2007 MX-5 vs 1993

[bearymore]

I bought a new Miata in 1993 and have had it ever since. In the intervening years, the Miata grew heavier and, from what I've read, less fun to drive. The earlier Miatas, as light as they are, are far more tossable, which is their main virtue. I've been reading reviews of the 2007, and it sounds like tossability is back and then some, and the retractable hard top has me salivating. As my old Miata is approaching the 100,000 mile mark, I'm wondering if I should replace it. Since the only reason to own this car is its handling and the overall fun factor, I'm wondering how the 2007 compares to my venerable Miata. If the fun factor has decreased, I'll just keep the '93 until it disintegrates which, dings and dents aside, it shows no evidence of doing.

Any opinions?

[GordonJ]

Take a test drive. That's what I did. It had me sold in 5 minutes.

I've also driven 3 NB Miatas (no NAs though), and personally, I think its quite a bit more fun all-around. 30 odd HP gain and something like only a 25lb weight gain overall from previous gens = alot more oomph, same legendary handling.
And that retractable hardtop is just icing on the cake...too damn hard to resist.

[phinz]

I own a '96 and an '07 PRHT. I drive the '07 every day. So far the only thing I dislike is the DSC's touchy nature, and I can turn that off. :)

[GordonJ]

I own a '96 and an '07 PRHT. I drive the '07 every day. So far the only thing I dislike is the DSC's touchy nature, and I can turn that off. :)

...and the cupholder in the door when cornering hard....

...although you get used to that.

[Rob.Tuner]

did you guys know they make mazdaspeed leather knee pad / guards? they're cost about a million dollars though. some crazy shiz they make for that car.

[phinz]

I'm going to create my own for both the right and left side. I just haven't had the time or gumption to do it.

I have a bruise above my left knee from the cupholder. I've just gotten used to it.

[MiaTurbo]

I bought a new Miata in 1993 and have had it ever since. In the intervening years, the Miata grew heavier and, from what I've read, less fun to drive. The earlier Miatas, as light as they are, are far more tossable, which is their main virtue. I've been reading reviews of the 2007, and it sounds like tossability is back and then some, and the retractable hard top has me salivating. As my old Miata is approaching the 100,000 mile mark, I'm wondering if I should replace it. Since the only reason to own this car is its handling and the overall fun factor, I'm wondering how the 2007 compares to my venerable Miata. If the fun factor has decreased, I'll just keep the '93 until it disintegrates which, dings and dents aside, it shows no evidence of doing.

Any opinions?unless it's worn down/abused, 100k miles is nothing. my91 lasted until 205k, and they were very hard miles towards the end when I put a turbo on it, and took it to the track.

[Pitlab77]

the "new" miatas have suspension that is way way way way way to soft. Even with the "mazdaspeed' suspension setup. Get an NB sport like I did.

[bearymore]

the "new" miatas have suspension that is way way way way way to soft. Even with the "mazdaspeed' suspension setup. Get an NB sport like I did.

That's what I don't like. I like the firm suspension and what I call the "neural handling" (you think it, the car goes there) of my '93. It is going strong, with a few cosmetic issues. I'm not inclined to trade it unless the rave reviews for the new generation are accurate. I'm sensing they may not be.

Excuse the ignorance, what's an NB Sport?

[phinz]

I can pitch my NC into a turn with more aplomb than I can my NA, and my NA is heavily modified. The NC handles quite well once you get used to it. Pitch some new springs/shocks/sways in it and I can imagine it's going to be a monster. I can't wait until I get the opportunity to do it with mine.

[GordonJ]

I can pitch my NC into a turn with more aplomb than I can my NA, and my NA is heavily modified. The NC handles quite well once you get used to it. Pitch some new springs/shocks/sways in it and I can imagine it's going to be a monster. I can't wait until I get the opportunity to do it with mine.

Agree.

I don't know where everyone is getting the idea it doesn't handle as well or rides softer than the NAs/NBs, but I'm just not seeing it. I would definetly say it handles much BETTER, and is more responsive. The added power doesn't hurt when accelerating through curves, either.

[Pitlab77]

the 99 sport package is the best factory miata from the factory when it comes to weight and susepension. (stiffer springs, bilstein suspension)


now as to the other two comments I have owned an NA, NB, and driven a few NC's. You can not pitch it like the first two generations miatas. NOT from the factory.

I would rate it NB,NA,NC.

[Donas64]

I watched a comparison video not too long ago where Tsuchyia from best motoring test drove a Solstice and a Miata and the Miata looked to have MUCH more body roll in the corners. Maybe my eyes were fooling me but it did not look level at all. I will say that you gotta getthe appearance package for the Miata though as I think it makes the car look so much better.

