I've got a '97 in British racing green and it's a totally awesome car. No bells, no whistles, 5-speed, no cruise, no tilt, no AC and totally reliable. I'm almost 6'2" and I've driven cross-country (USA) with no discomfort at all. I'll never part with mine as that year is the last with the flip-up headlights. That thing handles like it's on rails.
Just bought a 94 1.8 Eunos Roadster.. Looked at newer models, but much prefere the raw-ness of the original. Absolutely love it! Drives like a dream, wouldn't swap it for anything, not even one of the new ones :)
I recently went from a 1990 Mazda Miata which I loved to a 2008 Mazda Miata with a PRHT that is just awesome!! The only thing I will give on my 1990 is that it could handles banks and turns like a champ. The 2008 has a bit of roll to its carriage though the wheels stick like glue to the road. I absolutely adore my 2008. The power retractable hard drop was an unintentional bonus. I am sold !!
Mazda makes specific note that the old model is the Miata and the new model is the MX-5, even though they've both globally been known as the MX-5 for a long time.
seeing I'm a miata owner myself, I dont own a hardtop for my 90 miata, but the idea of a retractable hardtop is a sweet idea if your in a area where it rains a lot. But here in California, no worries really only time we use our hardtops are for long term parking or during winter and turning our miatas into spec-miata =)
had an old mx5 import from japan and that just ran and ran and ran, took this little baby (uk version) for a spin and not looked back, its a fantastic car
I have a supercharged, highly modified 1996 and a 2007 PRHT GT with no mods except for JIC coilovers. The 2007 is a better sportscar, but the 1996 is a better Miata. They both have their endearing qualities.
I have had 2 miatas in my life and I loved driving them a 91 1.6 which was lost =(...but my new 94 1.8 Mx-5 is my new project car I getting up to my standards.Once a Miata owner always will have one in the line up.ZoomZoom
@Nolanator6 No point in doing an engine swap from the newer car. The 1st gen miata's 1.8L is really ripe for turbo charging and you can get a MazdaSpeed motor from the 2nd gen Miata that's factory boosted. I'd take a 2nd gen Miata with a DIY T28 turbo kit on a 97-99 block and a 99-01 head any day over the 3rd gen and a car note.
Im in Australia. I see a lot of Mk1 cars on the track already, totally stripped out, proper racing machines. For big power though, go for a turbo Mk2. 240kw at the rear wheels! and as always, less weight works better than more power.
Why are some people incapable of forming their own opinions on a car just because their peers have told them it's a 'hairdresser's car'. The MX5 is a great car that you can pick up for an excellent price. There's a reason it's so popular - it handles great and is just a hell of a lot of fun to drive. Some people will never realise this because they don't have a capability of independent opinion. I don't care who calls my 2005 Icon a hairdressers car - I have fun every time I drive it
Sorry, but this Mazda (first generation) was named Miata in the USA. In Europe they used the name MX-5 and in Japan Eunos. There are some differences between the US en EU models. The first US Miata had always an airbag, the EU-model had no airbag and an orginal Momo-steering wheel.
totaly with you. i am working for like 8 months now trying to gather enough money and buy one maybe the 1998 model..cause i cant aford any newer version.how tunable are these car?i am thinking of getting a 1.6L edition.you think i could drift with one of these or should i go for the 1.8?:)
I'll take my 91 that I purchased brand new with manual steering, limited slip & 5 speed... Still like new and will blow the doors off any of the new ones... Upgrades include JR CAI, JR header, Borla catback, subframe braces, stainless steel brake lines, fidanza lightweight flywheel, ACT clutch, yellow Koni sport shocks, etc... plus mine is super lightweight compared to that new buggy...
