I don't understand why so many people say manuals are incompatible with city driving. Shifting is second nature to me. I don't give it a thought. And in stop-and-go traffic I drive in a manner that minimizes the need to shift. Driving an automatic that is hesitant to downshift, on the other hand, drives me crazy. What I really want is instantaneous downshifting or anticipatory downshifting, so it's a manual for me or maybe I'm just too old to change my ways.
They're both a blast to drive fast. BRZ for looks. MX-5 for the drop top. BRZ for versatility (you can take it to Costco). MX-5 for those sunny days with no particular place to go.
If you want reliability this is your car. I daily drive a 1991 Miata with 195,000 miles I'm sure there is a few out there with 300,000 still going strong!
I never knew what the fuss was about till i rented an NA mx5 during my stay in New Zealand, it was a dream, i did my first handbrake turns, lost traction and slided a few times on the twisty roads. Now when im back home from holiday i want one.....bad.....
Thanks, NemanjaGuitar! Scrambling to get the Civic HX project buttoned up, so we can get the Ain't Fuelin' pilot done ... Hope all is well out your way, too! :)
So despite EPA saying 28 highway, realistically we're looking at more of 32-35mpg highway? Also do you think the air dam in front had much to do with that?
The new version is coming and it sounds pretty sick. The power-to-weight ratio should see a boost. If you've ever driven a Lotus Elise, you know how awesome light-weighting can be. If you haven't driven a Lotus Elise, you should. :)
It looks like the boot (trunk for Americans) is not properly shut. Other than that they are great on British roads, as the vast majority of them are twist and fun, so it's hard to get up to speed anyway.
That would give maybe a little explanation to the 28mpg highway estimate from the EPA. If the air dam contributes to it, if i were to purchase the Mx5, I would pick up that air dam as well.
Air dam, maybe a bit. It's mostly about cruising speed and steady driving. Our state speed limit is 65 MPH, so we aim for 68. If you're cruising at 75, it'll be significantly lower.
Vandals and thieves keep this car from being more popular in this area, I have a neighbor who had to sell his due to repeated vandalism to his convertible top.
Yeah thats true. The mpg estimate was a pretty big hitch in my considerations and that makes me feel much more allured to the car once more. Wish they could have kept its HP with the auto trans though, because I live in a city and despite being fun, manual is near unbearable, and is known to make many traffic-drivers insane.
50 mpg would be amazing. They really need to bring back the mazdaspeed6 with a tuned version of the 2.2 skyactiv-d. The race version of the 2.2 was rated at 400hp and 445 ft lbs of torque. I would be satisfied with around 300 hp, 400 ft lbs, awd, manual for under 35k. And if they got that redline up to around 6 grand.
Rumor has it, but I'll believe it when I drive it. :) I've had three of them over the years. Don't need to buy another, though. I'd like to hold onto this one until the day I die.
mazda really equip their sports cars with some nice shifters. this new miata seems to have a nice short throw, i drove the rx8 and loved the feel of the shifter. almost like an s2000's imo. i also drove the mazdaspeed miata and it had a nice short throw to it too.
The FR-S/BRZ is much more versatile as a daily driver. You can't carry much in a Miata. They're both entertaining to drive. The big question is: how important is a drop top to you? I've always owned convertibles, but always with canvas roofs ... loud and not secure. The power retractable hard top is super cool. A BRZ/FR-S convertible would be sweet.
Its the fact that you don't have to put any thought in to it at all. After a long day at work your mind is tired, your body is tired. It is more comfortable to be able to drive straight home as mindlessly as you can. Plus stop and go traffic can be a killer on the clutch leg.
I'm always looking at other cars, thinking about what I'm going to buy in the future... the next VW GTI, the new Focus ST, the WRX, the FR-S/BR-Z, or what about a Mustang GT to mix it up? Thinking they all have traits that I like and a lot of which I miss currently driving a 1997 Miata. But when it comes down to it I'm very likely going to buy another Miata because nothing else drives like it while offering so much. This NC Club Sport is worth buying, but I'll wait for the ND!
The hardtop is very cool ... much quieter than the canvas top on the S2K. The Miata handles very well and is extremely fun to drive, but not as fast as the Honda - there's a big difference in HP. The Miata's significantly more fuel efficient.
