MS3 vs MX-5 Observation

[englishmatt]

So, I was bored last night and decided to satisfy my curiosity regarding the new retractable hardtop Miata's I've seen advertised. I cruised by a Mazda dealership here in So Cal and talked a salesman into letting me take a brand new 2008 red PRHT for a spin. It was a "mild" experience, pleasurable at best with the top down. For just over 29K, you get a subtle topless ride, yet I was expecting a little more. I got back in my Black Mica 07 MS3, and all it took was one shift of the gears to remind me just how awesome my car performs. The grin never left my face as I took the long way home, effortlessly cruising on the freeway counting my blessings at the great deal I got and the cheap thrills from being behind the wheel.

Just my thoughts....take them for what they're worth.

P.S. I still want a sunroof!!!

 

[boostdog]

just wait for the new turbo miata to hit the street..ms3/ms6 turbo motor into a 2500 lb rocket! ( if they do make it.) your smile will be even bigger

 

[Kosh]

Miata's are not straight line cars (neither is the ms3 but you try telling some people that). The best aspect of those cars is definitely the handling.

 

[boostdog]

Miata's are not straight line cars (neither is the ms3 but you try telling some people that). The best aspect of those cars is definitely the handling.

oh i agree , but it will be alot faster 0-60 that's for sure.

 

[BSTD3]

I have to chime in on this one. I have both an 07 PRHT MX-5 and an 07 Speed3. They are two completely different animals. The 3 has raw power at any throttle position and handles good for a FWD car. Since the MX-5 is RWD and has a suspension setup for handling, I think the MX-5 handles much better in the corners. There's also a different "experience" when driving the MX-5 with the top down. Its not about all out power and speed, but the idea that you have one of the better handling cars on the road (wish there was a bit more power tho) and the bonus is top down. I love taking one or the other a few days a week to work. Nicer days I'll take the MX-5 and enjoy the weather and when I want to rip it up, I'll jump into the Speed3.

Both are great cars in their own light, but like I mentioned two completely difference experiences...

 

[whitemp5seattle]

I have both an 07 PRHT MX-5 and an 07 Speed3.

I'm so jealous right now (fight)

 

[GRTWHT]

I traded in my Miata for my MS3 - I'll always miss that little curve carving toy, but the MS3 has the same sort of handling (tight, hugs the curves, joy to drive in the twisties), just not as extreme.

The Miata is a slice of heaven on a beautiful spring/fall day with the top down on your favorite open stretch of road (preferably one with LOTS of curves).

The MS3 is a far nicer daily driver, can bring along more than one friend/family member and holds more than a couple of overnight bags.

Finally, if I ever feel myself missing my Miata too much, all I have to do is roll on the throttle and I quickly remember what it was most lacking

(The above are just my opinions, so if you want to flame me for them, feel free to.)

 

[desperado-c]

just wait for the new turbo miata to hit the street..ms3/ms6 turbo motor into a 2500 lb rocket! ( if they do make it.) your smile will be even bigger

Not to quibble too much, but it will probably come up a couple hundred pounds heavier. Still an excellent power/weight ratio compared even to the MS3. About the same as the difference b/t the MS6 and the MS6.

 

[P5w3kids]

Not to quibble too much, but it will probably come up a couple hundred pounds heavier. Still an excellent power/weight ratio compared even to the MS3. About the same as the difference b/t the MS6 and the MS6.

What's the difference between the MS6 and the MS6?

Between the Mazda6 and the MS6, AWD accounts for a major part of the weight gain. You won't have that in the Miata.

With regard to the OP, if you didn't have a blast in the Miata, clearly there weren't enough curves in the road. It doesn't matter how well a FWD hatch handles, it never has the feel of a balanced, lightweight, RWD sports car.

 

[BSTD3]

What's the difference between the MS6 and the MS6?

Between the Mazda6 and the MS6, AWD accounts for a major part of the weight gain. You won't have that in the Miata.

With regard to the OP, if you didn't have a blast in the Miata, clearly there weren't enough curves in the road. It doesn't matter how well a FWD hatch handles, it never has the feel of a balanced, lightweight, RWD sports car.

Amen my brutha, AMEN!

 

[flipstylex]

handling.. rwd cars can only get you so far, its not like every curve you see,you'll be hitting it 80mph every time, in all reallity, driving is all bout going straight, passing lane by lane, the "handling department" on curves is not even good in the rain... i rather drive fast in a straight line... just lik the old days

 

[P5w3kids]

Fair enough, but then why are you driving a Mazda?

 

[flipstylex]

what else could i be drivin, ;-) ms3 is th best overall car out there now

 

[desperado-c]

What's the difference between the MS6 and the MS6?

Between the Mazda6 and the MS6, AWD accounts for a major part of the weight gain. You won't have that in the Miata.

With regard to the OP, if you didn't have a blast in the Miata, clearly there weren't enough curves in the road. It doesn't matter how well a FWD hatch handles, it never has the feel of a balanced, lightweight, RWD sports car.

Whoops, meant to say MS3 and MS6 where the weight-to-power ratio of the 3 is about 12 lbs/hp and the 6 is about 13 lbs/hp. As far as weight for the MS-Miata, the current year Sport weighs 2475 lbs. The difference b/t the M3 and the MS3 is 225, so I'm thinking the MS-Miata is in for an increase in weight of around 200 lbs to 2675 or so. If they give it 250 hp that's a weight-to-power ratio of 10.7.