I'd have like to see those autoX tests done on a dry day when the cars could have gone all out. I'm assuming they ran in the wet so that the suspension negatives of the NC wouldn't be so pronounced.
actualy the US models were called miatas and also have the mx5 badge on them. And the US also had the eunos verson and some miatas/mx5's came with the momo or a nardie steering wheel
Yeah. It's even slower than 1975 Dragster with tons of HP. I have 1994 Miata with 1.8L engine - you can easily wipe-out cars with more HP because, surprise, it's not only about HP. It's all about weight to power ratio. It's not a sports car though - my opinion is it was made to give fun and pleasure when driven and this is what this car makes awesomely great. Cheers.
yea man your right, i had a 90 1.6 but was rear ended=[ so i lost that one. but lucky insurance paid for my new 91 red=] it has a slightly bent frame, ebay car so you might now how that goes but other than that no problems. but to get to the point i think you were kinda making once you have onee there is like no turning back. saving right now for a tien, basic coilover =]
As much as it would be nice to upgrade two things are keeping me from it... #1 The lack of a yellow color option (have to wait till 2012) #2 I just don't have the heart to part ways with my 02 Miata, its just to well grown on me and given me no reason to go separate ways.
I would absolutely stick with an NA over the new one. PRHTs will not be bought by serious racers anyway. The new one may have more power stock-for-stock, but not better handling. It's the first Miata to not have double-wishbones all around.
That's cool - how much for a HT? It could be pretty useful here, in Poland. And - but that's just my opinion - Miata looks much better with HT than with a ST ;)
The problem with the new Miata is it looks very modern! When first introduced, Miatas were a hit because it reminded people of the 1960 European roadsters. I think the new Miatas have loss that connection and distinctness! The winning formula is what Carrol Shelby did, take a small, lightweight roadster from the 1960s look and give it lots of power! The original Miata gave people that feeling. Today's Miata not so much, I prefer my 1996 Miata to any of the new ones for this reason...
I own a 2001 mx5, it's truly the epitome of a sports car. I'm planning on stepping up the horsepower to about 240, but I mean really when mine weighs 2100 lbs what's the point??
The new MX5 definitely outperforms the old ones out of the box. They are also very reliable, I've already seen some with 70k that have had no work done except regular oil changes, tires, and brakes. Mazda builds their cars for racing.. they'll take plenty of abuse.
Ive owed all kinds of sport & exotic cars .Currently I have a 1995 na8 miata , I owner , florida car ....Next week im driving it to Florida fron Connecticut by way of " tail of the dragon .... Tomorrow it gets it's new Robbins custom color , glass window , streamline top ...its wearing the Original top right now ....I just , for piece of mind ..Went bumper to bumper service myself ...Composite pads , NGK plugs ,wires , mobile 1 , redline MTL tranny & REDLINE 75 -90 SYNTHETIC diff.lube o2 sensor timing belt , everything , you get it ...once in Fla. ? I'll pick up my cousin , drive to New Orleans then on to Cali. Trust me ..This is the car to drive , Race & canyon carve in ...special equipment package & r spec susp. Otherwise 100% stock Daily driver & dead reliable ! Like a timex watch , with wheels ! PEACE
@j101saar You've said your opinion, now here are the facts: The miata has been proven on the track for two decades. Spec Miata is the largest and most popular amateur racing class within the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Try to find another rear wheel drive car under 3000lbs anywhere near the same price range.
And a guys car, on my 3rd back to an original 1990 because it has more cabin room, had another 1990 for 6 yrs and a loaded 96, . My chick grandma has a 2001 Grandpa
try to get a used one with some mods to it, like an exhaust system, a turbo, hell i even saw a miata with a bigblock V8 for 10 grand that produced over 400hp for 10 grand. the only reason i see why you'd get a new miata is low milege and warranty, performance wise look for a good used one. my 2 cents
I'd say it's a guys car. (Just go to any autocross on Sunday) To make this comparison really interesting; throw a 2005 Mazdaspeed into the mix. I've had Porsches Alfas, a Ferrari and a couple Lotus cars. The original Miata is the closest thing to an Elan. Only thing is the Miata is reliable. I have a '92 with very low miles and I would have to say it is not only a great sports car, but a great car! A boxster is a chick car - not an MX 5.
i don't think about the new... but search for "monster miata" that's the NA with 5.0 V8 from the Mustang ;) you buy a Miata NA and you go to Monster Miata to swap the engine for a V8 i have a 1991 Miata NA if i where at the USA i would swap for a V8 ;)
I is sorry, but the more I research this car I feel like they should have kept the 2nd generation looks. I mean this car is sick. Awsome, lightweight, small engine with ok horsepower that can compete with many other cars with 200+ horses, etc but the front end just looks way too weird to me. Like they were trying to pull off a "robo Cop" theme.
