The Answer Is Not Miata

"Justin Hughes" (justinhughes54) 07/24/2015 at 12:00 • Filed to: mazda miata

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Considering that my last two posts on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! have been about a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , you’ve probably gotten the idea that I’m a bit of a Miata fanatic. You’d be right. I’ve had three – a 1990, 1991, and 1993, all Classic Red. They were daily drivers, back road bombers, autocross beasts, and track toys, and I loved them. Josh has challenged me to take my knowledge and experience of these cars, and use it for evil – to explain why, contrary to popular internet belief, Miata is NOT the Ultimate Answer of Life, the Universe, and Everything. (That answer is 42.)

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All three of my Miatas were equipped with the original 1.6 liter B6P motor, generating a mind blowing 116hp. It wasn’t exactly a fast car. This is a car that appeals to the “slow car fast” crowd, who doesn’t mind when a Dodge Caravan smokes them at a stop light. Later cars saw minor power increases over the years, topping out with the 167hp 2.0 liter motor of the NC. Yes, the brand new ND actually slides backward to 155hp, though admittedly with a bit less weight than the NC as well. My “underpowered” 200hp BRZ may weigh more, but will still beat any stock Miata in a 1/4 mile drag race. It’s a slower car, so why don’t we hear all the journalists who call the BRZ too slow off the line complaining about the Miata’s lack of power?

( UPDATE: Since originally publishing this, many have cited multiple comparisons showing the ND Miata to be slightly faster 0-60 and in the 1/4 mile. They’re right. I was wrong.)

Probably because the car is small and light, and doesn’t need as much power to get its zoom-zoom on. But there is such a thing as too small. When I get into a Miata, it feels like putting on a glove. I’m six feet tall and not particularly wide, but I have no room to spare. Unless the seat is modified, I sit too high. My legs bump the steering wheel. The top of the windshield is in my line of sight. And my head fails the “broomstick test,” sticking above the windshield and roll bar. Even with a modified seat I got black flagged for this in my ’90 at more than one track event, and had to contort myself into a seating position that passed.

It’s not just because it’s a small car. My 1987 Toyota MR2 was roughly the same size as my Miatas. Being mid-engine, you’d think it would be even tighter on interior space. But no – while I put on my skin tight Miata (please don’t picture that), I got into my MR2 like an ordinary car. Once inside I had plenty of room and could get quite comfortable. Since it wasn’t a convertible, there was no broomstick test for me to pass to get on the track. Plus it had totally awesome 80s T-tops, so I could still catch a breeze through my hair without the hassle of installing an aftermarket roll bar to get on track. It was the best of both open air motoring and a hardtop coupe. I just chose to ignore the fact that the T-tops leaked, and the gas tank sat between me and my passenger.

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Not only is the Miata’s interior cramped, its trunk is barely big enough for a pack of cigarettes. On the plus side, that’s a good reason to quit smoking. This goes double for earlier models, where the tiny spare tire took up most of the trunk space. If you have a passenger and get a flat tire, I have no idea where you’re going to put it, since a full size wheel and tire won’t fit in even an empty trunk. You’ll have to leave either your flat or your passenger behind. (Helpful hint: Ditching the passenger won’t get you fined for littering. If they get busted for hitchhiking, the fine is on them.) The MR2’s trunk was also small, but it also had a second trunk in the front, which helped a lot, and got a lot of funny looks when I popped the “hood” and put my groceries inside. And don’t even get me started on the relative practicality of the Honda CRX. Compared to a Miata, it might as well be a spacious Civic wagon.

Then there’s driving the car. You sit so low, even at stock ride height, that the top of the windshield is lower than many SUV windows. Not only can you not see around them, they can’t see you at all, which may be why they frequently change lanes into you as if you’re not there. Seriously, you’re about the size of a speed bump compared to most cars on the road these days, and other drivers often try to use you as one. If the top is down rear visibility is excellent, but as soon as you put it up you have blind spots the size of British Columbia. From the side windows to the porthole of a window, it’s solid vinyl or cloth, depending on how nice the top is. Whatever the material, you can’t see through it. A hardtop has a bigger back window, but that defeats the purpose of having a convertible in the first place.

