2007 MX-5 vs 1993

[bearymore]

I bought a new Miata in 1993 and have had it ever since. In the intervening years, the Miata grew heavier and, from what I've read, less fun to drive. The earlier Miatas, as light as they are, are far more tossable, which is their main virtue. I've been reading reviews of the 2007, and it sounds like tossability is back and then some, and the retractable hard top has me salivating. As my old Miata is approaching the 100,000 mile mark, I'm wondering if I should replace it. Since the only reason to own this car is its handling and the overall fun factor, I'm wondering how the 2007 compares to my venerable Miata. If the fun factor has decreased, I'll just keep the '93 until it disintegrates which, dings and dents aside, it shows no evidence of doing.

Any opinions?

 

[GordonJ]

Take a test drive. That's what I did. It had me sold in 5 minutes.

I've also driven 3 NB Miatas (no NAs though), and personally, I think its quite a bit more fun all-around. 30 odd HP gain and something like only a 25lb weight gain overall from previous gens = alot more oomph, same legendary handling.
And that retractable hardtop is just icing on the cake...too damn hard to resist.

 

[phinz]

I own a '96 and an '07 PRHT. I drive the '07 every day. So far the only thing I dislike is the DSC's touchy nature, and I can turn that off.

 

[GordonJ]

I own a '96 and an '07 PRHT. I drive the '07 every day. So far the only thing I dislike is the DSC's touchy nature, and I can turn that off.

...and the cupholder in the door when cornering hard....

...although you get used to that.

 

[Rob.Tuner]

did you guys know they make mazdaspeed leather knee pad / guards? they're cost about a million dollars though. some crazy shiz they make for that car.

 

[phinz]

I'm going to create my own for both the right and left side. I just haven't had the time or gumption to do it.

I have a bruise above my left knee from the cupholder. I've just gotten used to it.

 

[MiaTurbo]

I bought a new Miata in 1993 and have had it ever since. In the intervening years, the Miata grew heavier and, from what I've read, less fun to drive. The earlier Miatas, as light as they are, are far more tossable, which is their main virtue. I've been reading reviews of the 2007, and it sounds like tossability is back and then some, and the retractable hard top has me salivating. As my old Miata is approaching the 100,000 mile mark, I'm wondering if I should replace it. Since the only reason to own this car is its handling and the overall fun factor, I'm wondering how the 2007 compares to my venerable Miata. If the fun factor has decreased, I'll just keep the '93 until it disintegrates which, dings and dents aside, it shows no evidence of doing.

Any opinions?

unless it's worn down/abused, 100k miles is nothing. my91 lasted until 205k, and they were very hard miles towards the end when I put a turbo on it, and took it to the track.

 

[Pitlab77]

the "new" miatas have suspension that is way way way way way to soft. Even with the "mazdaspeed' suspension setup. Get an NB sport like I did.

 

[bearymore]

the "new" miatas have suspension that is way way way way way to soft. Even with the "mazdaspeed' suspension setup. Get an NB sport like I did.

That's what I don't like. I like the firm suspension and what I call the "neural handling" (you think it, the car goes there) of my '93. It is going strong, with a few cosmetic issues. I'm not inclined to trade it unless the rave reviews for the new generation are accurate. I'm sensing they may not be.

Excuse the ignorance, what's an NB Sport?

 

[phinz]

I can pitch my NC into a turn with more aplomb than I can my NA, and my NA is heavily modified. The NC handles quite well once you get used to it. Pitch some new springs/shocks/sways in it and I can imagine it's going to be a monster. I can't wait until I get the opportunity to do it with mine.

 

[GordonJ]

I can pitch my NC into a turn with more aplomb than I can my NA, and my NA is heavily modified. The NC handles quite well once you get used to it. Pitch some new springs/shocks/sways in it and I can imagine it's going to be a monster. I can't wait until I get the opportunity to do it with mine.

