Agreed, this is some of the best automotive content and high production value, as usual. Kudos and hope to hear more behind the scenes discussions of some of the great enthusiast vehicles. Really awesome to hear the perspective of designers/engineers.
The fun part is: You could make a video about almost every single vehicle which is driving on the road (well, ok.. maybe not about a Dacia Logan or other very low budget cars) and you would find the same passion there.. It's mostly about the people involved in the Product Development. They are the variable which gives the cars their "querks and features" and the character. I've worked in the development department (body parts) for two totally different OEMs in Germany and have noticed the same passion from my side and also from my colleagues even the products being two absolutely different leagues (economy car & sportscar).. I've kept this passion now being a Product Manager - it helps a lot regarding requirement creation for engineering and also for technical understanding. Sadly most Product Managers didn't get in contact with any engineering before creating some "wild" requirements for their research/engineering colleagues - you'll notice this immediately.
As Jeremy Clarkson put it when he reviewed the NC, "You waste your money on a Mustang or a Ferrari. The fact is that if you want a sports car, the MX-5 is perfect. Nothing on the road will give you better value. Nothing will give you so much fun. The only reason I’m giving it five stars is because I can’t give it 14."
"But we're getting into the weeds here..." That's good! We need more content like this! It gives you insight into what goes into making these cars. The NC haters don't understand why the car is the way it is and don't appreciate the effort that went into making it better given the restrictions Mazda had at the time. Really great content. Keep it up.
Drive an NC (manual of course) on a good road ...you will be very surprised. And at the prices you can buy one for today, it's a lot of very sophisticated engineering for the money
NC’s have tons of potential, there’s a reason the Koenigsegg test driver owns a track-prepped NC. The biggest thing for people that have driven multiple gens is that those people older, floppy chassis’s give the driver more of a “this thing’s crazy!” Feeling. Less refinement makes the car feel more raw, which at legal road speeds can more fun and on the edge.
From way back in the day reading his articles in Sport Compact Car magazine. To seeing this content now. To getting to drive one of his creations every day. (I bought an ND2 RF Club) Absolutely fantastic.
Wow, what a curveball with the under-the-car segment. I thought it was going to be just "oh the car got bigger, we have a bigger engine" platitudes. This is phenomenal.
Not a curveball at all if you're familiar with SavageGeese's work. That's a staple of ALL of his reviews and is one of MANY reasons why he's my favorite of all the car channels on UA-cam. EXCELLENT job, Mark! ...as expected.
This doc-u-series is any enthusiasts dream, and you guys are doing a phenomenal job. Thanks for all the time and hard work you guys have done to create a complete Miata documentary. 😘
*sees SG published my most anticipated episode of this mini series: gets excited *Reads the title "forcing change": oh no, he's going to be harsh to my NC chubby boi *Gets Dave Coleman to present the NC: oh yeah, it's about time to get technical and give the NC some deserved recognition.
I turn 68 in three days and picking up a 2006 in mint condition tomorrow. It is 4:00 in the morning and I can't think about anything else. I had 2 MG midgets in the early 70s and drove hundreds of miles a week between FSU in Tallahassee and my gf in Sarasota. I test drove this one by myself with the top down and barefoot and fell in love with driving again. My wife and kids look at me and shake their heads. I really appreciate the depth and quality of Savagegeese videos. Thank you.
After watching the engineer talk about how much work is spent on creating the perfect feeling in a car over a giant horsepower spec sheet makes me respect Mazda incredibly. Even though they're a small company compared to Toyota and Honda and gm, they commit themselves to developing an affordable sports car no matter what naysayers say about it being slow. They deserve the utmost respect when all these other large companies co develop everything when they talk about they can't afford to do it alone *cough cough...Toyota* for this reason I will love Mazda, as the na Miata was my introduction to the company.
As an NC enthusiast, this is a great video. It captures a lot of the shortfalls and improvements in NC over the revisions in such a positive way. Thank you for making this video.
I've owned Miatas since 1993, and I loved my NC so much I kept it when I bought the 30th anniversary ND. The NC will be my son's first car when he gets his license in 3 years :D
I've owned an NC which I sold shortly after getting married. For those who had the chance to deep dive into these cars, they'd know NC is unfairly under-appreciated. Also, the top-trim NBs were heavier than the baseline (or the clubsport) soft top NC's. Having the same engine block shared by the regular Mazda3, there are also plenty of replacement engines available from most junkyards (anywhere from $250 - $700) in case you blow one (it's a huge benefit if you race them). Paired with really robust transmission and just a solid car overall and ages very well. No rust issues like the old generations and can fit a driver up to 6'2" without a hassle. As it shares the RX-8 platform, the car is over-built in a way but it translates to much stiffer chassis than the NA/NB and Mazda really shaved the weight from all other areas to keep the car below 2500 lbs. (My GS trim weighed 2460lb with 1/2 tank of gas). I've driven every generation of miatas except NB1 and would personally rate ND2 > ND1 = NC3&2 > NC1 > NA2 > NB2 > NA1 in terms of driving fun (though all miatas are fun to drive by default)
I'm assuming this is the same Dave Coleman from Sport Compact Car, also the originator of the Dave Point. This guy single-handedly kept me from becoming some douchy ricer with a fart pipe. Thanks Dave
You mentioning “the Dave Point” made me dust off an old memory. LOVED Sport Compact Car in the late 90s. I have been away from sports cars for about 10 years driving FWD sedans. I am looking at getting a NC after driving a friend’s NB for awhile.
I have a feeling that the NC is something like an unloved child among its brothers. From what i can tell, many despise it just for not being the NA. Thank you for this video, it finally confirms what i have been feeling about how it drives for years now. I love my NC, even with the smaller 1.8 offered in Europe, and there will never be anything like it.
I had an na and I have to say it's a true sports car. People may rag on it being slow but its, it's own platform designed to have fully independent suspension and rwd. And being able to floor it everywhere is a blast
The Miata is far, far more enjoyable than its numbers suggest. I absolutely adore my ND2, and I think it's the best deal in new sports cars. "You can't drive a spec sheet."
Correct. This is why I dont understand all the "Sport SUV" bs.. Why we need an X6M? Is it really a sports car? No! This thing is heavy as hell and additionally has a very high sitting point of gravity. It is a heavy (even if fast in the straight line) tank with very low lateral dynamics..
@@PressurenFlames but 600HP bro! Lol seriously, the way cars are marketed now is all numbers and gimmicks. Consumers care less and less about how the car actually drives. We're lucky to still have cars like the ND available.
@@PressurenFlames We don't need those "coupe sports SUVs". The companies need them because they basically print them money. BMW made an X6 and saw it grew on numbers sold and they went on ahead with it. Hence why Cayenne, Urus, Levante, upcominf Ferrari SUV all exists.
Damn I could've listened to this man describe this car down to each bolt for hours. The only sin of this documentary is the fact that it's about 3 hours too short. Amazing work
I'm 74 and own a base NC2 with automatic. This is everything I'm looking for in a fun drop top here in Florida. I've been through old classic convertibles and now just want something that is fun, reliable and not needing a constant supply of money to keep running.
