Top 10 reasons to own a Miata :)

[dirtrat]

According to a survey a couple years ago a Red Miata was the number 1 car of choice for gays. Not implying anything just saying.

 

[imported_Truenofan]

i think it goes with all mazda's, you think your gonna hate it, you drive it, and instantly fall in love with how it drives. i know thats how it was with my car, i wanna try out a miata, but then im just gonna wanna buy one eventually anyway.(damn expensive hobby these mazda's they are.)

 

[kumanchu]

i've driven a few na models with the prefered package and i wasn't that impressed....... i think the miata's fun factor is over rated and inflated by word of mouth. not to say it wasn't fun; but i didn't find it as enjoyable as people make it out to be. my brother's s2000 is considerably more fun to drive.

 

[Insane3D]

Ooops..nm.

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: kumanchu
i've driven a few na models with the prefered package and i wasn't that impressed....... i think the miata's fun factor is over rated and inflated by word of mouth. not to say it wasn't fun; but i didn't find it as enjoyable as people make it out to be. my brother's s2000 is considerably more fun to drive.

What's the preferred package?

And how dare you not be impressed by a hairdresser's car? :laugh:

 

[Sulaco]

Originally posted by: kumanchu
i've driven a few na models with the prefered package and i wasn't that impressed....... i think the miata's fun factor is over rated and inflated by word of mouth. not to say it wasn't fun; but i didn't find it as enjoyable as people make it out to be. my brother's s2000 is considerably more fun to drive.

That's a rather silly comparison though. The S2000 is in another class from the Miata. It's apples to oranges.
A new Miata starts at around $20k. A new S2000 IS about $34k, no trim levels. That's roughly a $10,000-$14,000 difference. Not a fair comparison, anymore than comparing a Toyota Camry to an STI.:roll:

That said, I've driven 2 S2000s, an '03 and an '06. While they are definetly faster than a Miata, they are also a different feel as well. The S2000 really needs to be reved up near redline to feel most of it's power. The Miata's comes far easily, but peaks lower.
As far as the handling goes, it's very, very close. I dare say with a few less-than-a-grand mods (Eibach Sportline springs (-2 inch drop), Sways, and struts, my MX-5 handles just as well in the twisties, and for literally about $11k less.

 

[exdeath]

Why any straight man would drive a Miata or a Eclipse is beyond my comprehension. Boxster, MR2 (not the new ones), RX7, sure, but I see a Miata or Eclipse and I immediately think 16 yr old bimbo.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

I want one because I drove one and loved it. At 60yo it will be enough. I restored and drove several British sports cars back in the '70s and a Miata will do just fine thank you.

 

[jtvang125]

It'll be a miracle to come out alive in that thing after a pretty bad accident.

 

[zoiks]

Thats a chicks car.

 

[mwmorph]

Can anyone explain how they can all gush over the Miata while disparaging the MR2 Spyder? It's just a NB Miata with a more performance oriented MR layout, but somehow MR2 spyders are "Slow" while NA/NB Miatas which are much slower 0-60 are "Adequate".

 

[senseamp]

Originally posted by: Sulaco

Originally posted by: kumanchu
i've driven a few na models with the prefered package and i wasn't that impressed....... i think the miata's fun factor is over rated and inflated by word of mouth. not to say it wasn't fun; but i didn't find it as enjoyable as people make it out to be. my brother's s2000 is considerably more fun to drive.

That's a rather silly comparison though. The S2000 is in another class from the Miata. It's apples to oranges.
A new Miata starts at around $20k. A new S2000 IS about $34k, no trim levels. That's roughly a $10,000-$14,000 difference. Not a fair comparison, anymore than comparing a Toyota Camry to an STI.:roll:

That said, I've driven 2 S2000s, an '03 and an '06. While they are definetly faster than a Miata, they are also a different feel as well. The S2000 really needs to be reved up near redline to feel most of it's power. The Miata's comes far easily, but peaks lower.
As far as the handling goes, it's very, very close. I dare say with a few less-than-a-grand mods (Eibach Sportline springs (-2 inch drop), Sways, and struts, my MX-5 handles just as well in the twisties, and for literally about $11k less.

The whole beauty of the MX-5 for me is that it doesn't have too much power, which means you can have fun exploiting what power it has on the public roads without holding back for fear of getting in serious trouble with the law or a wreck. I am sure S2000 is a riot to drive, but it's expensive, especially when comparing used S2000 to a used Miata. It's also a high strung motor, so you have to rev it like a maniac to get the full enjoyment out of it. Not so with a Miata. You get to enjoy the rev band of the engine without feeling like you are missing out by not revving it. The car's ability is perfectly matched for everyday driver and road conditions, so you get to have maximum fun all the time. Read the Jay Leno review of his 96 Miata, I think he spells it out perfectly.

