Everyday Driver - ND Miata vs. FR-S vs. BRZ

[Entroper]

I really like this review, because it finally explains the advantages the 86 has. A lot of the reviewers thus far have preferred the ND, which is fine, but they didn't talk enough about what the differences are besides the ND being lighter and having a nicer interior. I prefer the ND myself, but it's clearly not "better in every way".

Maybe the Bilsteins and LSD made a difference (I'm not convinced the additional BBS and Brembo package is worth it at all), but the folks on miata.net are saying that the differences in suspension are fairly mild. I'm still torn between which trim of ND I want to park next to the BRZ in the garage next year. Hopefully they offer a GT with Bilsteins or a Club with heated leather.

[Lonewolf]

Finally saw a new Miata on the street, front and profile looked great...rear just looks terrible...such a shame because my dad is looking for a convertible again, but I just can't recommend it without a better-looking rear

[damnitBobby]

hmm not a bad review..

I think the Mazda is a great car, the interior definitely looks better than the twins. But soft tops are just not my thing so I would never buy one.

[strat61caster]

Miata is still faster.

See about one a week now, won't be long before they match 86s, I never thought they looked horrible and they're growing on me in the looks department.

[STZ]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Miata is still faster.

See about one a week now, won't be long before they match 86s, I never thought they looked horrible and they're growing on me in the looks department.

I absolutely adore the front and loathe the rear of the ND.

The front is aggressive, clean, defined, and the only issue I have with it is that the headlights are a tad bit too narrow. However, when you look at the rear it just yells "HAI GUYSH IM SAD"

[funwheeldrive]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Miata is still faster.

By an almost insignificant margin. It would be more of a driver's race with these 2 cars.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

By an almost insignificant margin. It would be more of a driver's race with these 2 cars.

Doesn't matter if it's an inch or a mile.

[funwheeldrive]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Doesn't matter if it's an inch or a mile.

You know who lives their life a quarter mile at a time? Benchracers.

Magazine numbers mean nothing in the real world. It's all about the driver baby.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

You know who lives their life a quarter mile at a time? Benchracers.

Magazine numbers mean nothing in the real world. It's all about the driver baby.

Hehehe been to thunder hill or Laguna yet? Great tracks, haven't done Sonoma myself but will probably go sometime this coming year, maybe I'll see you out there?

[funwheeldrive]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Hehehe been to thunder hill or Laguna yet? Great tracks, haven't done Sonoma myself but will probably go sometime this coming year, maybe I'll see you out there?

I've only been to Thunderhill with my FRS. I've been to Sonoma before but not with this car. It's a fun track, I like the uphill in the beginning. I've always wanted to go to Laguna Seca though. Hopefully this year.

[Entroper]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Miata is still faster.

Eh, doesn't matter. Put em both on Star Specs and they're probably the same. Even if they weren't, still doesn't matter. I'm not racing for pinks.

Originally Posted by strat61caster

See about one a week now, won't be long before they match 86s, I never thought they looked horrible and they're growing on me in the looks department.

Originally Posted by STZ

I absolutely adore the front and loathe the rear of the ND.

The front is aggressive, clean, defined, and the only issue I have with it is that the headlights are a tad bit too narrow. However, when you look at the rear it just yells "HAI GUYSH IM SAD"

IMO it's great-looking car from all angles. I don't understand what people find so offensive about the rear end. It's taut and buttoned-down in a way that modern cars aren't anymore, kind of the whole point of the Kodo look in their entire lineup. It looks sleek and ready to spring into action.

[DarkSunrise]

As to which car is faster stock (assuming we're talking about hot laps), it appears to be very course-dependent between Clubsport Miata and Twins.

Below times are BRZ/FR-S/GT86 on Michelin Primacy tires. ND Miata in Clubsport trim (Bilstein dampers, Brembo brakes, BBS wheels, Torsen LSD, etc.)

Streets of Willow
- ND - 1:29.9
- BRZ - 1:31.3

Laguna Seca
- ND - 1:50.7
- BRZ - 1:51.3

Blyton Park
- ND - 1:15.4
- BRZ - 1:15.9

Bedford Autodrome West
- ND - 1:29.8
- GT86 - 1:29.9

VIR Grand
- BRZ - 3:18.6
- ND - 3:20.8

On equal tires, I think you'd be looking at a dead even split between the two.

Obviously though, beyond all this benchracing if all you care about are laptimes, you're probably looking at the wrong cars

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Entroper

Eh, doesn't matter. Put em both on Star Specs and they're probably the same. Even if they weren't, still doesn't matter. I'm not racing for pinks.

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

On equal tires, I think you'd be looking at a dead even split between the two.

Agree to disagree, S001's are not significantly faster than Primacy's on an 86, the better torque and agility of the Miata will still give it an advantage over an 86 with equal rubber.

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

As to which car is faster stock (assuming we're talking about hot laps), it appears to be very course-dependent between Clubsport Miata and Twins.

Really? Looks like a 4:1 Blowout to me, if you're pedantic 3:1:1 calling that Euro test a draw.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Agree to disagree, S001's are not significantly faster than Primacy's on an 86, the better torque and agility of the Miata will still give it an advantage over an 86 with equal rubber.

Proof that the S001's aren't faster than Primacy's? The S001 is supposed to be Bridgestone's replacement for the RE050A's, and we already know the 86 gained 2.1 seconds per lap on RE050A's over Primacy's in one test.

With all the advances in tire technology, I can't see Bridgestone replacing the RE050A's with a slower tire.

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Really? Looks like a 4:1 Blowout to me, if you're pedantic 3:1:1 calling that Euro test a draw.

I said it was course dependent, which it is. We already know the BRZ is faster at VIR grand and about equal at Bedford West.