FT-86 v.s. MX-5

[DSR2409]

I don't see how it is unreasonable for the ND Miata to be under 2200...Their CEO is adamant about going back to the roots of the original roadster (the 2400ish pound current version is apparently too heavy, sluggish and powerful). If their Skyactiv Technology doesn't disappoint, they might even be able to come in under 2100 lbs...

The engine will be lighter. Most likely smaller, as well, since the most plausible rumor I have heard is a Skyactiv 1.5l, putting out 125 hp.

Who wouldn't want a first generation Miata, and all of the driving experience that it is, but with 50 mpg?
Factor in, also, the transmission will be lighter as well...

Plus a lighter chassis and body...

So, assuming a reasonably loaded NC MX-5 is 2500 lbs, and the engine takes out 25 lbs, the transmission 25lbs, that brings us to 2450 lbs. Assuming that the chassis and body account for only half of the weight in the car, at a 14% reduction reduces weight by 175 lbs, leaving us at 2275 lbs by just implementing Skyactiv Technology on the car. Plus, you have to figure, they will probably start with a slightly more compact platform than the NC, weighing less, and also allowing the use of smaller tires, brakes, and suspension components.

[DSR2409]

That being said, I think the Miata is really the only car on the market to reasonably compare to the FRS/BRZ. They are the only two cars placing "oneness with horse and rider" as the number one priority...even more important than HP numbers, lap times, MPGs, etc.

[Deslock]

Originally Posted by DSR2409

the 2400ish pound current version is apparently too heavy, sluggish and powerful

I found every generation MX5 to be a blast to drive (though the original 1.6L was a bit too weak for my taste). The weight increase for the NC isn't as much as some make it out to be:
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showpost.p...&postcount=119
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showpost.p...23&postcount=3

Plus the NC's superior chassis helps a bit. Having written that, I agree with their move to make the ND smaller/lighter.

[Vasilis]

MX5 NC (soft top or hardtop whichever you prefer, I'd go hardtop) + lightweight wheels + proper tires + supercharger = win

Don't know how much they cost there tho :P

[Zaku]

>< I really like the 09 Mx5 6 spd hardtop I admit it, I had it for a weekend and I can't stop thinking about how nice it was to drive.

[serialk11r]

I saw a parked MX-5 today, not sure which model year since I don't know much about that sort of thing. It was metallic gray, very very shiny paint in very good condition, and the grill wasn't the gigantic smiley face, it was smaller. I have to say, it looked really cool, not a feminine car at all...what's with the smile these days? I wouldn't feel bad rolling in that car at all.

[MtnDrvr86]

Originally Posted by Vasilis

MX5 NC (soft top or hardtop whichever you prefer, I'd go hardtop) + lightweight wheels + proper tires + supercharger = win

Don't know how much they cost there tho :P

http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?...20%205%20SPEED

This

and they have it for hard top too

[schlomo]

I'm personally not a fan of the new smile either. The MX5 really is a proper drivers car though. I have fun every time I drive one.

I don't understand why people think they are a girl's/gaylord's car. I see all types of people driving them around Dallas.

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by schlomo

I'm personally not a fan of the new smile either. The MX5 really is a proper drivers car though. I have fun every time I drive one.

I don't understand why people think they are a girl's/gaylord's car. I see all types of people driving them around Dallas.

Stock Miatas are girl cars. Once you bolt in a bar, lower it, and put some real tires under the fenders, a Miata is real beast. Not many cars have such a Jekyl/Hyde nature with so few mods.

[Capt Canuck]

Originally Posted by Draco-REX (paraphrased by Capt Canuck)

Stock FRS/BRZs are girl cars. Once you bolt in a bar, lower it, and put some real tires under the fenders, an FRS/BRZ is real beast. Not many cars have such a Jekyl/Hyde nature with so few mods.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by Draco-REX

Stock Miatas are girl cars. Once you bolt in a bar, lower it, and put some real tires under the fenders, a Miata is real beast. Not many cars have such a Jekyl/Hyde nature with so few mods.

awd is for girls. a stock miata is infinitely more fun than a stock wrx

[Gardus@Supersprint]

You can have fun going sideways...in the rain.
A supercharged 2.0 NC MX-5 is a very good proposition. Cosworth made a SC kit.
On the "no smile" versione the suspensions need a bit of work. A Bilstein PSS kit is enough. You can get a used one, put the engine kit and the suspension on and you have loads of fun for very few money.
http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda...1-0214BME.html

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by fatoni

awd is for girls. a stock miata is infinitely more fun than a stock wrx

[7thgear]

i don't see how a new-age miata can be at 2100 lb

a lotus elise is at around 2000 and it is glued together using carbon fiber panels on an aluminum skeleton/bucket

for a modern miata to hit 2100 then it too has to either use exotic materials ($$$) or go back to the Colin Chapman method of building cars