About Miatas from different years...

adams

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Sep 12, 2000
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Are there many notable differences in the different Miatas over the years. I'm looking at getting a used one, and am wondering if much was changed as the years went by, or if the the early 90's models are more or less the same as the late 90's models.

Recommendations on certain years to look at would be great.

Thanks :)
 

Shawn

Lifer
Apr 20, 2003
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94 is the best year. don't really feel like going into why at the moment. just trust me. :p
 

Otaking

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Mar 13, 2000
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I don't think there's much of a difference other than the engine as Jumpem said, so get one that's the most recent.
 

adams

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Sep 12, 2000
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Originally posted by: Jumpem
94+ has 1.8L
99+ is the current model

Sport > others

So if I could get a cheap low-mileage 94, it wouldn't be much different than a 98?
 

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
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Nov 27, 1999
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Jumpem

Lifer
Sep 21, 2000
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Originally posted by: adams
Originally posted by: Jumpem
94+ has 1.8L
99+ is the current model

Sport > others

So if I could get a cheap low-mileage 94, it wouldn't be much different than a 98?


It'd lack OBDII. Other than that, no.
 

Shawn

Lifer
Apr 20, 2003
32,236
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Originally posted by: adams
Originally posted by: Jumpem
94+ has 1.8L
99+ is the current model

Sport > others

So if I could get a cheap low-mileage 94, it wouldn't be much different than a 98?

Well they didn't make one in 98. Unless you're talking about the new ones. Then it depends if you like the new body style or not. 94 was the last year they had a real oil pressure gauge and 95 was the last year they had OBD-I. With OBD-I you can find out CEL codes yourself. With OBD-II you gotta take it into a shop. After 93 not only did they increase the size of the engine, but they put on bigger breaks and many structural reinforcements (also adding a lot of weight).
 

Actaeon

Diamond Member
Dec 28, 2000
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Originally posted by: TheLonelyPhoenix
Originally posted by: cobalt
Originally posted by: Jumpem
Originally posted by: cobalt
= All Miatas = chick cars :D

What do you drive?

I'm kidding and I drive nothing. :)

pwned by yourself.

Buses are chick cars.

:laugh: Owned! :)

To the OP:

The biggest change was from the 90-93 cars to the 94-97s, the rest are minor changes. The 94-97s have the larger 1.8L engine, wider (and better looking) wheels, revised interior, an extra few braces, larger rear end with better LSD, and a few other minor things. Its a tad bit heavier, but most, including myself, consider the 1.8L the superior car.

For the 1.8Ls, it pretty much remained the same through out the years, with very minor changes. The OBD2 cars did get a bump from 128hp to 133hp at the crank, but I doubt there is much, if any difference at the wheels. Supposedly the Miata gained a bit more weight every year or so, even though Mazda specs them the same.

There seems to be no problem with mods for OBD1/OBD2 cars, even though some parts are specific between both cars (94-95, then 96-97), aftermarket appears to be the same for both.

Good resource on year to year changes.

Another good resource.

I would suggest the 1.8L over the 1.6L. If you are looking for OBD1 cars, then you would want to look into the 94-95. Then if you want to get super specific, the 94s were the only 1.8L Miata to come out with a real oil pressure guage. Its not a big deal at all, but its nice to look at. Other than that, the 94 and 95s are practically the same.

Overall, I'd suggest looking for any 1.8L Miata that fits your needs, the differences between the 94-97 years are negliable. They are so similar, I would make my purchase based on the options the car had and its condition it was in, rather than the years. The 1.6Ls are great cars too, but I think the overall concensus is that the 1.8L is the better car.

Just figure out what you want to spend, and start searing. I ended up paying $4300 for my 1994 Black and Tan C-Package in late September 2004. Its fully loaded with all of the power stuff, its just missing ABS, which I really don't want anyway (apparently has problems with going with a bigger brake kit). If you are interested, just click on my sig for pictures of the car.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask :).