FT-86 v.s. MX-5

[Craikeybaby]

To me the main contender for the 86 is the MX-5, I currently own an NC model and owner an NA model (and did 100,000 miles in it), in the UK they seems to be the only sensibly priced RWD cars set up for driver enjoyment.

The main reason that I am looking at an 86 is that I'm growing up and know I can't keep driving around in a 2 seater car with no roof!

[SUB-FT86]

Originally Posted by spin9k

So ...Here's what I don't get... ok so they made the FR-S, like the MX-5, to be just at the tipping point between ok and outstanding (in + to all other things we don't know being aligned). Happy day, another fun to drive underpowered sports car. I'm sure I haven't paid enough attention, but why is there not a 2.5L NA engine anyway? I often wonder what the marketing/engineering meetings were like?

"Absolutely not, we've set the p/w goal, and when we said it wasn't a HP car, we meant it. Even if we could drop in a 2.5NA, we're not going to do it! Make do with the 2.0 NA, non turbo engine only."

"Yes, we could drop another 100lbs, but that would be $XXX increase in materials cost, and we're aiming to keep cost low, regardless of the benefits. If you're looking for uncompromising, look elsewhere."

Sometimes when you weigh the costs against the benefits it makes sense to pay a bit more and get a lot more. Then the car would create (more of) a sensation. Just saying. Mazda did something similar with the RX-8, and so... look where that got us. The MX-5 is similar but a softtop so different really. The Elise is what - gone (?) I'm not sure. History repeating itself?

:happy0180:

This is the BILLION dollar question I've been asking for a long time. If this car came with a FA25(240hp/180-185tq) instead and had a slight increase in price like 1-2k more I would be 1000% for the FRS. 2.0 FRS<3.8GC/2.5FRS>>>3.8GC

[SUB-FT86]

Originally Posted by blur

Impossible. If a 2.5l was dropped in, the RPM guys would be upset from limited rev range, if it was turbo'ed, the NA guys would complain, if it was lighter and was a two seater, average joe would complain about practicality, if it had 300 hp, the affordable camp would complain. Everything is a compromise.

Every sports car makes compromises. You just have to know which compromises you can live with.

[mines13]

Originally Posted by Nardi330

it was a JDM only limited edition edition. i saw the real car at TAS a few years ago and got a brochure.

i owned a Mx5/Miata before and sold it becos i need to carry kids around. FT86 is perfect for me.

Same, I was there in 04 working the Power Enterprise booth, I was the only white guy there actually working as a vendor I think. It was indeed a limited edition JDM only model. I got the brochure too.

[Matador]

Originally Posted by SUB-FT86

:happy0180:

This is the BILLION dollar question I've been asking for a long time. If this car came with a FA25(240hp/180-185tq) instead and had a slight increase in price like 1-2k more I would be 1000% for the FRS. 2.0 FRS<3.8GC/2.5FRS>>>3.8GC

Jesus Mary and Joseph, give it a rest already. This car is gonna have a 7-10 year model cycle most likely, they will eventually get around to offering something with more punch. Sheesh.

Some of you lot are like infants with your crying.

[spin9k]

Originally Posted by MatadorRacing_F1

...Jesus Mary and Joseph, give it a rest already. This car is gonna have a 7-10 year model cycle Sheesh.

Some of you lot are like infants with your crying.

I've only got a 65-90 yr model cycle, and yeaaa Sheesh it won't help me if I'm not around to enjoy whateveritishtefinallycomeupwith in 7-10 years...

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by spin9k

I've only got a 65-90 yr model cycle, and yeaaa Sheesh it won't help me if I'm not around to enjoy whateveritishtefinallycomeupwith in 7-10 years...

Yea unfortunately they don't seem to have multiple powerplant options now, but I have a strong hunch they'll update this car and make it more potent anyways if you can wait a few years. As many people pointed out, 200hp is not very impressive considering the 3S-GE and K20 make more power despite being old and not having direct injection. I doubt a higher rev limit will happen since the engine being so wide limits what you can do to rods (and variable timing systems for that matter), but I think a healthy 220hp is possible from the engine with a few improvements.

[Allch Chcar]

I figured they used a 2.0L because of Japan's taxes on displacement really increase above 2.0L

For example, we got the 2.5L in the Legacy/Impreza while Japan and Europe made do with a 2.0L

[Gardus@Supersprint]

Europe has the 2.5 too on the WRX/Sti models.

[cassidy0998]

When is the new Miata supposed to be announced/revealed?

[Soravia]

Originally Posted by OldSkoolToys

ones a roadster where basically anyone over 6'5" can't even physically drive it, with very limited cargo space, and the 'girl' mantra all over it.

The other is a 2+2 hardtop coupe, with more practicality.

In my eyes, no competition.

Heh heh...Corolla GT-S not a sports-car? The definition of 'sports car' is as objective and someones opinion on why French fries are better with ketchup instead of BBQ sauce. It goes both ways honestly....to me it is, (a main reason being the 86 chassis is different than the actual econo-box corolla's of the same era).

I don't know about that. I've seen more girls driving Mustangs and SUVs than Miata. Most Miata owners are older folks over 45, both men and women. Maybe more men than women in total. So I guess SUV and Mustang are 'Girl Cars'.

If people are comparing Miata NC to FR-S, these have to be the reasons, Price $25K or less, Weight less than 2800lb-2500lb, Handling, Response, FR layout. The other cars are 3300lb and above, that's 500lb more than FR-S and 800lb more than Miata NC. If you look at it, you're going to be taking corners with 3 people in the car when you think of FR-S against Genesis or 370Z.

[spin9k]

Originally Posted by cassidy0998

When is the new Miata supposed to be announced/revealed?

Mazda Motor Corporation chief executive Takashi Yamanouchi @TMS 11/30/11

"... Our first priority is to introduce the next MX-5 as soon as possible.”

IOW - no comment.

[random]

Originally Posted by Soravia

I've seen more girls driving Mustangs and SUVs than Miata. Most Miata owners are older folks over 45, both men and women. Maybe more men than women in total. So I guess SUV and Mustang are 'Girl Cars'.

Off topic, but...

Sorry, I find your statement is meaningless. There are by far more Mustangs and SUVs sold than Miatas, so of course you will see more women driving Mustangs and SUVs compared to how many you see driving Miatas. That's comparing apples to oranges. You simply can't draw any conclusions about the percentage of women who drive any car.

An example of an apples-to-apples statement would be: of all the Miatas I've seen, more than half of them were driven by women, while for Mustangs, less than half of the ones I've seen were driven by women.

[Mouse]

There is some news....The MX-5 and RX-8 are to be merged into one product....MX-5 with a rotary? Finally MAZDA.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11111303...ment-confirmed