Legroom - Mark 2 or Mark 3

[fido]

This has probably been asked before - but if you're a slightly leggy 6ft2 chap, will the Mark 3 (2009/2010) be a better fit than the previous version? Every inch matters and not bothered about other parameters. Most likely going for a Roadster with electric roof.

[fido]

HorneyMX5 said:

Loads of late MK3s in dealers so you can always annoy a sales guy to see what one is like.

Thanks - just about to get one booked.

[fido]

Actus Reus said:

The main issue that I found was that I just sat a bit high in the car - not so much leg room

Yes, I am looking forwards to seeing how much headroom there is beneath the electric roof. Last time I sat in a roadster was an MGF and it did feel like sitting ON a car rather than snugly inside a roadster. Also tried an S2000 and couldn't physically get inside the car! Hence asking about the MK3 because it seems many six-footers have no problems with it ..

[fido]

Just as an update. I have now purchase a Mk3.5 (<- you see I am now au fait with the terminology. sad eh) - think the slightly higher redline and Bilsteins did it, if only to satisfy the inner nerd.

In case the salesman is reading this (quite likely as he seems like an MX-5 devotee) let's just say it was an 'entertaining' test drive. Fits perfectly with thin-sole driving shoes though I wish Mazda had made the windscreen 2cm taller.

Hopefully, get some miles on it over the summer. It might even motivate me to move somewhere with a garage again ..

[fido]

I have done 150 miles in the Mk3.5 now and getting quite comfortable with it - no need to fiddle with the seats. Struggling a bit with gear-changing (1st, and occasionally 2nd are a bit hard to slot into) and visibility, but on the plus side parking is a breeze (it's so small and manoevrable).

I was toying with getting a BBR 180 upgrade but can't justify the 2k outlay at the moment for a shiny new exhaust system. Also not sure if the apparent lack of torque below 2.5k is entirely due to the MZR engine or because I am fluffing the gear-changes and losing some rpm/momentum - will get the clutch adjusted at the next check-up. Or I may have got used to it by then.

Edited by fido on Tuesday 21st March 11:11

[fido]

MX-5 Lazza said:

2500rpm? That's idle isn't it?

Had a slightly better run last night keeping the revs up. To be fair the last 2 litre NA car I drove was a Civic Type-R and you could gently pull away with 2000rpm - not quickly but it didn't just bog down which the MZR seems to do. Also tried adding 1/4 tank of the Momentum 99 (which seems to be a contentuous topic) - don't think it was my imagination but it felt better to drive. Got used to the clutch as well - though 1st still requires a second press of the clutch sometimes. Dealer suggested bleeding the clutch fluid (though it has just had a big service so will leave it until the MOT).