[phinz]

I took mine to Deal's Gap yesterday. I was chucking into corners at much higher speeds than I would dream of in my NA, using fourth gear where I usually use 3rd. With the DSC and TC, the car just *went.* Even when they weren't cutting in I was scooting through there pretty dman well.

It could use springs, shocks and sways. I won't lie about that, but once I have that sorted out, it'll be most excellent.

Besides, if I wanted a Pontiac I'd buy a Pontiac, but American cars don't appeal to me at all, unless they're 30 or more years old.

[GordonJ]

the 99 sport package is the best factory miata from the factory when it comes to weight and susepension. (stiffer springs, bilstein suspension)


now as to the other two comments I have owned an NA, NB, and driven a few NC's. You can not pitch it like the first two generations miatas. NOT from the factory.

I would rate it NB,NA,NC.

Well, we've owned 4 (yes, FOUR) NBs in my family over the years, currently 2 RX-8s and 1 NC.
Now I'm no professional race car driver or anything, and I can't speak for the "sport" NBs, but I can speak from my own experience with 5 stock Miatas now. I just greatly prefer the handling and the feel of the NC overall. To say it's "way way way wayx10" too soft I think is a tad of an overstatement.

I've contacted the dealer to see what their rates for some Mazdaspeed springs are (install), and if they're decent, I'm going to go ahead and order, than do a comparison between stock/Mazdaspeed setup.

btw, Phinz, are we like the only 2 members on here with NCs?? I've seen another guy around here who has a white one, but just found that amusing.

[TheMAN]

the "new" miatas have suspension that is way way way way way to soft. Even with the "mazdaspeed' suspension setup. Get an NB sport like I did.

agreed, although the NCs are more tail happy partly due to the increased engine torque... but regardless, driving the NC provides less feedback and confidence that the NA and NB did.... the NA and NB is definately more predictable and is more neutral than the NC... watch that best motoring video and they all say that the NB is better despite the fact that the NC is "faster", it's also way sloppier

[phinz]

It's amazing what driving the same basic car for 7 years will do for the confidence of a driver. Put them in a completely different, brand new car and they'll feel like the familiar one is "better."

Give them a while with the NC. I bet they won't want to go back to the NB.

[phinz]

btw, Phinz, are we like the only 2 members on here with NCs?? I've seen another guy around here who has a white one, but just found that amusing.

The other guy is probably Swifty.

FWIW, there are several former (and current) hardcore NA and NB owners (at least one who is *very* well known in the Miata world) who are seriously considering coming over to the darkside. (glare) I've been getting all sorts of PMs on several different boards regarding my car. :D

[MiaTurbo]

Like I told you before Scott, if I had the money, I'd be all over the NC. And I'm a hardcore NA guy.

[Hughes412]

the "new" miatas have suspension that is way way way way way to soft. Even with the "mazdaspeed' suspension setup. Get an NB sport like I did.
That's odd that you say that. All of the reveiws I've seen say it's almost to ruff.

[Donas64]

That's odd that you say that. All of the reveiws I've seen say it's almost to ruff.

That because most of those reviewes are older gentlemen who long for the days of marshmallow cadillac suspensions! Okay thats a bit of an exageration but you get my drift.

[GordonJ]

That because most of those reviewes are older gentlemen who long for the days of marshmallow cadillac suspensions! Okay thats a bit of an exageration but you get my drift.

I was actually killing time the other night looking up different Miata reviews and comparisons and whatnot.
I must have read 8 or 10 all told, and it was so amusing that each and every one of them started by saying something about how excited they were by the Miata's new look, but were scared that it wouldn't keep the same great things that made a Miata...a Miata (obviously, these were mostly 06 model reviews). Needles to say, all of them ended something like
"We shouldn't have worried". So they've all been big Miata fans from the start, and enjoy the NC even more.

As far as the Solstice goes, it's pretty much a toss-up performance-wise, many reviewers saying the NC is a touch quicker. The Solstice has like 7 more HP, but is like 350 lbs heavier, so that negates any performance gain. It basically comes down to looks, fit and finish and usability. The Miata wins the last two handily, and while I think the Solstice is a sharp looking car for the money, I just prefer the NCs more understated, more lithe apperance.

[Pitlab77]

I was actually killing time the other night looking up different Miata reviews and comparisons and whatnot.
I must have read 8 or 10 all told, and it was so amusing that each and every one of them started by saying something about how excited they were by the Miata's new look, but were scared that it wouldn't keep the same great things that made a Miata...a Miata (obviously, these were mostly 06 model reviews). Needles to say, all of them ended something like
"We shouldn't have worried". So they've all been big Miata fans from the start, and enjoy the NC even more.

As far as the Solstice goes, it's pretty much a toss-up performance-wise, many reviewers saying the NC is a touch quicker. The Solstice has like 7 more HP, but is like 350 lbs heavier, so that negates any performance gain. It basically comes down to looks, fit and finish and usability. The Miata wins the last two handily, and while I think the Solstice is a sharp looking car for the money, I just prefer the NCs more understated, more lithe apperance.
Not according to Topeka and the solo runoff's where the solstices took 4 of the top 3 spots, with 1 NB miata taking the other.