I appreciate the new functions, but they made it look even more like a chick car. Also, on the newest generation the price of labor and parts is so much higher. Not to mention older Miatas such as my 1990 have a more bullet proof engine and can really take a beating. And to top it all off, you just can't make the car completely custom inside and out as you can with the first and second generations.
Doesn't matter to me. On any given weekend in the US, there are more Miatas racing than any other model car. Only men worried about their "manliness" are afraid to drive a Miata. I'll take a Miata over any high HP american musclecar on any track or autox.
Lol. The Miata is the ultimate cheap sportscar. Chicks drive cars like Scions. The Miata is a thoroughbred, from the ground up, 50/50 weight distribution, cornering monster. As a Miata owner, I challenge anyone with a comparable size/power car to visit an SCCA Autocross and see for yourself how amazing Miatas are.
@CastExclusive me to before i got mine i thought they where gay as fuck then i had the chance to buy one it sat in his barn for bout two months thats what i thought till he said two years after i bought it but it still started right up no prob at all
I drive a 1998 mazda mx 5 / miata since 1998 and I love it. This car is so realiable. I still love it!
I've got a '97 in British racing green and it's a totally awesome car.
No bells, no whistles, 5-speed, no cruise, no tilt, no AC and totally reliable.
I'm almost 6'2" and I've driven cross-country (USA) with no discomfort at all.
I'll never part with mine as that year is the last with the flip-up headlights.
That thing handles like it's on rails.
wow, you guys have definitely gotten a lot better.
I'm driving a 7/1998 miata since 7/1998 and I still love it. This car is realable and it still looks very good to me!
Actually, we filmed the segment in the wet simply because we're based in Seattle. There are only 2 months of the year that are reliably dry.
Just bought a 94 1.8 Eunos Roadster.. Looked at newer models, but much prefere the raw-ness of the original. Absolutely love it! Drives like a dream, wouldn't swap it for anything, not even one of the new ones :)
I recently went from a 1990 Mazda Miata which I loved to a 2008 Mazda Miata with a PRHT that is just awesome!! The only thing I will give on my 1990 is that it could handles banks and turns like a champ. The 2008 has a bit of roll to its carriage though the wheels stick like glue to the road. I absolutely adore my 2008. The power retractable hard drop was an unintentional bonus. I am sold !!
Mazda makes specific note that the old model is the Miata and the new model is the MX-5, even though they've both globally been known as the MX-5 for a long time.
really like it since it has one of the best rates in reliabilty ..FR roadster with hardtop is smthn rare these days .
nice videos btw ,,, :)
i drive a mk1 95 model. i have hade it for ten years,never get tired of it and i own another three cars. mx-5 is unique..
seeing I'm a miata owner myself, I dont own a hardtop for my 90 miata, but the idea of a retractable hardtop is a sweet idea if your in a area where it rains a lot.
But here in California, no worries really only time we use our hardtops are for long term parking or during winter and turning our miatas into spec-miata =)
My favor car in the whole world..can't wait for the 2014 MX-5.
had an old mx5 import from japan and that just ran and ran and ran, took this little baby (uk version) for a spin and not looked back, its a fantastic car
I have a supercharged, highly modified 1996 and a 2007 PRHT GT with no mods except for JIC coilovers. The 2007 is a better sportscar, but the 1996 is a better Miata. They both have their endearing qualities.
