4th gen ND Mazda MX-5 Miata

[tennisfreak]

Well removing Miata from my checklist.

Was hoping for <= 2400lbs and 200hp.

[dem00n]

Perhaps i didn't notice in the press, is this Miata manual only unlike the NC?

[Sideways&Smiling]

The way I see it:

Pros:
-Looks
-Front-mid engine weight balance
-Excellent steering and turn-in
-Nicer interior than in the past

Cons:
-Still very underpowered
-STILL has soft stock suspension with lots of body roll (I really hate this one)
-4 Lug wheels (WHY?!)

This makes for a car that I would buy a cheap used version of when they become available strictly to have as a toy/tuner project, but not a car I would drop $20-$30k on to purchase new. Oh well. Such is typical of the Miata, I suppose.

[Rampage]

Originally Posted by dem00n

Perhaps i didn't notice in the press, is this Miata manual only unlike the NC?

In Europe - yes

In the US - We will get the bigger 2.0L only and the option for an auto.

Originally Posted by Sideways&Smiling

The way I see it:

Pros:
-Looks (it looks much better in person than in photos)
-Front-mid engine weight balance
-Excellent steering and turn-in
-Nicer interior than in the past
=Room for a 6'2" driver finally

Cons:
-Still very underpowered
-STILL has soft stock suspension with lots of body roll (I really hate this one)
-4 Lug wheels (WHY?!)

This makes for a car that I would buy a cheap used version of when they become available strictly to have as a toy/tuner project, but not a car I would drop $20-$30k on to purchase new. Oh well. Such is typical of the Miata, I suppose.

Added a Pro.

What is wrong with 4 lug wheels? Mazda races the snot out of Miatas and the 4 lugs are perfectly adequate for the worse abuse in autoX, roadracing and rally/rallyX. Are you talking styling?

[jflogerzi]

Originally Posted by tennisfreak

Well removing Miata from my checklist.

Was hoping for <= 2400lbs and 200hp.

With the Miata I think that can be done very easy with aftermarket. Even in the USA, we should see the car under 2400LBS(I am guessing between 2325-2375LBS) and aftermarket small super charger should be doable.

[Sideways&Smiling]

Originally Posted by Rampage

What is wrong with 4 lug wheels? Mazda races the snot out of Miatas and the 4 lugs are perfectly adequate for the worse abuse in autoX, roadracing and rally/rallyX. Are you talking styling?

Nothing is really wrong with them, per se. I just don't see the point. Going with 5 lugs not only looks better but gives more options, as it is more common and more popular among enthusiasts.

[airjonny]

Originally Posted by jflogerzi

With the Miata I think that can be done very easy with aftermarket. Even in the USA, we should see the car under 2400LBS(I am guessing between 2325-2375LBS) and aftermarket small super charger should be doable.

Alot of people are skeptical because we don't know how mod friendly it will be. The FI guys are going to have a hard time with such a high compression engine.

[themadscientist]

[YukiHachiRoku]

Originally Posted by rice_classic

To me it's the ideal Power to Weight ratio. They nailed it. 148Ft/lbs of torque makes it a terrific little around town fun car.

I wouldn't be surprised if this car didn't get 40+MPG on the freeway if they give it a nice long 6th gear.

I remember delivering pizzas in a 1900 lbs CR-X with barely 100 HP from a 1.5, then I swapped a 1.8 DOHC LS motor (non-vtec) 1836 cc if I recall, and that thing felt fucking amazing, so much torque everywhere, and I could squeal gears 1-3 all day. The power to weight felt awesome. But the motor kept breaking the engine and tranny mounts... and eventually the car was destroyed.

Ever since then I always wanted that same feeling. I won't know until I test drive the new MX-5.

I could have gotten close if I stripped out my FR-S, but I couldn't do that to a brand new car. It's also nice driving off the lot with less than 10 miles on the odometer, and a full factory warranty.

Or I could just ride a bike until I find a nice 09 CR S2K, but I'm not gonna hold my breath... Maybe even look for an older NS-X, that would be pretty cool too.

[Deslock]

Don't bash the ND too much... even with a paltry 155 HP, it ought to be about as fast as the FT86, if not slightly faster. Low-end acceleration will especially favor the ND.

The anticipated curb weight (2290-2360 pounds in US trim) is primarily what makes the ND so exciting. Straight line acceleration will be reasonable, and it'll be an absolute blast to flog on back roads.

I would've preferred that they pushed redline up to 7500 and delivered 170 HP, but even without that, I'm getting an ND in ~5 years (when I no longer need a back seat).

[Muaddib]

I am trading in my FRS for the ND.

[YukiHachiRoku]

A good read. ^^

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars...zda-mx5-miata/

[serialk11r]

I love this car...but I wish it had a fixed roof or the engine were behind the driver or both. But it's seriously good, if you're into FRs. Short wheelbase, lightweight, I love it. Gonna keep on waiting for a new MR2 or baby Porsche personally.

[themadscientist]

They have usually had hardtops available on the Miata so I would expect the ND will eventually have one. The NC had that sweet retractable hardtop, maybe the ND will too.