Agree.

I don't know where everyone is getting the idea it doesn't handle as well or rides softer than the NAs/NBs, but I'm just not seeing it. I would definetly say it handles much BETTER, and is more responsive. The added power doesn't hurt when accelerating through curves, either.

 

[Pitlab77]

the 99 sport package is the best factory miata from the factory when it comes to weight and susepension. (stiffer springs, bilstein suspension)


now as to the other two comments I have owned an NA, NB, and driven a few NC's. You can not pitch it like the first two generations miatas. NOT from the factory.

I would rate it NB,NA,NC.

 

[Donas64]

I watched a comparison video not too long ago where Tsuchyia from best motoring test drove a Solstice and a Miata and the Miata looked to have MUCH more body roll in the corners. Maybe my eyes were fooling me but it did not look level at all. I will say that you gotta getthe appearance package for the Miata though as I think it makes the car look so much better.

 

[phinz]

I took mine to Deal's Gap yesterday. I was chucking into corners at much higher speeds than I would dream of in my NA, using fourth gear where I usually use 3rd. With the DSC and TC, the car just *went.* Even when they weren't cutting in I was scooting through there pretty dman well.

It could use springs, shocks and sways. I won't lie about that, but once I have that sorted out, it'll be most excellent.

Besides, if I wanted a Pontiac I'd buy a Pontiac, but American cars don't appeal to me at all, unless they're 30 or more years old.

 

[GordonJ]

the 99 sport package is the best factory miata from the factory when it comes to weight and susepension. (stiffer springs, bilstein suspension)


now as to the other two comments I have owned an NA, NB, and driven a few NC's. You can not pitch it like the first two generations miatas. NOT from the factory.

I would rate it NB,NA,NC.

Well, we've owned 4 (yes, FOUR) NBs in my family over the years, currently 2 RX-8s and 1 NC.
Now I'm no professional race car driver or anything, and I can't speak for the "sport" NBs, but I can speak from my own experience with 5 stock Miatas now. I just greatly prefer the handling and the feel of the NC overall. To say it's "way way way wayx10" too soft I think is a tad of an overstatement.

I've contacted the dealer to see what their rates for some Mazdaspeed springs are (install), and if they're decent, I'm going to go ahead and order, than do a comparison between stock/Mazdaspeed setup.

btw, Phinz, are we like the only 2 members on here with NCs?? I've seen another guy around here who has a white one, but just found that amusing.

 

[TheMAN]

the "new" miatas have suspension that is way way way way way to soft. Even with the "mazdaspeed' suspension setup. Get an NB sport like I did.

agreed, although the NCs are more tail happy partly due to the increased engine torque... but regardless, driving the NC provides less feedback and confidence that the NA and NB did.... the NA and NB is definately more predictable and is more neutral than the NC... watch that best motoring video and they all say that the NB is better despite the fact that the NC is "faster", it's also way sloppier

 

[phinz]

It's amazing what driving the same basic car for 7 years will do for the confidence of a driver. Put them in a completely different, brand new car and they'll feel like the familiar one is "better."

Give them a while with the NC. I bet they won't want to go back to the NB.

 

[phinz]

btw, Phinz, are we like the only 2 members on here with NCs?? I've seen another guy around here who has a white one, but just found that amusing.

The other guy is probably Swifty.

FWIW, there are several former (and current) hardcore NA and NB owners (at least one who is *very* well known in the Miata world) who are seriously considering coming over to the darkside. (glare) I've been getting all sorts of PMs on several different boards regarding my car.

 

[MiaTurbo]

Like I told you before Scott, if I had the money, I'd be all over the NC. And I'm a hardcore NA guy.

 

[Hughes412]

the "new" miatas have suspension that is way way way way way to soft. Even with the "mazdaspeed' suspension setup. Get an NB sport like I did.

That's odd that you say that. All of the reveiws I've seen say it's almost to ruff.