Everything changes when they swap engines. Y'know what would be crazy? A Skyactiv-D ... dunno about the weight factor, though. A 50 MPG Miata might be sick. I just spent a week flooring it and shifting at 3K in a TDI manual ... =)
I see if I can mount a camera on the floorboard with the next manual that rolls in here. I don't think about it, oddly enough. I reckon that what I do is closer to speed-shifting than power-shifting, in that I let up a bit on the throttle. It's always a crap shoot with these testers, because I don't take a full-throttle run before doing the 0-60. Sometimes I get lucky. Sometimes I screw up badly. :)
Can you describe how you shift like that? Was that powershifting? Either way it was nicely done. I own a 2012 MX-5 GT and find that getting the magazine results of 0-60 in high 6 seconds is impossible, my best is still over yours at 7.7ish seconds.
Er, yep. They test on a dyno and say that their coast down procedures take aerodynamics into account. I don't buy it. :) The aero effect is understated, if stated at all ...
That would be wicked. Hauling a little 2500lb mx5 around with an engine that has over 200ft-lbs of torque haha. Plus you get a better engine. The current one is already a BEAST at staying alive in to the hundreds of thousands of mile range, and on top of that, the diesel would last even longer (they just do)
The mx5 is one of the best handling cars money can buy. It is fun from 1 mph. It is even more entertaining than my Brz up to 6/10 ths. I can never understand how EPA screws up the mileage on these light weight cars. My Brz is rated 22/30. I average 32mpg. I can sustain 35 mpg on the hwy.
I appreciate your reply, I guess what I really meant is how the MX-5 handles compared to the FR-S many people say different things so I was just wondering what your take on it was.
Also what do you think, will they ditch the 4.10 rear axle gear ratio if they put that 1.3L turbo in it? considering the 4.10 ratio is to maximize its current torque, and the turbo will add a considerable amount of torque at lower RPMs. This would increase fuel efficiency and probably not sacrifice much.
and i just wanted to reply, the s2000 had 56k miles when i bought it, FEMALE driven all its life, it had an OEM hardtop (they go for $3,500+ used, since they are not produced anymore), it's White, which is a rare color. and am i high or do i have a lot of money? why not BOTH? i could have gotten a cheaper one but it would either have higher mileage, or be in terrible condition.
From what I've experienced first hand, Mazda MPGs tend to be rated conservatively. Better to under-promise and over-deliver. :) There are things that vary from model to model with many manufacturers that aren't shown in the EPA estimates. Different tire/wheel options, for example, can make a big difference.
yeah, nothing really good about it other than it's agile. I want to "like" the miata, it's just a bit on the feminine side for me, it needs a well deserved major makeover
well i said, " I (me, not you) think its a much better buy" because that's what i prefer, and u prefer a 2,000 pound car without any comfort. but i spent another couple grand to get a nice stereo with a subwoofer, which probably added another 50 or so lbs. and why get all upset when i am just stating my opinion?
Mazda said the nd mx5 will be lighter and more powerful.. Back to the na roots. I owned 2 nb's though and my stepdad has a turbo na, although he may do the vette engine swap (oddly not as nose heavy as you'd think)
If only BMW gave us the 123d convertible here in the States. I drove the hatch version years back and it was wonderful. A drop top diesel? Oh yeah. I'm driving one this week. If only it wasn't so c-c-c-c-old out ...
Can someone please tell me how they feel when driving? Thinking about getting an NC model soon. I know they only got about 168 hp but do they FEEL fast or quick? Are they fun? and make slow driving somewhat an illusion?
there was comment towards me, that i think got deleted, "and what was the mileage on your car? 100,000? miata is a cheap fun reliable car. it's pretty much worry-free car. s2000 is costly to maintain. 2005 model for 18k? you must have a lot of spare money or you are just high" - mathew633man
Jesus people, some don't WANT an S2000! I own a 1996 Miata stripped of all creature comforts. It weighs 2,030 lbs. with hardtop. A stock S2000 is around 2,800 lbs while the MX-5 is around 2,450 lbs. and I'd rather own a 2013 Miata than an S2000. Not everybody wants what you want. I love S2000's, but I love Miatas more.
:-) Its just that Miata seems to be a US thing. And a lot of cars and car company's have completely different names in the US. So wasn't sure if this was a US name change as well or a pronunciation thing?
I agree. I just bought a 2014 GT soft top manual and love it. I've owned muscle cars and sport bikes that would easily out accelerate it, but they weren't as fun to operate. I can't wait to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in the spring.
