Why The Best Mazda MX-5 Is Actually The NC
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- What's the best version of the Mazda MX-5? Alex reckons it's the third-generation NC, but before you all go and shout at him in the comments for this seemingly controversial view, he's made his case using his very own bone-stock Miata, and a spicy supercharged version from Mazda tuner BBR GTI.
Many thanks to BBR GTI for lending us their demo car. For more information, head to www.bbrgti.com
If you're after an NC, be sure to read out buyer's guide before taking the plunge:
www.carthrottl...
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Matt: / ctmatt201
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#carthrottle #mazda #mx5
The best miata you can buy is the one you can afford 😅
Not a Miata
It's an MX5
@@CAL1MBO nobody cares
Same same
No that's just what you could afford
My 2.5 full forged turbocharged NC is a bullet 500hp and I love it,I was owner of a NB but the nc is a best platform for tuning mods,it’s a smaller Rx8 and very also a smaller S2k,a roadster modern until now 2024
Where can i see your NC in action ?
@ there is 2 videos on RUclips with my car,one is when we tuned and we finish the 800cc injectors and we put 1200cc and the other one video is a quick ride with the car going on drag race (only see the race)
@ write on RUclips search mx5 nc 500hp
I've owned a BBR turbo converted version for over 7 years. 300bhp. Brilliant car.
Still the stock 2.0 or 2.5?
@@LorenzoClara972.0
Funny people called the NC1 ugly. When all it even needed was a stronger chin and lowering. NC2 just looks good in general. Other than that it's a damn good car.
The NC was a Car & Driver Top 10 Cars 8 times, more than any other generation of the MX-5.
I’ve had a mk1 supercharged, mk2 RS and a mk3.75 bbr turbo. The mk3 was the best out of all of them without a doubt (as an all round car) mine did have 300bhp though lol
The reason the NC is so good looking is because it follows the Supra,FTO,Lantis type R style aesthetic which is classic and unbeatable styling.
You're speaking my language mate. Always liked the NC ( though the NA is still the best). The PRHT was a work of genius. I've never warmed to the ND. Too awkward looking and as for that RF monstrosity 🤦
Yes yes yes. I've been saying it for years. It's the best compromise between price, performance, looks etc.
Yeeeeesss, let's increase the price in all Europe. I will never sell mine though , too much fun
That would have been better with some outboard front and rear cameras to give the viewer a bit more of the experience of the car going through it's paces. You talking to camera is OK but those extra touches could have made the experience so much better.. Just a thought. Enjoyable enough nonetheless
NC has the highest ceiling for an MX5 race platform. It's the widest (edit:2nd widest), longest and stiffest (edit: 2nd stiffest) mx5. Also the best canditate for an engine swap. Interchangable parts with the rx8 which makes a cheap upgrade path. And the fusion/mazda6 2.5 engine with cams is a $1500 replacement.
ND is both wider and stiffer
-NC2 owner.
@@cydonia9342 You are correct. It's amazing how easily people can lie to your face. My friend who traded in his NC3 for an ND1 told me the opposite. I'm glad to have gotten schooled here.
Question: I'm around the corner from buying an NC2 club, soft-top. But I have the option to get a 2018 BRZ for just around the same price. Which do you think has a higher ceiling for a pure race car from a chassis perspective? (Time attack). I do not plan on street-driving this car at all.
@@RandomlnternetGuyI’d get the NC. Cheaper to buy, cheaper to make 350HP, more sophisticated suspension, lighter.
I had a 2005 Winning Blue same as this from brand new. A 2.0 Sport but had lowering springs (from new so official warranted) and a louder exhaust. Loved it. Jethro B borrowed it for a magazine text for Evo magazine.
Happy to own a NC 2 here in Western Australia. Even here the paint flakes off all the black painted parts . Took all mine off & had them blasted &powder coated . OCD me even Fisholeened all the underside & cavities. Surrounded by cats for days !
They are rocketing up in price here .
A winner with the PRHT & the Ford based engine .
If anyone tells you the MX-5 is a hair dressers car you say "I don't mind and you don't miata".
I had one for several years. I changed the header for a 4 to 1, it was also full decated. The exhaust note was pretty good. Rims and adjustable coil overs were changed too. Sadly I had to sold it but definitely it was a fun car. Is it me, or the NC does it look like the S2000?
NCs are underrated asf I know you heard it a bunch of times
Great video, love the new presenter , knowledgeable and handy behind the wheel!