I have had 2 miatas in my life and I loved driving them a 91 1.6 which was lost =(...but my new 94 1.8 Mx-5 is my new project car I getting up to my standards.Once a Miata owner always will have one in the line up.ZoomZoom
Our 4th Miata, is a Jan 1990 edition
Have had a 1990, 96 and also have a 2001
@Nolanator6 No point in doing an engine swap from the newer car. The 1st gen miata's 1.8L is really ripe for turbo charging and you can get a MazdaSpeed motor from the 2nd gen Miata that's factory boosted. I'd take a 2nd gen Miata with a DIY T28 turbo kit on a 97-99 block and a 99-01 head any day over the 3rd gen and a car note.
Im in Australia. I see a lot of Mk1 cars on the track already, totally stripped out, proper racing machines. For big power though, go for a turbo Mk2. 240kw at the rear wheels! and as always, less weight works better than more power.
My 2007 is black and beautiful. The most fun driving I've ever had.
In the Mazda MX-5, every drive's a thriller!
Why are some people incapable of forming their own opinions on a car just because their peers have told them it's a 'hairdresser's car'. The MX5 is a great car that you can pick up for an excellent price. There's a reason it's so popular - it handles great and is just a hell of a lot of fun to drive. Some people will never realise this because they don't have a capability of independent opinion. I don't care who calls my 2005 Icon a hairdressers car - I have fun every time I drive it
Sorry, but this Mazda (first generation) was named Miata in the USA. In Europe they used the name MX-5 and in Japan Eunos.
There are some differences between the US en EU models. The first US Miata had always an airbag, the EU-model had no airbag and an orginal Momo-steering wheel.
i like the old miata with the retro flip up lights :D
I sorry but that was my typo error. I meant to say 1st generation looks. Now it makes sense as to why I was complaining about the robo cop theme.
totaly with you. i am working for like 8 months now trying to gather enough money and buy one maybe the 1998 model..cause i cant aford any newer version.how tunable are these car?i am thinking of getting a 1.6L edition.you think i could drift with one of these or should i go for the 1.8?:)
I'll take my 91 that I purchased brand new with manual steering, limited slip & 5 speed... Still like new and will blow the doors off any of the new ones... Upgrades include JR CAI, JR header, Borla catback, subframe braces, stainless steel brake lines, fidanza lightweight flywheel, ACT clutch, yellow Koni sport shocks, etc... plus mine is super lightweight compared to that new buggy...
@Riknos Totally agree my man, I have a white 89 which i love. No hard top.... yet :P
I'd have like to see those autoX tests done on a dry day when the cars could have gone all out. I'm assuming they ran in the wet so that the suspension negatives of the NC wouldn't be so pronounced.
actualy the US models were called miatas and also have the mx5 badge on them. And the US also had the eunos verson and some miatas/mx5's came with the momo or a nardie steering wheel
i like the 2011 Miata, because it has a bigger smile.
yah it could be a problem about that but the new one i saw it it's easily can hold you in
Nice to see that adding the hard top has done nothing to make the MX-5 Less.
DistortedJoy > what do you think a sport car is ? the MX-5 is the most raced car in the world, and that's a pretty good definition
Yeah. It's even slower than 1975 Dragster with tons of HP.
I have 1994 Miata with 1.8L engine - you can easily wipe-out cars with more HP because, surprise, it's not only about HP. It's all about weight to power ratio.
It's not a sports car though - my opinion is it was made to give fun and pleasure when driven and this is what this car makes awesomely great. Cheers.
i got a 93 miata and i loveee it!
yea man your right, i had a 90 1.6 but was rear ended=[ so i lost that one. but lucky insurance paid for my new 91 red=]
it has a slightly bent frame, ebay car so you might now how that goes but other than that no problems. but to get to the point i think you were kinda making once you have onee there is like no turning back. saving right now for a tien, basic coilover =]
I have a '90... I love it, but it's a little bit slow...
it makes up for that with the handling and the gearbow though...
As much as it would be nice to upgrade two things are keeping me from it...
