A Great question. I have an MX5 NC and my mate still owns the R53 Mini. We debate this question all of the time :) The short answer is that they are very different cars and both very capable and fun around a track. For me the MX5 wins as its rear wheel drive and I've always preferred that in a Track Car. BUT, the R53 Mini is a lot of fun and capable (I also love the whine from the Supercharger!!) I go to Bedford usually once per month for a Track Day. You are welcome to pop along and come out for a few laps in my NC if you like?
@@benharperracing2687 Thanks for proposition, but unfortunatelly I am based outside of UK. Lastly, I am thinking about a proper car for trackdays and commute (in that order) and mx5 nc and r53 mini are both in my top 5. R53 has more potent powerplant (240hp with bolt on mods vs mx5 200hp with bolt ons), but I wonder how the cars overally compare on track. Who is lapping better times, when you compare your times to your mate?
@@panluki My last NC was running circa 190BHP. My mates R53 is running circa 220BHP. But, I am lapping several seconds a lap quicker in the MX5 vs the Mini. I find the NC more balanced in corners where as the mini likes to understeer a lot (which is fine as it is predictable). I find the parts for the MX5 generally cheaper as well as the consumables which all makes a difference in the total cost of a track day. Best thing to do is see if you can test drive both cars and see for yourself. If you are ever in the UK you are welcome to come along to a track day with me and drive the MX5 :)
How would you compare mx5 nc to r53 as a trackday car? Which is better and why?
A Great question. I have an MX5 NC and my mate still owns the R53 Mini. We debate this question all of the time :) The short answer is that they are very different cars and both very capable and fun around a track. For me the MX5 wins as its rear wheel drive and I've always preferred that in a Track Car. BUT, the R53 Mini is a lot of fun and capable (I also love the whine from the Supercharger!!) I go to Bedford usually once per month for a Track Day. You are welcome to pop along and come out for a few laps in my NC if you like?
@@benharperracing2687 Thanks for proposition, but unfortunatelly I am based outside of UK. Lastly, I am thinking about a proper car for trackdays and commute (in that order) and mx5 nc and r53 mini are both in my top 5.
R53 has more potent powerplant (240hp with bolt on mods vs mx5 200hp with bolt ons), but I wonder how the cars overally compare on track. Who is lapping better times, when you compare your times to your mate?
@@panluki My last NC was running circa 190BHP. My mates R53 is running circa 220BHP. But, I am lapping several seconds a lap quicker in the MX5 vs the Mini. I find the NC more balanced in corners where as the mini likes to understeer a lot (which is fine as it is predictable). I find the parts for the MX5 generally cheaper as well as the consumables which all makes a difference in the total cost of a track day. Best thing to do is see if you can test drive both cars and see for yourself. If you are ever in the UK you are welcome to come along to a track day with me and drive the MX5 :)