I've tried the answer

"LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com" (limitedtimeonly) 06/21/2019 at 15:32 • Filed to: unnecessary car shopping without E90M3, Mx-5, Miata, ND2, ND

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I drove a 2019 ND2 MX-5 Miata while I got my wife’s Mazda3 an oil change and state inspection today. It was the Club with the Brembo package and the Recaro seats. I found a couple of good corners and it ate them up as I would expect.

The engine is quite nice, although not quite as powerful as the testing numbers led me to expect. Certainly powerful enough to replace my GTI but I’m no longer used to linear power and expect a push now. Not having driven an ND1 it might be slightly better for me as I understand that one of the changes for the ND2 is slightly less torque lower in the rev range.

I seemed to fit well, and I’m glad there is a tilt and telescope wheel now. Clutch was great, slightly smoother than the comfortable BRZ I recently drove. However, I feel the slightest of soreness in my left knee (which has some inflammation problems at times), so that is something to be aware of. I’m sure that no other clutch would be easier, just need to build up that muscle again, maybe.

The ride was fairly stiff, but seemed compliant enough while I was driving. It might get tiresome on long drive. Brakes were good but didn’t seem to grab like my performance pack GTI. Steering feel was terrific. 

Seemed like my short torso (5'-11" but with 33 inch inseam) left me with room for a helmet under the roof. There was a lot of wind noise with the top up. It was cool to drive with the top down, a little closer to being on 2 wheels, but I wonder if I’d want a hardtop to add. Probably not, given the weight penalty.

The trunk is tiny, and I’d have to revise how I bring stuff to autocross, but most days it would be no problem. There is a slick set up to put cupholders between the seats at the back of the center console which seems to work well.

Based on the autocrossers, I expect that I’d look for a Club model without the Brembo or Recaro package. I’d need to see how the standard seats felt first. Better fit and finish and tech than a C5Z, of course, but if I were deciding today on a sports car it might be difficult with quite different pros and cons.

I’m glad that I’ve got a practical, fun car already, even if it is front wheel drive.

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 06/21/2019 at 15:38

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dis how you get stuff to autocross

Arrivederci > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 06/21/2019 at 15:39

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That first picture really makes it look like it sits like a truck. The ND looks so great with just a little bit of low.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Arrivederci 06/21/2019 at 15:46

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Apparently switching the stock struts for Koni yellows as is common for autocross lowers the height by maybe a half inch. But as my daily I like having  clearance.

Cash Rewards > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 06/21/2019 at 15:49

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As long as it has the lsd, you're set for autocross. They are so damn fast out there, especially in str trim

Milky > farscythe - makin da cawfee! 06/21/2019 at 15:55

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Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 06/21/2019 at 16:18

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There’s a guy with a ‘19 ND at the track I’m at today in my run group. My NB has coilovers, a sway bar, racing seat, harness, exhaust, a really good alignment, and toyo RR 40TW tires. We are running about the same lap times! I think I beat him by a second just because my lines were a little better and I am braking a little more aggressively. But still, that car is STOCK. It blows mine away on s traight bits which is what makes up for the other advantages I have. It’s just funny to me because of the hours of work I need just to be competitive with a stock ND2 .

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Cash Rewards 06/21/2019 at 16:43

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Yes, that’s why the Club from its preferred over the Sport, because of the LSD being added without adding much other extra weight, per the AX discussion forums.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 06/21/2019 at 22:51

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I never knew how huge the trunk on my mom’s NA was until I say the trunk of an ND. And by trunk, I mean cubby.  

PS9 > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 06/22/2019 at 02:45

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A Miata now costs what an S2000 did in 2009. Damn. The answer’s not gonna reach a lot of enthusiast questions if the Miata moves into the $40k range...

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 06/22/2019 at 07:23

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I was trying to describe it to my wife and said that I thought that an international carry  on suitcase would fit, but I'm not even sure of that given the shape. 

Jessica > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 06/22/2019 at 09:12

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In my ND1RF trunk I can fit 2 carry-on bags, a backpack full of camera gear, half gallon o f massage oil, 2 pair of cowboy boots, cowboy hat un-smooshed , and my laptop bag. (I have photos if ya wanna see how a pro packs) ... Up front w me is toiletries, 1 month of dog food, 2 dog beds, 2 blankets, and 3 chihuahuas. Plus purse and snacks.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Jessica 06/24/2019 at 08:37

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“half gallon of massage oil”

I have questions...