I think you'll find the best MX5 is Phil
The best mx5 is 13b
Lolll
I have 08 Niseko…. It’s just brilliant 👍
Try a 2.5 swapped one!!! Especially a 2.5 with forced induction! I absolutely love my 2.5 liter swapped nc! Not turbo yet though.
which 2.5?
@@shalokshalom an eco ford one
@@shalokshalom Not an ecotech one the Duratec/Ford one from a Fusion. They basically bolt right in to the NC, and use all of the same accessories, you can use the stock ECU, they're about 300 dollars with very few miles on them, apparently I do not own one. You gain 12 hp over the stock 2.0L (nothing over the stock 2.5L), and ~40 lb-ft torque across most of the rev range starting at like 2500 rpm, and it does make more torque then the stock 2.5L by a lot as well. That's the big gain, and it makes it feel faster without you have to have it screaming. You know how this youtuber is saying you have to work for it to get power. This makes it so you don't.
Additionally if you change the cams (fab 9 sells these, and I'm sure other people do too), and tune the stock ECU you can get more like 210 hp or a 40+ hp gain. Don't remember how much torque you gain, but I want to say like 70+ lb-ft. A 210 hp naturally aspirated Miata with torque that any shop can work on sounds like a blast. You might need a clutch upgrade if you do this, but it's still half the price of putting a turbo in one of these things without even including supporting mods you'd need with the turbo. It's also better for a turbo then the stock motor if you do ad one. 300whp with a turbo isn't even stressing these. That's low boost on a fast spooling, not very big turbo. People do more like 400hp before messing with the internals with higher boost, and that's on a 300 dollar Ford Fusion motors that there's just tons of. If you're the kind of person that is going to own a 400hp version of this you are also probably the kind of person that can swap a new 300 dollar engine in when you blow the first one up. That's not me though lol.
Anyways will say I don't own one of these, but am very interested in owning one, and doing this 2.5L For Fusion engine swap. Not so sure about a turbo as it nearly doubles the cost of the entire buying the car plus modding it, and I'd likely need a new transmission, better cooling, better injectors maybe (depends on how much power), and have to do something to actually get that much power to the pavement. So suspension work, and then also breaks because you need something to stop a car going that fast and not fade to be safe. But I think it'd be pretty sweet to have a Miata again. I sold my little 1990 1.6L NA 8 years ago I want to say? And having a much newer Miata with a lot more power sounds like so much fun.
Edit: You're going to want a LSD for either of these options imo. Don't forget to factor that in.
Yep, saving the money now for a bbr 200 kit, already talked with them. Very excited. Mine is a 2011 nc2 kendo in mica black, and i already love it. What a drivers car. Liked and subscribed. John
I have the 200 on my 2010. At first I was a little underwhelmed but it’s really grown on me and I now love it.
I daily an NB Miata and I can say that the NB is as good as the NC. Just older interior with older material used and a bit lighter overall. Which is really nice on some curvy roads.
I got rid of all the rust and now its spot on
NC is the best. Anytime you watch professionals racing, doing Miata racing, NC always comes on top. They’re just so good
There aren't any professional racing drivers racing in MX5 series. I guarantee it.
My NC3 with a Cosworth Supercharger is a blast. Geat video!
Here I am being smug in my PHRT Club because I got in early before the prices go up. Welcome to the yacht club.
Ha, consider this, I sold my 6 berth motor cruiser and bought 2 NC2s instead still have both and no mooring fees !!
Whoop whoop. Finally see you behind the wheel of the mx5.
Don't talk too much. Just drive, and please fit some cameras that show the road Camber and Combustion style.
I freaking loved C and C. I'm here for your driving. Do a video on your "200 club" track cars!!
I have the Mk3 kendo 2011 and i love it
Ha, I also have a 2011 kendo in mica black. 5 speed and also love it. John
@@rcmakingtracks18 same spec I'd love to put a six speed box in it though
NC is a shortened version of the RX8. The NC2 basically has better cooling and slight coolant channel changes given its a Ford transverse designed engine.
it's a mazda engine Ford took over and ruined with cheap internals.
You guys should try out a k24 swapped NC.
The best MX5, had one 4 years ago, after having one and tweaking he suspension it is by far the best version. from the 1 and 2.
Great to see the camber and combustion shots!! You need to have Matt on the channel, maybe a friendly track day competition on some similar cars?!😈😈😈
Totally Agree! Awesome little machines
You can see my setup from my RUclips channel, but putting a set of meister R clubrace coilovers on my NC was the single greatest thing I ever did. They’re firm but supple on the road, and they’re phenomenal on track.
I prefer them to the Tein, and for me it’s between the meister R and the ohlins, let budget decide which!