 

[senseamp]

Originally posted by: mwmorph
Can anyone explain how they can all gush over the Miata while disparaging the MR2 Spyder? It's just a NB Miata with a more performance oriented MR layout, but somehow MR2 spyders are "Slow" while NA/NB Miatas which are much slower 0-60 are "Adequate".

Like you said, MR2 is a performance oriented car so it is being judged for its performance, while MX-5 is a fun oriented car that happens to be a good performer too, and it's power is in fact adequate for having fun. The point of an MX-5 is to put a smile on your face when doing everyday driving, not to impress ricers with 0-60 times. Hop in a Miata, drop the top and go for a nice weekend drive. It may not beat an MR2 on some track you go to once a year, but the other 364 days, it will be a more fun and livable car.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Originally posted by: mwmorph
Can anyone explain how they can all gush over the Miata while disparaging the MR2 Spyder? It's just a NB Miata with a more performance oriented MR layout, but somehow MR2 spyders are "Slow" while NA/NB Miatas which are much slower 0-60 are "Adequate".

My big problem with the mr2 spyder is it is fugly!!!! The miata also has a huge after market, cheap turbo kits, and has been around a whole lot longer so you can get them a lot cheaper. I don't think the na/nb miatas are all that much slower if at all. They are all slow as hell stock. Now the 2nd gen mr2s are sweet and I would have loved to have found a nice turbo one of those but again they ain't cheap and are rare.

I'm old enough now I don't give a crap if some people think I'm driving a chick/gay car anymore. I'm having a gay old time driving it and thats all that matters to me. Besides its not like its a new vw beetle vert or mini cooper vert. Now those are gay .

 

[overst33r]

Originally posted by: exdeath
Why any straight man would drive a Miata or a Eclipse is beyond my comprehension. Boxster, MR2 (not the new ones), RX7, sure, but I see a Miata or Eclipse and I immediately think 16 yr old bimbo.

Because none of the cars you listed can be had for fairly cheap in good condition (<$5000), or are RWD, roadster, and reliable. (referring to Miata, I agree about the Eclipse)

Please tell me you have driven one...

 

[Sluggo]

I guess reason #11 would be that if you get the urge you can cram a 5.0 Mustang motor under the hood.

http://www.monstermiata.com/Monster_V8_Kit.asp

Havent some guys also gotten LS-1 motors in them?

 

[overst33r]

Originally posted by: Sluggo
I guess reason #11 would be that if you get the urge you can cram a 5.0 Mustang motor under the hood.

http://www.monstermiata.com/Monster_V8_Kit.asp

Havent some guys also gotten LS-1 motors in them?

Yep, people are also putting rotaries from RXs in there... pretty neat...

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: mariok2006

Originally posted by: exdeath
Why any straight man would drive a Miata or a Eclipse is beyond my comprehension. Boxster, MR2 (not the new ones), RX7, sure, but I see a Miata or Eclipse and I immediately think 16 yr old bimbo.

Because none of the cars you listed can be had for fairly cheap in good condition (<$5000), or are RWD, roadster, and reliable. (referring to Miata, I agree about the Eclipse)

Please tell me you have driven one...

Uhm all the cars I mentioned are RWD. But I can see those being more pricey. I'd go the MR2 route in that price range and stick with a 3S-GTE.

 

[Sulaco]

Originally posted by: exdeath

Originally posted by: mariok2006

Originally posted by: exdeath
Why any straight man would drive a Miata or a Eclipse is beyond my comprehension. Boxster, MR2 (not the new ones), RX7, sure, but I see a Miata or Eclipse and I immediately think 16 yr old bimbo.

Because none of the cars you listed can be had for fairly cheap in good condition (<$5000), or are RWD, roadster, and reliable. (referring to Miata, I agree about the Eclipse)

Please tell me you have driven one...

Uhm all the cars I mentioned are RWD. But I can see those being more pricey. I'd go the MR2 route in that price range and stick with a 3S-GTE.

Yeah, but the simple fact is though that there are very few cars that are more FUN to drive. Certainly nothing in the same class. Just do some research. The Miata's "fun factor" and handling are on par with cars nearly twice as much, and the performance, at least the NC, is on par or better than any of those you mentioned.
Plus, a huge aftermarket following (God know's how many Miata fan clubs, sites, etc, good, cheap performance mods), and solid reliability make it such a great choice for so many people who don't have a sophmoric obssesion with whether or not everyone thinks they're cool enough in their car.
I'm constantly fascinated by how people are willing to dismiss emperical, factual postives for something as important as a vehicle because of their preconceptions of what other people might think about them.


