I grew up loving sports cars but couldn’t afford one until my late 20s. The first sports car I bought was an NA Miata. Then I got an NB Miata and then an NC Miata. In other words, I really liked Miatas, particularly when I was paying back a mountain of student loan debt.
I’ve now driven and owned lots of different sports cars, including some of the best sports cars ever produced. If you value lightweight fun, reliability, and value, Miatas are in an elite group of sports cars. Yes, they’re not as straight line fast as a Mustang GT (which I also owned) or a Camaro, which are similarly priced, but neither is a Lotus Elise. Quick acceleration is important, but there are many factors that define a great sports car beyond just acceleration. I suspect people who dismiss them as “chick cars” or not real sports cars have never driven one on a windy mountain road or a race track. I look forward to getting some time in the ND Miata to see how it drives and don’t think I’ll be disappointed.
It will always be true that on the road at least, you will always have more fun driving a slow car fast than fast car fast. And the Miata is the best 'slow' car hands-down.
It’s the perfect recipe for a sports car and the embodiment of less is more.
Of course everyone likes more power but too much power is not usable on the road and you’ve got to be able to have fun within the limits. The perfect sports car.
Comments (37)
I grew up loving sports cars but couldn’t afford one until my late 20s. The first sports car I bought was an NA Miata. Then I got an NB Miata and then an NC Miata. In other words, I really liked Miatas, particularly when I was paying back a mountain of student loan debt.
I’ve now driven and owned lots of different sports cars, including some of the best sports cars ever produced. If you value lightweight fun, reliability, and value, Miatas are in an elite group of sports cars. Yes, they’re not as straight line fast as a Mustang GT (which I also owned) or a Camaro, which are similarly priced, but neither is a Lotus Elise. Quick acceleration is important, but there are many factors that define a great sports car beyond just acceleration. I suspect people who dismiss them as “chick cars” or not real sports cars have never driven one on a windy mountain road or a race track. I look forward to getting some time in the ND Miata to see how it drives and don’t think I’ll be disappointed.
Well said
It will always be true that on the road at least, you will always have more fun driving a slow car fast than fast car fast. And the Miata is the best 'slow' car hands-down.
I mean, I rather enjoy driving a fast car fast, and fortunately also get to do that often.
It’s the perfect recipe for a sports car and the embodiment of less is more.
Of course everyone likes more power but too much power is not usable on the road and you’ve got to be able to have fun within the limits. The perfect sports car.
I’m over 6’4” and have no problem with the MX5 Sport Recaro (same seats). Brilliant little car
A proper, affordable sports car, it’s a shame it has no rivals.