2013 MX5 Thrashed in Super Slow Motion! Plus a comparison with the FT86! [VIDEO]

[Rosso_Corsa]

Originally Posted by fitcious

what kind of jacket is that?

Haha, thanks. My jacket is made by Superdry. I should be asking them for sponsorship!

I came to the FRS from a 2012 NC PRHT (power retractable hard top). This guy's review is spot on.

It's nothing like the 86, but it's also a kick-ass driving experience. I think he summarized it really well at the end. With the top down in a miata, things really just do feel right in the world. It's a hugely relaxing experience and it's also a kick-ass driving experience. My only real qualm with the miata was the body roll, which could easily be addressed with some minor suspension mods / sway bars.


The main reason I made the jump to the 86 was because I was just too tall for a miata. I'm 6'6", and with the PRHT up, my head touched the roof. Also, I couldn't really do many track events in it because I couldn't have a proper roll bar under the PRHT and most tracks require that.

Also, because racecar.

Thanks for your comment, yuicebox! I am amazed that a 6'6 person managed to own the car for any time at all. I wonder if people could get aftermarket seat rails to lower the seat.

I am conflicted by the body roll thing. I know that traditionally, we don't like body roll but in the Miata somehow it works. Granted, having that much roll feels a bit disconcerting at first, but I found that I got used to it and just drove around it. It rolls, but it doesn't do it in a heavy way. It's so light on its feet. Would love to try out a firmed up NC and see whether it maintains its magic.

And yes, the 86 is such a total racecar after the Miata.

[normancw]

Originally Posted by Rosso_Corsa

And yes, the 86 is such a total racecar after the Miata.

I agree!

Great review! I had a bright yellow 92 Miata that I loved (special edition with limited slip and hard top). I could care less what other people thought - I did get lots of thumbs ups from kids on school buses through, lol

I also test drove a 2012 MX-5 and really liked it. More body roll and softer than the FR-S (and the 92 Miata as well), but still very fun. At slower speeds, I found it a bit more fun than the FR-S. I've never driven an MX-5 on the track, but I've tracked the FR-S and I think it would be more fun on the track.

[Atropine]

I like the Miatas a whole lot.

I cross-shopped a used 2005 MazdaSpeed Miata (turbo) and a new Miata vs my BRZ (also cross-shopped an FR-S).

In the end, the new Miata that I would have bought woulda been the Power Hard top Club Edition. They are super fun to drive etc etc...

But the low center of gravity of the BRZ sold me over the Miata.

The interior of the BRZ limited sold me over the FR-S (plus I got a nice deal on a 2013...no interest, and just over invoice).

But yeah.. @miatas are a "girly car"...

I am a man...I am comfortable in my manliness...if you cannot respect a Miata...then you have never been properly spanked at AutoX by a Miata.

[Mikem53]

Originally Posted by Chrono

A lot of them are probably chasing after the British-style convertible sports cars that were popular when they were younger. A gas-guzzling V8 and an extra $20k on the sticker probably doesn't sit too well with someone looking towards retirement either.

Us old retired folk finally realize that you don't need gobs of HP and high dollar machines to impress or be impressed. That less is more when it comes to sports cars and many other things in life. That driving a slow car fast is more enjoyable than driving a fast car slow.. It's not about having all that power and handling.. But being able to get the most enjoyment out of what you have as often as possible.
My FRS is nowhere near as quick or as capable as my last vette or M3 was.. But it's as much fun at half the speed, which makes it more enjoyable every time I use it.
The low cost of ownership and maintenance makes it a more care free experience that adds to the overall enjoyment factor..
I enjoyed all my cars over the years.. Many were more capable than I was and were never used to their full potential. The FRS allows me to use much of what's available most of the time on a daily basis.. Very satisfying in so many ways..

[SpeedLab]

Ok, BYE.


Hello.

[Whitigir]

The last time I checked....Miata is even lower HP than FT86.

Miata still able to barely win ? "Holy...SHT!" That is all I can say

Good try !!

[SpeedLab]

Originally Posted by Whitigir

The last time I checked....Miata is even lower HP than FT86.

Miata still able to barely win ? "Holy...SHT!" That is all I can say

Good try !!

I could give a lot of impressions of both....

Compared to the FR-S, the MX-5 duratec actually wants to rev. Even with lower HP it still feels quicker because you can actually use the powerband. The MZR in the mx-5 makes the FRS feel like it has a truck engine. You also have to keep in mind the MX-5 is less weight, to the tune of 200ish lbs.

[Whitigir]

Yeah, I know what Miata are. Do you smell the sarcasm though ?