I cant belive I just now found this series, feel like the algorithm has shorted me till now. Always been a big fan of miatas, so happy that I am almost to a point were I can own one.
Keep up the outstanding work. I just love my 03, Miata . This new generation Miata,is just, what is needed, for me to want to upgrade. Zoom- Zoom. Thank you MIATA. I can hardly wait!
Currently have owned a 2006 NC1 for 7 years and have had a 90 and 94 NA. Received WAY MORE comments from strangers on the NAs than I have ever received on the NC1. That being said, the NC1 is a way better car (and safer) than the NAs. The NAs were just so small that you had to obsessively watch out for other drivers to keep from getting hit. I spent a lot of money on upgrades for the NAs to get better performance, but never felt the NC really needed anything. Great car, easy to drive and just plain fun!!
The most comprehensive video on Miatas that I have ever seen. This is due to the Mazda executive who completely explains the history, and the inner workings on the Miata. The best cinematography of any video of Miatas do to the filming of the underside of the car. The best product knowledge the best conversation in Miata. Best editing and cut away shots. All the best Shaun of NYC
Savagegeese should direct video production for the rebooted Top Gear. I remember another great piece he created on the NC years ago. This body of work will be cherished by the Miata community for YEARS to come.
We've had a NA Miata in the family since I think 2001. I remember when the NC came out. It embodied what we feared would happen with the model. It wasn't as light or agile, it didn't feel as mechanically raw, it shared a platform with the rx-8 (very unpure). It seemed like every car was getting heavier in that era and the Miata was another casualty. Sadly, we were so focused on what the NC wasn't, that we didn't properly appreciate what it was. A great lightweight roadster in it's own right.
I worked for a local Porsche shop for a short while that made it's business on Maintaining, Storing, and Transporting 911 GT3 Cup Cars, now also touching into LMP, and Audi R8 Racecars One of the crew cheifs was a Miata guy and had a NC, I was often working on it for him during downtime, which would give me an excuse to take it out and drive it. That's where I fell in love with the NC, and saw the light of Miata as a whole. Looking at late model NCs underneath compared to brand new fresh from the factory Porsche Racecars, it was crazy to see how good the quality of the Engineering was, at significantly lower pricepoint. I'm also an RX-8 owner so I may be a tad biased, but God be Damned If that is not one of the single best cars to come out of the 2000-2010 decade, so incredibly good out of the box.
That's my baby! Most loved miata yet. It has a lightened flywheel from the factory. The speed at which this little engine revs is really cool. Almost reminds me of a motorcycle engine. I got my NC new in 2010 and it was my first car. I learned to drive a manual in this and having that light flywheel was really interesting. Just tap the throttle and the engine revs. A few years later I test drove a few 'sporty' VW cars, and I was shocked at how slow and unresponsive the throttle peddle was.
It's the sum of its parts that make the NC even in its 1.8 form so endearing. As a Mazda salesman involved with the NA and thinking it be perfect then, Mazda didn't just rest in their laurels. They strived to make it better. Thanks guys.
Just bought an NC MX5 here in the UK. It's the first RWD car I've owned, the first "decent" car I've owned. Picking it up tomorrow. Doesn't feel real yet...many adventures ahead, and I can't wait.
Honestly, I feel like I’m in Miata heaven. This documentary needs to win an award. The under the car tour was rapturous. I want to be friends with Dave Coleman. Maybe I can work for him.
This is like watching the DVD commentary on a car. You get all the behind the scenes stuff you glaze over when looking over the car. Builds a much higher appreciation for what these people do when making a car like this.
I bought a 2013 with 22,000 miles in February. I love this car! I had a 2008 Mazdaspeed 6 beforehand and can honestly say this one is so much more fun. I was originally going to buy a 2013 Mazdaspeed 3. I decided late the night before to take one more look at the market and found an ad for my MX-5 Club Edition. It was stunning. I have always liked the Miatas but never thought I'd actually own one. But, when I saw this one it was love at first sight. I've since taken it on 4 road trips throughout the Southwest and can't wait for many more. This car still turns a lot of heads and gets many compliments. Also you don't see many on the road, which retains a unique look.
I learned so much about my NC from this video and seeing the exact same car I own (the 25th anniversary edition) on the video made me feel very lucky to own one. Too bad it has to be stored for a few months waiting for winter to pass (I live in Ontario, Canada). Great series of documentaries, keep up the good work!
2 years ago my dad got a salvaged 2009 miata Grand Touring, and said to all of my siblings "who ever fixes it up gets to keep it" And that's how I got a car at 12.
This documentary is what made me look for an NC... after 4 NAs and 2 NBs (2 MSM in fact), I am hooked on the NC..., especially after having owned a RX8, I was very familiar with the chassis..In fact, I just purchased a 2008 NC PRHT... Thank you Dave and Mr Goose :)
I loved my 2006 NC Miata. It was an uncommon off-white color in the base trim and was an absolute blast to drive. I often got compliments on it even though it's a common car, and I have a 911 now but still think about going back to a Miata sometimes. I think it's not necessarily bad that the NC was bigger, softer, and more comfortable. It feels way more substantial and I did whole-day road trips in the NC with the roof down and didn't feel tired afterward. The NC still has amazing handling, it just feels a little more mature than an NA or NB.
I've seen a lot of content on Miata's on all generations from over 7 years since I got my eye set on having a Miata myself. I just stumbled upon this episode in a series and for me, it is the very best I've seen in those 7 years of watching video's on Miata's. This is the stuff that enthusiasts like me who not only love the ride, but also love the technology see explained by one of the people that played a large role in making something that's good even better. Really awesome how this is told, explained, filmed and produced. Thank you very much!
Dave Coleman is a legend. He's the reason for the 240 craze in the US. Flat black has it's origins with that same Silvia. Sport compact car was the best car magazine maybe ever while he was there and now he's helped make mazda what they are today. I hope someone does a documentary on him at some point.
The NC sold better in the US than the ND has and that was despite the fact that the Solstice and Sky were being produced when the NC was introduced. The NC was a Car and Driver 10Best for 8 years of its production run. Its a great sports car and terrific Miata. IMHO the weight hype is just that, hype. Its still a tiny, lightweight car. Sure this car is about 150 lbs heavier than the ND, but its still a blast.
As far as sales goes, that applies to all sports cars. The MX-5 was the small sports car for Boomers, and now the Boomers have got old and don't want a sports car anymore (or really any sort of traditional car with low step-in height). Gen X and Millennials either don't care about cars or can't afford the luxury of a second car.
Me too! Owned all 4 series now-found a 1 owner 13 prht in copper red- 39k and weekend toy. Cali car. On 9/03 I took dlvry from oak tree Mazda in San Jose ca- special order shinsen…. 223k on original clutch- miss her so…. These cars have a soul.
I was lucky enough to find a 2007 NC 4 months ago. I love this car. I get that the NA and NB track purists have reasons not to like this car but, they need to understand that the Miata line would not survive if built only for them. Those guys don’t buy the cars new.
This is such a great channel for automotive people. I just bought MX-5 NC in Nordic Green color. It was just a matter of time when I'm gonna have one. Driving this car in the sunset on the open road at 80km/h with some Rock songs playing and roof off, it's just something on whole another level.
