BRZ vs Miata (Popular Mechanics May 2012)

[tripjammer]

Yeah the current MX-5 is a big yawn in the looks department...but I hope the next generation will be bad assed!

Why are people still comparing a 2 seat roadster to a 4 seat sports coupe? Oh they both are RWD and have a 2.0 liter engine.......OK....

Until Subaru has a 2 seat roadster, they don't have a Miata fighter...actually nobody does....The S2000 was the closest thing....All Honda has to do was redesigned the S2000 and keep it in the low $30k range and it would have still sold units...That's Honda\Acura's problem...they give up to easily....

[dori.]

I guess "giving up easily" means producing the car for almost 10 years

[Chenslee]

They got the hp per lb wrong. What they have listed is lb's per hp. Makes it look like the MX-5 is better in that category.

[EasternWind]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

Yea Skyactiv was meant to be primarily a fuel efficiency thing, but let's face it, Mazda engines make terrible specific torque and power relative to the competition. The Skyactiv program is supposed to bring comprehensive efficiency improvements that will certainly benefit driveability and power.

Even if they refuse to increase the engine power, a more efficient engine could probably be lighter (they could downsize if a newer smaller engine matches the power of the older bigger one) so it is still a good thing for performance. Not to mention their new transmissions are supposed to be lightened and stuff too.

the 2.3 MZR DISI disagrees with you. 285 ftlbs of torque by 2500rpms and 250hp(for the mazdaspeed3, the 6's were rated around 260-270) at 6k is freaking rediculous. That particular engine was on Wards top 10 engines for 3 years straight. Too bad the skyactive line replaced the mzr line, but the future is bright if they implement a similar setup.

I'm in agreement with other posters though. The Next Generation Miata needs to be lighter at ALL costs. However, all the safety equipment that's required nowadays is going to make things extremely difficult, but if Mazda utilizes the new welding techniques that they've been messing around with they can potentially create an extremely lightweight chassis, suspension, and drivetrain.

My personal preference is somewhere in the middle for a specialty enthusiast edition: DISI type turbo engine with upgraded suspension and drivetrain, minimalist approach to the interior(don't need 6 speakers and a sub) and call it a day.

[Kimsey47]

Originally Posted by EJ20

Awesome report

too bad no BRZ for me at least for 2 years

Well hang in there buddy! Got to visit Qatar on a deployment and enjoyed my time there! In the meantime thanks for the review you posted as it was nice getting another comparison to the MX-5!

Also to those who were upset about what they're saying about the MX-5 now I wouldn't take it personal. I'd consider that good news that they're comparing this car to to one which has been on the market so long with such domination. Chillax bros and sisters!

[Kimsey47]

Originally Posted by tripjammer

Yeah the current MX-5 is a big yawn in the looks department...but I hope the next generation will be bad assed!

Why are people still comparing a 2 seat roadster to a 4 seat sports coupe? Oh they both are RWD and have a 2.0 liter engine.......OK....

Until Subaru has a 2 seat roadster, they don't have a Miata fighter...actually nobody does....The S2000 was the closest thing....All Honda has to do was redesigned the S2000 and keep it in the low $30k range and it would have still sold units...That's Honda\Acura's problem...they give up to easily....

You said it man... I'm disappointed in Honda A LOT. I had to buy a Kia to get something similar to what they used to create. Anyone else agree that's wrong?! lol

[Evil86]

Originally Posted by EasternWind

the 2.3 MZR DISI disagrees with you. 285 ftlbs of torque by 2500rpms and 250hp(for the mazdaspeed3, the 6's were rated around 260-270) at 6k is freaking rediculous. That particular engine was on Wards top 10 engines for 3 years straight. Too bad the skyactive line replaced the mzr line, but the future is bright if they implement a similar setup.