Head out on the highway, and the car is buzzy. My cars used to turn almost 4000rpm just cruising along at highway speeds in top gear. There’s enough power to get there, eventually, but it’s not exactly a highway cruiser. The high level of sensory input is great to give the driver accurate feedback on a track or windy road, but it can get annoying on a long, open highway. If the car could talk to you verbally, it would be like your passenger yelling over the wind noise, “You’re going fast in a straight line! You’re going fast in a straight line! You’re still going fast in a straight line! You’re going in a straight line! And you’re going fast!!!” At this point you’d pull over and leave that passenger behind, whether you had a flat tire or not.

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“But the Miata isn’t about making miles on the superslab,” you say. “It’s about enjoying the corners.” OK, so you take some corners at a good clip because that’s what the car is made for – and it leans like a sailboat. I can understand excessive body roll in the NA, or even the NB. They were made years ago, and if they’re still on their original suspensions, of course they’re not going to be as tight as they used to be. But the NC went even softer. The first thing an enthusiast had to do was put an aftermarket suspension on to make the car what it was supposed to be in the first place.

Even the new ND flops around a lot. I had the pleasure of taking a ride with Travis Okulski, Jalopnik Editor-No-Longer-In-Chief, in the latest and greatest Miata – sorry, MX-5 – around the autocross course at Lime Rock Park a couple of months ago. Look at that body roll. That’s a brand new example of a brand new design, and they still haven’t figured out how to keep it level in the corners. From inside the car, it felt very much like my old NAs. That’s great for nostalgia, but most people expect some progress in the past 25 years. I guess progress comes in the form of its angry rather than cute looks, plus the infotainment screen that looks like some intern superglued an iPad to the dashboard as a joke.

So if you want a slow car that you can’t fit inside, can’t fit any cargo inside, can’t see out of, yells at you on the highway, and leans like a sailboat, buy a Mazda Miata.

This begs the question, “If the answer is not Miata, then what IS the answer?” I think the definitive answer is “It depends.” For me, it was the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . It has all of the sporting qualities the Miata aspires to have. I also got mine for less than its clone, the “less expensive” Scion FR-S. But it’s big enough for me to fit inside comfortably, and to satisfy nearly all of my cargo carrying needs. Fold the back seat down, and it’ll swallow my 70 Hoyt Pro Medalist recurve bow. I can also pack my tools, luggage, and helmets for two for a weekend getaway to the track, with room to spare and without having a Master’s degree in Tetris. Its solid roof is more practical for New England winters, and doesn’t require me to add a roll bar for track use. It has very little body roll, and is World Rally Blue, which as we all know is the fastest color. With a set of good snow tires and its standard Torsen differential, it’s even a good car to drive when the snow flies and gives the empty parking lots roads a good coating for maximum hoonage .

But like I said, it depends. My needs may be different than yours. So what’s the right answer for you?

Follow @justinhughes54

Photo credits: Matthias93 and Wikimedia Commons, Spannerhead.com, Literative.com, Elana Rabinow, Justin Hughes

extraspecialbitter > Justin Hughes 07/24/2015 at 12:08

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MINTA?

daender > Justin Hughes 07/24/2015 at 12:51

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Not only is the Miata’s interior cramped, its trunk is barely big enough for a pack of cigarettes.

My cars used to turn almost 4000rpm just cruising along at highway speeds in top gear.

First gen problems, yo. NBs can fit a decently-sized suitcase in there while retaining the spare tire. Also, were you doing 80 mph as your highway cruising speed in fifth gear?

/college car is a ‘02

B_dol > Justin Hughes 07/24/2015 at 12:59

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Well thought out. Prior to picking up my FR-S I was enamored by a 2005 Mazdaspeed Miata and nearly pulled the trigger. Had it been in a darker color and less aged interior I just may have.

I hate the looks, I hate the size, I’m not a convertible person but damn if it isn’t an amazing sports car value proposition.

