Wow, lots of ignorant posts by people who probably have never owned a MX-5/Miata.
Mize, it seems you may be the right person to own a MX-5. As you know the MX-5 absoulutely DOMINATES AutoX because it handles VERY well. Why don't Porsches dominate AutoX? Well because despite its "manly big hp" engine it's heavy and doesn't handle as well in tight AutoX courses. Maybe on a big open track a stock Porsche would be faster, but nothing a FI MX-5/Miata couldn't keep up with and still be cheaper.
Around where I live you could get a brand new 2007 MX-5 for less than $20K. Throw in some aftermarket parts like a supercharger/turbo, IHE, suspension etc., and you'd be looking at a very fast and superior handling roadster and still come out under $30K. The MX-5/Miata was inspired by the Lotus Elan. It's small and light. The small engine is more than enough for most people. If you get the newer NC model (3rd generation) it has plenty of power for the chassis, but if you long for more power superchargers are readily available as well as IHE. Also if you like working on your car the maintenance is very cheap, unlike the high dollar cars. Keep in mind that the NC from the factory come with relatively soft springs so there's going to be more body roll than you may like, but it's cheap to upgrade the springs.
I own the first generation NA (Miata) 94+ 1.8L variant which has *only* 130hp, but I've never thought that it was underpowered. Keep in mind it only weighs about 2400lbs. Pre94s have the 1.6L and only 100hp. Mine is 99% stock and I've nevered had a problem accelerating quickly to merge etc on the freeway, you just have to know when to downshift. Personally I prefer normally aspirated so IRTB is the way to go for me if I decide to add some hp. Also the sound of IRTBs is bad@ss.
http://www.fuji-racing.com/fujiracing_010.htm
Finally some advice from an actual owner of a MX-5/Miata.
Don't listen to armchair experts about cars they've never driven/owned.
Don't listen to guys who say small roadsters are girl's cars, they're insecure and need big hp cars to overcompensate.
Don't listen to grandturismo gameplaying kids who've never owned a real sportscar. Sorry but FWD Civics with fartcans aren't sportscars.
If you want informed advice about the MX-5/Miata, visit http://forum.miata.net/ You will not be dissappointed. Most forum members there will give you honest non-biased advice. Many are also VERY informed.
Don't waste your time asking for purchasing advice here.:smile:
Mize, it seems you may be the right person to own a MX-5. As you know the MX-5 absoulutely DOMINATES AutoX because it handles VERY well. Why don't Porsches dominate AutoX? Well because despite its "manly big hp" engine it's heavy and doesn't handle as well in tight AutoX courses. Maybe on a big open track a stock Porsche would be faster, but nothing a FI MX-5/Miata couldn't keep up with and still be cheaper.
Around where I live you could get a brand new 2007 MX-5 for less than $20K. Throw in some aftermarket parts like a supercharger/turbo, IHE, suspension etc., and you'd be looking at a very fast and superior handling roadster and still come out under $30K. The MX-5/Miata was inspired by the Lotus Elan. It's small and light. The small engine is more than enough for most people. If you get the newer NC model (3rd generation) it has plenty of power for the chassis, but if you long for more power superchargers are readily available as well as IHE. Also if you like working on your car the maintenance is very cheap, unlike the high dollar cars. Keep in mind that the NC from the factory come with relatively soft springs so there's going to be more body roll than you may like, but it's cheap to upgrade the springs.
I own the first generation NA (Miata) 94+ 1.8L variant which has *only* 130hp, but I've never thought that it was underpowered. Keep in mind it only weighs about 2400lbs. Pre94s have the 1.6L and only 100hp. Mine is 99% stock and I've nevered had a problem accelerating quickly to merge etc on the freeway, you just have to know when to downshift. Personally I prefer normally aspirated so IRTB is the way to go for me if I decide to add some hp. Also the sound of IRTBs is bad@ss.
http://www.fuji-racing.com/fujiracing_010.htm
Finally some advice from an actual owner of a MX-5/Miata.
Don't listen to armchair experts about cars they've never driven/owned.
Don't listen to guys who say small roadsters are girl's cars, they're insecure and need big hp cars to overcompensate.
Don't listen to grandturismo gameplaying kids who've never owned a real sportscar. Sorry but FWD Civics with fartcans aren't sportscars.
If you want informed advice about the MX-5/Miata, visit http://forum.miata.net/ You will not be dissappointed. Most forum members there will give you honest non-biased advice. Many are also VERY informed.
Don't waste your time asking for purchasing advice here.:smile:
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