I'm in agreement with other posters though. The Next Generation Miata needs to be lighter at ALL costs. However, all the safety equipment that's required nowadays is going to make things extremely difficult, but if Mazda utilizes the new welding techniques that they've been messing around with they can potentially create an extremely lightweight chassis, suspension, and drivetrain.

My personal preference is somewhere in the middle for a specialty enthusiast edition: DISI type turbo engine with upgraded suspension and drivetrain, minimalist approach to the interior(don't need 6 speakers and a sub) and call it a day.

I agree with you, and I wanted a ND, but my car needs replacing now.

I've read a 1.3 (or 1.4) turbo engine in a car that has the weight of the NA generation (more or less) and much more structural rigidity.

It sounds like a great car, but it is still a year or so from production.

[EasternWind]

Originally Posted by Evil86

I agree with you, and I wanted a ND, but my car needs replacing now.

I've read a 1.3 (or 1.4) turbo engine in a car that has the weight of the NA generation (more or less) and much more structural rigidity.

It sounds like a great car, but it is still a year or so from production.

Can you share where you got this from? 1.3/1.4 is a bit small.

[zoomzoomers]

Originally Posted by Kimsey47

You said it man... I'm disappointed in Honda A LOT. I had to buy a Kia to get something similar to what they used to create. Anyone else agree that's wrong?! lol

Honda has lost it's wasy so bad it's now playing with guys with Buicks.

[Bristecom]

Originally Posted by EasternWind

the 2.3 MZR DISI disagrees with you. 285 ftlbs of torque by 2500rpms and 250hp(for the mazdaspeed3, the 6's were rated around 260-270) at 6k is freaking rediculous. That particular engine was on Wards top 10 engines for 3 years straight. Too bad the skyactive line replaced the mzr line, but the future is bright if they implement a similar setup.

I'm in agreement with other posters though. The Next Generation Miata needs to be lighter at ALL costs. However, all the safety equipment that's required nowadays is going to make things extremely difficult, but if Mazda utilizes the new welding techniques that they've been messing around with they can potentially create an extremely lightweight chassis, suspension, and drivetrain.

My personal preference is somewhere in the middle for a specialty enthusiast edition: DISI type turbo engine with upgraded suspension and drivetrain, minimalist approach to the interior(don't need 6 speakers and a sub) and call it a day.

It's a turbocharged engine... Hyundai/Kia have a twin scroll turbocharged, direct injected gasoline 2.0L that gets more power and better fuel economy than that. Not to mention it just needs regular fuel! There's no doubt they'll be adding turbos to the SkyActiv and they'll be better than the MZR. The SkyActiv engines are extremely efficient and have a lot of potential. I applaud Mazda for this platform.

[Bristecom]

Originally Posted by Kimsey47

You said it man... I'm disappointed in Honda A LOT. I had to buy a Kia to get something similar to what they used to create. Anyone else agree that's wrong?! lol

My parents just bought a Kia Optima SX. They are actually very good valued cars! Good power, good fuel economy, 5-star safety all around (with new standards), every luxury you can think of, quality interior, good looking exterior, very low drag, 10 year powertrain warranty, 5 year general warranty, assembled in USA...

I think Korea is becomming the Japan of the 90's.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by Starscream15

I was wasted when I posted that. Don't drink and post!

My problem with NC is purely aesthetic though I do feel that they could use a little more power.

wrong. drinking and posting is the only way to go. its all those sober assholes that ruin the forum. in order to be a productive member of this forum do this until you do this

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by EasternWind

the 2.3 MZR DISI disagrees with you. 285 ftlbs of torque by 2500rpms and 250hp(for the mazdaspeed3, the 6's were rated around 260-270) at 6k is freaking rediculous. That particular engine was on Wards top 10 engines for 3 years straight. Too bad the skyactive line replaced the mzr line, but the future is bright if they implement a similar setup.

When you add a turbo, things get complicated fast, that's not a fair comparison.

