It's time to start debunking some myths. Let's start by addressing the myth that I'm in any way impartial. I am not. Good, now that's out of the way.
Let's talk shop here. The third gen MX-5 doesn't suck. In fact, of the first three generations, it's the best. It's the fastest, it can hold the most tire, it's the stiffest, it's the cheapest to maintain, it's equally reliable to the first two, and it looks good too. I can hear the shouts from here, so let's keep going.
The NC Miata gets a bad rap because it's not really a Miata. Wait, oh yea, it's not a Miata at all; it's an MX-5. It's a modern car. For all for all intents and purposes, let's group the NA and NB into the same boat...because it's the same damn car. Driving a stock one is like riding a Huffy bike. It works I guess. If you're bigger than a horse jockey, well, good luck finding a good seating position. They're slow as sin, the cowl shake is so bad that I've always just removed the rear-view mirror from mine. They look like shit, because they wear 60-series tires and have more ground clearance than a RAV4.
What's my point? Only the dumb buy a Miata because they think it's a good sports car. With the practicality of an ice cream scooper, it's not a great car either. Is a showroom stock NC any better? Well, let's see. Yes, but not by much. So one might ask why I keep buying these shit boxes. The answer lies in their pedestrian-yet-anatomically-correct design.
I want a McLaren P1. I don't have a million dollars on hand though, and even if I did, driving it around would be too scary for my taste. What's the magic sauce that makes that car so good though? It's a race car that's a road car. A car you can drive around that doesn't sacrifice anything in the agility department. It's the same reason people like riding sport bikes. It doesn't take much to go from a Honda CBR600RR to a MotoGP, at least not for the average rider.
To help explain my point, I'll use the latest Ford Focus ST as an example. It's shit. The steering feels like a wheel on a giant windy toy, the seating position reminds me of my uncle's Ford 8N, the shifter feels like a standard BMW's, which isn't good, and Dodge trucks have better brake pedal feel. Yet nobody seems to care, because it's got a big motor.
Alright, stick with me here. So, if Miatas are shit, then why buy one? Because, unlike the ST, it only has one major shortcoming, not a garageful. The things that matter in a performance car are all correct in the Miata. It's propelled by the rear wheels for starters, it uses proper double-wishbone suspension, not that camber-robbing MacPherson garbage, and its steering and shifter feel are both what I would call decent. On top of the good bones, they're also lightweight.
The NC, by extension, though using a multi-link rear suspension, is still proper. The magic of these cars though is their ability to transform from mundane to laser sharp with a handful of choice modifications, and the NC does it even better than the first two. In the probable event that I attempt to sell my NC, I'll keep the financial bits to myself, but I got her for a song. For what I'm in it, there's nothing on this earth that drives as well, and very little that pulls the same raw braking and cornering figures. And that's getting nearly 30 MPG...and that's using the same set of (street-driven) pads and rotors for countless track days...and that's not having to do anything besides standard maintenance. See my point?
Its main shortcomings, however, become very apparent on the track. The first and biggest issue is one that I can never fix: it has no roof. I hate convertibles, and so this fact naturally disgusts me. The second is the lack of power.
Okay, let's talk about power.
Yup, they are slow. We all know there are a plethora of options for more power on any budget. But I'm going tell you why V-8 Miatas are dumb, why turbo Miatas are dumb, and why NCs are once again one step forward on the road to MX-5 enlightenment.
If I gave you the impression that the MX-5 is the best car in the world, then I've been misunderstood. The C6 Corvette, for example, is a spectacular machine. Take it or leave it, it's hard to argue with it's driving prowess. Much like the MX-5, it has the correct architecture for a performance car, but it also has a burly V-8, and unlike the roadster, it came with that motor from the store. Putting a giant motor in a Miata is a very difficult process, which means it's expensive too. A well set up Corvette is as delightful to drive as a well setup Miata, and, generally, it will always be faster in every way. If you want a V-8, just buy a Vette.
I think boosted Miatas are dumb because I've never seen one work right on the track. Now, someone may come along and tell me that theirs can do a 20-minute session without overheating. In fact, please, if you've cracked that nut, tell me your secrets, so I can try it myself. Until then, I'll avoid the headache and opt to accept my car's second-biggest shortcoming.
If I haven't sold you, that's fine. There's a new kid on the block, and maybe he'll be able to.
Yes, I know the ND's been out for a few years now. I don't own one yet, so I'll reserve my judgement until I do. For now, all I'll say is that, on paper, it's the best Mia...sorry, MX-5 yet.
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Comments (3)
Hi congratulations - your post has been selected by DriveTribe performancecars Ambassador for promotion on the DriveTribe homepage.
Welcome back Nick!
Thanks Ben!