You've made some Miata lovers dreams come true with the series! I love the time and effort you put into this and all your videos! Hope you have a lot more to come in 2020! (Maybe a 3 series or M3 docuseries?)
Love the series and the depth. I was worried that not having someone involved with the development of the NC would make things superficial. Glad to see that Dave Coleman provides very interesting depth. Still would have liked to hear more about the NC1 design aesthetics. I love how it pays homage to the NA with the shape of the headlights and hood bulge. I like the neutral expression better as opposed to the later smiley faces.
This could go on the history channel or modern marvels and would raise their quality by an endless amount. No fiddeling around, just perfect camera, informative interview, superp cutting in great visuals that show what is being talked about, smooth fitting music and a host that doesn't have to be center frame all the time but is still present in every bit of this masterpiece. Way to lead the way into a new decade.
I believe this is how I got to watch your YT channel for the 1st time. I was looking for some info on my NC Miata MY2012 and saw this. I was blown away how great this video footage was, and since I'm a mechanical engineer, I really loved the part with Ford/Mazda project leader. Such a first-hand info always enriches the value of the entire video content, I really appreciate your efforts on these technical videos. Greetings from Poland.
loved loved loved the technical deep dive as a owner of a 1.6 1991 NA i'm aspiring to do a super20 NC build in the future and while the NC is the unloved miata this video counteracts a lot of the negative beliefs that people have on this generation.
Just re-watched this - when it was released I owned a 2006 NC, my 4th MX5. I currently own a Lotus Elise but I am seriously considering going back and getting a really nice, late NC3. People think I'm mad that i might replace a Lotus with 'just' as Mazda, but people who understand enginering and enjoy driving really 'get' the Nc/Mk3. Loved my old cars, with winky-wonk headlights, but the NC is the best 'sports car' of them all. My 2006 was so good on track, forgiving, strong, balanced, easy to drive quickly. Brilliant piece this, well done.
I would LOVE to see this format with other vehicle manufacturers. Learned a lot from listening to Dave Coleman talk about the engineering process for the engine and chassis. It really makes me want to get an NC.
I'm the happy owner of a 2014 NC2 Club (Soul Red) with 13,000 miles... After watching this video I had the worst urge to take it out of the garage - even if it is 9:30PM and 45F outside. Great job on this video - I learned a lot about the car, and I really appreciate that Dave would get into the weeds with us. As soon as Spring comes around, she'll get a good polishing, and some fresh oil, and it's off to Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway for a weekend of pure motoring joy.
This is the best episode yet, I could hear him talk about the Motorsports and Business teams going back and forth all day! Lots of cool hidden details in the design of the chassis.
Seriously, this has to be one of the best documentaries on an everyday enthusiast's car I've ever seen (and I watch a LOT). Superb work Savagegeese, please let there be more!
definitely not saying anything new but this is the best channel on UA-cam. The level of quality is not only apparent in the video editing and the camera work, but in the people. Love all your videos! Thank you
The NC is an underrated gem Yes the ND is a better car but the NC has its own charm A friend of mine owns a red NC and it’s so nice to drive one every time
@@lifeofmike556 No you can’t argue the NC is quicker than the ND. I’ve owned an NC2 for 5 years and now an ND2. The ND2 is quicker and a better performer is every metric.
Been driving an 06 for about 6 months... loving it! But this vid is the best thing I've seen in ages - answering questions about what is missing, what to change etc. And whether I should sell this one and buy a later one.... hmmm!
Thanks for this 30th anniversary. Fiata owner here, glad to see platform sharing for an Italian flavor commemorating FIAT's own 70 anniversary of its original Spider.
Absolutely love my '07 NC1. A great daily driver that makes going to the grocery store a mini adventure. Also love my brother's little red 1990 model. I recently drove mine from Detroit to Tucson and had a fun, relaxing and comfortable ride the whole time. This video bolstered my view that the NC was and is a TRUE Miata in every sense of the word.
I'm a devout NB man but always loved the looks of the NC. I honestly never realised what a massive leap forward this car was until now. I might reconsider my position;o). Thank you for the info and a really well made video. A joy to watch.
I keep coming back to this series, so yeah I’m a serial commenter. Thank you for this! The series made me put having either an NC or ND2 on my bucket list.
Fantastic series from my favorite auto reviewer. Thanks very much, savagegeese! I've just purchased an NC2 in November 2019 and this video makes me love it all the more. Plus, it was an amazingly fun shock to see Dave Coleman telling the story. I had lost track of him after we spent a few weeks together in Japan back in the early 90's! Love that he still has the passion for cars that we shared way back then as college students!
being a first-time miata owner, and an NC1 owner at that, i love this car. it’s peppy, while being forgiving to a new owner like me. the engine gleefully sings as i glide across the highway. i love this car so much, i wouldn’t wanna trade it for anything for the foreseeable future. it’s so interesting seeing what was happening behind the scenes at mazda and ford, and the unusual culmination of american cost-cutting and japanese engineering. thank you savagegeese
There's something about the proportions of all the lights and panels that really works well. The move towards the larger grille on the NC2 isn't 100% my cup of tea, but every time I see it now, I can see how it evolved into the ND. I think the ND has a great overall shape, and the smallness of it even compared to the NA/NB is impressive, but it's features are just a little too angular.
@@ftovr2957 You're right. I think it is the proportion. Also for me is the simple strong flowing lines. Not too rounded, just enough strong angular lines. Not too busy ala the new Civic.
Great to get all that background info about the NC! I recently ditched my rusting 1.8 NA for a "3rd gen limited" NC. If my NA didn't rust out on me, I probably would've kept it. I loved that thing. But I'm not disappointed with my NC. Sure it lost some of the charm of the NA, but it makes up for that in great ways, even the 1st iteration of the NC. The engine is just so much better than the NA's 1.8, it feels more like the NA 1.6 in terms of smoothness but even smoother and of course very noticeably more powerful. I did upgrade the suspension a bit (I felt it rolled a bit too dramatically in stock) and changed the air intake. I do kind of miss the NA's more mechanical feeling gearbox, but it's a small difference; it's still a fantastic gearbox. The road feel of the NC is kind of better than my old NA (the lower profile tyres probably has something to do with that too). The brakes are a lot better too than the old Miatas. I'm no great race driver by any stretch, but I feel the NC is even easier to drive hard and have some fun on the twisty roads than the NA, even though it's a bit more powerful and has a bit more weight to it (but not much at all actually compared to the NB). I understand why the NC has this stigma within the Miata/MX5 family, but I still feel it's hugely underrated. In many ways it was a huge step up.
This UA-cam channel is so underrated, y'all should have 1mil+ followers by now! You guys go more above and beyond and don't do what other car reviews do....
I bought a used NC last year after i test drove the ND and fell in love with it (got to store to check mazda 3 originally but left the store with MX5 on my mind) still love the ND design more than NC but really dont know where i will store the small things in the ND once i buy it in few years, its my primary car, used also for long trips in europe from time to time, ND seems to me was really designed just for the track even though they say RF is supposed to be for daily drivers. Love how i can actually carry things inside my NC.