I intend to go down to NA 225bhp route with the ITB’s!
that supercharged one sounds great.... no whine
👍👍👍 Agree... a stock NC is best for street diving fun.
You look terrified driving the BBR... 😂
Can't wait till next year when my Rocketeer NC arrives. 3ltr V6 !
I’ve had all versions of all mks except the ND. Personally I think the NB is the best but I love my Nc. Much better to live with.
if the nb is still better than the nc, in what regard is it? On paper? In theory?
@@shalokshalom the NB has a classic car feel. It’s super light, cable throttle is crisp and makes the car feel eager but obviously not powerful. The hydraulic power steering feels pretty perfect, and the car has the chassis stiffness the mk1 seriously needed.
The mk3 is a better car in every way. Nicer to drive, safer, faster, more economical, more watertight, everything is better but the feel of the NB was perfect in my opinion.
I have a 365hp nc if you'd like to test lol it was tuned by bbr supercharged and engine swapped 2.5 litre
I have a bbr super 200, with bbr koni suspension and bbr back box. 2009 model, bought for £5500 and it is completely rust free. What a superb car, how else can you get what this car gives you for £5500?
Only car I ever bought brand new. I did miss it after I sold it. I have a Lotus Elise now as my fun car, which is an absolute missile compared to the MX5, but the MX5 had a better gear change and was more usable daily.
I always thought the the bonnet was the wrong shape though, with the shut lines in the wrong place. It ruined the front end a bit.
BBR didn't make its reputation from the NC, Brodie Brittain Racing goes back to the 70;s with Ford Escorts. Dave Brodie still holds the lap record at Crystal Palace (London). Mazda asked them to produce the turbo kit for the NA mx5 , also Mazda commisioned BBR to build 24 NA turbo Le Mans editions to commemorate them winning the Le Man 24 hr in 1993.
You need to check their history, its quite impressive!!! p.s. i own a 25th ae fully forged turbo (321bhp@ 0.6bar) MX5.
Price hike now😭😭😭😭
absolutely. every youtuber reviewing the NC lately. Bought it already last year 😉
There's no planet where 90hp less is better.
Maybe not in this specific scenario but I’ll take a 320 hp nc that is naturally aspired over a 410 hp turbo one any day.
@86Digilio nope. In literally 0 scenarios is less power better.
@@curtism-w6b In my scenario the 320 hp naturally aspirated car will be lighter than the forced induction car with 90 more. IE faster cornering speeds all things being equal otherwise. It will have a more linear power band than the turbo car, making it easier to control at the limit. The naturally aspirated car will most likely run at lower operating temperatures, making it more reliable and cheaper to run in the long term.
@@86Digilio Any increase in mechanical and thermal stress will shorten the durability/longevity of the engine, Mazda designed it to be driven hard yet still retain the reliability it is known for with its stock power output. As with everything its a trade off, The NC 3.5 and 3.75s had better suspension from its revisions plus revised stronger engine components so they are the best choice for power increases (did you mean 220 not 320hp for the ITB version)
Would agree with you about staying naturally aspirated as I have a dislike of turbos and the known issues they have. Peak reliability will always be stock though.
@@Ifitwerks I made no reference to what motor.. I’m building a k24 and swapping it in to my NC. Shooting for approx 300whp. In my opinion turbos have no business in a sports car.
nc owner here i have mine for ten years
Dude. Not these types of videos when I'm looking to buy one. I don't need the prices to go up
Just bought an NC 2013 graphite edition, looks ok rust wise but taking it to a specialist to have it checked over… wish me luck! 😅
How did you get on? 🙈
Yeah not bad! Some brackets that connect to the rear subframe are are pretty corroded but it’s a quick job to replace them! Otherwise the onesie is clean thankfully!
@ Awesome 🤩
You guys are doing a great job, had some big shoes to fill. I really enjoyed this video keep it up 😁
Wow, a mx5 video just as @autoalex released a video with a mx5. How do you keep coming up with these ideas? 🙄
Take a breath man, not sure if it’s in the edit or just the presenting style, but more pauses needed. Great otherwise 👍
editing
They edit out the pauses because tiktok brains these days can’t function in silence for a second
Hey! Can you guys please make a challenge with a Great condtion Renault Symbol VS with a 2010 Dacia Sandero VS a Good condition Wolkswagen Golf 4 hatchback? I had all of those cars.
Yes, yes it is
Absolutely full of misinformation, thought I'd come back and give this channel a go again seeing as it was a subject I was interested in.
