I race a 1st gen RX-7, but I'm on the track all the time with Spec Miatas on test days.

They haul ***. Actually, they're not that quick (same as my RX) but they never really have to slow down -- corner like they're on rails with a bit of suspension work.

The Miata is putting affordable SCCA club racing back on the map.

I call it a true, pure sports car, and I'll put my **** on the table against yours any day

-reen

 

I used to under-estimate Miatas until I dated a girl w/ one...soon as I drove it, I was instantly in love (w/ the girl and car). She let me autocross it, and it was a lot of fun.

The guy who traded the Z for the Miata could have done it for the open top, more nimble handling, or b/c he belatedly discovered that it was more than he could afford.

Since 2000, however, I couldn't see any reason to get a Miata over an S2000 except maybe for budgetary reasons...it provides the best of both worlds between the 350Z (power) and Miata (handling/droptop).

 

OLD SKOOLER- Calm Down bro! You cracked me up with your post.lol I too got slammed at 50mph by an old lady and totaled the MX5 Miss it alot. OH, and I used to bend her over the Roll Cage!lol

Rouxeny- Your right there engines are pretty much bullet proof and made for turbo charging (ie. Mazda 323 turbo)

Apsilon- I drove a 2.0 liter 200HP Miata when I visited the MAZDADSPEED facilities in Japan 4 years ago. Nice power but not a rocket ship.


D'oh- Another 40hp. is on its way and a COMPLETE OVERHAUL of the vehical. NO ROTORY for sure but maybe a V6. The new car will have ALOT STIFFER CHASSIS.

Reen- Your right the car is not powerful therefore going into a corner you can sometimes keep the gas all the way down or loose momentum.

The NEW Mini Cooper is getting the same bad GIRLIE rap as the Miata but yet MEN are the majority buyers. Wait for a few more years and you will see ALOT more Minis on the race track along side Miatas. If you have never experienced an autoX event before, you should go. While your there ask a FRIENDLY MIATA OWNER if you can sit in the passenger side while he or she TEARS up the corse. YOU WILL BE HOOKED GAURANTEED!

 

I have had many fast cars including TVR`s & Evo 5.But the best value for money sports car is the MX5, with a bit of suspension work & FI they are a complete blast.
I cant wait for my 350Z to arrive but I wont be selling my 94 Roadster.

 

I agree that the Miata is a super fun car. I drove a 92 for two summers and even though it was not always top down weather, you can still crank the heat and cruise around. It did have a relative lack of power, but the newer ones have an extra 27 horses over that one, still not a lot, but you just find as many corners as you can in that thing.

The only aspect for which I'd rather have a Miata than a Z is probably the ride height from my eyes' viewpoint. I remember feeling really low in it, and inspiring (sometimes too much) confidence in the handling/cornering. Do any of you find the Z a little high? Still, the Z doens't seem to be, from what I've read/seen, hardly at all higher than a late model Supra, for example, so it's still pretty low.

I have recently found confidence in the Z's cornering ability, and have become accustomed to the cd changer, auto climate control, heated seats, tire pressure monitor, etc that I would miss in some other cars. I don't think I'd like to give up the V6 torque for a Miata, or even an S2000, and I can't say all the attention from people isn't nice now and then.

 

When ever I see one, I say: "I bet the driver is thinking: Miata get another car."

 

The Mazdaspeed one is a stroked engine, not a genuine 2.0 which would feel different. Either way yes, not a rocket but a good all rounder. Right now my Z has 19rwhp more than my MX-5 had but it's also 1000lbs heavier.

I'll be genuinely shocked if the Miata ever has a V6. That's a rumour started in the US market. A version of the current Mazda 2.0 or 2.3 is much more likely.

 

apsilon-

Man, I thought I had problems with the grease streaks and tire feathering.

They put your steering wheel on the wrong friggin' side of your car!

 

Yeah I know, lucky I've got long legs and arms. More of a stretch in the Z than it was in the Miata as well

 

:*(

 

He may of traded it for this MX5

http://www.bulletcars.com/showroom/photoGallery.html

Bullet Roadster SS V8 (Sprintex Special)

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine 4 Litre quad cam 32 valve Hand assembled V8

Power 320kW

Supercharger Sprintex S90

Kerb Weight 1220kg

Wheelbase 2332mm

Track 1460mm

Gearbox 5 speed manual

Power Steering Variable ratio

Brakes Cross - drilled and slotted rotors Front 330mm Rear 273mm

Differential Hydratrak LSD

Wheels Front ROH 18 x 8 Rear ROH 18 x 9

Tyres Kumho Supra Front 215/35 Rear 265/35

Standard Accessories
Race Tuned Suspension, Air-conditioning, Power Windows, Leather Sports Seats, Momo Gear **** and Steering Wheel, Immobiliser and Alpine CD Sound system, Stay Fast Cloth Hood, Speedster Cover.

Cheers
Rudi

 

my thoughts exactly

 

Paul, I didn't realise you had an MX-5. I had one last year for a while, and absolutely loved it. It's weird that we're both getting Z's and we've both had TVR's and MX-5's. May I congratulate you on your fine taste? Btw, I don't know if you heard, but I'm picking up a Lotus Elise on Tuesday. That will be staying when I get the Z so, like you, I'll have the best of both worlds - a 350Z and a nice little soft top, track day car.

 

You sound like my kind of woman.

 

Why can't us yanks get these cool cars over here? I love the elise. Its so hard to see these cars and know I'll never own one. Best I'll ever be able to do is go to Europe and try to rent one.

 

The Elise is actually due to be imported here by Lotus in the near future (by the end of the year?).

 

I think I would straight up trade my Z for one of those "Monster Miatas" with the 302 Ford V8's in them.



Alright, so I wouldn't trade, but it would be a badarse car to own. A stock Miata is fun enough to drive, just double the power and damn....out of control.

 

Hi Sally,
We certainly seem to have the same taste in cars.Hopefully we will bump into each other at Goodwood for a chin wag, my partner is a car nut as well.I hear you are in the States soon, holiday or work?are you planning on bringing any tasty bits back for the 350?

 

Hi Paul,

Cool - see you at Goodwood then. I'm going on the Sunday - you too?

I'll be in San Francisco playing a gig (since you asked!) Lots of songs about cars... of course!

 

Hi Sally,
We are atGoodwood all 3 days & on the Nissan stand Sunday, look forward to seeing you there.Good luck with the gig.