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Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

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#2440 of 4340 Are 2000-03 modelsbetter than 99 and below? by andrewdna Jul 16, 2002 (7:27 pm)
I test drove the 99 miata but found myself wanting more horsepower and more responsive handling. Anyone driven a pre/post 00 model? Any thoughts?
#2441 of 4340 ?More responsive handling? by freddy_k Jul 17, 2002 (4:12 am)
For the price of a '99 Miata? You're out of your mind!   The '99 has the best power to weight ratio. They started gaining weight after that without gaining power, or at least miniscule amounts of power. They all have the same handling, which I believe most people find has the most responsive handling for this kind of money. I think you will find driving the '00 model exactly the same as driving th e '99. The '01 and '02 models, at the sacrifice of that extra weight, are a little bit stiffer and solid of a ride.   Maybe there was something wrong with the car you drove. I've heard complaints about the Miata, but that's the first time I've heard somebody complained about one of the cars best features!
#2442 of 4340 by locke2c Jul 17, 2002 (6:06 am)
actually, while nimble I've always felt the base Miata's suspension tuning to be a bit on the soft side. there's quite a lot of body roll... the "sport" packages from various years with bilstein monotube struts and slightly uprated springs helped some.   more horsepower, aye to that. I still am confused about 2 things:   1) other Mazdas have moved on to aluminum block inline fours (yes, mostly Ford sourced) yet the Miata keeps a heavy iron block, and it would have the most to gain from weight loss   2) how exactly the variable valve timing engine makes only 142HP, 2 peak HP more than non-vvt and let's be honest-- the midrange torque is not significantly improved because it already was tuned for midrange! (low rev limit, etc.)   -Colin
#2443 of 4340 by ateixeira Jul 17, 2002 (6:07 am)
Colin: that's why I'd actually prefer a '99. Plus I think the compression ratio is higher on the 2000 and later models, so premium fuel is recommended.   All that for 2 hp?   -juice
#2444 of 4340 locke2c - why I don't complain about the engine by freddy_k Jul 17, 2002 (6:30 am)
By keeping an old iron block engine in the car they are able to keep giving us an absolutely remarkable car for a reasonable price. If you think about it the engine is the only mechanical part of the car not very well thought out... something has to be sacrificed for such an amazing handling and well built sports car.   If you want more speed, many dependable superchargers and turbochargers are available.   I'm very content with my 140 hp, because the car has so much else to offer. Look at the price and consider the options. As cars gain power, they lose other attributes. The Miata is one end of the spectrum, best handling for the money, not much engine performance. The Mustange is the other end, gobs of power, handling leaves a lot to be desired.    If you want it all, it is available and possible, but be prepared to dish out the cash.
#2445 of 4340 Handling by freddy_k Jul 17, 2002 (6:41 am)
THe base suspension is softer for street comfort, does have more rollover then the sport, but even still it is not terribly excessive.   Either way, when I think of "Responsive Handling, I'm think more about how well the car responds to even the most minute steering inputs, and how just a little bit of playing with the throttle can do so much with the car when near its limits. These things even the base suspension does very, very well, and how it can not be 'responsive' enough is beyond me.   What comes to other peoples minds when you hear "responsive handling"?
#2446 of 4340 by locke2c Jul 17, 2002 (7:07 am)
to me responsive = instantaneous response. very little body roll, quick steering, firm and supportive tires.   -Colin
#2447 of 4340 by freddy_k Jul 17, 2002 (9:58 am)
That sounds like a Miata to me!
#2448 of 4340 by locke2c Jul 17, 2002 (10:28 am)
nope, sorry there's quite a lot of body roll in my opinion. mind you I don't come from buicks or SUVs, so those types of folks probably do think the stock miata is as crisp as can be.   -Colin

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