#1 The lack of a yellow color option (have to wait till 2012)
#2 I just don't have the heart to part ways with my 02 Miata, its just to well grown on me and given me no reason to go separate ways.
could you tell me what wheels and tyres he has on the original mx5. i want some for mine!
Great little car!
that is in the eye of the beholder.
I would absolutely stick with an NA over the new one. PRHTs will not be bought by serious racers anyway.
The new one may have more power stock-for-stock, but not better handling. It's the first Miata to not have double-wishbones all around.
That's cool - how much for a HT? It could be pretty useful here, in Poland. And - but that's just my opinion - Miata looks much better with HT than with a ST ;)
I have an miata from 1990....
and i drove a new one last month....
the old makes more fun....
germany
The problem with the new Miata is it looks very modern! When first introduced, Miatas were a hit because it reminded people of the 1960 European roadsters. I think the new Miatas have loss that connection and distinctness! The winning formula is what Carrol Shelby did, take a small, lightweight roadster from the 1960s look and give it lots of power! The original Miata gave people that feeling. Today's Miata not so much, I prefer my 1996 Miata to any of the new ones for this reason...
I own a 2001 mx5, it's truly the epitome of a sports car. I'm planning on stepping up the horsepower to about 240, but I mean really when mine weighs 2100 lbs what's the point??
@TheVtieg6 In any car, that is a lot of weight and all that weight is at the car's highest center of gravity.
i have 1990 red one and really miata is one of the best cars ever
@trancedsailor damn right hate the looks of the new ones but the power is pretty good
The new MX5 definitely outperforms the old ones out of the box. They are also very reliable, I've already seen some with 70k that have had no work done except regular oil changes, tires, and brakes. Mazda builds their cars for racing.. they'll take plenty of abuse.
oh the acceleration is good? and the brakes too? well ones a first gen, and ones a 3rd......
Ive owed all kinds of sport & exotic cars .Currently I have a 1995 na8 miata , I owner , florida car ....Next week im driving it to Florida fron Connecticut by way of " tail of the dragon .... Tomorrow it gets it's new Robbins custom color , glass window , streamline top ...its wearing the Original top right now ....I just , for piece of mind ..Went bumper to bumper service myself ...Composite pads , NGK plugs ,wires , mobile 1 , redline MTL tranny & REDLINE 75 -90 SYNTHETIC diff.lube o2 sensor timing belt , everything , you get it ...once in Fla. ? I'll pick up my cousin , drive to New Orleans then on to Cali. Trust me ..This is the car to drive , Race & canyon carve in ...special equipment package & r spec susp. Otherwise 100% stock Daily driver & dead reliable ! Like a timex watch , with wheels ! PEACE
Ah. Got it. Thanks for the response.:)
love the way the MK1 is quicker than the MK3
I agree, especially if it's towards the top of the car affecting the center of gravity. It's like having a samll kid on the roof of your mx5 D:
what is it about convertibles that fasinates me?
i just purchased a 1996 mazda miata with the optional hard top. all can laugh if they want but i am averaging 27.5 miles to the gallon.
record for what being a car?
the new ones are not so bad they just sacrificed a little bit of performance for some more creature comforts.
@j101saar You've said your opinion, now here are the facts: The miata has been proven on the track for two decades. Spec Miata is the largest and most popular amateur racing class within the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Try to find another rear wheel drive car under 3000lbs anywhere near the same price range.
That car looks like a monster truck, i don't understand why Mazda made the NC1 ride height so high.
And a guys car, on my 3rd back to an original 1990 because it has more cabin room, had another 1990 for 6 yrs and a loaded 96, .