James McGahey my gf has one, 2009 I guess, best handling ever, it is so light so nimble, I drive it sometimes on country roads and it brings me shivers and orgasms. Glad for your investment, you won't regret it.)
Do you think Mazda would ever consider rev-matching technology (which has generally been lauded in the 370Z), or is that something that is antithetical to the character of the MX-5 as a pure, driving machine that is lean on electronic aids?
Affordable? I have owned a MX5 and I can tell you they are great cars without a doubt. But, they are horribly over priced for the power and technology that you get.
I don't understand why so many people say manuals are incompatible with city driving. Shifting is second nature to me. I don't give it a thought. And in stop-and-go traffic I drive in a manner that minimizes the need to shift. Driving an automatic that is hesitant to downshift, on the other hand, drives me crazy. What I really want is instantaneous downshifting or anticipatory downshifting, so it's a manual for me or maybe I'm just too old to change my ways.
Thanks! Every once in a while I can get it through the gate without screwing up. I got lucky on this one with the camera rolling.
They're both a blast to drive fast. BRZ for looks. MX-5 for the drop top. BRZ for versatility (you can take it to Costco). MX-5 for those sunny days with no particular place to go.
oh really nice shifting at the accelarition part. coongratulations !
If you want reliability this is your car. I daily drive a 1991 Miata with 195,000 miles I'm sure there is a few out there with 300,000 still going strong!
I never knew what the fuss was about till i rented an NA mx5 during my stay in New Zealand, it was a dream, i did my first handbrake turns, lost traction and slided a few times on the twisty roads. Now when im back home from holiday i want one.....bad.....
loved it, Dan! Hope all is well.
Thanks, NemanjaGuitar! Scrambling to get the Civic HX project buttoned up, so we can get the Ain't Fuelin' pilot done ... Hope all is well out your way, too! :)
So despite EPA saying 28 highway, realistically we're looking at more of 32-35mpg highway? Also do you think the air dam in front had much to do with that?
Thanks for the kind words, RedRockRabbit!
As always an excellent review, you really should be doing radio. Thanks!
The new version is coming and it sounds pretty sick. The power-to-weight ratio should see a boost. If you've ever driven a Lotus Elise, you know how awesome light-weighting can be. If you haven't driven a Lotus Elise, you should. :)
It looks like the boot (trunk for Americans) is not properly shut. Other than that they are great on British roads, as the vast majority of them are twist and fun, so it's hard to get up to speed anyway.
That's why the power retractable hard top is so cool, Pedrof830.
That would give maybe a little explanation to the 28mpg highway estimate from the EPA. If the air dam contributes to it, if i were to purchase the Mx5, I would pick up that air dam as well.
Kinda lame of them to short change the base version so much as to only give it at 5 spd.
Congrats! I'm on my third S2K. =)
Air dam, maybe a bit. It's mostly about cruising speed and steady driving. Our state speed limit is 65 MPH, so we aim for 68. If you're cruising at 75, it'll be significantly lower.
Vandals and thieves keep this car from being more popular in this area, I have a neighbor who had to sell his due to repeated vandalism to his convertible top.
Yeah thats true. The mpg estimate was a pretty big hitch in my considerations and that makes me feel much more allured to the car once more. Wish they could have kept its HP with the auto trans though, because I live in a city and despite being fun, manual is near unbearable, and is known to make many traffic-drivers insane.
For the record, I'm on my third s2K. I might have been on my fourth if they hadn't stopped production.
50 mpg would be amazing. They really need to bring back the mazdaspeed6 with a tuned version of the 2.2 skyactiv-d. The race version of the 2.2 was rated at 400hp and 445 ft lbs of torque. I would be satisfied with around 300 hp, 400 ft lbs, awd, manual for under 35k. And if they got that redline up to around 6 grand.
Rumor has it, but I'll believe it when I drive it. :) I've had three of them over the years. Don't need to buy another, though. I'd like to hold onto this one until the day I die.
mazda really equip their sports cars with some nice shifters. this new miata seems to have a nice short throw, i drove the rx8 and loved the feel of the shifter. almost like an s2000's imo. i also drove the mazdaspeed miata and it had a nice short throw to it too.
I'm itching to test the new Mazda6 Skyactiv-D. Fingers crossed I can get in it early ...