@@johnnyparker2128 sorr mate but you must not have owned a NC. Yes it has glove box, but also it has much deeper storage under your armrest, maybe 2 or 3 times bigger, that can serve as cupholder for 2 cups as well, then you have two more cupholders on the door which are perfect for me and i believe the ND could easily have it but it wouldnt fit the cool style, then on NC you have also Nets on the doors which are perfect for keeping neon vests, which are mandatory to have in Europe in case you stuck on the side of the road, and then you have the cubby between the seats and the empty space infront of gearbox. Let me tell you when you daily drive this and its your only car, all of these space matters. And glovebox is key because it has so much room, so i wouldn't say "just". That being said i dont think it will stop me from buying ND, just gonna have carry stuff in my trunk...
Agree - the NC has decent space for luggage and makes an excellent tourer. The ND is a clever thing, but too limited in luggage capacity for longer European trips, meaning UK to Spain, or Italy.
I have a massive appreciation for NC where I almost had none before. I always thought of it as the odd one out, but it honestly is possibly the most thought-out of them all, with all of the considerations of platform and cost, and the audience for the car versus the expectations of the die-hard fans. The fact that it did well at all is a testament to Mazda's commitment to their craft, and all of the passionate people behind each iteration. Thank you for this great series, savagegeese, it makes me hopeful in the future that if my Miata may fail, I can look forward to the advances that this platform can bring.
I watch this episode every few months in anticipation for when I'll eventually buy my NC2 miata.. much respect for Dave Coleman for creating exciting cars from a "budget" company.
Huge thanks to savagegeese for this great series. I was getting impatient about this video being late, but it was so worth the wait. The history and background that Dave Coleman, Tom Matano, Ken Saward, and others have brought to every video have raised the level of these videos beyond anything else I've seen to date on the Miata story. I've seen and known some of this before, but have never seen it all in one place, nor presented as well. The passion for valuing responsiveness over numbers that Dave Coleman shares only strengthens my enthusiasm for how Mazda thinks as a manufacturer. At this point I'm torn between the NC and the ND, and am leaning towards the NC, but I think I'll need to wait and see that last video in the series before I make a decision. I can't wait.
I never really liked the way the NC looked but as I got older, I took a liking to the looks of it. I want one now lol with the retractable hardtop. Great job on this video, really enjoyed it!
This has been a fantastic series, just wish it would receive the views that it deserves! I currently own an NB and an NC. '01 6 speed manual and a '13 6 speed automatic. The NC PRHT serves as my daily driver and as a backup car for my wife to use, hence the automatic. I have also owned '79 and '83 RX-7's, and '05 and '08 RX-8's. The RX-8 chassis was absolutely fantastic. And the ability to comfortably seat four adults was nothing short of an engineering marvel. It was a fantastic platform to use for the NC and as we can see from the detailed program, provided the ability to make it the most robust of the Miata platforms. The NC has proven to be a perfect car for a daily commute. It is the most comfortable of the Miata's for the passenger (according to my wife) and as a result makes the best Miata for longer trips. This past fall we completed one from Minnesota to the Rocky Mountains outside of Denver. The PRHT itself is another fantastic engineering feat that could only be accomplished by a group as dedicated as the Mazda engineers. It makes the car perfectly suited to daily use, and with proper winter tires underneath, the NC as well as the RX-8 proved to be fantastic winter cars here in the Twin Cities. Now thanks to this video, I finding myself wanting to justify swapping out the automatic NC for one with the proper 6 speed.
What a great video. Dave Coleman discussing the technical bits was the highlight for me. I thought I knew a lot about my car, but it turns out the rabbit hole goes way deeper than I imagined.
Love hearing the engineers/designers geeking out over their creation. You can really hear the passion.
Agreed, this is some of the best automotive content and high production value, as usual. Kudos and hope to hear more behind the scenes discussions of some of the great enthusiast vehicles. Really awesome to hear the perspective of designers/engineers.
The Engineers Wife hate that passion. I can hear the nagging now. “ I betcha you love that car more than me “. That’s why I am single.
The fun part is: You could make a video about almost every single vehicle which is driving on the road (well, ok.. maybe not about a Dacia Logan or other very low budget cars) and you would find the same passion there..
It's mostly about the people involved in the Product Development. They are the variable which gives the cars their "querks and features" and the character.
I've worked in the development department (body parts) for two totally different OEMs in Germany and have noticed the same passion from my side and also from my colleagues even the products being two absolutely different leagues (economy car & sportscar)..
I've kept this passion now being a Product Manager - it helps a lot regarding requirement creation for engineering and also for technical understanding. Sadly most Product Managers didn't get in contact with any engineering before creating some "wild" requirements for their research/engineering colleagues - you'll notice this immediately.
They are so proud of their work. I'm happy for everyone involved because the end product is completely awesome
Thank,s...all miata Friend,s wih really Passion .......for ever !
As Jeremy Clarkson put it when he reviewed the NC, "You waste your money on a Mustang or a Ferrari. The fact is that if you want a sports car, the MX-5 is perfect. Nothing on the road will give you better value. Nothing will give you so much fun. The only reason I’m giving it five stars is because I can’t give it 14."
"But we're getting into the weeds here..." That's good! We need more content like this! It gives you insight into what goes into making these cars. The NC haters don't understand why the car is the way it is and don't appreciate the effort that went into making it better given the restrictions Mazda had at the time. Really great content. Keep it up.
As someone who has had to deal with those long bolts on the NA PPF to do a diff swap, he is absolutely right. They are such a pain in the ass.
I daily drove a nc for years. Fantastic car . I hope my new rf turns out to be as good .
@@gregblack4581 Did it?
Love how he justified having forged internals for “reduced NVH” 😂 get this man a medal
Good argument for upper management do/don't decisons ;)
Don't tell management what you're you're really after - let them think it's for NVH!
I don't think the board would have appreciated "to turbocharge the f8ck out of it."
This man is so passionate about the NC that he made me fall in love with it. I always thought it was the worst one up until I watched this
It’s the best one from a refinement standpoint. Everything feels better than in the na and nb. Way less rattles as well.
@@Tooshi3Tom ND is more refined in terms of quality.
Drive an NC (manual of course) on a good road ...you will be very surprised. And at the prices you can buy one for today, it's a lot of very sophisticated engineering for the money
Saying the worst miata doesnt mean much when all of them are great compared to other cars
NC’s have tons of potential, there’s a reason the Koenigsegg test driver owns a track-prepped NC. The biggest thing for people that have driven multiple gens is that those people older, floppy chassis’s give the driver more of a “this thing’s crazy!” Feeling. Less refinement makes the car feel more raw, which at legal road speeds can more fun and on the edge.
Hearing Dave Coleman in the shop is like a master class on vehicle dynamics. Great video.
From way back in the day reading his articles in Sport Compact Car magazine. To seeing this content now. To getting to drive one of his creations every day. (I bought an ND2 RF Club) Absolutely fantastic.
Dude knows what he's talking about for sure, it's a delight to hear him talk about it.
Seriously. I know very very very very little, but man!
