Took the Miata for a spin

"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion) 11/10/2018 at 17:10 • Filed to: None

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I wish I could let you all experience the joy of shifting in this little roadster. I've yet to drive a single other car with a better feeling manual transmission. 

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > AestheticsInMotion 11/10/2018 at 17:27

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The best feeling shifter I’ve ever driven was, of all things, a YJ Wrangler. There’s no linkage or bushings, the lever goes through the floor of the car and straight into the transmission. This makes it very direct and mechanical feeling , and it shakes and tingles and buzzes in your hand with everything the engine does.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > AestheticsInMotion 11/10/2018 at 17:33

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Can’t argue there. I’ve learned stick driving mine and now driving anything else just feels sloppy.

AestheticsInMotion > Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch 11/10/2018 at 17:36

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If you get a chance to drive one with a Miataroadster short shifter, I'd say it's as far above the standard Miata 5 spd as the Miata 5 spd is over most other enthusiast manuals 

AestheticsInMotion > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 11/10/2018 at 17:36

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Huh. Now I really want to try that... 

MM54 > AestheticsInMotion 11/10/2018 at 17:40

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Ever since I made the mistake of driving an NA I would agree with you

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > AestheticsInMotion 11/10/2018 at 17:41

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I think “alive ” is the best way to describe it.

AestheticsInMotion > MM54 11/10/2018 at 17:44

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Sorry! 

tpw_rules > AestheticsInMotion 11/10/2018 at 17:59

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Same on the Miatas I thought. My NC is pretty vibratey. You can see the stick vibrate side to side an inch or so if the engine is really lugging.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AestheticsInMotion 11/10/2018 at 18:16

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The shifter in my mom's NA is harsh. The throw is the shortest short that ever shorted (her mod). I don't mean that in a bad way. I think I like it sloppy like my pickup because I'm lazy.

wafflesnfalafel > AestheticsInMotion 11/10/2018 at 19:31

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Agree - Mazda manuals are the best I’ve ever driven.  Their clutch feel is excellent as well even completely stock.

someassemblyrequired > AestheticsInMotion 11/10/2018 at 20:26

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It really is near perfection as you flick through the gears with the tip of your fingers. Every time I think I should sell mine, I take it out for a spin and remember why it’s a forever car.

AestheticsInMotion > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 11/10/2018 at 20:58

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I bet a weighted k nob would help there

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > AestheticsInMotion 11/10/2018 at 20:58

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I just bought a 2011 Mazda 3 and it has what I’d say is an excellent shifter for a FWD car. The worst one I can think of ever driving was in a Honda Fit.

Tristan > AestheticsInMotion 11/10/2018 at 23:49

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10/10 agree. My NA was a total joy to drive. Rev matching was effortless, and heel/ toe was quick to get just right. I miss it, but I don’t miss getting in and out of it. It was lowered, and the seat was seriously modified so I basically sat directly on the floor (because too damn tall) which was about 3" off the ground.

AestheticsInMotion > Tristan 11/11/2018 at 00:30

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All the more reason to stay inside the car!

I’ve yet to do decent heel toe in the Miata. I e ither need a steering wheel spacer, or a drastically different seating position...

Tristan > AestheticsInMotion 11/11/2018 at 00:34

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The only way my massive feet could do it was backwards- heel on the brake and toe on the gas. Once I figured this out, it was easy peasy.