[DSR2409]

Mazda's Skyactiv wasn't just to improve gas mileage. It was to improve MPGs without sacrificing any of the fun-to-drive (read: zoom zoom) factor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-EEbMxAho0

[whaap]

I'm presently driving my second Miata. It's an 02 NB. There are a bunch of us in the Miata community that think the looks of the NC just don't have it. There are also a good number of Miata people that don't drive Miata's because they're convertibles. If Miata had made a fixed roof coupe I'd be driving that now. If the Toyobaru twins don't work for me I'll probably take a big 'gulp' and by a NC PRHT.

[Kimsey47]

Originally Posted by Bristecom

My parents just bought a Kia Optima SX. They are actually very good valued cars! Good power, good fuel economy, 5-star safety all around (with new standards), every luxury you can think of, quality interior, good looking exterior, very low drag, 10 year powertrain warranty, 5 year general warranty, assembled in USA...

I think Korea is becomming the Japan of the 90's.

No I agree with them being today's version of Japan from the 90's. That's why I got my little Forte SX because it had more Civic characteristics than the actual Civic. Plus it came with EVERYTHING on it for cheap. So not complaining about Kia, just the fact that Honda lost "that lovin feelin"

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by whaap

I'm presently driving my second Miata. It's an 02 NB. There are a bunch of us in the Miata community that think the looks of the NC just don't have it. There are also a good number of Miata people that don't drive Miata's because they're convertibles. If Miata had made a fixed roof coupe I'd be driving that now. If the Toyobaru twins don't work for me I'll probably take a big 'gulp' and by a NC PRHT.

I've been looking into NC Miatas as well. For some reason, all I can find are automatics and PRHT models. Strange...

[whaap]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

I've been looking into NC Miatas as well. For some reason, all I can find are automatics and PRHT models. Strange...

Yeah, I think when Mazda went with the paddle shifters they brought a lot of 'manual only' guys closer to being automatic guys. The big thing, to me, with the current Miata, is the rpm's at highway speed are much lower and relaxed with the automatic than they are with the manual. That and the paddles is what would probably cause me to become a Miata automatic owner if I end up buying the PRHT.

[suprachica79]

Originally Posted by Kimsey47

You said it man... I'm disappointed in Honda A LOT. I had to buy a Kia to get something similar to what they used to create. Anyone else agree that's wrong?! lol

Originally Posted by zoomzoomers

Honda has lost it's wasy so bad it's now playing with guys with Buicks.

There is so much wrong with these statements it's sickening.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by whaap

Yeah, I think when Mazda went with the paddle shifters they brought a lot of 'manual only' guys closer to being automatic guys. The big thing, to me, with the current Miata, is the rpm's at highway speed are much lower and relaxed with the automatic than they are with the manual. That and the paddles is what would probably cause me to become a Miata automatic owner if I end up buying the PRHT.

Interesting, didn't know that about the gearing. I'm looking for a manual, but lower cruising rpms is definitely a positive for the automatic, especially if you'll be doing a lot of highway miles.

Personally, I'm looking for a used, grey, MT, touring, sport package, soft-top Miata. Hard to find around these parts, must be a rare combo.

[Tugboat]

First off, Thanks for posting the article. I have been waiting for comparisons like this one. I have always loved the fun factor that comes with a Miata but being that I am 6'2" and hover around the 300lbs mark, I have never been a good fit for a Miata. Even when I was down around 250 lbs, the fit was tight, but I use to force myself into those cars on a regular basis to enjoy the drive. Now hearing that this car is going to produce the fun factor of the Miata, I really can see myself driving one.

I am a family man with 2 small kids, but right now I have a family car and my car. The question is can I convince the wife to let me have two cars to myself.

[Evil86]

Originally Posted by EasternWind

Can you share where you got this from? 1.3/1.4 is a bit small.

http://www.insideline.com/mazda/mx-5...-g-engine.html

This source says 1.3/1.5, but I have also seen the 1.4 figure.