William Byrd > Justin Hughes 07/24/2015 at 13:01

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I had an NB and an NC and, while a bit bigger and more comfortable than the NA, they still didn’t cut it in any sort of practical sense. If you’re young, single (or have a girlfriend with a small purse) and don’t have a lot of stuff to carry with you, it’s the answer. If not, it’s “an” answer along with a bigger car.

jjhats > daender 07/24/2015 at 13:03

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my dads nb swallowed two sets of clubs every weekend. he did that test when he was shopping for z4 and boxster with no sucess

Discerning > Justin Hughes 07/24/2015 at 13:04

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Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Justin Hughes 07/24/2015 at 13:14

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WHAT? I cant hear you over the sounds of my Miata saying “YOU ARE GOING IN A STRAIGHT LINE! AND YOU’RE GOING FAST!!!” Haha I am well aware that Miata is not the answer to everything for everyone, but it is certainly the answer for me! Only thing I could see replacing it with would be an S2k.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > daender 07/24/2015 at 13:17

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I fit a full sized tire in the trunk of my 01'. I managed to put two in the passenger seat, one on my luggage rack, and after much wiggling, was able to fit the fourth into the trunk with the lid closed. That trunk can also fit a fairly large suitcase and some tools while still having the donut spare in there.

Justin Hughes > daender 07/24/2015 at 13:27

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OK, I exaggerate, in both cases. But it was funnier that way.

Justin Hughes > B_dol 07/24/2015 at 13:28

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The truth is, I love Miatas. This was an exercise in arguing for a perspective I don’t actually agree with. :)

anothermiatafanboy > Justin Hughes 07/24/2015 at 13:29

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Car and Driver just did 0-60 in 5.9 seconds with the new ND Miata. Faster than any time I have seen for your BRZ.

Justin Hughes > Discerning 07/24/2015 at 13:29

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I knew someone would get it!

Justin Hughes > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 07/24/2015 at 13:30

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I could definitely see myself having one as an additional car at some point. But not as my only car. I tried that once, and it didn’t work so well.

Justin Hughes > anothermiatafanboy 07/24/2015 at 13:34

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C&D only got 6.4 out of the BRZ. Also, they ran the BRZ in the 1/4 mile in the 14.7-14.9 second range, and got 14.6 in the Miata. I sit corrected.

B_dol > Justin Hughes 07/24/2015 at 13:36

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Is it crazy that I secretly want to buy a $2-3K Miata weekend car alongside the FR-S. I mean, hell... at that cost it’s less expensive than a few of my other hobbies.

Or I sell the FR-S, downsize to a Miata briefly to stack cash before the next car comes in mid to late 2016.

Justin Hughes > B_dol 07/24/2015 at 13:37

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If I get a Miata, my other car will be something bigger, practical, that I can drive through the winter... Lightly used WRX, maybe? But right now the numbers don’t add up for me to sell the BRZ.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Justin Hughes 07/24/2015 at 14:02

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having an s2k or a Miata as an only car? My Miata as an only car works out great. Granted, I am living on my own and anything that truly does not fit in the trunk or mounted on the luggage rack will fit in the passenger seat with the top down. It is no less practical than a compact sedan in that regard. I fit my bike rack, my skis, camping gear, and a month's worth of groceries without trouble (not concurrently though lol).

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Justin Hughes 07/24/2015 at 15:39

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do this with a brz

knightsbridge > Justin Hughes 07/24/2015 at 16:06

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Finally, someone who has dared to speak out against the MX-5! Good on you, sir! I drove my brother’s NA for a while and hated every minute of it. At first I thought it was just because of my intense dislike of convertibles or the fact that my brother had big 19 inch wheels on the car, but it turns out that’s what these cars just are; the ride, unlike most Mazdas which is really good (seriously, the ride is quite smooth even in the Mazda2) it’s choppy, busy and the car bounces on every single pebble on the road. Yeah the steering is good but it wasn’t weighted correctly, the shift was too short, it’s tiny! I’m not a big guy but controlled-falling my way into it made me feel claustrophobic it has NO torque whatsoever and the worst bit, the WORST, is it’s a convertible. Top down motoring sounds great in a magazine, but in real life, the sun is harsh, unforgiving, especially here in Africa, and driving faster doesn’t make it any softer on you, at night the wind numbs your face even at moderate speeds.

