dolphin said: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.
I disagree. I used to have a Protege with some mods and it wasn't even close to what my stock Miata could do in the handling department. Also you're trying to tell me that 2700+lbs changes directions just as easy as 2200? Yeah ok. I do canyon runs a few times a week every week and have been for the last 3 years. The Protege needs serious serious mods to even come close to a stock Miata in the corners. Natey can tell you all about how much he spent on his P5 only to realize his stock Miata was still faster and easier to turn.