Quote:
Originally Posted by serialk11r
115lbs is around the difference between a Suzuki Hayabusa engine + gearbox combo (~170lbs) and your typical 1.8L FWD transaxle (~300lbs for a 2ZR-FE + C59). That's the one place where shedding mass is incredibly hard. I would guess that they lost at most 20 lbs off the engine and transmission together.
When you consider that Porsche only managed to shave <3% off the 981 from the 987 while using aluminum extensively, I think Mazda has done a pretty good job. Remember, each new iteration of chassis gets stiffer too.
If I were to buy a 2 seater I would strongly prefer hardtop and MR layout not FR but there's no denying the new Miata is a great machine. It's going to be faster than the FRS and they even made it look pretty good.
|
I was with you until here...
Let's not go overboard though.
It'll have a similar power to weight ratio, but the Miata's 155hp at the crank means about 131ish at the wheels. The Miata won't be a fast car or a quick car in stock form. It won't be quicker or faster in stock trim than an 86 which has a substantial amount more HP and better aero (which matters when talking about speed in a lightweight car). Around a corner on equal tires I also doubt the Miata will be faster or quicker than an 86 possibly not even on the 86's Primacys.
Also not a fan of the looks. The front seems styled to try to evoke some kind of masculinity and not as the result of purposeful design. The rear horribly out of proportion and dare I say the worst of this new batch of modern sports cars (sans the 1st gen Boxsters' center exhaust "dog's anus"). I hope Fiat does better with the styling.
With all that being said, don't get me wrong, I like the car. Lightweight, NA, fun to chuck around and hopefully at the right price point.