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Mazda MX-5 Miata vs Honda S2000

62 messages,  Last post on May 22, 2009 at 6:52 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mazda MX-5 Miata

Messages Page 7 of 7

#53 of 62 MX5 vs Honda by dugl

May 11, 2009 (6:54 pm)

Well....the MX5 is cheaper, but the Honda has more power and probably isn't geared as low as the MX5, so it cruises easier on the highway. I love my MX5, but 100 extra horses and the extra torque would get some respect even from Coopers. Almost every sporty car out there has more then 170 hp...even a Civic has 200.

#54 of 62 Re: MX5 vs Honda [dugl] by ateixeira

May 14, 2009 (10:46 am)

Replying to: dugl (May 11, 2009 6:54 pm)
But few weight just 2500 lbs, like the Miata does.
 
I had a 116hp NA model, so 166hp feels like plenty to me.
 
I'm sure a MazdaSpeed version will come out eventually.
 
The 2009 model got slightly taller gearing to address the issue you brought up. A higher redline and a touch more power, too.

#55 of 62 Re: MX5 vs Honda [ateixeira] by dugl

May 14, 2009 (2:48 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (May 14, 2009 10:46 am)
No argument on the weight....everyone asks me if it hydroplanes on wet roads. For the $10k difference in price with cars affording more HP, a person could add a turbo or whatever to the MX5. I'm hoping Mazda comes out with a naturally aspirated V6 to match it's powerful Viper-like stance........although, there goes the gas mileage and in comes the gas guzzler tax.

#56 of 62 Re: MX5 vs Honda [dugl] by ateixeira

May 15, 2009 (7:52 am)

Replying to: dugl (May 14, 2009 2:48 pm)
I think a V6 would upset the weight balance.
 
The soft top is 48/52 and the hard top is 49/51.
 
Slap a big engine in the front and it would probably be more like 55/45, which could upset the balanced handling.
 
Do you really think it needs more power? I very rarely use full throttle. In my old one I had to use full throttle all the time. Now there's power to spare for normal driving.

#57 of 62 Re: MX5 vs Honda [ateixeira] by tgeen

May 15, 2009 (8:49 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (May 15, 2009 7:52 am)
If anything, Mazda is moving toward making the MX-5 even lighter. If future models are going to be more powerful, it will probably come from things like direct injection and maybe forced induction, but not a bigger lump of metal under the hood. The weight distribution is perfect as it is. The power of the 2.0 engine is perfectly adequate for getting into trouble, too. More torque is always welcome, but not really necessary for this car.

#58 of 62 Re: MX5 vs Honda [tgeen] by ateixeira

May 15, 2009 (8:57 am)

Replying to: tgeen (May 15, 2009 8:49 am)
Now you're talking.
 
The MazdaSpeed3 uses Direct Injection so Mazda already has experience with the technology.
 
I'm not sure how much more they could squeeze out of a normally aspirated 2 liter, but who knows? DI would add a bit more power, forced induction even more, or they could even just offer the 2.3l DI Turbo from the MazdaSpeed 3.
 
Honestly I think that's overkill.

#59 of 62 Re: MX5 vs Honda [ateixeira] by dugl

May 21, 2009 (9:31 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (May 15, 2009 7:52 am)
Well...Porsche seems to make it work with their V6 Boxters. I just notice that alot of drivers like to toy with me while driving my MX-5.....and everyone but a Hyundai Accent is running more HP and on regular grade fuel. Signal light to signal light, there isn't much my Miata would out-run, but yes.... given a 5 mile curvy unrestricted course, my Miata is the handling champ. The biggest advantage with a V6 is accelaration from pure torque, and the MX-5 has the look for it. (as opposed to the Clown Car look of a Cooper)

#60 of 62 Re: MX5 vs Honda [dugl] by ateixeira

May 21, 2009 (11:38 am)

Replying to: dugl (May 21, 2009 9:31 am)
Well, the Miata is about handling, not acceleration. Get a Mustang if that's all you want.

#61 of 62 Re: MX5 vs Honda [ateixeira] by dugl

May 21, 2009 (2:09 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (May 21, 2009 11:38 am)
Or a motorcycle (lol) I have a 1968 big block Vette with about 500hp and 530 ft/lb of torque for acceleration. The Miata is my everyday car....and don't misunderstand ...I love driving it.

#62 of 62 Re: MX5 vs Honda [dugl] by ateixeira

May 22, 2009 (6:52 am)

Replying to: dugl (May 21, 2009 2:09 pm)
Put the Vette motor in the Miata...
 
Actually it would end up a one-trick pony, fast but seriously off balance.

Messages Page 7 of 7

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