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Careful merging the NA/NB MX-5 chassis with the NC (06+). The NC is essentially an RX8 chassis, shortened, stiffened, and roof optional. The NC comes with a downright embarrassingly soft suspension off the lot, but with springs/shocks or coilovers it is transformed instantly. However, the BRZ/FR-S already comes with that suspension.
With that said, the MX-5 when set up correctly, will outdo the FT86 up until 120+ MPH under boost. The MX-5 gets awful light in the rear at those speeds with stock bodywork, whereas the FT has the chassis and aeros to keep things less dramatic up there. Having both and having driven them in all sorts of modification stages, I can say the MX-5 is simply a go-kart, whereas the FT is an awesome--car. Both have their merits, but apples to oranges here. Stability, looks, quiet, back seats--FT. Response, p/w ratio, cruising with the top down--MX-5. 350whp on stock motor with a turbo? Both; but the MX-5 still weighs 300 lbs less with a shorter wheel base. Pick your poison, but both will outdo most drivers' skills for ~5k in mods with the right tune.
I smile driving either one. You'd think the p/w ratio of the MX-5 would keep me out of the BRZ. Yet I find the FT so well balanced and practical (with E85 in particular) that is a tossup as to what I get into, and both are a hell of a lot more fun than just powersliding a v8. As a DD you can't go wrong with either, unless you need a back seat for the little ones that is!
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