is just too small and it’s steering is a major step back in feel, a real dealbreaker for me
For many people the NC is the answer because indeed it’s roomier😊.It’s well built has less rust issues than NA\NB.It’s also an all season car because you are better protected inside and the heating is brillant. Yes it smiles all the time yess.😊
This is the perfect second car. It really is.
I have a 08 Niseko…. The perfect transport home after driving an arctic all day, love it, will never sell it 👍
The MX5 Miata is by far the best sports and fun car money can buy!
There are maybe 4 videos I’ve found on UA-cam that reviews the generations of Miata. This is probably the best of them. Great job!
Still driving my '93 I bought new in '93. Still love driving it.
NA with decent tyres will match any car point-to-point. As a biker, the fun is in the corners and it’s all about ‘flow’.
I had a bright orange 30th Anniversary ND2 and it was fabulous. I could demonstrate oversteer to my wife at 25 mph on a wet roundabout (much to her delight...) and also take it up to North Wales for a comfortable week's holiday. It went when my daughter came along, but I do miss it.
Really enjoyed this. I was lucky enough to own a ‘97 NA, a 1.8 Eunos VR-limited japanese import to be specific, for5-6 years, and tracked it, daileyed it, and even did a yearly trek to le mans for the 24 hours… an absolute gem of a car, that I still think about over a decade on. Just brilliant.
At 6 ft 2, i fit in my NA fine, but when i test drove an ND RF my head was literally touching the roof, so hopefully gen 5 will reclaim a little more cabin space.
Understood. I had an NB and then an NC which was so much better in so many ways. I was okay to fit in an NB but the NC was a genuine road trip car. It also drove better than my NB in many ways too e.g. an LSD and better over bumps etc. Not tried an ND but suspect it's going to be too small again. It wouldn't have been to hard to make it 40mm longer? Perhaps 15Kg if that.
If I had to sell every track day/race car I won and keep one, it would be my 2003 NB LS. The only mods are coilovers, roll bar and a front sway bar, plus some lightweight wheels. Still full interior and unmodified drivetrain. I am adding a proper racing seat and harnesses this weekend.
It's the car I take to track days when I have a student because it is sooooo good at demonstrating various driving techniques.
The original is the prettiest and the interior too, but Mazda have done a great job with the current model. Maybe they'll adopt something similar to the 911's hybrid system. I hope the MX-5 continues for a long time.
My 19 year old son wanted an NA for his first car so we bought one two years ago and have slowly fixed it up and now its his summer driver. This summer I sold my super seven and bought a 2016 ND 2.0 and I absolutely love it. The seven might have been quicker in a straight line and more special as I built it myself, but for overall enjoyment I would take the ND easily. Mine sat on Öhlins road and track when I bought it which seems to have taken out some of the original body roll even if I run them in the softest setting.
I have had an NC for many years and got an ND this year. I agree with your assessment - I still have the NC and when I go back to it I notice the weight and the space in the cabin. The big drawback with the ND is that there is nowhere to put anything in the cabin. Two of us manage quite well in the NC on trips, but with no glove box and stupid cup holders in the ND we really struggle.
As a man, I don't want to make more than one trip from my car to my front door with the groceries, so I never buy more than 4 bags at once. And an MX-5 can easily fit 4 bags of groceries, with plenty of space to spare for a sun shade, etc. I even brought home an IKEA bookshelf once. Just drove with the top down.
Yes recently carried two Palms home with the room down on my NB plenty of thumb ups and toots
Having my NB VVTi restored , cant wait to get it back
I modified an NA with a turbo + suspension to make my own little "poor man's Ferrari". With about 250hp, it could chirp the tires shifting to 4th and FTD most autocrosses. And I could still daily drive it. Loved that little car. Just perfect.
Having owned a NA and an NB I would I say the NB is the better all rounder , but on the perfect road the NA is superior but for 80% of the time give me an NB
I got into these about 11 years ago. Had an nc1 2.0l first which was a great all-rounder and more creature comforts on longer trips. I then picked up a couple of cheap Eunos Roadsters in late 2016 with a view to cleaning them up and selling them on. I made about £800 on the vspec but ended up keeping the other one and still have it today. It's 1 of 1000 S-limited models, black with red interior and quite rare in the UK. It's never let me down and I absolutely love it. The NC was a more civilised car and faster but the NA is way more fun to drive.
As always, it is more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow.
Most fast cars can't really be driven fast on the road ....
Wanted an NA, but the NB2 kept growing on me, and now I have a Mazdaspeed Miata NB. I think the MSM is the best looking miata ever made. It has a ton of upgraded components as well as a little turbo.
Don't know what they did with the NB but I could never not have my knees in the dash. Had my NC and loved every minute of it. Absolutely despise the RF. Convertible all the way.
I drive 40.000 kms a year in my 1.5 ND2. It’s so much fun, very economical (even more than Mazda claims) and very easy to live with.
I’m taking it to the south of France in a week, can’t wait.
Does it seem durable? Like it could take a lot of kms and endure?
@@totuudentorvi7781yes, they have very few problems. Just treat it right
Had my NA for 21 years now. It’s still my benchmark of how A car should should make you feel when you drive it
I’ve owned since 1990 an NA1, NB2, NC1, NC2, and currently an ND2. I think the ND2 is overall the best car, but it did need mods on the suspension to really make it enjoyable. The NA1 or NA2 is still so uniquely special that I am always keeping an eye on the market to get a nice one, just to have because it is so special to drive.
But if anyone is looking for the best performance for the money, modifying an NC2 is pretty tough to beat, and typically being overlooked right now in the market.
My choice for a track toy is an NC2 (not an NC1) over the ND series. The NC2 is easier and cheaper to modify to match the performance of any ND. And it still has hydraulic steering which I prefer over the ND models.