I friend requested him on facebook haha
Could listen to Dave Coleman all day. Great video goose.
Wow, what a curveball with the under-the-car segment. I thought it was going to be just "oh the car got bigger, we have a bigger engine" platitudes. This is phenomenal.
Not a curveball at all if you're familiar with SavageGeese's work. That's a staple of ALL of his reviews and is one of MANY reasons why he's my favorite of all the car channels on UA-cam. EXCELLENT job, Mark! ...as expected.
This doc-u-series is any enthusiasts dream, and you guys are doing a phenomenal job. Thanks for all the time and hard work you guys have done to create a complete Miata documentary. 😘
Man I've never wanted an NC more than I do right now...
Same here.
I got one and I'm loving it!
Best car I've ever owned. I daily it with coilovers and it's still livable.
Pulled the trigger on a 14 Club. They're great!
and then ND video drops later...
*sees SG published my most anticipated episode of this mini series: gets excited
*Reads the title "forcing change": oh no, he's going to be harsh to my NC chubby boi
*Gets Dave Coleman to present the NC: oh yeah, it's about time to get technical and give the NC some deserved recognition.
First thing Mark says when he gets behind the wheel: "It feels like LIGHTNING compared to the NA and NB."
I turn 68 in three days and picking up a 2006 in mint condition tomorrow. It is 4:00 in the morning and I can't think about anything else. I had 2 MG midgets in the early 70s and drove hundreds of miles a week between FSU in Tallahassee and my gf in Sarasota. I test drove this one by myself with the top down and barefoot and fell in love with driving again. My wife and kids look at me and shake their heads. I really appreciate the depth and quality of Savagegeese videos. Thank you.
After watching the engineer talk about how much work is spent on creating the perfect feeling in a car over a giant horsepower spec sheet makes me respect Mazda incredibly. Even though they're a small company compared to Toyota and Honda and gm, they commit themselves to developing an affordable sports car no matter what naysayers say about it being slow. They deserve the utmost respect when all these other large companies co develop everything when they talk about they can't afford to do it alone *cough cough...Toyota* for this reason I will love Mazda, as the na Miata was my introduction to the company.
My NC has 10y now. Zero problems, just oil changes. Awesome vehicle !
Well done! I m getting mine next week, after having a tigra for ten years, i hope it ll last that long..so 12 years if you still got it
As an NC enthusiast, this is a great video. It captures a lot of the shortfalls and improvements in NC over the revisions in such a positive way. Thank you for making this video.
"It's impossible to look at a five-link suspension and figure out what's going on." Love that one.
I've owned Miatas since 1993, and I loved my NC so much I kept it when I bought the 30th anniversary ND. The NC will be my son's first car when he gets his license in 3 years :D
Hi, can I apply to be your son? xD
I don’t blame you ! I love mine .
Yeah Ill be your son!
Lucky son!
My son already owns my Mazda ; they are little Hot Rods straight from the factory 🏭 n extremely dependable too!
❤ them 🤠!
Awesome, so grateful for this series
I've owned an NC which I sold shortly after getting married. For those who had the chance to deep dive into these cars, they'd know NC is unfairly under-appreciated. Also, the top-trim NBs were heavier than the baseline (or the clubsport) soft top NC's. Having the same engine block shared by the regular Mazda3, there are also plenty of replacement engines available from most junkyards (anywhere from $250 - $700) in case you blow one (it's a huge benefit if you race them). Paired with really robust transmission and just a solid car overall and ages very well. No rust issues like the old generations and can fit a driver up to 6'2" without a hassle. As it shares the RX-8 platform, the car is over-built in a way but it translates to much stiffer chassis than the NA/NB and Mazda really shaved the weight from all other areas to keep the car below 2500 lbs. (My GS trim weighed 2460lb with 1/2 tank of gas). I've driven every generation of miatas except NB1 and would personally rate ND2 > ND1 = NC3&2 > NC1 > NA2 > NB2 > NA1 in terms of driving fun (though all miatas are fun to drive by default)
I'm assuming this is the same Dave Coleman from Sport Compact Car, also the originator of the Dave Point. This guy single-handedly kept me from becoming some douchy ricer with a fart pipe. Thanks Dave
You mentioning “the Dave Point” made me dust off an old memory. LOVED Sport Compact Car in the late 90s. I have been away from sports cars for about 10 years driving FWD sedans. I am looking at getting a NC after driving a friend’s NB for awhile.
This series is as pure as the Mazda Miata itself.
I have a feeling that the NC is something like an unloved child among its brothers. From what i can tell, many despise it just for not being the NA. Thank you for this video, it finally confirms what i have been feeling about how it drives for years now. I love my NC, even with the smaller 1.8 offered in Europe, and there will never be anything like it.
Yes! Uploaded just in time for breakfast. I got a tingling feeling that I might end up getting a Miata once this series ends.
You won't reget it!
My NC is a blast. Best bang for the buck fun car out there
No matter what generation you get, they will all be fun ;)
I had an na and I have to say it's a true sports car. People may rag on it being slow but its, it's own platform designed to have fully independent suspension and rwd. And being able to floor it everywhere is a blast
The Miata is far, far more enjoyable than its numbers suggest. I absolutely adore my ND2, and I think it's the best deal in new sports cars.
"You can't drive a spec sheet."
Forged crank for NVH. Of course. That’s masterclass of how to have your cake and eat it too. I love Dave. Thank you again savagegoose
“To make a sports car really good it has to be on a dedicated sports car platform.”
Correct. This is why I dont understand all the "Sport SUV" bs.. Why we need an X6M? Is it really a sports car? No! This thing is heavy as hell and additionally has a very high sitting point of gravity. It is a heavy (even if fast in the straight line) tank with very low lateral dynamics..
@@PressurenFlames but 600HP bro! Lol seriously, the way cars are marketed now is all numbers and gimmicks. Consumers care less and less about how the car actually drives. We're lucky to still have cars like the ND available.
@@PressurenFlames We don't need those "coupe sports SUVs". The companies need them because they basically print them money. BMW made an X6 and saw it grew on numbers sold and they went on ahead with it. Hence why Cayenne, Urus, Levante, upcominf Ferrari SUV all exists.
@@geethsan1567 It was more a rhetorical question from my side ;) I know why these cars exist..
Damn I could've listened to this man describe this car down to each bolt for hours. The only sin of this documentary is the fact that it's about 3 hours too short.
Amazing work
I'm 74 and own a base NC2 with automatic. This is everything I'm looking for in a fun drop top here in Florida. I've been through old classic convertibles and now just want something that is fun, reliable and not needing a constant supply of money to keep running.
NC: unquestionably the jolliest MX-5.
I cant belive I just now found this series, feel like the algorithm has shorted me till now. Always been a big fan of miatas, so happy that I am almost to a point were I can own one.
Dave Coleman has been the best since his Sport Compact Car days. Passion for engineering and Motorsports oozes from his words.
Keep up the outstanding work. I just love my 03, Miata . This new generation Miata,is just, what is needed, for me to want to upgrade. Zoom- Zoom. Thank you MIATA. I can hardly wait!
