Anyone make the switch from MSP to Miata?

[gr?]

Oh yeah. I picked up my 94 R-package 2 weeks ago... It's red and it only has (had) 33k miles! I'm loving it so far - top down and light weight makes up for the (negligible?) power difference of the MSP. My Gainesville -> Orlando trip was an hour longer last time because I went through the Ocala National Forest. Gonna try another road tomorrow when I go back up.

Grats on the purchase.

One of the best things about the Miata is the community. There is probably a local club near you or within an hour. I'm in a location where I'm 90 minutes driving distance of 3-4 large clubs so there's always something to do, may it be a 100-150 mile cruise, tech/install day, detail day, barbeques, etc.

I was up in the Poconos for a 130 mile cruise yesterday; approx 62 cars, 100 people. Some of the families there had 3-4 Miatas in attendance with the children/brother in laws/mothers/etc driving the extra Miatas.

Enjoy the car.

 

[Lord_Zath]

also thinking about getting a Miata... though in addition to the p5...

 

[dolphin]

Actually I have one MSP and one 99 10AE Miata. I autocross both they are both a lot of fun. Although the MSP is faster in a straight line, the Miata doesn't feel slower and it is actually faster on an autocross course. The Miata actually feels faster than it is especially with the 6 speed. Since you are always changing gears it feels even faster. I actually have not had any significant problems with the MSP. I use both of them as daily drivers depending on .... something or other.

 

[aMaff]

also thinking about getting a Miata... though in addition to the p5...

That's such a great combo. Awesome practicality in a decently fun car, then the roadster. Practicality? lol, right. Fun? Hell yea!

 

[Lord_Zath]

oh yeah! Any specific years of Miata to be on the lookout for either good or bad?

 

[pluto316]

oh yeah! Any specific years of Miata to be on the lookout for either good or bad?

90-91's could have a faulty crank. Other than that it's all good.

After that it's all up to the little changes that matter more to some people than others.

 

[kcbhiw]

90-91's could have a faulty crank. Other than that it's all good.

After that it's all up to the little changes that matter more to some people than others.

Faulty if reassembled improperly during a timing belt swap. Both of my 90's are in good shape, even after 100k miles (well, that's before I swapped the 1.8 into the CSP car). Granted, there are lots out there with improperly torqued crank bolts.

 

[gr?]

oh yeah! Any specific years of Miata to be on the lookout for either good or bad?

depends which body style you're looking for. 90-97 = NA; 99-05 = NB; 06+ = NC

I prefer the 01+ in the NB style since they get projector headlights, larger brakes on some models, more chassis bracing for higher torsional rigidity. compared to the NAs, the NA also get a glass rear window.

 

[Iggy]

I have an ES right now and can't decide if I want a Miata or a Mini Cooper S as my next car. I have a feeling that I will just be keeping my car and getting an NA to play with.

 

[genericuser]

I have an ES right now and can't decide if I want a Miata or a Mini Cooper S as my next car. I have a feeling that I will just be keeping my car and getting an NA to play with.

do it.

NA's rule.

 

[aMaff]

NA = t3h lightness. You can always add power. It's difficult to lose significant weight.

 

[Lord_Zath]

Good to know. Thanks, guys! It seems the Miata is incredibly reliable. Seeing how some of you guys purchased the car over 100k miles, can I assume that mileage is not as much a factor on this car compared to others?

 

[aMaff]

mine's got ~160K, and is currently running stronger than when I got 'er

 

[gr?]

NA = t3h lightness. You can always add power. It's difficult to lose significant weight.

Most of the weight gain is from the extra chassis bracing. It's definately noticeable between an NA and the NB. My NA with a 4 point rollbar, GReddy FSTB, GReddy front subframe brace, Brainstorm rear subframe brace, plus the stock brace doesn't make my NA even close to the chassis stiffness to my NB (stock, no roll bar yet).

A good handling car all starts with a stiff chassis. I'd take a stiffer chassis and an extra 100 lbs than a ligher car with an inferior chassis.

 

[dmitrik4]

of course there is too much of a good thing on either side, but in general, i think you might be in the minority there. there's a reason most top STS2 miata drivers choose the lighter, less powerful '90-'93 over the 100-lb heavier, more powerful, and stiffer '94-'97.

Good to know. Thanks, guys! It seems the Miata is incredibly reliable. Seeing how some of you guys purchased the car over 100k miles, can I assume that mileage is not as much a factor on this car compared to others?

they're tough little cars. proper maintenance is more important than mileage. the mechanical bits are pretty sturdy; 100,000 is barely broken-in for a properly-maintained miata.

 

[gr?]

of course there is too much of a good thing on either side, but in general, i think you might be in the minority there. there's a reason most top STS2 miata drivers choose the lighter, less powerful '90-'93 over the 100-lb heavier, more powerful, and stiffer '94-'97.

Two separate conversations - there is a difference between choosing a car for daily driving versus a track car. The original post makes no comment on either, though.

 

[dmitrik4]

true, although in daily driving you probably shouldn't be stressing the car enough for either to matter that much. i will say that i sometimes wish for some additional chassis stiffness on my miata when i'm not dodging cones, b/c potholes and railroad tracks are a pain.

 

[Lord_Zath]

Yeah, I'd be looking for daily driver/fun car. Not really track though

 

[z00mer]

Yeah, I'd be looking for daily driver/fun car. Not really track though

If that's the case.... any year would do then.(rei)

The miatar is a fun car to mod, and takes to mods like a fish to water.

But I guess when it comes down to it.... it's what really suits your needs.

 

[Lord_Zath]

Yeah I really like the NB body styling over the original NA. Though that'sjust a personal preference!

Do you guys feel the Miata is underpowered? I test drove a used one and it seemed to feel similar to driving my p5...