FT-86 v.s. MX-5

[serialk11r]

Hard to say, weight difference between bonded aluminum (by the way, I think "glue" is the best way to put together aluminum and composites) and steel chassis could be under 200 pounds. Audi was able to shave 400 pounds or something on an A5 by switching to aluminum space frame, but that's a much bigger car

[val_lixembeau]

Originally Posted by wichiewichie

if someone really want a light weight sport car, like a miata, then why not wait till the next gen miata instead? it will supposedly weight less that 2200 lbs with a better power to weight ratio than the current car. That will keep miataphiles in love with their miatas and not arguing about what car has better driving dynamics, since it would be obvious.... although it would keep bulimic BRZ/FRS owners jealous hummmm

Because not all of us want an open-top car? I actually trust Mazda to build a driver-focused sports car far more than I trust Subaru; I think it is much deeper in their engineering culture. The sporty Subarus I've seen had had vague shifters, laggy turbos, high and upright seating positions, and boring styling at best. If I could have gotten a fixed-top Miata for the price of the base car, I would have had one in the driveway years ago.

[Sasquachulator]

Originally Posted by 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

They could ditch the electronic hardtop, could save a couple lbs from that. but then theres the other like 300lbs......

[celer]

I love my Miata, but I've always wished it was a coupe instead of a convertible, it seems like they really got it right with the FT86. Light, adequate power, low complexity, practicable, reasonable price, and a coupe.

I do about 20+ track days in my Miata a year, for the past 5 years, and it was used for auto-X for the 11 years prior to that.

For me the Miata vs FT86 comparison would come down to:
- Driver engagement (how engaging is it to drive?)
- Cost of consumables for motor-sports (tires, pads, gas, etc)
- Overall reliability on a race track, i.e. will it hold up
- Availability of after-market parts

I do have to say the vast amount of after-market stuff for the Miata is a huge plus in its favor, economies of scale have really brought down the cost of most consumables for the Miata. (My Miata has 140k miles and has been used for motorsports since the start, it is totally reliable)

I would take a wait and see approach, see how the FT86 does with motor-sports before I'd consider one. (That plus I've had mixed reliability of the 3 Subarus I've owned...)

[sjd]

Originally Posted by celer

I love my Miata, but I've always wished it was a coupe instead of a convertible, it seems like they really got it right with the FT86. Light, adequate power, low complexity, practicable, reasonable price, and a coupe.

I do about 20+ track days in my Miata a year, for the past 5 years, and it was used for auto-X for the 11 years prior to that.

For me the Miata vs FT86 comparison would come down to:
- Driver engagement (how engaging is it to drive?)
- Cost of consumables for motor-sports (tires, pads, gas, etc)
- Overall reliability on a race track, i.e. will it hold up
- Availability of after-market parts

I do have to say the vast amount of after-market stuff for the Miata is a huge plus in its favor, economies of scale have really brought down the cost of most consumables for the Miata. (My Miata has 140k miles and has been used for motorsports since the start, it is totally reliable)

I would take a wait and see approach, see how the FT86 does with motor-sports before I'd consider one. (That plus I've had mixed reliability of the 3 Subarus I've owned...)

You're asking the same questions I am. But I'm looking for a daily driver to supplement my MX-5 and 2000 Civic SiR.

Here's my MX-5. It's modified and sees Solo2 and Time Attack use. The best part is being faster than cars with a lot more power.

[Gardus@Supersprint]

Nice one, especially the color+lowering+antracite wheels.
The pictures is repeated.
Engine mods?

[sjd]

Originally Posted by Gardus

Nice one, especially the color+lowering+antracite wheels.
The pictures is repeated.
Engine mods?

Oops. Fixed.

Thanks. I also have a set of black Enkei RP-F1's for it as well. It has an AEM CAI, Goodwin racing header/mid-pipe and RoadsterSport Exhaust. It adds about 20-25 (dyno proven) horsepower. Suspension mods include JIC coilovers valved for 12K/7K Swift springs and Mazdaspeed sway bars with AWR endlinks.

[Gardus@Supersprint]

20 hp with hust CAI and exhaust is a bit too much...is it also remapped?
So we're looking at really 175 hp at the flywheel? Basically as my old Clio RS.
I don't think that's enough to exploit the RWD layout yet, I still think it needs a supercharger.

[fatoni]

Originally Posted by Gardus

20 hp with hust CAI and exhaust is a bit too much...is it also remapped?
So we're looking at really 175 hp at the flywheel? Basically as my old Clio RS.
I don't think that's enough to exploit the RWD layout yet, I still think it needs a supercharger.

when involved in autox, it doesnt take more than 90 hp to take advantage of rwd. and that is how much they make stock. only thing i would have done different is gone with 6uls and maybe different suspension but i dont know too much about ncs

[chackoc]

For anyone too lazy to click over to the reviews thread Popular Mechanics did a quick MX-5 versus BRZ review here.

For me the big takeaway is

Although these two cars are nearly equal in a drag race, the Miata just cannot catch the BRZ when the road curves.

To be fair they commented on the soft MX-5 suspension and I think most enthusiast drivers quickly upgrade the Mazda's suspension. Hopefully once these cars get into owners' hands we'll hear someone comment on the fun factor of a suspension modded MX-5 vs. suspension modded BRZ.

[fatoni]

also worth noting that they said this "On the tightest and roughest routes we could find, the Miata turned out to be the most engaging. Its tidy dimensions and smooth-riding suspension made sawing back and forth along this ribbon of road more controlled and easier to manage" and that this was the prht model and no information as to what specs the miata came in with

[Ryephile]

Thanks for posting that Pop Mech article. It's good to read some competitive comparison. It seems the BRZ is rougher, quieter, but more responsive. They preferred the engine music of the Miata as well as its ride quality, but didn't like how it got floppy at the limit. It seems to be a give-n-take between the two, which is good, as the Miata is a top-shelf drivers car.

[skeeler]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

They could ditch the electronic hardtop, could save a couple lbs from that. but then theres the other like 300lbs......

The Miata comes with either manual soft top or power retractable hard top. The soft-top cars were 2441-2511 depending on year and trim. The PRHT adds 77 lb to a comparably equipped soft top.

Mazda has stated explicitly on several occasions that their goal for the ND is a 10% weight reduction (about 2200 lb for the base trim) or 1000 kg (2205 lb). It's not clear that they will get there, but I expect they will be close.

Those expecting 2100 lb or less will likely be disappointed.

[skeeler]

Originally Posted by 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.

2006-2008 in Galaxy Gray.