Perhaps I didn’t drive it right. Perhaps i should have taken it off the home-work-bar-date-home runs and taken it onto the back roads or maybe bought some time on our single track. Maybe if I had done that I would have a different story but, no, the answer is not Miata (MX-5). The answer has to be a car which is affordable, has decent comfort levels, isn’t so small to make me break out in hives and the sweats everytime I get into it, does not wobble about in crosswinds, has enough cargo space to transport more than its own spare wheel and a loaf of bread, has decent off-idle torque (sorry M3 you don’t belong here either), drives decently and isn’t a convertible. The answer is not Miata, its relative. For me right now the answer is X-Trail, but only until I can afford an Audi S5.

Justin Hughes > knightsbridge 07/24/2015 at 16:17

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Perhaps i should have taken it off the home-work-bar-date-home runs

But did the car help you get any of those dates?

boxrocket > knightsbridge 07/24/2015 at 18:16

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I’ve had fun driving a Miata (any generation, I’ve sampled them all) around a parking lot, even without snow/ice. Maybe it's a mindset?

knightsbridge > Justin Hughes 07/24/2015 at 19:12

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Hahaha! Not in the slightest, my brother.

Justin Hughes > knightsbridge 07/24/2015 at 22:00

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They could’ve been gay dates. There’s nothing wrong with that.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Justin Hughes 07/25/2015 at 17:38

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Reading this feels like therapy. I love the MX5, but I’m so tired of it being heralded as the be-all-end-all cheap sports car. Seriously, drive an NA Miata and AW11 MR2 back to back. One feels like a rubbery noodle you can’t see out of, the other feels like a sports car.

Stef Schrader > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 09:28

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FTW

Miller335 > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 09:36

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So no one else is tired of hearing about Miatas?

Renault R8 Gordini from 1966 > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 09:37

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Blasphemy!

signintoburnerlol > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 07/26/2015 at 09:38

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do this with a miata

Good luck trying to kidnap someone in a Miata!

Rick Allen's Left Arm > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 07/26/2015 at 09:42

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I fit obscene amounts of cargo in/on my Roadster.

PardonMyFlemish16 > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 09:47

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4 door BRZ with an FA25 would be my next car... if it existed. After 2 years with another 2 seater.... no thanks.

Iamopenlyjudgingyou > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 09:48

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Having seat time in a couple of NA’s, from the original back in the day when they were still “new” to worn examples with 250K+ on the odo.

I don’t care about anyones complaints about the NA Miata. I fit. I drove. I enjoyed. Even the squeaky, worn out one.

It’s the one car I’ve driven that even when ratty I enjoyed driving it. The one thing is that it was never my primary vehicle. Miata’s have always been secondary vehicles to me. Not something to commute in or take on long highway trips. It also helps to not worry about other cars on the road. “Some old lady in the buick next to you pulling ahead? Who cares. As long as there is no one in front of you when the road gets twisty.

Stef Schrader > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 09:49

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The Miata’s soft suspension is good. Do you want to feel when weight transfers to one corner, or are you too HRRRRNNNNGGG RACECAR to admit that the last pothole just sent your spleen into your upper cranium?

Secondly, let’s talk about the biggest mark against the Miata: no dadgummed roof. “But you can add a roof!” No. Not really. You can toss on a hardtop that’s worth a lot of money and not too hard to steal, given the external attachment points. See, the Boxster is almost tempting because they’re getting stupid cheap, and the hardtop attaches on the inside. (Read: almost. It’s still a Boxster.) The Miata is just...not. Not at all. Sorry, I’m not a convertible person. Whatever convertible I’d get that got daily-driven in any way, shape or form would get a hardtop, and I’d prefer to be able to get tacos in the sketchiest of all possible neighborhoods without having to worry about someone seeing easily pluckable dolla dolla billz riding on my roof.

The fact that there’s a rabid fanbase for the Miata is a curse and a blessing. Hooray aftermarket support! Boo millions of other folks who are waiting for a just-plucked hardtop to come up on Craigslist. Most of all, though, I just want to fart in the direction of anyone who says “just get a Miata” at this point because they are the beige Camry of track cars. They’re perfectly good at their intended purpose, if not great at it. Want a track car that’s fun to drive as well as cheap to maintain and repair? Welp. Problem is, “Which red Miata?” is a commonly uttered phrase. Shoot, “Which bright orange Miata?” and “Which neon green leopard-print Miata with unicorns farting Yankee Doodle Dandy all over it?” is, too. They don’t stand out in any way, shape or form.

