4th gen ND Mazda MX-5 Miata

[serialk11r]

I'm a bit over 6'0" and I could probably drive with me sitting right behind me. If I pull the driver's seat forward a bit I can make enough room in the back to fit someone my size, albeit very uncomfortably. The car has pretty good width so the knees can kind of go to the sides a bit and not hit the dash.

2 tall people in the front, 1 short person behind the driver, and 1 median person behind the front passenger seat is totally doable.

I was so impressed with this that I decided to buy one of these cars instead of a 2 seater, haha. A Porsche 911 can't do this with its rear seats, even the bigger 991 cars.

Back on topic, reading the Motortrend review, I was right about the Miata being faster (generally), I wonder if the engine can be bumped up to ~180hp. It's got good headers already, and the rest of the exhaust can probably only pick up like 5hp. Maybe shortened intake manifold runners would do the trick. Messing with the ports on a DI only engine is probably not a good idea.

[Captain Snooze]

Originally Posted by Levi

I prefer proper balance like the MX-5 (50:50)

Originally Posted by Captain Snooze

50/50 weight distribution is something that the marketing department promotes. Especially BMW. Note that that it is static weight distribution that is being promoted so maybe it improves handling when the vehicle is stationary. Also something that never gets mentioned in those adverts is where that mass is located; that is, having 40% of the mass in front of the front axles and 40% of the mass behind the rear axles is very different from having 80% of the mass between the two axles but both are 50/50 distributed.

That figure "50/50" is front/rear. There is never any mention in adverts about left/right balance which in road cars is kinda difficult unless one removes the driver.

Have a read of this:
https://oakmanonracing.wordpress.com...n-doesnt-work/

Also have a look at this and listen to the explanation about weight, braking and aero distribution:

.

[tahdizzle]

What I glean from all the articles about the 2016 MX-5 is: The BRZ will be AWD and Turbo in 2017!

[ScoobsMcGee]

It seems like all of the press cars are clubs with the BBS/Brembo options. Club starts at $28,600 with another $3400 in wheels and brakes, which adds up to the $32,000 stated on the Jalopnik review.

I would be curious to see how a base Miata does compared to a base twin, as well as how the club does without the brake and wheel upgrade. I haven't had much luck finding information on wheel size, but if the BBS wheels are larger or heavier than stock (although unlikely), club without them may be the way to go. At least I would spec one without them, and that's coming from a Series.Blue owner.

[Kids Heart]

2016 Miata vs BRZ
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...rz_comparison/

[EAGLE5]

The new miata does nothing for my heart. Interesting that the reviewers prefer the brz.

[funwheeldrive]

I was surprised at how well the BRZ faired in that review. I think the miata will be a really great car, but it isn't very practical. The 86 really is an amazing package.

[jflogerzi]

I really wish i could trade the frs for a 2016 mx5 but alas kids are in the very near future and it's just not gonna happen lol

[EAGLE5]

Kids and an FR-S are doable, but you will get sick of putting a cradle in the back of the coupe. We did it with an Integra for a year. Not work the effort. Get the wife a sedan.

[funwheeldrive]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

Kids and an FR-S are doable, but you will get sick of putting a cradle in the back of the coupe. We did it with an Integra for a year. Not work the effort. Get the wife a sedan.

My wife and I have a sienna, but I still like the option of being able to drive my son around in my car.

[jflogerzi]

Originally Posted by jsimon7777

Kids and an FR-S are doable, but you will get sick of putting a cradle in the back of the coupe. We did it with an Integra for a year. Not work the effort. Get the wife a sedan.

The wife already has a nice honda fit. Perfect for now. We have at least a year. So i will keep enjoying the frs

[GhostRai]

I just saw the pricing for the new Miata in Canada... 40k for the high end model

[Quentin]

I drove one today.

Good:
- feels as light as the specs indicate
- top down motoring
- roof is a one hand motion
- looks great in that off white/grey
- handles very well
- strong mid range
- very rigid chassis
- good materials on IP, doors

Bad
- shifter is imprecise
- steering wheel feels rubbery
- steering is very, very light
- gas pedal is floor hinged (annoying to rev match)
- torque curve seems to taper off after 5000rpm
- wind noise with top up is extremely loud

I wasn't unhappy to get back in my FR-S.

Sent from Tandy 400

[LOLS2K]

@Quentin I'm very interested in visiting a Mazda dealer and checking one out (w/ no intention of buying). I see them on the road and they make me very happy. Which model did you test drive?