How does this car compare to your S2000 Dave?
The FR-S/BRZ is much more versatile as a daily driver. You can't carry much in a Miata. They're both entertaining to drive.
The big question is: how important is a drop top to you?
I've always owned convertibles, but always with canvas roofs ... loud and not secure. The power retractable hard top is super cool. A BRZ/FR-S convertible would be sweet.
Its the fact that you don't have to put any thought in to it at all. After a long day at work your mind is tired, your body is tired. It is more comfortable to be able to drive straight home as mindlessly as you can. Plus stop and go traffic can be a killer on the clutch leg.
That's a great looking Miata, thanks for sharing!
I'm always looking at other cars, thinking about what I'm going to buy in the future... the next VW GTI, the new Focus ST, the WRX, the FR-S/BR-Z, or what about a Mustang GT to mix it up? Thinking they all have traits that I like and a lot of which I miss currently driving a 1997 Miata. But when it comes down to it I'm very likely going to buy another Miata because nothing else drives like it while offering so much. This NC Club Sport is worth buying, but I'll wait for the ND!
how about compared to brz?
The hardtop is very cool ... much quieter than the canvas top on the S2K. The Miata handles very well and is extremely fun to drive, but not as fast as the Honda - there's a big difference in HP. The Miata's significantly more fuel efficient.
or a turbo or supercharged miata would run circles around an s2k. Not to mention the mx5 is a better handling car.
Where does he gets all these toys?
Everything changes when they swap engines. Y'know what would be crazy? A Skyactiv-D ... dunno about the weight factor, though. A 50 MPG Miata might be sick. I just spent a week flooring it and shifting at 3K in a TDI manual ... =)
I see if I can mount a camera on the floorboard with the next manual that rolls in here. I don't think about it, oddly enough. I reckon that what I do is closer to speed-shifting than power-shifting, in that I let up a bit on the throttle. It's always a crap shoot with these testers, because I don't take a full-throttle run before doing the 0-60. Sometimes I get lucky. Sometimes I screw up badly. :)
Can you do a mpg review on an RX-8? I would like to see if the gas mileage is as bad as everyone seems to think.
Somehow this car has an image problem, in my view. I will take the BMW 1 series convertible. Good video as always!
Can you describe how you shift like that? Was that powershifting? Either way it was nicely done. I own a 2012 MX-5 GT and find that getting the magazine results of 0-60 in high 6 seconds is impossible, my best is still over yours at 7.7ish seconds.
Er, yep. They test on a dyno and say that their coast down procedures take aerodynamics into account. I don't buy it. :) The aero effect is understated, if stated at all ...
Honda s2000 is making a comeback?
That would be wicked. Hauling a little 2500lb mx5 around with an engine that has over 200ft-lbs of torque haha. Plus you get a better engine. The current one is already a BEAST at staying alive in to the hundreds of thousands of mile range, and on top of that, the diesel would last even longer (they just do)
The mx5 is one of the best handling cars money can buy. It is fun from 1 mph. It is even more entertaining than my Brz up to 6/10 ths. I can never understand how EPA screws up the mileage on these light weight cars. My Brz is rated 22/30. I average 32mpg. I can sustain 35 mpg on the hwy.
I appreciate your reply, I guess what I really meant is how the MX-5 handles compared to the FR-S many people say different things so I was just wondering what your take on it was.
It would be awesome to see 50 in the D, but I'll wager that they rate it in the high 40s ... Mazda tends to rate their vehicles conservatively.
Also what do you think, will they ditch the 4.10 rear axle gear ratio if they put that 1.3L turbo in it? considering the 4.10 ratio is to maximize its current torque, and the turbo will add a considerable amount of torque at lower RPMs. This would increase fuel efficiency and probably not sacrifice much.
and i just wanted to reply,
the s2000 had 56k miles when i bought it, FEMALE driven all its life, it had an OEM hardtop (they go for $3,500+ used, since they are not produced anymore), it's White, which is a rare color.
and am i high or do i have a lot of money?
why not BOTH?
i could have gotten a cheaper one but it would either have higher mileage, or be in terrible condition.
How do you think this MX-5 compares to the FR-S? Which one would you choose?
Sure thing!
that was some very good shifting.
From what I've experienced first hand, Mazda MPGs tend to be rated conservatively. Better to under-promise and over-deliver. :)
There are things that vary from model to model with many manufacturers that aren't shown in the EPA estimates. Different tire/wheel options, for example, can make a big difference.