And oh, how irritating the owners can be. Any other car you suggest is too expensive, hard to work on, blah blah blah—all of which is a load of equine excrement. Want a 944? Cool. Get the tools, learn to wrench, and just because it’s more expensive than a Miata doesn’t mean you’re going to go bankrupt on it or get stuck in Project Car Hell until the end of eternity. If you want to hoon it, you’re going to be motivated to finish that clutch swap in one weekend. Parts are (gasp!) reasonably priced on other cars, too.

The Miata is just so cheap for everything that it’s ridiculous and an outlier in terms of costs and parts, and that does not make every other car a friggin’ Bugatti to maintain (contrary to what Miata owners would have you believe). It just doesn’t make them a Miata, which to me, is a huge selling point. I can spot my car out on track and get excited about seeing one because I don’t see 82 trillion of the things just on the way to grab coffee in the morning.

LongbowMkII > knightsbridge 07/26/2015 at 09:49

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The ride was harsh in Miata with 19” wheels? Well, no shit sherlock. And the fact that you are complaining about its crosswind behavior makes me believe that you somehow confused a Miata with a Jeep Wrangler.

rockbeau25 > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 09:51

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Just went right to the comments to read the hate comments

Dugg-117 > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 09:53

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S2000, because it has most of the problems you indicated above except it’s fast and corners flat in stock configuration. Not to mention it also has a torsen dif and likes to play on the snow.

E_V > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 09:54

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I also don’t think Miata’s (or MX5’s as they’re known here) are the answer to anything, but as you’ve owned them, probably for different reasons. I mean, I’ve driven one, on road and on a track, and just found it, well, a bit dull, to be honest. It handles well enough, and starts and stops when you want it to, but didn’t excite me, or make me feel it was anything more than just yet another generic car, and genuinely don’t understand the attraction.

LongbowMkII > signintoburnerlol 07/26/2015 at 09:54

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It's quite easy to haul tires/wheels in a miata.

LongbowMkII > Stef Schrader 07/26/2015 at 09:58

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944s aren’t exactly exotics either...

LongbowMkII > PardonMyFlemish16 07/26/2015 at 09:59

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WRX

iatethepeach > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 07/26/2015 at 10:02

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All generations of the MR2 have been much more aggressive than their MX5 counterparts. It’s the primary reason why the MR2 has come and gone and the Miata is still here. People love noodles.

Someone Else's Projects > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 10:07

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Hehehehe. I just picked up an ‘88 MR2 (2ZZ swapped, but that’s not important right now) and it feels even roomier inside than my previous ‘93. That 80s angularity really pays off.

Gary Yogurt > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 10:10

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I’m 6’3” and obsessed with finding a NA Miata after driving one a month ago. Despite the size, it felt like my car soulmate. I love the 1.6.

DoYouEvenShift > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 10:11

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Haha, thats a great way to put it. A car for people that are into slow cars. Im no Miata or BRZ guy myself. I think both cars would get some slack if they offered higher performance versions.

How did it get beat by a Charger

LugNutz > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 10:11

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Instantly recognized the Mazdaspeed and got a little excited. Didn’t really read the article.

Jason Channell > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 10:11

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Try having a motorcycle as your only “car.” Want to talk about luggage and space challenges? Weather challenges? Enjoy that Miata!

Prophet of hoon > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 10:23

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the answer is always “buy more cars” - unless you’re in NY, where the answer is “buy more cars and get angry more often”

DonKeybals > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 10:33

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This is only a problem if you’re over 5’10”. Luckily for me, that is not a problem, and I have short legs. I love the early Miatas, and I want to pick one up just to drive around and have fun with it. But the child seats won’t fit.

Ok, fine. You win. The Miata is not (yet) the answer.

Justin Hughes > Stef Schrader 07/26/2015 at 10:33

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Contrary to what I wrote here I’m really a big Miata fanboi. And yet, I can’t argue against anything you’ve said here. Well, except that the Miata hardtop does fasten on the inside, and there are brackets available that replace the latches that make it easy to remove with real bolts that make it difficult to remove.