A stock NC MX-5 is absolutely not a capable track car without modifications for a myriad of reasons, but ignoring that point as it's probably mildly subjective due to the fact I don't want to fall out the door; BBR didnt make their name with the NC, they were very well known for producing the dealer option kits for the NA before this, and even more so for offering piggyback ECU mods along with a turbo kit on the NA via after sales.
As for NC rust, you definitely got lucky to find one with no underside rust at 3k with the PRHT and 2.0 sport options, so well done to you.
Very glad you are enjoying it, and absolutely I am not disputing that it's great value for money really, but I think the most important point that's been glossed over in this more than anything is that the NC have a really high tendency to burn oil and then develop knock when cornering. Perhaps add in a 20 second note about that so people don't just go an tank slap it on track and immediately destroy it.
Considering you can go and watch this guy and his friends drive these flat out on track stock and in the wet 😂
Totally agree. The NC is well documented for engine failures. NB bullet proof by comparison. I'm fed up with people saying the NC is bullet proof when really it isnt! Early versions also very snappy. EVO placed one last in its 2006 car of the year test for this reason.
Bbr didn't make their name on the NC supercharged variant. That was way late in their story. They made it on the Mazda approved NA turbo, which was even in Mazda dealerships and Mazda even stated f version would not affect warantee.
They only started offering the supercharger route relatively recently with the NC options previously only the Turbo or Normally aspirated options
He bought the rust free NC for 3k. The cheapest NC in my country costs 8500 euros… wtf
Österreich? 😂 fühle ich
You can find cars dirt cheap in the UK. In fact they have been expensive since covid. You used to be able to find cars in working order for under £1000.
Proud owner of an NB that is rusting to pieces. Patiently waiting for NDs to be under £5k.
They’ll all be rusty aswell by then 😂 just fix your nb properly, get it properly under sealed!
You will just be doing the same thing with a newer version of mx5 they’re all the same
...wise review...
I want to see a build on this channel again and this would be a good base for this, phil v2?
a few grand lol, they cost about 6,000 pound minimum here in NZ :(
The boat!
i got my NB for 2900, but i got in before the craze 💀
Cars
Great review John 👍
@@9wowable 🚗
Such a shame that they did 'that' with NC styling!
A miata never really dissapoints 👌
Of course NC is the best mx5, but it must be a face-lift model with 2.0 engine
I hate noise. BTW, you guys in the UK are lucky, you wouldn't get one of those for less than $16k cdn where I live.
I still thing an NB is the best drivers car , just a little slow 😂 Turbo time
20k views in 4 days 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Wow that 2L has 10hp less than my motorcycle
And torque?
Your motorcycle has 260 hp?!
@@jjkool48 I was talking about the stock 2L
@@antontaylor4530 not much compared to a car but a decent amount for a bike ~82lbft but it weighs like 440lb so it doesn’t really matter.
It also has a roof...
Good video that, fair play.
"Very Nice!" 🙌
Half the price then they are in Aus
Noise lovers make bad neighbors.
Yeah yeah,,,we all love mx5s .. I'm sooo board of this.. bla bla bla ...good platform, great for mods. Sorry but change the record booooo . I know they're great but board to death , let's look at something else FFS
This channel got boycotted hard, I don’t really know why the host are good
I got a Miata with $1100 of parts put into it for $700
good content
2005 Mazdaspeed was the only one worth buying.
Nah
no
You mean the heaviest, least dynamic Miata?
But it's still good though and they're affordable, so yes
‘Heaviest’ and it’s only 1100kg… defo not the least dynamic either.
YES!
No, he means the safest most comfortable and also has the best chassis... john
best chassis
Mk1 and mk2 are miles better than the mk3 because they are actually engineered properly as an 80s and 90s car and not made out of cheap plastic as every modern car. U will see that if u actually had a mk2 and mk3 side by side and looked and felt which is built properly using quality materials not cheap plastic and even the engine. So u cant compare them when the mk2 is the best drivers car in the world no matter what the money
not conviced mate NB mx5 interiors a trash
Whole lotta yap, whole lotta wrong…
NA and NB the chassis is 😂only the NC is better overall miata modern until now 2024. (I was owner NB)
@alexlee587 u have never been in one obviously because mk3 are just covered in cheap nasty plastic everywhere even in the engine bay. The mk1 and mk2 are the only ones that are built properly which is why there is still so many of them about and the most sort after
@tommybooth5398 the top engineers and racing drivers in the world still say to this day the mk2 is the best driving car in the world and the only they drive which puts the most smile on there face and just proves it
Just buy a boxter
And spend 5 million pounds on maintenance and repairs
No thanks. This is cheaper to purchase, tune and source parts.
Plus it's not lumbered with that badge