Not one NC anywere that i can remember

[phinz]

Solo has nothing to do with real life.

[phinz]

I will show this, though... Check out the body roll on the "sport" suspension. I was pushing the car pretty hard, and making good time, but dman if there aren't some serious dynamics there.

[Donas64]

I will show this, though... Check out the body roll on the "sport" suspension. I was pushing the car pretty hard, and making good time, but dman if there aren't some serious dynamics there.

that does not look good at all. I think thats far too much body roll for something claiming to have a sports suspension. I'd hate to see the body roll for the stock setup. Thats what I saw in the video I watched also. The MX-5 sorta rolled from corner to corner while the Solstice seemed much more controlled and planted.

I think that most car makers think that Americans prefer these butter soft suspensions and dial it back some so as to get better remarks from the automotive press.

I'd gladly trade of some ride comfort for staying level in the corners in a car with such potentian as the miata.

[phinz]

At the same time, a lot of body roll doesn't necessarily translate to slower times. In fact, it can assist in weight transfer. Some of the reviewers have said that the softer suspension in the new car helped in motoring around the track smoothly.

I don't like it. It looks like my car is getting ready to hike its leg, and lifting a tire in a RWD vehicle is not cool. Once I can afford it, springs, shocks and sways will be the order of the day.

[Donas64]

At the same time, a lot of body roll doesn't necessarily translate to slower times. In fact, it can assist in weight transfer. Some of the reviewers have said that the softer suspension in the new car helped in motoring around the track smoothly.

I don't like it. It looks like my car is getting ready to hike its leg, and lifting a tire in a RWD vehicle is not cool. Once I can afford it, springs, shocks and sways will be the order of the day.

I think those would be excellent mods for this car. If I had a miata I'd probably do the same. Be sure to take a before and after pic on that same corner to see the difference!

[Pitlab77]

Solo has nothing to do with real life.

right because in real life i do not push my car.

On the track is where cars speak for themselves.

[phinz]

I would contend that Autox isn't necessarily indicative of much of anything, nor is it a "track" per se. It's easy enough for a manufacturer to offer a ringer for Autox. All it takes is a tick box for a race-oriented suspension, such as the ringer Solstice suspension.

Car and Driver's comments after their trip to VIR said it quite wonderfully. Though the car placed down low (and maybe even last. I don't quite remember) for cars under $30k, they said, "Perhaps the sweetest car to drive was the Mazda MX-5." For an everyday car, with performance when you need it, and fun every moment, the NC is a great choice. Whining about track times, autox times, et cetera, is ridiculous in the real world.

[phinz]

Found it.

"Perhaps the sweetest car to drive was the Mazda MX-5. The light, small roadster had sharp and responsive steering, a nicely balanced chassis, and brakes with good bite and decent fade resistance. It also had a great driving position, if we can forget the cup holder in the door that fouled a driver’s left leg. Unfortunately, it had the weakest straight-line performance at VIR and that translated into the slowest lap time — 3:29.3."

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/11755/the-lightning-lap-ll1-under-30000-page4.html

[Pitlab77]

Found it.

"Perhaps the sweetest car to drive was the Mazda MX-5. The light, small roadster had sharp and responsive steering, a nicely balanced chassis, and brakes with good bite and decent fade resistance. It also had a great driving position, if we can forget the cup holder in the door that fouled a driver’s left leg. Unfortunately, it had the weakest straight-line performance at VIR and that translated into the slowest lap time — 3:29.3."

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/11755/the-lightning-lap-ll1-under-30000-page4.html

\once again i think i have a best motoring video with an NB beinig tracked against NC's with NB's comming out quicker. I bet i can find the video somwhere, but not while at work.

[phinz]

Taken on raw numbers, in the rarified air of a track, where the vast majority of cars never go and where the vast majority of drivers never venture, you might be able to discount the NC based on its stock numbers. But if you want to talk about real qualities of a car, then the street is the place to visit, and at that level you won't have a leg to stand on. There's a reason the motoring press have raved about the car. Lap times are mere mental masturbation and bear no weight whatsoever in the real world. My NA is a better Miata. My NC is a better car.

[phinz]

\once again i think i have a best motoring video with an NB beinig tracked against NC's with NB's comming out quicker. I bet i can find the video somwhere, but not while at work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSkOl3wa0Yw

NB time: 1.19.532
NC time: 1.18.399

and they say a lot of the issue might be the tires. I don't like the stock tires on my car much at all, but they're what I have for now.

[GordonJ]

I would contend that Autox isn't necessarily indicative of much of anything, nor is it a "track" per se. It's easy enough for a manufacturer to offer a ringer for Autox. All it takes is a tick box for a race-oriented suspension, such as the ringer Solstice suspension.

