RE: Mazda MX-5: PH Heroes
Discussion
when it comes to the standard product I have to agree with the criticisms , but that obvious because in its original guise it was never meant to be an ultimate driving machine , its appeal is giving joe public just enough feeling of what a good handling rwd car feels like without the usual compromises, add reliability , comfort ,ease of ownership ,and the knowledge you can jump in ,and if you choose, thrash it all day long and press repeat the next day and its not difficult to understand why it has become a huge seller despite the girly reputation.
what is really great about the mx5 in my humble opinion is the underlying fettling potential (NB in particular though less fashionable) great wheelbase/track ratio, roll centres,fully adjustable double wishbones front and rear, good mass/torsional stiffness for an old mota. its a great basis for a seriously good handling car ,huge hp gains are bolt on, and some elise seats sort the too high driving position.
that's where i think the confusion is , many people have fettled their original miatas beyond recognition like myself and have a great handling car but cannot remember the limitations of the original product.
what is really great about the mx5 in my humble opinion is the underlying fettling potential (NB in particular though less fashionable) great wheelbase/track ratio, roll centres,fully adjustable double wishbones front and rear, good mass/torsional stiffness for an old mota. its a great basis for a seriously good handling car ,huge hp gains are bolt on, and some elise seats sort the too high driving position.
that's where i think the confusion is , many people have fettled their original miatas beyond recognition like myself and have a great handling car but cannot remember the limitations of the original product.
If there is one thing I don't get... Chris Harris gave the MX5 a bit of a bashing and then wrote this piece on the Dacia Duster: http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=47&i=2692...
In it, he says:
For having a laugh on a Sunday afternoon.. it's pretty damn good in my experience. It's just... fun.
Who cares about steering feel and BHP, cars should be measured on smile factor.
Best regards,
Matt
In it, he says:
Chris Harris said:
You drive it with a Ready Brek glow of satisfaction, knowing that it's the antidote to the German luxo-brands and all the more appealing for it
And:Chris Harris said:
It also provides a solution for those seeking dual car ownership - something silly for weekends and something sensible for the daily trudge.
And: Chris Harris said:
In white, on steelies it has a kind of blunt industrial beauty that people who love basic French machinery will adore - I certainly did
I don't quite understand why he has such a problem with a simple, fun, cheap roadster and then praises the Dacia Duster. He was somewhat analytical about how the MX5 drove and then wrote about how the Dacia made him feel.For having a laugh on a Sunday afternoon.. it's pretty damn good in my experience. It's just... fun.
Who cares about steering feel and BHP, cars should be measured on smile factor.
Best regards,
Matt
Edited by BeirutTaxi on Sunday 2nd March 18:14
BeirutTaxi said:
If there is one thing I don't get... Chris Harris gave the MX5 a bit of a bashing and then wrote this piece on the Dacia Duster:
You can write anything when you set yourself up as a low rent Jeremy Clarkson.It's quite obvious that the Duster is betterer and more funner than an MX5.
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