Playing with the '16 MX-5 Config.

"Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow" (chriskf) 08/14/2015 at 16:09 • Filed to: None

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And I’m a little disappointed. (Warning slight rant against the new MX-5 within)

So looking at the pricing, it seems like the new MX-5 doesn’t really end up being that affordable. Follow me here.

If you go with the Sport (base model) there are no performance package options, which isn’t very enthusiast friendly and doesn’t even come with an LSD.

That means if you want a more enthusiast oriented model you’re bumping up to the Club, which is an additional ~$3,700. This includes the LSD, “sport-tuned” Bilsteins, a shock tower brace, some aero stuff, and more interior goodies. That’s not a bad deal, but it’s still a lot of money for that car. You’re getting into top of the line BRZ range there. Add the Brembo/BBS package, the only performance option really, and you’re looking at a $33k+ car.

Considering a lot of enthusiasts often look to build a base model car with just the performance options, that is a LOT for the MX-5. A ‘16 Mustang GT with Recaros and the GT Performance Pack is less than $5k more, and you seem to get a lot more for your money.

On the other end, a base FR-S with all performance options (TRD exhaust, intake, springs, sways, and quick shifter) and the bespoke audio comes in at just over $30k. You’d have an additional $3,000 to play around with which would get you a header and tune, eliminating that torque dip and putting you at 200whp, and still have money left over.

I really like the new MX-5, but compared to other enthusiast oriented RWD options in that same general price range it seems very pricey.

/rant

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:12

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...but the top comes off!

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 08/14/2015 at 16:14

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That’s a downside in my book. lol

I didn’t see any factory hardtop option either! Count one more against it.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:14

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For me, it's an upside. The road unframed is a wonderful thing.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 08/14/2015 at 16:16

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I’m not opposed to rocking no top, but I’d much rather have a removable hardtop instead of a cloth/soft top.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:17

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Is this the same way I'd prefer a Locost to a Miata?

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:17

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FR-S forever!

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua 08/14/2015 at 16:18

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Especially the red ones! :D

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 08/14/2015 at 16:18

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Kind of. haha

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:19

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My solution: spec Sport trim in soul red with no options for $26k.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 08/14/2015 at 16:20

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But then you don’t get an LSD! That’s lame. I’m pretty surprised they didn’t offer an LSD, at least as an option, on the Sport.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:21

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I have an addiction.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:22

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I understand that. An LSD is good thing to have, but I could live without it.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Van Man, rocks the Man Van 08/14/2015 at 16:24

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Do you not plan on autocrossing or tracking at all? I’d be doing both in an ND, and I’d absolutely want an LSD for both.

HammerheadFistpunch > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:26

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Im with you, I want a roof.

Tareim - V8 powered > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:27

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I don’t know what it’s like for everyone else, especially with the LHD version but on the RHD version there is a horribly large bulge coming off the transmission tunnel that is right where I would stick my foot when getting into the car and there is nowhere to rest the foot when the clutch isn’t needed, very badly thought out imho

Milky > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:27

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I just want a LSD and not an all black interior. So $31k for me. Which means I’m really curious as to how the Fiata 124 will be priced.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:29

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I'd probably do some autocross, yes. However, I feel like this would be more of a backroad blaster type car.

CB > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:32

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Top of the line Miata pushes $40k here in Canada. Make as many V6 Mustang jokes as you’d like, I can wait.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Tareim - V8 powered 08/14/2015 at 16:35

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Haven’t been in one up close yet, so I’m not sure.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Milky 08/14/2015 at 16:36

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Yeah, there are a lot of other options you could have for that much. Like an FR-S with an addition $5k for aftermarket upgrades, which means a header and tune will take care of the torque dip and lack of power everyone complains about on them. I’m really not seeing the ND stack up that well as a wise buy for enthusiasts.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > CB 08/14/2015 at 16:36

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Yeah, it’s fairly crazy how expensive they can be.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:39

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You’re not wrong, but one doesn’t buy a car like the Miata based only on specs and numbers.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:40

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Couldn’t you just buy a base model and put in an aftermarket LSD for $600-700 ish bucks.

For me the LSD is the only option I’d wan’t and no way would I pay an extra $3700 bucks to get one.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 08/14/2015 at 16:42

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Yes, you could. And that’s the point I’m making. Idk why they’d have made a car like that and not included an LSD on all models. Especially when they have an LSD available, and the cost to add it in from the factory probably isn’t all that much.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:43

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Those are my configurations and my Subaru employee discount, I would buy the BRZ.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) 08/14/2015 at 16:44

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Agreed, but I’m saying that there are lots of other great enthusiast cars in the same segment that give you that similar feeling with a better price to spec/option ratio.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > CaptDale - is secretly British 08/14/2015 at 16:47

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Exactly. If you’re spending that much you can get a better option BRZ for less or for slightly more a better optioned Mustang Ecoboost or GT. If you want to keep it cheaper, the FR-S ends up being the better buy.