I never knew the NC shared architecture with the RX-8, that's really interesting.
Still loving this series!
Shared RX-8 architecture without the rotary engine.
Likewise
As an NC1 owner I have been waiting for this episode. Thanks Goose my boat has come in !
NC is the best proportioned MX-5. Such a pleasing design. I think it’ll age the best out of the series so far.
Dave Coleman is so god damn passionate and I can listen to him all day. Please include him for all technical breakdowns!
Currently have owned a 2006 NC1 for 7 years and have had a 90 and 94 NA. Received WAY MORE comments from strangers on the NAs than I have ever received on the NC1. That being said, the NC1 is a way better car (and safer) than the NAs. The NAs were just so small that you had to obsessively watch out for other drivers to keep from getting hit. I spent a lot of money on upgrades for the NAs to get better performance, but never felt the NC really needed anything. Great car, easy to drive and just plain fun!!
The most comprehensive video on Miatas that I have ever seen.
This is due to the Mazda executive who completely explains the history, and the inner workings on the Miata.
The best cinematography of any video of Miatas do to the filming of the underside of the car. The best product knowledge the best conversation in Miata. Best editing and cut away shots.
All the best Shaun of NYC
Whoa, 27 minutes of what I'm sure will be top quality content! Think I'll wait to watch this one in 4K from the couch.
worthy to watch it several time...
@@lmc333 Sure thing, watched it three times already. 😊
Savagegeese should direct video production for the rebooted Top Gear. I remember another great piece he created on the NC years ago. This body of work will be cherished by the Miata community for YEARS to come.
The most underrated Miata of all time
good.. least molested/beat on used miata.
most ugly miata.. almost just as ugly as my mrs
Yes...
We've had a NA Miata in the family since I think 2001. I remember when the NC came out. It embodied what we feared would happen with the model. It wasn't as light or agile, it didn't feel as mechanically raw, it shared a platform with the rx-8 (very unpure). It seemed like every car was getting heavier in that era and the Miata was another casualty. Sadly, we were so focused on what the NC wasn't, that we didn't properly appreciate what it was. A great lightweight roadster in it's own right.
I worked for a local Porsche shop for a short while that made it's business on Maintaining, Storing, and Transporting 911 GT3 Cup Cars, now also touching into LMP, and Audi R8 Racecars
One of the crew cheifs was a Miata guy and had a NC, I was often working on it for him during downtime, which would give me an excuse to take it out and drive it. That's where I fell in love with the NC, and saw the light of Miata as a whole. Looking at late model NCs underneath compared to brand new fresh from the factory Porsche Racecars, it was crazy to see how good the quality of the Engineering was, at significantly lower pricepoint.
I'm also an RX-8 owner so I may be a tad biased, but God be Damned If that is not one of the single best cars to come out of the 2000-2010 decade, so incredibly good out of the box.
That's my baby! Most loved miata yet. It has a lightened flywheel from the factory. The speed at which this little engine revs is really cool. Almost reminds me of a motorcycle engine. I got my NC new in 2010 and it was my first car. I learned to drive a manual in this and having that light flywheel was really interesting. Just tap the throttle and the engine revs. A few years later I test drove a few 'sporty' VW cars, and I was shocked at how slow and unresponsive the throttle peddle was.
Watching this docu series has made me respect and appreciate Miata so much more.
It's the sum of its parts that make the NC even in its 1.8 form so endearing. As a Mazda salesman involved with the NA and thinking it be perfect then, Mazda didn't just rest in their laurels. They strived to make it better. Thanks guys.
Great having Dave Coleman as our guide. In addition Savagegeese serves up the most tastefully produced online automotive channel.
Just bought an NC MX5 here in the UK. It's the first RWD car I've owned, the first "decent" car I've owned. Picking it up tomorrow. Doesn't feel real yet...many adventures ahead, and I can't wait.
Honestly, I feel like I’m in Miata heaven. This documentary needs to win an award. The under the car tour was rapturous. I want to be friends with Dave Coleman. Maybe I can work for him.
It’s so interesting hearing deeper insights on a car without corporate bs spewed in. The world needs more of this!
Thank you
I know some of it wasn't true, just don't know how much....
This is like watching the DVD commentary on a car. You get all the behind the scenes stuff you glaze over when looking over the car. Builds a much higher appreciation for what these people do when making a car like this.
I bought a 2013 with 22,000 miles in February. I love this car! I had a 2008 Mazdaspeed 6 beforehand and can honestly say this one is so much more fun. I was originally going to buy a 2013 Mazdaspeed 3. I decided late the night before to take one more look at the market and found an ad for my MX-5 Club Edition. It was stunning. I have always liked the Miatas but never thought I'd actually own one. But, when I saw this one it was love at first sight. I've since taken it on 4 road trips throughout the Southwest and can't wait for many more. This car still turns a lot of heads and gets many compliments. Also you don't see many on the road, which retains a unique look.
I learned so much about my NC from this video and seeing the exact same car I own (the 25th anniversary edition) on the video made me feel very lucky to own one. Too bad it has to be stored for a few months waiting for winter to pass (I live in Ontario, Canada). Great series of documentaries, keep up the good work!
Dominique are you part of the 25th anniv group on Facebook?
Anthony Lu No I am not
Anthony Lu but I belong to the Trillium Miata club in Toronto
2 years ago my dad got a salvaged 2009 miata Grand Touring, and said to all of my siblings "who ever fixes it up gets to keep it" And that's how I got a car at 12.
MX 5 hibernation extends the life in the long run!
This documentary is what made me look for an NC... after 4 NAs and 2 NBs (2 MSM in fact), I am hooked on the NC..., especially after having owned a RX8, I was very familiar with the chassis..In fact, I just purchased a 2008 NC PRHT... Thank you Dave and Mr Goose :)
This was my favorite entry in the series so far (although they've all been great). Love the tech talk with Dave in the shop.
Third time I’ve watched this, and I still think it is one of the best automotive pieces out there.
I loved my 2006 NC Miata. It was an uncommon off-white color in the base trim and was an absolute blast to drive. I often got compliments on it even though it's a common car, and I have a 911 now but still think about going back to a Miata sometimes.
I think it's not necessarily bad that the NC was bigger, softer, and more comfortable. It feels way more substantial and I did whole-day road trips in the NC with the roof down and didn't feel tired afterward. The NC still has amazing handling, it just feels a little more mature than an NA or NB.
I've seen a lot of content on Miata's on all generations from over 7 years since I got my eye set on having a Miata myself. I just stumbled upon this episode in a series and for me, it is the very best I've seen in those 7 years of watching video's on Miata's. This is the stuff that enthusiasts like me who not only love the ride, but also love the technology see explained by one of the people that played a large role in making something that's good even better. Really awesome how this is told, explained, filmed and produced. Thank you very much!
Dave Coleman is a legend. He's the reason for the 240 craze in the US. Flat black has it's origins with that same Silvia. Sport compact car was the best car magazine maybe ever while he was there and now he's helped make mazda what they are today. I hope someone does a documentary on him at some point.
