Mazda MX5 Q???

[2GTalonTSI]

This is just a general Q. I am thinking about getting a DD and saw a early 90's Mazda MX5 two door. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with one. Do they have a rotary engine like the RX?

Any info would be appreciated. ;)

[Silver R/T]

they're RWD 4 cyl cars...you can put in a v8 in one and have lots of fun or drive it just like that. They handle very nicely

[Jetblack]

The Miata was a great car. Another all time favorite of Consumer Reports. Incredibly reliable. 4cyl 120hp. Youwill be amazed at the handling. Even without pushing it, the car feels like it is a go cart. Aluminum body that is cross braced like you wouldn't believe.

Very nice car. They make a hardtop for it too. Also a little lifter pulley system for your garage so you can raise it off the car, really easy.

Excellent DD car.

[Silver R/T]

Id get a set of winter studded tires if you plan to drive it next winter, RWD+snow=no traction

[Jetblack]

Id get a set of winter studded tires if you plan to drive it next winter, RWD+snow=no traction

But with the Miata's perfect 50-50 weight distribution, FWD, wouldn't help. I'll take RWD in any weather, over FWD.

There's a reason all sports cars are RWD.

You can also imagine that if FWD was better, trucks would have it. What does the snowplow use? The sander/salt truck?

[2GTalonTSI]

I just need something to get me back and forth to work. My mom had a 323 and put over 200K on it. I run studs every winter anyway well except for the truck. Thanks for the input!

[Silver R/T]

But with the Miata's perfect 50-50 weight distribution, FWD, wouldn't help. I'll take RWD in any weather, over FWD.

There's a reason all sports cars are RWD.

You can also imagine that if FWD was better, trucks would have it. What does the snowplow use? The sander/salt truck?

I doubt you'll make it up the hill on 5 mile road in the winter, not even talking about something more powerful as your or mine Mustangs...
I have no problem making it up 5 mile in my mazda (it's FWD) on all season tires, just FYI :)

[Jetblack]

I doubt you'll make it up the hill on 5 mile road in the winter, not even talking about something more powerful as your or mine Mustangs...
I have no problem making it up 5 mile in my mazda (it's FWD) on all season tires, just FYI :)

The Mustang is my DD :) Never got stuck this year. I did have to rock my way back out of my driveway, once and decided the better part of valor was to not even attempt to get down my road. Had to push two FWDs out from in front of my house. A Prelude and a Hyundai. Both had gotten high centered on the melting snowbergs.

[Gsolo]

they're RWD 4 cyl cars...you can put in a v8 in one and have lots of fun or drive it just like that. They handle very nicely

well...a ford v8 :( Still cool though...be fun to have a 302 powered go kart


everytime i see a miata for sale i think about how much fun that would be

[2GTalonTSI]

I drove the mustang a winter with studded snows, never had an issue with the car at all, I drive thru 5 mile everyday. My 74 260Z was fun in the snow as well... even got around OK when the snow was deep enought to beat up the bottom of the car. ;) I once had a Triumph Spitfire... I could touch the ground over the door while sitting in the car... :D I think a miata might be slightly bigger!

[mirage4g93]

I owned an NB 2002 Special Edition MX5 and I have to say that I absolutely loved it.

The NA Miatas are just as great. They handle amazing right out the box and if you are simply looking for a commuter that is still fun to drive its one of the best.

Mine waws equiped with a 1.8l DOHC 6spd lsd tranny and lots of creature comforts.

Oh and I drove it during the entire winter 2 years ago and it got around decently. I wouldn't say it would go anywhere but I was driving on all seasons the whole time. Not even snow tires.


DOWN SIDES:

Its small. If your a bigger person it might be out of the question. I am 6ft but I am a rail at 155lbs so it balanced out.

Soft top requires constant TLC or you will have a leaky car. Especially in an early 90s NA.

NA Miatas were pretty underpowered from the factory but on the flip side they respond to modification very well.

Check out The MX-5 Miata Pit Stop: MX-5 Miata.net (http://www.miata.net), Its a really great community and lots and lots of info.

[2GTalonTSI]

Cool thanks for all the input! I am hoping to get some time this week to take the car for a test drive. ;)

[04 Rabbit Man]

Good car all around