The only reason I can see to go for the Miata is if you want a convertible and/or it’s the only one of those options that actually tickles your fancy. If you’re open to other options, they all seem to be the better choice over the ND.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:47

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Yeah it would probably only be a $300 or so option from the factory.

Did you know a base model Miata in Canada is over $35K including tax? I love the car but no thanks I’ll walk.

GhostZ > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:47

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This costs the same, new, as an MX-5 Club.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 08/14/2015 at 16:47

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That’s crazy.

Viva U-S-A! lol

Milky > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:49

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Yea ……. but I want my next car to be a manual convertible. Gotta try that life out.

GhostZ > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:49

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I believe initial reviews said that it wasn’t very necessary to still enjoy. The LSD is more of a track thing and for casual driving outside of a spec miata series, it didn’t add much.

Seems to me that LSDs also are way more important on heavier, more powerful cars than on low torque drivetrains where you don’t get any wheelspin anyway.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Milky 08/14/2015 at 16:51

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I can understand that. However, in that situation I’d buy the FR-S as a daily and pick up a used NB as my track toy/weekend cruiser! lol

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > GhostZ 08/14/2015 at 16:52

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They can make a big difference even in some normal enthusiasts racing, like autox. On those tight little courses where you need to be accelerating out of corners fast an LSD can make a big difference.

GhostZ > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 16:56

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The question is whether it’s a big enough difference that most buyers would want it.

I can see Mazda offering a quality electronically controlled differential as part of the package, knowing that the only people who get base miatas are non-enthusiasts or ones who would already want to add their own LSD. It doesn’t serve them much to provide a cheap LSD across all 3 models just so they can provide one on the base without raising the price, or worse, have to make two different LSDs available.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > GhostZ 08/14/2015 at 16:59

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I think it’s a significant enough difference, but that’s just my opinion. Plus any enthusiasts who do pick up a sport model and plan to stick to a street class in autox wouldn’t be able to even add an aftermarket LSD. It’s still a nice sports car, but I don’t think it’s going to be quite the affordable gift from the enthusiast gods everyone was thinking.

jjhats > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 17:00

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I think the bigger tragedy is only offering 5 colors. here is a list of 6 colors that aren’t offered in any shade:

green

blue

orange

brown

yellow

gold

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > jjhats 08/14/2015 at 17:01

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And with the Sport you only get 4 colors!

Garrett Davis > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 17:18

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If it makes you feel better, my NA 300ZX was between $30k and $35k when it was new (adjusted for inflation). I’m not sure why that is supposed to help, but it’s what I thought of.

Garrett Davis > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua 08/14/2015 at 17:19

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The FR-S is complete and utter shit. It’s all about the BRZ. Now that is a fine automobile.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Garrett Davis 08/14/2015 at 17:22

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Nah. It’s a bunch of overpriced luxury options for guys who can’t handle the true race car essence of as few creature comfort options as possible that is the FR-S!

skinnyrook > jjhats 08/14/2015 at 17:40

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Blue is offered, but only for the grand touring model, and red costs extra.

ZoopZoopLoops > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 18:18

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So you want an LSD and upgraded brakes. Not many NA Miata’s had this yet and the enthusiasts are still buying them.

You don’t need these things. But they offer them so you want them and when you skip them then you’ll regret not having them... Sadness... Would it have been better if they didn’t offer them? The magazine review would have been just as good.

wkiernan > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 08/14/2015 at 20:50

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Seriously, what’s the difference? Beside the somewhat cleaner trim of the Scion, versus the unquestionably superior Subaru Pleiades logo, my hands-down favorite car logo since they stopped making these:

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > ZoopZoopLoops 08/17/2015 at 09:52

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I at least want the option of them. Also, you’re comparing a car from the late 80s to mid 90s, back when having an LSD factory installed on an entry level sports car wasn’t all that common of a thing. Now, however, it’s fairly cheap/common to include one on the vehicle or at least offer it as an option. I’m not saying that it needs upgraded brakes either, I’m sure the ones are there are more than suitable for the factory power. I’m just saying that for an enthusiast oriented car I’d expect it to have an LSD and better performance package options on all trim models, for what it’s priced at.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > wkiernan 08/17/2015 at 09:55

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The main differences are visual (front bumper) and creature comfort options (more of them in the BRZ). The only mechanical difference is the spring rates. BRZ has a more neutral suspension balance, and the FR-S has a greater difference between front and rear rates to make for more oversteer.