Does the MX-5 feel underpowered?

[T0MMY]

The Turbonator said:

Didn't realise this thread would still be going but thanks for all the replies everyone. Just finished reading all the ones I missed before.

Got nothing to compare it too really, I've ever only driven hatchbacks and the Grand Picasso I have at the moment is the most powerful car I've driven. I just want something fun to have as a daily and for blasts into the country on nice days, whilst the wife inherits the Citroën when she passes her test.

I was considering things like GTOs, Supra's, Impreza's etc before but then I started considering how cheap the MX5s would be to run. Not to mention that with my budget the other cars were a little leggy, whilst I could get a relatively new MX5 with low mileage.

I suppose I just don't want to be disappointed with it and regret not getting something with a lot more power like the Impreza.

I can't comment on GTOs and Supras but I had an Impreza alongside my MX5 and while the former was a good blend of practicality and fun, for a country road blast I took the MX5 every single time. It was just so much more fun to drive, despite having less than half the power.

[Pit Pony]

On a related topic whilst watching BTCC at Donnington, I pointed out to my wife that they do track days, and I could have a blast around the circuit in my own road car. To which she suggested I use "her" Mx5. It's a third car, and I have a set of spare wheels and tyres, but I think that the 90 bhp and the slipping clutch might need sorting first. (It only slips if you rag the arse off it in first, and second, but it's not going to get better is it.)

[MX-5 Lazza]

Donnington is a good circuit bit it might be a bit fast & open for a 90bhp Mk1. There are much better circuits for that car. Silverstone Stowe for example.

[Gandahar]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Donnington is a good circuit bit it might be a bit fast & open for a 90bhp Mk1. There are much better circuits for that car. Silverstone Stowe for example.

Brands hatch Indy circuit is a good one for lower powered cars.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Brands is quite good fun in mine too. Braking for Paddock Hill from 120mph is always going to add a bit of excitement

[sbird]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Brands is quite good fun in mine too. Braking for Paddock Hill from 120mph is always going to add a bit of excitement

That corner's pretty fun if you're approaching the braking zone at a measly 100 too.

Were you there the year when there was a light dusting of snow? 70mph never seemed so fast as that day....

[MX-5 Lazza]

I was there but only watching. I'd done the MoT/OC winter Brands day for the previous 3 years or so and decided to miss out that year. Good choice!
I have driven at Colerne Airfield in a blizzard in a 1.6 track car with R888 cut slicks though. Actually surprised me how much grip it still managed to find! Shame there are no track days at Colerne Airfield now. Local residents stopped it. It seems cars on a track are more of a noise nuisance than an active RAF airfield...

[drewwa]

Personally I found the MX-5 to be underpowered as stock after many years of driving them (since 2009)I'm referring to Mk1s and Mk2s here. Even the 1.8VVT in the mk2.5 sport wasn't quite enough for me.

I currently have a Mk1 Eunos Roadster 1.8 with an MP62 supercharger pushing out something like 200bhp (dyno'd at 177 at the wheels) and I would say that feels just about right. (Stock was 130bhp)

It hasn't spoilt the balance of the car, the throttle response is as good as ever, but the car can now keep up with most modern hot hatches on a dual carriageway and still leave most other cars for dead in the twisties all whilst having that 'old skool' fun and flavour. 0-60 is probably somewhere in the mid sixes.

Mine looks completely stock on the outside.

I haven't found any necessity to upgrade brakes or suspension (I'm not a 10/10ths driver). It's just like having a 3.0L engine under the bonnet.

I'd recommend the supercharger upgrade to anyone. There's no downside (other than an extra £70 a year insurance for me) - even fuel economy is better.

Cheers,

Drew.

[feef]

I'd agree with all of that. I've got the eaton 45 in mine and as you say, even fuel consumption isn't negatively affected.