PDX.Z

Many of us have heard the MX-5 Miata described as the most fun roadster to drive. I'm aware of the 'chick car' perception that it carries too.

All this aside, I'm hoping for some unbiased comparisons from 350Z owners who've driven both, as to which is truly more fun to drive & why.

mr. sparco

iTrader: (13)

I own both as do a few more other members here. I find the Miata fun to drive but miss the torque, power, and sound of the z. The Miata feels like a go kart, literally. You can take sharp corners with confidence, I don't feel the weight of the car like I do with the z. I used to own a s2000, the Miata has a similar feel, with less power and refinement.

jhc

When my brother got married, he owned a Miata and I drove him around so he could concentrate on other things. It was fun and handled nicely. As a ZR owner it's apples and oranges for me. The Miata is a fun car to drive, but not a performance car like a Z.

PDX.Z

How would you compare large(r) driver cabin space too?
Such as distance between the driver & steering wheel, hip & shoulder room?

Voboy

iTrader: (58)

I have both and like others have said, Miata handles better and but the Z has more power. I daily drive my Miata because its actually more enjoyable on my commute. In highway traffic or stoplight to stoplight traffic, the Miata being 2200lbs is more enjoyable getting off the line. The Z is a little stripped down and is more of a weekend/track car now but when I do take it out it's refreshing to feel over 100ft-lbs of torque again.

I'm 5'8" 175lbs with a 32 waist so i fit perfectly in a first gen miata. I'm highly considering the ND with 150hp and 2300lbs. Lots of great cars coming out. Tough decisions.

Take a test drive. I have a feeling you'll enjoy it. The stereotype exists, but it is the best selling roadster for a reason. From the clubroadster forum, oregon has a pretty good miata community.

mr. sparco

iTrader: (13)

The ND looks really good. I have an nb1 and love the fact the NDs are going back to the smaller, lighter philosophy, especially with 4x100 lugs. The only thing I dislike is the approximate $20k window sticker.

We need a post your Miata pic thread.

Jennifer 2

The Miata is a responsive, nimble car around town. Spot the only available parking space for miles around, except it’s on the opposite side of the street, no problem, the Miata can execute a lightning fast u-turn from the centerline and nose right into the tiny parking space. The Z roadster needs every inch of the road to pull off a u-turn and then must pull forward of the parking space and back into it. On the other hand at 70 mph the little Miata is a noisy, rattling, bussing, vibrating thing. It’s impossible to carry on a conversation as you’re being buffeted around in that raucous environment. On the other hand, a cross-country trip or a couple of hundred miles on the interstate to get to the backcountry canyon roads is pretty effortless in a Z roadster.

You’re right about the larger cabin space in the Z, There’s a locking compartment behind the seats as well as a bunch of extra space to stuff soft goods. On the passenger side my dog can share the foot well with your legs. The hatch that stores the top when it is down can also be used as a generous luggage space when the top is up. Access into it is easy and the goods are safely locked away out of sight.

jhc

PDX,
Drive both cars and let your instinct and wallet decide. GL

turboed350z

If i ever get a miata, it would DEFINITELY needs a supercharger as the first mod. I cant live without tq haha

bigrockingd

I bought my 04 z in July after driving a 1st gen miata for four years and 40k miles. The z for me is a miata on steroids, more power better handling and a larger more appointed interior. I really enjoyed my miata but I LOVE my z...

SQuaLZ

As others have said, Miata handles better and easier to throw around, and the 350Z has more power.

2 things:

1. I absolutely had the reputation the Miata has outside of the car enthusiast world. They don't appreciate what a great car it truly is.

2. I have driven and been driven in some amazing cars. High horsepower Supra, 911, Evo, STi, BMWs, etc. I will never forget the ride I got in a LS swapped Miata. The car was an absolute animal. Not the fastest car I have been in, but probably in the top 3 in terms of fun factor.

With all of that being said, if I was to get a roadster with the price budget of these cars, I would either get a old Miata and LS swap it, or if I was going to keep the stock engine, I would go with the S2k.

bith8791

Miatas are great cars as others have said, I can't add much.
I think you'll be happier with a z33 roadster however, I'm partial to z cars, the only other roadster I would consider is an s2000.

samsniss350z

MX5 for shopping and getting your hair done.
350Z for serious driving and putting hairs on your chest.

chitownpete

If you are over 5 foot 8 inches tall a Miata is not even an option, along with the Lotus Elise. The weird part is how expensive Miatas are for what they offer.

turboed350z

i rather get an frs than a miata. about the same, but looks cooler and people wont think im a hair dresser.

chitownpete

At 6 foot tall a Miata wasn't even a possibility. I drove a few and having to rest my elbow OUTSIDE of the door made me realize it was way too small, looked like a Clown car. An air cooled 911 was also crossed off the list because they dont have tilt wheel and my knees coundn't fit under the steering wheel. I bought a 350Z convertible because I could fit inside and I loved it. I had very few choices so it was kind of easy.

GreyZ

iTrader: (2)

You people must have weird body geometries... Im 6'1" and have comfortably driven NA, NB, NC miatas all with ease, along with a couple 914 porsches. The lotus was the only car I have ever struggled with size wise, and that was only getting in and out. Once in I was fine.

DeusExMaxima

iTrader: (1)

I have both a Miata and the Z roadster. Im 6'1" and I fit both cars just fine. The Miata is surprisingly roomy for taller people. I, too, have a hard time getting in a Lotus. I cant seem to fold up like I used to.