The NC sold better in the US than the ND has and that was despite the fact that the Solstice and Sky were being produced when the NC was introduced. The NC was a Car and Driver 10Best for 8 years of its production run. Its a great sports car and terrific Miata. IMHO the weight hype is just that, hype. Its still a tiny, lightweight car. Sure this car is about 150 lbs heavier than the ND, but its still a blast.
Yup, its only 'heavy' when compared to other Miatas, compared to all other cars its still light af.
As far as sales goes, that applies to all sports cars. The MX-5 was the small sports car for Boomers, and now the Boomers have got old and don't want a sports car anymore (or really any sort of traditional car with low step-in height). Gen X and Millennials either don't care about cars or can't afford the luxury of a second car.
@@BruceLeedar bingo
I want the uncut version of this, so good to hear all the details from Dave himself. He was always my favorite writer from Sport Compact Car.
proud owner of NC3 PRHT here, I appreciate my car even more learning about what went on behind the scene, thank you @savagegeese
Me too!
Owned all 4 series now-found a 1 owner 13 prht in copper red- 39k and weekend toy. Cali car.
On 9/03 I took dlvry from oak tree Mazda in San Jose ca- special order shinsen….
223k on original clutch- miss her so….
These cars have a soul.
I was lucky enough to find a 2007 NC 4 months ago. I love this car. I get that the NA and NB track purists have reasons not to like this car but, they need to understand that the Miata line would not survive if built only for them. Those guys don’t buy the cars new.
This is such a great channel for automotive people. I just bought MX-5 NC in Nordic Green color. It was just a matter of time when I'm gonna have one.
Driving this car in the sunset on the open road at 80km/h with some Rock songs playing and roof off, it's just something on whole another level.
7 years strong with my NC in Malaysia. Love the video.
You've made some Miata lovers dreams come true with the series! I love the time and effort you put into this and all your videos! Hope you have a lot more to come in 2020! (Maybe a 3 series or M3 docuseries?)
Love the series and the depth. I was worried that not having someone involved with the development of the NC would make things superficial. Glad to see that Dave Coleman provides very interesting depth. Still would have liked to hear more about the NC1 design aesthetics. I love how it pays homage to the NA with the shape of the headlights and hood bulge. I like the neutral expression better as opposed to the later smiley faces.
WOW! What a great film. As a NC1 owner who's modified it for SCCA autocross and the new Time Trials program, this helps answer so many questions.
This could go on the history channel or modern marvels and would raise their quality by an endless amount. No fiddeling around, just perfect camera, informative interview, superp cutting in great visuals that show what is being talked about, smooth fitting music and a host that doesn't have to be center frame all the time but is still present in every bit of this masterpiece. Way to lead the way into a new decade.
“Wind the piss out of this thing” best quote ever
Mark better copyright that phrase quote ASAP !!!!!!
It's a very common saying in British English
In the UK we say 'Ring the nuts off it'
As I drive my NC I will be quoting Goose. Thanks.
@@NippyMoto 'rev the bollocks off 'used to be the term used.
I believe this is how I got to watch your YT channel for the 1st time. I was looking for some info on my NC Miata MY2012 and saw this. I was blown away how great this video footage was, and since I'm a mechanical engineer, I really loved the part with Ford/Mazda project leader. Such a first-hand info always enriches the value of the entire video content, I really appreciate your efforts on these technical videos. Greetings from Poland.
loved loved loved the technical deep dive as a owner of a 1.6 1991 NA i'm aspiring to do a super20 NC build in the future and while the NC is the unloved miata this video counteracts a lot of the negative beliefs that people have on this generation.
I'm on my third NC. I have 2 actually. Has an NC1 in college, now have 2 NC2 and love them. I absolutely love them.
Just re-watched this - when it was released I owned a 2006 NC, my 4th MX5. I currently own a Lotus Elise but I am seriously considering going back and getting a really nice, late NC3. People think I'm mad that i might replace a Lotus with 'just' as Mazda, but people who understand enginering and enjoy driving really 'get' the Nc/Mk3. Loved my old cars, with winky-wonk headlights, but the NC is the best 'sports car' of them all. My 2006 was so good on track, forgiving, strong, balanced, easy to drive quickly.
Brilliant piece this, well done.
I would LOVE to see this format with other vehicle manufacturers. Learned a lot from listening to Dave Coleman talk about the engineering process for the engine and chassis. It really makes me want to get an NC.
I'm the happy owner of a 2014 NC2 Club (Soul Red) with 13,000 miles... After watching this video I had the worst urge to take it out of the garage - even if it is 9:30PM and 45F outside. Great job on this video - I learned a lot about the car, and I really appreciate that Dave would get into the weeds with us. As soon as Spring comes around, she'll get a good polishing, and some fresh oil, and it's off to Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway for a weekend of pure motoring joy.
Having Mr. Coleman wall through this ND was fantastic. So much insight and knowledge.
This is the best episode yet, I could hear him talk about the Motorsports and Business teams going back and forth all day! Lots of cool hidden details in the design of the chassis.
I own an NC but damn this 25th Anniversary edition is so hot!!
Seriously, this has to be one of the best documentaries on an everyday enthusiast's car I've ever seen (and I watch a LOT). Superb work Savagegeese, please let there be more!
One of the best series on UA-cam. I'd love to see something like this for other modern enthusiast cars
definitely not saying anything new but this is the best channel on UA-cam. The level of quality is not only apparent in the video editing and the camera work, but in the people. Love all your videos! Thank you
Just bought a NC3 (facelifted NC2 basically). I will be watching this every so often for years.
This is amazing. I'm glad Mazda has people like this in staff. This is how it should be in the entire auto industry. Also, now I miss our old RX8.
The NC is an underrated gem
Yes the ND is a better car but the NC has its own charm
A friend of mine owns a red NC and it’s so nice to drive one every time
@@lifeofmike556 No you can’t argue the NC is quicker than the ND. I’ve owned an NC2 for 5 years and now an ND2. The ND2 is quicker and a better performer is every metric.
@@erickelly4107 maybe because I've driven the 2.5L NC so long I forgot
@@lifeofmike556 but it's tunable...
Been driving an 06 for about 6 months... loving it! But this vid is the best thing I've seen in ages - answering questions about what is missing, what to change etc. And whether I should sell this one and buy a later one.... hmmm!
As an NC owner, the deep dive into specifics was absolutely fascinating! Amazing series 👏
Thanks for this 30th anniversary. Fiata owner here, glad to see platform sharing for an Italian flavor commemorating FIAT's own 70 anniversary of its original Spider.
Absolutely love my '07 NC1. A great daily driver that makes going to the grocery store a mini adventure. Also love my brother's little red 1990 model. I recently drove mine from Detroit to Tucson and had a fun, relaxing and comfortable ride the whole time. This video bolstered my view that the NC was and is a TRUE Miata in every sense of the word.
I'm a devout NB man but always loved the looks of the NC. I honestly never realised what a massive leap forward this car was until now. I might reconsider my position;o). Thank you for the info and a really well made video. A joy to watch.
I just watched an NC Miata video that made me change my mind on the new Supra. Didn't see that coming. Great job!
I keep coming back to this series, so yeah I’m a serial commenter. Thank you for this! The series made me put having either an NC or ND2 on my bucket list.