I see. That makes sense. How bout a new mazda6 then?
yeah, nothing really good about it other than it's agile. I want to "like" the miata, it's just a bit on the feminine side for me, it needs a well deserved major makeover
@rainmouse2 I hope so. Also, why doesn't the Mazda get better MPG?
i just bought an '05 s2000 for $18k and i think its a much better buy than a new base miata for $24k!
well i said, " I (me, not you) think its a much better buy" because that's what i prefer, and u prefer a 2,000 pound car without any comfort. but i spent another couple grand to get a nice stereo with a subwoofer, which probably added another 50 or so lbs. and why get all upset when i am just stating my opinion?
Mazda said the nd mx5 will be lighter and more powerful.. Back to the na roots. I owned 2 nb's though and my stepdad has a turbo na, although he may do the vette engine swap (oddly not as nose heavy as you'd think)
If only BMW gave us the 123d convertible here in the States. I drove the hatch version years back and it was wonderful. A drop top diesel? Oh yeah. I'm driving one this week. If only it wasn't so c-c-c-c-old out ...
What is your prediction for mpg on the skyactiv-d in the 6?
Doubtful. All of our review cars come from the manufacturers media fleets. The RX-8 is long gone ...
Can someone please tell me how they feel when driving? Thinking about getting an NC model soon. I know they only got about 168 hp but do they FEEL fast or quick? Are they fun? and make slow driving somewhat an illusion?
I own a miata,it's fast
Xie Yao I went with a 305z thanks though man
350z*
+jerry calvert Nice!! I have an nc myself and totally agree.
Dunno! I keep hearing rumblings.
From the manufacturers, just like the big publications. :)
and i dont think there is a huge price difference in maintenance for a miata and an s2000
PRHT look better of the two top up, ST looks better down. chooices.. :)
ASAWProductions they both look exactly the same with the top down....
I know this is viewed as an affordable sports car, but it gets well over $40,000 on the top trim levels. That's pretty lofty.
thanks, trying to get some KW V3's
Nice video
and what year and color do u have now?
there was comment towards me, that i think got deleted,
"and what was the mileage on your car? 100,000? miata is a cheap fun reliable car. it's pretty much worry-free car. s2000 is costly to maintain. 2005 model for 18k? you must have a lot of spare money or you are just high" - mathew633man
where would i be able to find those black rims? in europe that is, thx : )
Yeah the numbers are impressive, but they need more aggressive styling, this just looks like a chicks car to me, unlike a br-z or a fr-s etc
Actually thats about 7 seconds flat
IDE like the MX-5 and the Fr-s
Jesus people, some don't WANT an S2000! I own a 1996 Miata stripped of all creature comforts. It weighs 2,030 lbs. with hardtop. A stock S2000 is around 2,800 lbs while the MX-5 is around 2,450 lbs. and I'd rather own a 2013 Miata than an S2000. Not everybody wants what you want. I love S2000's, but I love Miatas more.
:-) Its just that Miata seems to be a US thing. And a lot of cars and car company's have completely different names in the US. So wasn't sure if this was a US name change as well or a pronunciation thing?
Fuck the Honda S 2000 give I'm so happy with my hardtop MX5 Miata. Never had one hitch of mechanical problems.
Get your motor runnin'!
NIce.
Best car ever
I agree. I just bought a 2014 GT soft top manual and love it. I've owned muscle cars and sport bikes that would easily out accelerate it, but they weren't as fun to operate. I can't wait to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in the spring.
James McGahey my gf has one, 2009 I guess, best handling ever, it is so light so nimble, I drive it sometimes on country roads and it brings me shivers and orgasms. Glad for your investment, you won't regret it.)
Why does he say Marsda and not Mazda?
Do you think Mazda would ever consider rev-matching technology (which has generally been lauded in the 370Z), or is that something that is antithetical to the character of the MX-5 as a pure, driving machine that is lean on electronic aids?
Hey, gimme a break. I'm from Jersey! =) I freely admit to mispronouncing stuff from time to time. Everyone does.
It's a white '07.
Nb 99-05 is still best
i don't care i love miata!!
Affordable? I have owned a MX5 and I can tell you they are great cars without a doubt. But, they are horribly over priced for the power and technology that you get.
S2000!!