Of course I'm biased. But I did my research long and hard before making my purchase, and I couldn't be happier with it. Plus, my personal experience with other people's opinions with the car, for what that's worth, have been great and the polar opposite of what the stereotype seems to be.
Strangers complimenting my car at the gas station, fellow college students admiring the car on campus, people circling the car slowly in parking lots, all bring a smile to your face. Yeah, I suppose every once in awhile I'll pass a guy in his ratty old mustang who probably thinks "He's gots ta be one of them fairy boys!!", but strangely, the car's performance never seems to fade because of it. And neither does my smile.

 

[Pliablemoose]

LOL, the gay thing always comes up.

I've gotten more tail than a public toilet

I also have to admit I have yet to meet a 2 seater car I didn't fall in love with, I like both generations of the MR2, I'd love to own an S2000, BMW Z's (even though most of them are automatics) are cool as hell, and my dream car is any year convertible Corvette.

(of course when I feel my testosterone level dropping, I hop in my Powerstroke 7.3 liter F250 and let the diesel engine make my molars chatter. )

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Seems like another good opportunity for a "show off your miata" thread

miata

Mine

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

Originally posted by: Shawn

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Seems like another good opportunity for a "show off your miata" thread

miata

Mine

I like! Does the hardtop increase or slightly decrease headroom? The bow for the soft-top just touches my head...if I sit up real straight. My buddy gave $2300 for his '93 and it was in his car that I checked fit.

Pliablemoose, it is good to hear about your youngster and you both having '97s. The dual air-bags would be most desirable for me too.

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: GalvanizedYankee

Originally posted by: Shawn

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Seems like another good opportunity for a "show off your miata" thread

miata

Mine

I like! Does the hardtop increase or slightly decrease headroom? The bow for the soft-top just touches my head...if I sit up real straight. My buddy gave $2300 for his '93 and it was in his car that I checked fit.

Pliablemoose, it is good to hear about your youngster and you both having '97s. The dual air-bags would be most desirable for me too.

Well it gets rid of the bars so it increases headroom slightly. Maybe half an inch.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Originally posted by: Shawn

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Seems like another good opportunity for a "show off your miata" thread

miata

Mine

Not bad. There are very few body kits that look good on miatas and thats one of those few. And a rear defroster, I'm jealous. I have to use my center dash vents to keep my hardtop's glass clear in the winter .

 

[kumanchu]

Originally posted by: Sulaco

Originally posted by: kumanchu
i've driven a few na models with the prefered package and i wasn't that impressed....... i think the miata's fun factor is over rated and inflated by word of mouth. not to say it wasn't fun; but i didn't find it as enjoyable as people make it out to be. my brother's s2000 is considerably more fun to drive.

That's a rather silly comparison though. The S2000 is in another class from the Miata. It's apples to oranges.
A new Miata starts at around $20k. A new S2000 IS about $34k, no trim levels. That's roughly a $10,000-$14,000 difference. Not a fair comparison, anymore than comparing a Toyota Camry to an STI.:roll:

That said, I've driven 2 S2000s, an '03 and an '06. While they are definetly faster than a Miata, they are also a different feel as well. The S2000 really needs to be reved up near redline to feel most of it's power. The Miata's comes far easily, but peaks lower.
As far as the handling goes, it's very, very close. I dare say with a few less-than-a-grand mods (Eibach Sportline springs (-2 inch drop), Sways, and struts, my MX-5 handles just as well in the twisties, and for literally about $11k less.

miatas are very different (particularly na s) depending on trim level. without the lsd + 30k miles = poo for handling.

even if you aren't feeling _most_ of the s2000's power low, its still considerably more power than what the miata would be putting out in the same range.

the chassis rigidity is substantially different

and you say your miata handles just as well in the twisties but i have my doubts. not all miatas come with lsd's, nor any subframe bracing. generally, the chassis is more prone to deflection than a s2000's under load. simply getting stiffer, lower springs, and tighter shocks and stiffer sway bars seems like it would fall short of any real comparison to even a stock s2000.

besides all of that, my original point was that the miata's reputation is seriously inflated. i made an offhand comparison to how much more i enjoy driving my brother's s2000 than the 2 miata's i've had the opportunity to drive hard.

an sti -> camry comparison is not like a miata -> s2000 comparison.

awd -> fwd
rwd -> rwd

fi -> na
na -> na

boxer -> V or Inline
inline -> inline

sports sedan -> family sedan
convertible -> convertible

comparing a base model miata to an s2000 is also a bad comparison as far as price. the s2000 has a lot of features standard that the miata doesn't have. start putting on the options to a new miata and the price gap of the soft top grand touring with a few extra options narrows the price gap to about 4,000.

a 4,000 price gap may be a big deal to you, but i think that they are within the same ball park as far as price. start modding that miata to make it handle like an s2000 and the gap is even smaller.