MP3 vs. Miata

[bharper]

Does anyone know how the MP3 compares to a Miata in terms of handling, speed, and responsiveness?
Thanks!

 

[changedman]

miata takes the cake.

 

[chuyler1]

miata ownz all

 

[Aricjm15]

no

 

[mp3moose]

Still rather have an mp3!

 

[Dexter]

miata. rwd.

 

[Mplvan]

Have both, two different cars. But a NB miata with a 6speed is hard to beat. Add a little boost and the miata can be an evil little car.(peep) Louie

 

[Rdshark1]

Little, light, RWD, perfectly balanced.


Miata!

 

[KpaBap]

Let's see 140hp, 2725 lbs, 62/38 weight distribution, open-diff FWD, "the-anti camber" MacPherson-type struts up front, multilink rear vs. 140 hp, 2200 lbs, 50/50 weight distribution, Torsen LSD rear, adjustable double wishbones all around OMG I DONT KNOW WHICH ONE HANDALS BETTARD and IS FASTARD!@!!!

 

[JCell]

Miata

 

[apexlater]

I dunno, I think that stock for stock the MP3 may have more ultimate grip. I think the Miatas are a little under-damped and are squirelly at the limits. In a straight line the Miata is faster. I think the MP3 may transition a little better. Around an auto-x course, a "tuned/sorted" Miata will be faster given the same tires and driver in stock class everyday of the week and twice on Sundays.

Is the Miata more fun to drive? Yes. Is the MP3 more confidence inspiring? Yes. Does everyone have a Miata? Yes.

 

[SilverBulletES]

Let's see 140hp, 2725 lbs, 62/38 weight distribution, open-diff FWD, "the-anti camber" MacPherson-type struts up front, multilink rear vs. 140 hp, 2200 lbs, 50/50 weight distribution, Torsen LSD rear, adjustable double wishbones all around OMG I DONT KNOW WHICH ONE HANDALS BETTARD and IS FASTARD!@!!!

Laughing my schlong off. (bowdown)

 

[APEXistud]

I've had both and I'd have to lean more toward a MP3 over a Miata. The extra room is nice for everday needs. The MP3 comes with everything right out of the box. Excellently valved struts with good spring rates, great tires (Dunlops), great brake (initial feel), great swaybar setup (easy to control at the limits). All in al, for someone who is more accustomed to driving front wheel drive cars, the MP3 was a great starting point. The Miata on the other hand isn't a great out of the box. For my taste anyway. I need to add a few things before the handling is comparable to the MP3 (sways or full coilover kit, tires and a bit more power). Once you add those few things to the Miata, things become really fun. The real debate would be the MSP (Mazdaspeed Protege) vs. the MSM (Mazdaspeed Mx-5). I've driven the MSM and damn that thing was awesome. Linear power band, good looks, nicer interior compared to my NA Miata. I've thought about picking up a used one but would rather keep my NA and buy a turbo Sedan like MSP, EVO or STi instead if my finance go as planned by the end of the year. I've never driven a MSP or EVO, but I have driven an STi. (bowdown)

 

[Mr.J]

I NEED HELP!!! Sorry to barge in on this thread but I have an emergency. I was racing a BMW in my MSP and I downshifted from 4 to 3 to get an extra boost and a piston flew through my engine. Mazda is trying to charge me $6100. I want to just buy a new engine and have it replaced. WILL A REGULAR 2003 PROTEGE ENGINE FIT INTO MY MSP??

 

[Lil Freek]

WAY off topic.
but yes.

 

[SilverBulletES]

I NEED HELP!!! Sorry to barge in on this thread but I have an emergency. I was racing a BMW in my MSP and I downshifted from 4 to 3 to get an extra boost and a piston flew through my engine. Mazda is trying to charge me $6100. I want to just buy a new engine and have it replaced. WILL A REGULAR 2003 PROTEGE ENGINE FIT INTO MY MSP??

Man I almost spit whiskey all over my computer!
This is a joke right?

 

[jflo]

the miata most definitely handles better than a protege. i have a '91 miata, and it can take the same turns as my MSP as fast or faster, and i have zr-rated tires on the MSP, which also has upgraded suspension. the miata is on some skinny 190/55/14 futuras that are h-rated. and the stock shocks are supposedly blown.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

I NEED HELP!!! Sorry to barge in on this thread but I have an emergency. I was racing a BMW in my MSP and I downshifted from 4 to 3 to get an extra boost and a piston flew through my engine. Mazda is trying to charge me $6100. I want to just buy a new engine and have it replaced. WILL A REGULAR 2003 PROTEGE ENGINE FIT INTO MY MSP??

if a piston flew through your engine and mazda wants 6100 bucks they are charging you for an engine swap and labor as it is. i say this because thats right about what they wanted to charge me for my engine when i blasted it to smithereens. i bought a junkyard motor with 18000 miles for 600 dollars. put 55000 miles on that motor.

back on topic - its an apples to oranges argument, but from a performance standpoint, miata

 

[269mp3]

Ive driven both, and the Miata would kill. Grant it was a six speed, but it when driving it, you cant even tell your going as fast as you are.

 

[dolphin]

Ok, I have all three, a Miata, an MP3 and MSP. Either of the Proteges actually have more grip than the Miata. In acceleration, my 6 speed Miata falls between the MP3 and MSP. The Miata brakes seem to be slightly better than the Protege. The lack of ABS hurts the MP3 in some situations. Either Protege transitions as well as the Miata, which is amazing. The Miatas advantages are that the power it does have it can get to the ground more often coming off a turn and it is narrower. Of the two Protg versions I think the MP3 actually handles better than the MSP but the lack of a LSD hurts it off the corner. Either version of the Protege is obviously more practical and flexible than the Miata.