2015 Mazda Miata vs FR-S? To wait, or not to wait?

[babydriver]

The 2015 Mazda is still an MX-5. I know because I drove one in September and compared it with the 2015 FR-S. I found the Mazda to be a bit underpowered and it did not quite have the handling of the FR-S, although it was quite good.

The 2016 Mazda will be the one with the big revision. This according to the Mazda dealership.

[babydriver]

Originally Posted by SurfAndSand

If you're 6'4" like the OP, then the Miata has less leg and head room - especially NB and NC1. The NA and NC2 feel like they have a bit more room. A bit - like an inch, if that.

A bigger problem for the tall guys out there is that your head will stick up above the windshield. Also if the top is up, the support bar in the front will be directly in front of your cranium. Not very good in an accident. That was the deal-breaker for me.

[Levi]

Most cars are built for big/large/tall/fat/whatever else people. IMO smaller people are discriminated. Glad for cars like the MX-5, Lotus Elise/Exige, Alfa 4C, but that is little choice.

[Poodles]

Love all the people bitching about it being a convertible when there has always been a hard top available...

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Poodles

Love all the people bitching about it being a convertible when there has always been a hard top available...

Shenanigans, if the roof can disappear in under a few minutes it's a convertible, it converts from having a top to not having a top.

[reni]

Originally Posted by Poodles

Love all the people bitching about it being a convertible when there has always been a hard top available...

A removable hard top doesn't change the fact that you can't bring it to the track.

[Poodles]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Shenanigans, if the roof can disappear in under a few minutes it's a convertible, it converts from having a top to not having a top.

I have a sawsall, so any car is a convertable

Originally Posted by reni

A removable hard top doesn't change the fact that you can't bring it to the track.

Dunno what track you're going to, but that's bullshit.

[reni]

Originally Posted by Poodles

I have a sawsall, so any car is a convertable



Dunno what track you're going to, but that's bullshit.

The hardtop in the Miata is fiberglass, it provides ZERO rollover protection. You still need a rollbar. If any track day organizers are ignoring this, they are irresponsible and stupid, and I would be very suspicious about what other safety rules they aren't following. I've talked to driving instructors who flat out refuse to even ride in such a car at the track.

[Poodles]

Originally Posted by reni

The hardtop in the Miata is fiberglass, it provides ZERO rollover protection. You still need a rollbar. If any track day organizers are ignoring this, they are irresponsible and stupid, and I would be very suspicious about what other safety rules they aren't following. I've talked to driving instructors who flat out refuse to even ride in such a car at the track.

Miata's windshield frame is rated to hold the weight of the car in a rollover, which meets the requirements of many even organizers.

Not to mention a roll bar is extremely easy to bolt in to a Miata and readily available. I haven't owned a Miata without a Hard Dog bar simply because I want the side impact protection with all these trucks around...

[funwheeldrive]

Originally Posted by Poodles

Love all the people bitching about it being a convertible when there has always been a hard top available...

There is a difference between having a fixed roof car and vert with a hardtop bolted on.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Poodles

Dunno what track you're going to, but that's bullshit.

Very difficult to find an organization willing to let most convertibles run without an aftermarket roll bar, from what I can tell on just about every Miata/rollbar combo installing one involves hacking away at the interior panels.

Good thing you have a sawsall ready, most people don't want to make that sacrifice on a car or have the resources for a dedicated toy car.

[DarkSunrise]

There are also some track organizers like BMW-CCA that don't allow convertibles without a 5-point harness and arm restraints, in addition to a roll bar (and broom stick).

[Poodles]

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

There is a difference between having a fixed roof car and vert with a hardtop bolted on.

Not really. The Miata is very stiff and with the hardtop on it's easy to forget it's a 'vert.

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Very difficult to find an organization willing to let most convertibles run without an aftermarket roll bar, from what I can tell on just about every Miata/rollbar combo installing one involves hacking away at the interior panels.

Good thing you have a sawsall ready, most people don't want to make that sacrifice on a car or have the resources for a dedicated toy car.

Not a lot has to be hacked. Hell, there's not really much interior to speak of behind the seats, it's mostly carpet.

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

There are also some track organizers like BMW-CCA that don't allow convertibles without a 5-point harness and arm restraints, in addition to a roll bar (and broom stick).

Yeah, BMW-CCA is probably the most restrictive when it comes to 'verts. They require a full cage last I knew

[Rampage]

I got to see (and touch) the new MX-5 on Saturday at the Daytona 24 Hour race, It was the MX-5 Global Cup car that is making the rounds to events. I like it a lot. It is the first Miata that I would actually consider buying if I could actually fit in it comfortably. No one was allowed in it and it had a racing seat anyway so the jury is still out on whether there is more room inside the ND.