Car and Driver's comments after their trip to VIR said it quite wonderfully. Though the car placed down low (and maybe even last. I don't quite remember) for cars under $30k, they said, "Perhaps the sweetest car to drive was the Mazda MX-5." For an everyday car, with performance when you need it, and fun every moment, the NC is a great choice. Whining about track times, autox times, et cetera, is ridiculous in the real world.

Or as Edmunds put it in there Solstice v Miata comparison; "Cars simply don't come any more fun to drive than the (2006) Mazda Miata".

And yes, the Car and Driver article did indeed rank the MX-5 lowest in track times (against some pretty nice competition I might add...a Corvette, Porsche, and Mustang GT for starters, solstice wasn't invited), but ended by saying it was perhaps the most pleasurable car to drive of the lot. That's pretty high praise, considering it was arguably the slowest.

"What?!?! I don't have numbers to tell me I'm having fun and enjoying the car??? It can't be! Someone break out a bar graph and a stop watch and show me I'm having fun! Quick!"

-.-

[Donas64]

Or as Edmunds put it in there Solstice v Miata comparison; "Cars simply don't come any more fun to drive than the (2006) Mazda Miata".

And yes, the Car and Driver article did indeed rank the MX-5 lowest in track times (against some pretty nice competition I might add...a Corvette, Porsche, and Mustang GT for starters, solstice wasn't invited), but ended by saying it was perhaps the most pleasurable car to drive of the lot. That's pretty high praise, considering it was arguably the slowest.

"What?!?! I don't have numbers to tell me I'm having fun and enjoying the car??? It can't be! Someone break out a bar graph and a stop watch and show me I'm having fun! Quick!"

-.-


(first) That made me smile.

Still though I think the Mazdaspeed MX-5 has a chance to really show the Solstice and Sky GXP twins how it's done. Afterall who can resist some punch to go with all the fancy moves.

[GordonJ]

(first) That made me smile.

Still though I think the Mazdaspeed MX-5 has a chance to really show the Solstice and Sky GXP twins how it's done. Afterall who can resist some punch to go with all the fancy moves.

I think there's room for multiple roadsters in this range, and for consumers, competition is never a bad thing. So having GM and Mazda constantly trying to outdo each other should (hopefully) only provide better products for drivers down the line. Hopefully, it will even get us a Mazdaspeed NC too!(first)

Pretty much as it stands now, it's a virtual toss-up. Yes, I'm sure people will link to a few sites/people that preferred the Solstice or said it had better features/times, but someone could also just as easily point to several other very reputable publications that feel and report otherwise.
I had the oppurtunity to test drive the Solstice before buying the Miata. In fact, I had originally intended on getting one. It's a fine car.
Should be fun times ahead and Roadster lovers :D

[Pitlab77]

I think there's room for multiple roadsters in this range, and for consumers, competition is never a bad thing. So having GM and Mazda constantly trying to outdo each other should (hopefully) only provide better products for drivers down the line. Hopefully, it will even get us a Mazdaspeed NC too!(first)

Pretty much as it stands now, it's a virtual toss-up. Yes, I'm sure people will link to a few sites/people that preferred the Solstice or said it had better features/times, but someone could also just as easily point to several other very reputable publications that feel and report otherwise.
I had the oppurtunity to test drive the Solstice before buying the Miata. In fact, I had originally intended on getting one. It's a fine car.
Should be fun times ahead and Roadster lovers :D

I dotn think the point was Miata Vs. Sky/Sol but that the new miata has to much body roll from the factory VS. the older cars. Around the track it has more tq and power and that to an extent does help it. THere are many more factors than just power I know, but it never hurts.

On the track the sol is proving to befaster and better set up from the factory. Having a tire wider than the new mx5 does not hurt either

part one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRARVVmpzTw

part two
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_d5-K109DQ

[Pitlab77]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSkOl3wa0Yw

NB time: 1.19.532
NC time: 1.18.399

and they say a lot of the issue might be the tires. I don't like the stock tires on my car much at all, but they're what I have for now.

I doubt its the tires when many people in the US and else talk about the suspension being to soft from the factory

[phinz]

I don't disagree on the suspension. The "sport" suspension I got shafted on so that I could get an LSD is crap for spirited driving, but it's *awesome* around town. If I want a suspension to beat the crap out of me, I drive the NA. I *will* say that, even with all of its oscillation and roll, the NC flat *booked* through Deal's Gap. Once I get it sorted out I'll turn the DSC off and try again. It's going to be a handful with the right suspension, because it has plenty of torque and horsepower on tap for that road.

They need to offer the MS suspension as a tick box. That will stop the naysayers, apparently, and make them very competitive in a lot of venues when it comes to competition against their "peers."