What are Mazda Miatas like?

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
I supercharged my early NB with a 12psi BRP kit and a full intercooler and it was still slow. 🙁. Probably my favorite clutch/shifter combo of all time, though.

What do you consider fast 🙂? That should have been putting out around 230hp at the wheels and run a mid to high 12 second 1/4 mile time.

It was a mid- to high-13 second car, had just about 200hp to the wheel. I was pretty conservative on he tune as I wanted to have a reliable car.

 

[Arkaign]

The cool thing about Miata is that you can also build a very quick one with not that much HP. I've seen a NA miata with ~170whp do 0-60 in the mid 4s, and a quarter in the 12s. It was a pretty built motor, can't remember but it was a famous outfit that did it.

 

[ballmode]

I have a 2001 Miata, it's great to drive for short distances. i want something bigger and quieter for my next car... still it makes an awesome 2nd car if you drive a boat as your daily driver

 

[honkydory]

I guess you guys talking about maita's being fun but slow didnt bother to read my post about swapping the 350hp/375tq V8 into it. Here is a video for your enjoyment
1

Originally posted by: honkydory
They are nice, and you will fit, barely. I would shoot for the newer body style (97' and newer IIRC) they have the newer aluminum block motors and a few other desirable things. I have been doing my research on Miata's I plan to fit a LS1 or LS6 (LS Engine) sort of how this guy did it, http://www.swaptastic.net/ls1_miata/index.html god i cant wait till i get a new job and have money to throw around.

 

[skyking]

I'm 6'2" and rather short legged, I fit fine in the couple of Miatas I have driven. I can't even close the door without leaning in an S2000, it hits my shoulder.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: honkydory

I guess you guys talking about maita's being fun but slow didnt bother to read my post about swapping the 350hp/375tq V8 into it. Here is a video for your enjoyment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1uxRrkMZbs">1</a>

Originally posted by: honkydory
They are nice, and you will fit, barely. I would shoot for the newer body style (97' and newer IIRC) they have the newer aluminum block motors and a few other desirable things. I have been doing my research on Miata's I plan to fit a LS1 or LS6 (LS Engine) sort of how this guy did it, http://www.swaptastic.net/ls1_miata/index.html god i cant wait till i get a new job and have money to throw around.

We probably read it and thought. 'You know what? I'll keep it stock, it'll still be fun.'.

 

[MiataNC]

Define "fast". Any car/truck/bike/SUV/etc can go fast in a straight line. All it requires is a high enough HP:weight ratio.

What is driving a Miata like?

The Mazda Miata is one of the few "pure" sports cars you will ever have the pleasure or driving. it is the classic British roadster done right.

In stock form it is not a fire breathing, tire smoking beast, and it was never meant to be. With a tuned suspension the Miata is telepathic and acts as an extension of the drivers will. The sights, sounds, smells, and tactile feedback you get driving one make the sum of the parts much greater than the spec sheet or 1/4 mile times.

 

[Mursilis]

Another Miata owner here. I just got an '04 Mazdaspeed Miata (factory turbo, 6spd, lowered, a few other performance upgrades) in April, and it's an absolute blast. Fun, fun car.

 

[PricklyPete]

I'm 6'5" and recently test drove a 2007 MX-5...it was snug...but I certainly fit. I fell in love with the car...about as pure a driving experience as there is out there. My wife and I are keen on purchasing one in the fall when prices drop a bit...but we'll see as my job situation is changing and we may be using a chunk of our savings toward a new house.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: PricklyPete
I'm 6'5" and recently test drove a 2007 MX-5...it was snug...but I certainly fit. I fell in love with the car...about as pure a driving experience as there is out there. My wife and I are keen on purchasing one in the fall when prices drop a bit...but we'll see as my job situation is changing and we may be using a chunk of our savings toward a new house.

If you think that the NC is a pure driving experience try one of the earlier ones. You might have have your legs shortened, though. 😉

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: PricklyPete
I'm 6'5" and recently test drove a 2007 MX-5...it was snug...but I certainly fit. I fell in love with the car...about as pure a driving experience as there is out there. My wife and I are keen on purchasing one in the fall when prices drop a bit...but we'll see as my job situation is changing and we may be using a chunk of our savings toward a new house.

If you think that the NC is a pure driving experience try one of the earlier ones. You might have have your legs shortened, though. 😉

One of my ex girlfriends had an NA and then traded up to an NB in college. I didn't fit well at all...that's all I remember...and doubted I would fit in the NC...but I did and loved it. I think I was just too irritated on how I felt squished in the old ones to enjoy the driving experience.

 

[Audiotherapy]

if you have big feet, those pedals might take a while to get used to, also ur wont be able to kick ur legs straight. I dont think the steering wheel position are adjustable in NA/NB models

 

[Mermaidman]

Originally posted by: audiotherapy
if you have big feet, those pedals might take a while to get used to, also ur wont be able to kick ur legs straight. I dont think the steering wheel position are adjustable in NA/NB models

That's true about the pedals, at least in the 2008 model I test drove. There is no space between the right margin of the accelerator and the drive shaft. I was applying pressure with my little toes! I'm sure it's one of those things that owners will adapt to.

Another famous flaw of the "NC1" model is the damn cupholders, but it's well documented elsewhere . . .

 

[thedarkwolf]

Its a sports car. Cup holders weren't a high priority. They hold cups fine but they do make shifting awkward. Somebody fixed mine by installing a collapsible cup holder on the passenger side of the center console/foot well. Works great unless somebody else is in the car.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: audiotherapy
if you have big feet, those pedals might take a while to get used to, also ur wont be able to kick ur legs straight. I dont think the steering wheel position are adjustable in NA/NB models

Agreed with this, I have size 13/14 feet and it made for some accidental double pedal hits. 😱

 

[MDE]

Originally posted by: skyking
I'm 6'2" and rather short legged, I fit fine in the couple of Miatas I have driven. I can't even close the door without leaning in an S2000, it hits my shoulder.

I'm 6'3" and long legged, I don't fit into a Miata. Sitting in one at the Chicago Auto Show this year, I couldn't put the top up because my head was in the way. Top down though, I was cramped, but okay.

 

[exdeath]

It's all a matter of how bad you like the car.

If I can make a channeled and dropped '30 coupe with a recessed firewall comfortable at my size, anyone can fit into a Miata if they really wanted it bad enough, even if it takes you 5 minutes to get in and out of it 🙂 Just factor in the chiropractor bill into tires and oil and other costs of ownership.