As for the sketchy neighborhood thing, it’s an ongoing argument whether it’s better to lock the car and risk getting your soft top slashed, or just leave it unlocked and hope the thief notices and spares your expensive soft top from damage.

Justin Hughes > Miller335 07/26/2015 at 10:34

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At least I’m going against the grain here.

Justin Hughes > LongbowMkII 07/26/2015 at 10:36

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Was going to say this. At the time I bought my BRZ, no WRXs were available between the 2014-2015 model change, which is the only reason I didn’t consider one. Today, it’s possible that I wouldn’t choose the BRZ...

Justin Hughes > rockbeau25 07/26/2015 at 10:38

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Today, I am someone on the internet who is WRONG!

LongbowMkII > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 10:40

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So so wrong. Go hide in shame.

Justin Hughes > E_V 07/26/2015 at 10:40

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I definitely understand the attraction. That’s why I’ve owned three of them. But, different strokes for different folks. That’s why alternatives exist, or we’d all be driving Miatas.

Justin Hughes > Gary Yogurt 07/26/2015 at 10:42

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If you haven’t already, look up the “foamectomy” procedure on Miata.net. That’s what I did to my car that I took to the track. It helps some. An aftermarket seat bolted to the floor can drop you down a bit more, too.

93Miata > daender 07/26/2015 at 10:43

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Even the first gen has a decent amount of space in the trunk. I drive my car to the track with all spares/tools/camping gear.

How much crap do you really need to carry in a roadster anyways?

Probenja > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 07/26/2015 at 10:45

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well you can put a roof rck in the brz

Justin Hughes > DoYouEvenShift 07/26/2015 at 10:45

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The Mazdaspeed MX-5 (the car I crossed out in the top pic) is a pretty awesome car. But even it only makes 180hp, and the gearing is all wrong. As for the BRZ, I’m happy with the stock power, but it really needs an STi version. A real STi version, not just some body kit.

Justin Hughes > LugNutz 07/26/2015 at 10:48

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You can read all about the one I crossed out in the picture here . I actually like Miatas, and REALLY like this Mazdaspeed.

93Miata > Stef Schrader 07/26/2015 at 10:49

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“You can toss on a hardtop that’s worth a lot of money and not too hard to steal, given the external attachment points.”

There are 4 latches inside the car for the hardtop (2 front, 2 side) in addition to the 2 external franken bolts. If you’re really worried about theft you can bolt it on with some readily available brackets.

Wheelerguy > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 10:49

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So... is rally car the answer?

I mean, is rally Mirage the answer?

Or maybe rally Lancia is the answer?

Or maybe rally Skoda is the answer?

Alright, that’s all the really cars I got, and only one of them is road-legal.

Justin Hughes > Jason Channell 07/26/2015 at 10:49

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At least the Miata has a roof! I actually have a friend in VT whose only vehicle is a motorcycle. Year round. He is a braver man than I am.

Justin Hughes > DonKeybals 07/26/2015 at 10:51

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Pick up a pre-94 and there’s no passenger air bag to worry about...

DoglegFirst > Wheelerguy 07/26/2015 at 10:51

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You forgot the RS200

Justin Hughes > LongbowMkII 07/26/2015 at 10:51

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I’m sitting in my corner right now.

Justin Hughes > Wheelerguy 07/26/2015 at 10:54

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Yes!!!

Rick Cavaretti > Wheelerguy 07/26/2015 at 10:58

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Lancia.

Wheelerguy > DoglegFirst 07/26/2015 at 11:03

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And the Evo.

Frenchlicker > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:05

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Well now someone around here needs a Miata with the number 42 on the side.

greenagain > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:05

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I found a solution for the long freeway blasts, ear plugs.

Noah - Now with more boost. > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:05

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95-97 LS400! Hopefully picking one up in August...

DonKeybals > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:07

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Notice how I said child seats. Plural. I can’t just stuff the younger one in the trunk. I’m too cheap to foot the therapy bills when they’re teenagers.

Justin Hughes > greenagain 07/26/2015 at 11:11

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I do this on my motorcycle!

Wheelerguy > Rick Cavaretti 07/26/2015 at 11:13

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How about 037?

Look at it. It’s a rallying exotic supercar. Park it next to the 288 GTO

and tell me you wouldn’t be the least bit gobsmacked at the combination.

Kchrpm > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:16

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My answer is either Z51 Corvette or Chevy SS w/manual. Except for the whole money thing.

Uro-peon > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:16

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77 MGB RB-CB (rubber to chrome bumper) backdate with a 347 stroker v8 & WC T5 trans. Figured out pretty quickly stock diff can handle 300hp.

SP23 > Frenchlicker 07/26/2015 at 11:18

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I think the universe would explode if that happened.

Also_Ran > Frenchlicker 07/26/2015 at 11:19

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dogisbadob > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:20

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oo a European-market Caravan

SquirrelyWrath > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:23

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I like the little jelly beans. If practicality is that much of an issue you are probably better off with a Fiesta. You can still auto cross them and track them or whatever. You just give up rwd, and trading a happy japanese jelly bean for a moderately disapproving easter egg.

Justin Hughes > SquirrelyWrath 07/26/2015 at 11:34

0

Since there were no WRXs available when I was forced to get a new car, my choice was between the BRZ and FiST. It was a tough choice, but I decided the BRZ was barely practical enough for me, and a purpose built RWD sports car, rather than a FWD econobubble converted into an admittedly very good sporty car.

rolandeschain > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:38

5

Miata is NOT the Ultimate Answer of Life, the Universe, and Everything. (That answer is 42.)

Bullshit. As any Steven King fan knows, the answer is 19.

PardonMyFlemish16 > LongbowMkII 07/26/2015 at 11:49

1

Nah.... NA is best, RWD is best.

1337 MR2 > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:49

16

This is my answer. Had it since I was 19 and it’s my only car still, over 11 years later. The cavernous trunk, t-tops (which do not leak!... because I fixed them...) and compromise between handling and comfort has made it possible to put 70,000 miles on it since original purchase, serving as a daily commuter, weekend toy and stuff transporter. I <3 you, MR2. *hug*

RedPir8Roberts > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:51

0

I read the section that said “topping out at 167” hp and thought maybe you had overlooked the fact that the top pic was the MazdaSpeed, so kudos for this (if you live anywhere but California, it can be bumped up to 250 at the rear wheels pretty easily for about $2,500, but I think that would be way too much for the car and one’s own longevity). It’s also got a harder suspension than the stock Miatas so less body roll, answering another of your complaints. I’ve never found outward visibility to be a problem, even with the top up , but the Titanium color pictured(only other color was Velocity Red for the MazdaSpeed in 2004) was nicknamed “pavement gray” on the Mazda-Speed.com forum boards, it’s a running joke that they get into more accidents because they blend into the highway. A World Rally Blue BRZ (or maybe the darker blue they come in) would be my backup choice if I had to do one car, slightly more practicality, so on board with you there although I’d miss the convertible top. One other MazdaSpeed Miata quirk is that it’s much less buzzy than the base car generally, quieted by the turbo I guess, and with its close-spaced 6-speed and extra HP isn’t straining as much at highway speeds, but some owners have swapped out for a 5-speed because they didn’t like the way the ratios were spread out. I’ve not had the pleasure of actually driving the BRZ, so the thing I’d be most interested in is what it’s like to live with in terms of the engine sound and the lack of torque as far as having to have a lot of revs right off the line to get anywhere. That was a dealbreaker for me with the RX-8 and from what I’ve heard would have been with the S2000; I just would feel silly sounding like I was racing someone every time I just wanted to leave a stoplight at a reasonable pace and wouldn’t be able to do it.

Pistons of Fury > Discerning 07/26/2015 at 11:53

0

Yeah, but what is the question?

Evlo > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:53

2

Never had most of the issues mentioned in this oppo article, love the body-roll, trunk on my late NB was huge for me. Thought i’m not very social person i don’t daily drive anything, i usually just walk where i need to and i used NB mostly on tight twisty roads.

Also i never driven SUV, so i don’t know if visibility issue from one SUV trough another is better then from miata.

