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Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

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#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
#2450 of 4340 Next Miata by panamaltd2 Jul 17, 2002 (3:25 pm)
Hey everyone! I just thought I would share with you some information I have on the next Miata. Just the other day I was able to see some pictures of the next Miata's interior and a possible exterior design. The interior that I saw was absoultly incredible. Watch out BMW! It consisted of a two tone interior design (black and tan) with traditional round vents seen in the new Mazda6. It also has the Mazda information center sandwiched between the center vents. It has a three spoke steering wheel with audio/cruise controls. The gauge cluster is much like the one seen in the RX-8. The dash is now a waterfall layout sandwiched between two enormous chrome strips running from the back of the interior right up to the front and ends inbedded in the dash board right bellow the information center. It was stunning! The exterior was much less finalized but it seemed to be a mix of RX-8 and Mazda6 design cues. Just thought I would share it with you guys, happy zooming!
#2451 of 4340 curious by lngtonge18 Jul 17, 2002 (6:51 pm)
Does anyone else seem to notice that the 1st gen Miata tends to peel out easily when doing a u-turn? It just seems that my 92 Miata likes to get skittish when doing a u-turn. I'm not flooring it, just trying to accelerate at a moderate pace to get up to speed without getting run over. In the middle of the turn at full steering lock, it peels out and gets skittish, wasting valuable acceleration time. Is this just normal rear wheel drive behavior? I just find it a little odd since my tires are new and the car only has 116 horses. Another thing I notice is the Miata doesn't exactly instill confidence to push the car real hard in turns. The body leans quite a bit and it just feels like I'm going to be spit into the weeds at a slower speed then some of my other cars. Granted, it seems to cling to the road good enough considering its small 14" wheels, but the tires don't give much warning of the break-away point. Once they start to squeal, you aren't too far away from fighting a slide. I know people are going to think I'm crazy, but I have more confidence in the handling of my front-wheel drive 84 GTI and even enjoy the handling feel of the 02 Cabrio (less lean, direct steering but not overly quick, and brought a smile to my face). I do like the quick steering response of the Miata (though it can be a bit too darty) and it is fun sliding the car on dirt roads. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I think the older Miatas could use a little more refinement in their handling (it needs a less skittish, more planted-to-the-road feel). I wonder if the 99-02 Miatas are better in this regard? I guess this is what happens when you grow up on front-wheel drive cars. You just don't feel completely comfortable with rear-wheel drive handling. I still find the Miata fun to drive, just not as secure in more severe situations.

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