Fantastic series from my favorite auto reviewer. Thanks very much, savagegeese! I've just purchased an NC2 in November 2019 and this video makes me love it all the more. Plus, it was an amazingly fun shock to see Dave Coleman telling the story. I had lost track of him after we spent a few weeks together in Japan back in the early 90's! Love that he still has the passion for cars that we shared way back then as college students!
being a first-time miata owner, and an NC1 owner at that, i love this car. it’s peppy, while being forgiving to a new owner like me. the engine gleefully sings as i glide across the highway. i love this car so much, i wouldn’t wanna trade it for anything for the foreseeable future. it’s so interesting seeing what was happening behind the scenes at mazda and ford, and the unusual culmination of american cost-cutting and japanese engineering. thank you savagegeese
For some odd reason, in terms of looks, I love the NC the most.
There's something about the proportions of all the lights and panels that really works well. The move towards the larger grille on the NC2 isn't 100% my cup of tea, but every time I see it now, I can see how it evolved into the ND. I think the ND has a great overall shape, and the smallness of it even compared to the NA/NB is impressive, but it's features are just a little too angular.
@@ftovr2957 I love the look of the NC3 front end! Still not 100% sold on the stange fender flares tho, even after owning one for 5 years… 😅
@@ftovr2957 You're right. I think it is the proportion. Also for me is the simple strong flowing lines. Not too rounded, just enough strong angular lines. Not too busy ala the new Civic.
@@ftovr2957 yeah, and the tail lights look like a chinese knock off jaguar.
I’ve owned the na and nb now I want an nc watching this video makes me miss Miatas
Great to get all that background info about the NC!
I recently ditched my rusting 1.8 NA for a "3rd gen limited" NC. If my NA didn't rust out on me, I probably would've kept it. I loved that thing. But I'm not disappointed with my NC.
Sure it lost some of the charm of the NA, but it makes up for that in great ways, even the 1st iteration of the NC. The engine is just so much better than the NA's 1.8, it feels more like the NA 1.6 in terms of smoothness but even smoother and of course very noticeably more powerful. I did upgrade the suspension a bit (I felt it rolled a bit too dramatically in stock) and changed the air intake. I do kind of miss the NA's more mechanical feeling gearbox, but it's a small difference; it's still a fantastic gearbox. The road feel of the NC is kind of better than my old NA (the lower profile tyres probably has something to do with that too). The brakes are a lot better too than the old Miatas.
I'm no great race driver by any stretch, but I feel the NC is even easier to drive hard and have some fun on the twisty roads than the NA, even though it's a bit more powerful and has a bit more weight to it (but not much at all actually compared to the NB).
I understand why the NC has this stigma within the Miata/MX5 family, but I still feel it's hugely underrated. In many ways it was a huge step up.
This UA-cam channel is so underrated, y'all should have 1mil+ followers by now! You guys go more above and beyond and don't do what other car reviews do....
I bought a used NC last year after i test drove the ND and fell in love with it (got to store to check mazda 3 originally but left the store with MX5 on my mind) still love the ND design more than NC but really dont know where i will store the small things in the ND once i buy it in few years, its my primary car, used also for long trips in europe from time to time, ND seems to me was really designed just for the track even though they say RF is supposed to be for daily drivers. Love how i can actually carry things inside my NC.
ND has the exact same storage as NC minus the glove box.
@@johnnyparker2128 sorr mate but you must not have owned a NC. Yes it has glove box, but also it has much deeper storage under your armrest, maybe 2 or 3 times bigger, that can serve as cupholder for 2 cups as well, then you have two more cupholders on the door which are perfect for me and i believe the ND could easily have it but it wouldnt fit the cool style, then on NC you have also Nets on the doors which are perfect for keeping neon vests, which are mandatory to have in Europe in case you stuck on the side of the road, and then you have the cubby between the seats and the empty space infront of gearbox. Let me tell you when you daily drive this and its your only car, all of these space matters. And glovebox is key because it has so much room, so i wouldn't say "just". That being said i dont think it will stop me from buying ND, just gonna have carry stuff in my trunk...
@@johnnyparker2128 open the trunks side by side. BIG difference!
Agree - the NC has decent space for luggage and makes an excellent tourer. The ND is a clever thing, but too limited in luggage capacity for longer European trips, meaning UK to Spain, or Italy.
@@andyholmes4777 exactly. in the end i sold my NC and bought a GR86 for that reason
I have a massive appreciation for NC where I almost had none before. I always thought of it as the odd one out, but it honestly is possibly the most thought-out of them all, with all of the considerations of platform and cost, and the audience for the car versus the expectations of the die-hard fans. The fact that it did well at all is a testament to Mazda's commitment to their craft, and all of the passionate people behind each iteration.
Thank you for this great series, savagegeese, it makes me hopeful in the future that if my Miata may fail, I can look forward to the advances that this platform can bring.
I watch this episode every few months in anticipation for when I'll eventually buy my NC2 miata.. much respect for Dave Coleman for creating exciting cars from a "budget" company.
Huge thanks to savagegeese for this great series. I was getting impatient about this video being late, but it was so worth the wait.
The history and background that Dave Coleman, Tom Matano, Ken Saward, and others have brought to every video have raised the level of these videos beyond anything else I've seen to date on the Miata story.
I've seen and known some of this before, but have never seen it all in one place, nor presented as well.
The passion for valuing responsiveness over numbers that Dave Coleman shares only strengthens my enthusiasm for how Mazda thinks as a manufacturer.
At this point I'm torn between the NC and the ND, and am leaning towards the NC, but I think I'll need to wait and see that last video in the series before I make a decision.
I can't wait.
I never really liked the way the NC looked but as I got older, I took a liking to the looks of it. I want one now lol with the retractable hardtop. Great job on this video, really enjoyed it!
This has been a fantastic series, just wish it would receive the views that it deserves! I currently own an NB and an NC. '01 6 speed manual and a '13 6 speed automatic. The NC PRHT serves as my daily driver and as a backup car for my wife to use, hence the automatic. I have also owned '79 and '83 RX-7's, and '05 and '08 RX-8's. The RX-8 chassis was absolutely fantastic. And the ability to comfortably seat four adults was nothing short of an engineering marvel. It was a fantastic platform to use for the NC and as we can see from the detailed program, provided the ability to make it the most robust of the Miata platforms. The NC has proven to be a perfect car for a daily commute. It is the most comfortable of the Miata's for the passenger (according to my wife) and as a result makes the best Miata for longer trips. This past fall we completed one from Minnesota to the Rocky Mountains outside of Denver. The PRHT itself is another fantastic engineering feat that could only be accomplished by a group as dedicated as the Mazda engineers. It makes the car perfectly suited to daily use, and with proper winter tires underneath, the NC as well as the RX-8 proved to be fantastic winter cars here in the Twin Cities. Now thanks to this video, I finding myself wanting to justify swapping out the automatic NC for one with the proper 6 speed.
What a great video. Dave Coleman discussing the technical bits was the highlight for me. I thought I knew a lot about my car, but it turns out the rabbit hole goes way deeper than I imagined.