I also have other car that i drive sometimes, so maybe if you drive miata everyday it just feels normal, not “refreshing”

knightsbridge > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:54

2

My problem with the MX-5 is maybe that it’s not particularly good enough at what it does to be taken seriously at what it does. Yes its a great handling car, but not that good; the Golf does it better. Yeah it’s affordable but so are 88% of the cars on the used car market. The MX-5 is not a seriously viable answer to any single question, at best its a compromised answer to a lot of questions combining a bunch of different criteria; what car can I get that’s affordable, reasonably sized, easy enough to drive, wieldy enough to be too much of a handful, good enough in a city to not be a burden, gets decent mileage and doesn’t look like the illegitimate child of a threesome between the Camry, the Accord and the old Mondeo? In that case, maybe an MX-5 will do. I grew up around V8 Mercs, a place where the answer is usually ‘used AMG’. At the moment I’m trying to decide between a C43 and a basketcase 560SEC; so maybe its just me.

MichaelRTJ > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:57

1

Here is an alternative answer that I don’t see: a Ford Focus. No, seriously. More power, much more passenger and cargo room, mines has stiff factory suspension so it corners flat, probably gets similar gas mileage. Have a couple friends with Miatas, and even though they are fun, they can’t keep up. Not even in corners.

Xkjacob > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 11:57

0

Good post,but I thought the new “mx5” was faster than the BRZ

Stang70Fastback > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 07/26/2015 at 11:58

1

Yeah, but two weekends ago I bought an entire KING SIZE BED set at IKEA (including headboard) and it all fit INSIDE my BRZ with the trunk closed. Which was amazing, and useful since it was raining. Try doing that with a Miata...

rolandeschain > DonKeybals 07/26/2015 at 11:59

0

Leave the child in the trunk with an iPad and all’s good.

Justin Hughes > RedPir8Roberts 07/26/2015 at 11:59

1

I actually reviewed this particular Mazdaspeed MX-5 over on Right Foot Down . It’s a friend’s car, owned since new, stock except for wheels/tires. TL;DR: I love it, except for the gear ratios. Other than that, it’s the Miata that goes to 11.

I’ve added a Nameless Performance axle-back exhaust to my BRZ, so engine sound is no longer an issue. The lack of torque, well, yeah, that is an issue. Once I’m out of warranty I’ll probably try to address that, starting with a tune.

PS9 > Stef Schrader 07/26/2015 at 12:03

0

git rekt, brz/miata plebs.

rolandeschain > MichaelRTJ 07/26/2015 at 12:04

0

Focus ST is a badass ride. Ford has done a terrific job with it and the Fiesta ST.

That said FWD. No. Just no.

Justin Hughes > MichaelRTJ 07/26/2015 at 12:04

1

My other half has a 2002 Focus sedan. While this particular car is an absolute base model, with a slushbox transmission and less power than a 1.6 Miata, I actually have fun driving it. And on a loose surface it’s the easiest car to left foot brake I’ve ever driven. I can hang the tail out as much or as little as I want with no trouble at all.

Once she gets the truck/SUV she really wants, I want to keep her Focus as a winter beater / rallycross car.

Justin Hughes > Xkjacob 07/26/2015 at 12:05

0

I have been corrected that Car & Driver tested the ND to be slightly quicker than the BRZ. Not much, but the numbers don’t lie.

HoleInTheRoofNoHood > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 12:07

4

Being that I am six feet tall, one of my criteria when looking at a new car is: Do I have to adjust my neck to see the stoplight when first in line at said light? I test drove a CPO 1-year-old VW Tiguan and loved most everything about it, except that I had to crouch to see a stoplight. I know that I would end up hating any vehicle where I had to do that repeatedly.

DoYouEvenShift > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 12:07

0

Arent the Speed models unicorns? I never really hear of people talking about them.

Agreed, give it the STI engine and it would awesome.

Jason Channell > Justin Hughes 07/26/2015 at 12:11

0

Braver man that I am too. I do year round on a motorbike in Texas.

Justin Hughes > DoYouEvenShift 07/26/2015 at 12:12

1

They’re uncommon. 4000 came to the US and Canada in 2004. There were supposed to be another 4000 made in 2005, but the factory burned down after only 1428 were made, and that was the end of the Mazdaspeed MX-5.