The miss-shifting also happens in the first generation mx5, but the real problem on the NB is tired engine/diff mounts allowing the entire drive-train to move. Freshen these up and the problem goes away.
I have two NBs and they are VERY different from each other. The first is a 5-speed '99 base model with open differential and power-nothing, and I love it for it's simplicity and how I have to work it to get anywhere. The second is an '04 Mazdaspeed, 6-speed and LSD, much more effortless power and I think still the stiffest Miata ever built. I have more fun in the city with the '99 5-speed but the MSM is the better highway car, especially after swapping the 4.10 gear ratio to 3.63. And that's the thing - buy a Miata, ANY Miata, and there's a worldwide community of people and companies who have done everything under the sun to these cars.
Love my 04 MSM except for the lower redline . The diff change is an excellent idea. Also still think the NA with its little chrome door handles and hideaway headlights is a very cool car. I tracked an NA in the 90s which I had stiffened up with heavier sway-bars, shock tower and rear suspension cross bracing. It was the best 6 years of my driving lift.
Love the traction control on my NA: you can HEAR what every individual tire is doing. There will never be anything better.
I've owned a 2004 NB 1.8 that I ran for just over a year back in 2017/2018 and then bought a 2016 Recaro Sport ND in August 2018, I still have that now and until Jan this year it was my daily driver. Because of the model it has Recaro seats (hence the name) and they are excellent and apart form Eibach lowering springs it's standard. Cracking little car, no intention of getting rid of it any time soon as there's nothing else I like that would replace it. Would be nice to have the later 180hp engine (mine is the 160hp) but the cost to change makes it not an option. Bloody love my MX5 they are the only car that have been anyting other than just a transport as all my other cars have been.
My mk1 has a supercharger, but otherwise looks standard. It's perfect. :) I appreciate the mk4... but no pop-up headlights, so it can't possibly be the best.
NB is the best looking one personally to me, ALONG with ND. I'm tired of everything from X5 to Yaris being super agressive, so NB is a breath of fresh air, it's got some actual lines, whereas the NA is a bit nondescript looking. ND, though has got agressive styling, is at least agression done right.
MR2 pre dated the MX5 and a Mk1is still a great drive. The 3rd gen MR2 was always dismissed due to lacking a boot but it's an in-between car not as cute as MX5 but more practical than a lotus Elise and great fun to drive.
A well-presented article. 👍That pretty much sums up all there is to MX5 ownership. I still have my NA that I bought new in Nov '89 here in OZ, and then patiently viewed future iterations that might have warranted an upgrade. That didn't happen until the ND and I purchased mine in Nov '15. The only "mods" I've made to the ND have been the fitting of a Goodwin Racing RoadsterSport RACE muffler and a tune to enable the use of E85 fuel. I smile every time I drive either of mine.
I have an 11' nc prht gt in stormy blue mica. Most fun you can have with your clothes on and within the limits of the roads. I'd be in jail if I had a fast car!!!!
American here. I absolutely love my NC-1. Because it is the least liked of the MX-5 variants I was able to get a super cheap reliable fun daily commuter and can say I have no regrets
yeah, they made the ND lighter absolutely.... mostly by removing about 15 kilos out of the gearbox, and making it out of chocolate. Is the only real compromise on the ND, the gearboxes can't handle heavy enthusiastic usage.
I bought my NA 5 years ago (cheapest 1.6 on the market, nearing 300.000km) when NAs were still affordable. I've owned around 25 cars and this is by far my best purchase ever. It's really reliable and the most fun car I've ever owned, especially considering how cheap I bought it and how cheap it is to own.. It truely is one of the greatest cars ever made.
The only real disadvantages that I can think of are they rust really bad and people tend to overlook them because they're so small and low. Also they're not the safest cars as they're nearly 35 years old. Taking those things into account, doing some rust repairs/proofing and such and you're golden. Really enjoyable little cars!
Excellent presentation of all the different iterations of this amazing little car! What will they do next, I wonder?!
Loved my NB Miata. Sold it because having 2 cars was annoying at this point in my life. Would love to get a ND in the future
I have the NX2, and at the end of this month I will have had it for one year. I am partial to it. I first imagined having an MX-5 when they debuted, and it took me 34 years to get one. Simply put, I am glad to have one, a 2023 GT RF in Zircon Sand. A nicely done review by the way, quite informative.
I certainly hope there will be a 24th generation sometime in the future. 😉
ND3 Club ST here. Still breaking her in. Cant beat this - all the good things of the Miata, just totally modernized with a lovely screen, nice tach, great reliability and even better steering plus diff.
Had my 24’ ND3 RF GT for almost 2 months now, such a wonderful machine
I’ve daily my nd2, I’ve had both manual and a automatic which I like a lil better in Los Angeles traffic, these are fantastic cars,
The NC was a Car & Driver Magazine top 10 cars 8 times, which is more than any other generation.
Hard to compare models over such a long period.
Anniversary NB was heavier and stiffer, had Bilstein shocks and LSD.
A better comparison to the NA would be NB8A (lighter, better suspension) or NB8B with more torque in the VVT.
Also, other countries i.e. Australia deliverd a different mix of specifications.
Strange how opinions differ.
I feel the NB is the beat looking of them all, but must add it has to be a later model NB as they look much more serious.
Then with regards to the jump from NB to NC I agree it's a massive jump but here we have a very early NB with a very late NC, a late NB to early NC that difference is significantly smaller.
Regardless, brilliant video and I rate Dan as ons of the best motoring journalists out there if not the best.
Absolutely agree with you
Love my NC RT , I don't have a garage and live in a cold climate. The lines with the top down are beautiful. He's dead on about shaky on uneven roads. The missed the drawback on the ND that it is a T-top and not a convertable