Chemical

Has anyone ever driven a Miata?

I did, and i'm hooked.
Feels ALOT like our rx7's but even tighter, lighter, and more connected to the ground. I don't care what people say about it being a chick car, its more fun than most cars i've driven.
My ONLY complaint is the lack of power compared to my GSL-SE. I thought my car was pretty hurting, acceleration wise, but the miata really needs to be floored just to make use of that wonderful suspension

Anyways, thinking about switching camps..but i'm torn because I love my rotary engine so much.
If only I could do this:





Thoughts on miatas anyone?

onepointone

i never really liked them before i drove one. but after my first drive, like you, i was hooked. i wouldnt mind having one for another car one day.

Narcisse91

Why can't you?

nosajwrx-7

Exactly, why can't you? I used to own one, It was a great car! Just not practical and a primary vehical in Maine. Boy would a 13bt wake it up!

RXRACER85

yeah a 13bt would wake it up fro stock it's good i guess!
but you truly do have to floor it to get full potential.
(my friend has one) but they are good cars just not really like 7 though!

virfighter

I've got a miata and I love it However, I am mildly considering selling it as having two two seater sports cars is not really the best of of ideas. Miata is definitely a blast to drive though.

1984special

Sport Compact Car has two supercharged project Miatas... and they kick some serious ***. Of course you could also swap in a rotary.... There's plenty of mad conversions out there.

I myself could never get over the looks of the Miata. It just looks so.... well, un RX-7 to say the least.

bliffle

I think Mantis had a project to transplant a miata suspension to an FB.

B

oni-dori

i love miatas. i had one for my first car and it was a blast. the lack of power was disconcerting, but once you get up to speed you can keep going through most corners. that was the beauty of the miata, it wasnt meant for pure speed but for the joys of cornering. i wouldnt mind having one someday.

MosesX605

I love the Miata as well, but the chassis flex is pretty bad, even compared to our cars. Sure it's great for a convertable, but it's not nearly as stiff as a closed car. I loved the steering though, very precise and direct.

oni-dori

oh yea, have you seen miatas in a solo II event? they're up there with the vettes! really fast in a tight course.

RRTEC

iTrader: (13)

My dad races a 91 he put a hard dog roll bar in it and racing beat suspension with strut bars and sway bars..It really tightens up the car a lot.... It does lack accle but is still fun to drive, The bad thing is i am 6-1 and i cant drive it with the top up...ha ha.....and the door has to be opened with my pinkey finger.... 13b miata would rule...

nopistonsforjoe

if you want a miata with more power wait for the mazdaspeed edition that comes out next year it has a turbocharged engine thats puttingout somewhere around 170hp ( i could be wrong on this number) Mazda is also releasing the coupe soon, which looks awesome im my opinion.

MosesX605

We're not getting the coupe because the 3rd generation Miata is due out next year, IIRC.

RRTEC

iTrader: (13)

yeah but i don't have a lot of money so a $1500 motorless miata chassis and a junkyard 13b would result in a $3-4k super fun roadster..you know as opposed to almost 30k for the TURBO miata.....

nickj

My '91 Miata sits in the driveway most of the time. I like driving the 7 more. It's not just the acceleration. The 7's a lot more comfortable and the high-speed handling's better. They changed the suspension in the later Miata's, supposed to improve things, but I haven't driven one.

Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

Ah.. Isn't this a Rotary Powered Miata in your post?

Pedestrian X

I think that was his point?

virfighter

Install a roll bar.

Also which generation miata have you driven? If you haven't been in one yet, check out the 2001 + models, they added more bracing. Before that the 1999 and 2000 model are much stiffer than the 1st gen (NA) ones.

I've got a rollbar in my 2000 and the I notice almost zero chassis flex, I haven't had it on an autocross course though.

Directfreak

iTrader: (2)

Ah, I didn't catch the

"If Only I could do this" part.


I thought he was looking to buy that particular Miata.

conewvr

The NB (2nd gen) Miata, especially the 2001+ models are pretty tight. My '02 has been an absolute joy since the day I bought it. The power is adequate, though not at all overwhelming, and the handling is sublime. I'm not sure which models of Miatea some of you guys have been driving, but my GSL-SE wouldn't have a chance against my Miata.

fitzwarryne

The Miatra was designed as a low-medium price sports car when the RX-7 became too expensive and complex. It saw off its only competitor the Ford Capri. Since then adding a turbo version has really improved performance and the latest versions handle well.

Lets be honest the RX-7 is a thing of the past, especially since so many good convertibles are now on the market. The gen 1 is a car of beauty but techanically out of date, thats why so many Gen3 motors are being dropped in. OK on the straight but watch it on the corners.

Maxda really blew it with the RX-8, its only merit is the rotary. The 350 is a far better car and you can buy a convertible. Without mentioning the P word, the Audi and Honda also offer more.

Yes if you are under 6'2" and 180lbs, buy a recent Miatra, its a great road car for the price. If you are cash limited a Gen 1 is by far the best buy!

conewvr

Glad you mentioned that! I'm 6'2", 185lbs. I don't really have any fitment problems in the Miata other than my hair touching the headliner first thing in the morning. My wife and I have made several long distance trips without any problems other than the lack of places to put shopping bags...like that's a problem.

Lovemy280Z

I own both and couldn't be happier

If you need more power out of the Miata, remember that the engine is made to be turboed. Oil cooled pistons and really low CR. We have one here locally that runs 10's in the 1/4 on an internally stock 70k mi. motor

I'm currently helping a buddy install a T3 with a Haltek E6K on his 96 M-Edition...

CrazyJoe12a

ummm, that last post was supposed to be me?? Not sure why that sreen name was logged in on my computer??