My chick grandma has a 2001
Grandpa
all the people at the auto X meets i go to and own miatas say that the new miatas dont handle as well. and thats coming from a miata owners club too.
try to get a used one with some mods to it, like an exhaust system, a turbo, hell i even saw a miata with a bigblock V8 for 10 grand that produced over 400hp for 10 grand. the only reason i see why you'd get a new miata is low milege and warranty, performance wise look for a good used one. my 2 cents
still love my 91 miata.... take away the old school flip up lights and you have nothing! lol
gotta say i prefer the look of the original still, the nose just doesn't compare and i don't like the chrome lights. Great engine though!
this just makes me appreciate TopGear so even more. All that comes outa these guys mouths is how fantastically perfect the Miata is makes me sick
I'd say it's a guys car. (Just go to any autocross on Sunday) To make this comparison really interesting; throw a 2005 Mazdaspeed into the mix. I've had Porsches Alfas, a Ferrari and a couple Lotus cars. The original Miata is the closest thing to an Elan. Only thing is the Miata is reliable. I have a '92 with very low miles and I would have to say it is not only a great sports car, but a great car! A boxster is a chick car - not an MX 5.
isn't 166hp a bit less for a rwd sports car???
Mazda should have just made the hardtop carbon fiber to keep weight down. 77lbs is huge in a miata
true
MG might have em beat as far as price goes. But miatas are way more reliable and way more abundant.
my mom just got a 2007 miata funn car i
i don't think about the new...
but search for "monster miata" that's the NA with 5.0 V8 from the Mustang ;)
you buy a Miata NA and you go to Monster Miata to swap the engine for a V8
i have a 1991 Miata NA
if i where at the USA i would swap for a V8 ;)
I is sorry, but the more I research this car I feel like they should have kept the 2nd generation looks. I mean this car is sick. Awsome, lightweight, small engine with ok horsepower that can compete with many other cars with 200+ horses, etc but the front end just looks way too weird to me. Like they were trying to pull off a "robo Cop" theme.
be a good street car this PRHT, the PRHT is just pimp
I appreciate the new functions, but they made it look even more like a chick car. Also, on the newest generation the price of labor and parts is so much higher. Not to mention older Miatas such as my 1990 have a more bullet proof engine and can really take a beating. And to top it all off, you just can't make the car completely custom inside and out as you can with the first and second generations.
Well, it's HIS car. That makes a difference.
Cit0r you know nothing lawl 166hp good for a lightwight car :) i got a 1993 mx5 and it kicks ass! lawl :)
Just slap a turbo on the NA and its twice as much fun as the NC.
Better price that S2000 first. With hardtop, the Honda $10K more
the 90 was pretty fast for a 1.6L
no dude the 1st is the best one if you have one you know that
The old one was faster than the new one...
Doesn't matter to me. On any given weekend in the US, there are more Miatas racing than any other model car. Only men worried about their "manliness" are afraid to drive a Miata. I'll take a Miata over any high HP american musclecar on any track or autox.
1990 huh? I wonder if his crankshaft has exploded yet.
2400 pounds not 1800, but we get your point.
i like the :0 face it makes.
the miata and s2k is not in the same class.. i mean performance and price
Lol. The Miata is the ultimate cheap sportscar. Chicks drive cars like Scions. The Miata is a thoroughbred, from the ground up, 50/50 weight distribution, cornering monster.
As a Miata owner, I challenge anyone with a comparable size/power car to visit an SCCA Autocross and see for yourself how amazing Miatas are.
ahhhhhhh OK norcal... and the reason you came to watch this video then was....????
I own two first gens. And you can't sell me on the new one. Because I am to tall for it. The first gens have so much more head room. lol
@frambesbuckeye seriously. How could they think 77lbs is nothing? I'll stick with my 96 forever. Screw the new Miatas.
he said perfecter
Soft top Miata any day!
lol, i live 7 miles from Thunderhill Raceway =P
@CastExclusive me to before i got mine i thought they where gay as fuck then i had the chance to buy one it sat in his barn for bout two months thats what i thought till he said two years after i bought it but it still started right up no prob at all
@Devgru38 bro I think you just got pwned..
29,000 for that? Rather get a Honda S2000.
I own one and a 91 MX-5. I think both are far superior to the latest gen Mx5.
It's a mini RX8, just drop in the RX8 motor and bam, mini RX8! Lol. I still think the NA is a nicer looking miata.