Difference between Mk1 and Mk2
Discussion
I've been toying with the idea of a Mk1 MX5 after my Mrs kaiboshed my Elise plans with talk of babies (meaning the more expensive car couldn't be a two seater). I still have a hankering for a lightweight sportscar so the MX5 is the default choice (i.e. less than £2k).
However I've noticed a couple of Mk2s that look alright and they're also around the same price. I've done a quick search using our wonderful search function but can't seem to find anything to help me.
Please can somebody help to sum up the pros and cons for each? I'd want it for commuting a 24mile round trip all your round and also for weekend day trips/lightweight camping. We can deal without creature comforts but they're obviously nice when it's cold and wet.
Thanks
However I've noticed a couple of Mk2s that look alright and they're also around the same price. I've done a quick search using our wonderful search function but can't seem to find anything to help me.
Please can somebody help to sum up the pros and cons for each? I'd want it for commuting a 24mile round trip all your round and also for weekend day trips/lightweight camping. We can deal without creature comforts but they're obviously nice when it's cold and wet.
Thanks
skinny said:
mk2 is all round and girly.
basically, they're all old enough to suffer the same problems - namely rust. choose which shape you like and then buy on condition.
That's it really. Get a bit more power out of the MK2 engines. But it's nothing much to write home about as neither is a fire breathing monster.basically, they're all old enough to suffer the same problems - namely rust. choose which shape you like and then buy on condition.
MK2 interior is a slightly nicer place to be if you're in it for hours...
The words splitting and hairs comes to mind.
The Mk1s are older and so "more likely" to suffer from rust as a result. However the Mk2s seem to rust a bit easier. Basically buy on condition (rust is the big killer, roofs are also quite expensive). The general opinion is the Mk1 is slightly more raw, whereas the Mk2 has a tiny bit more power (so basically no different) and a nicer cabin.
If/ went you get one clear the drainage holes, rust-proof the arches if they haveb't been done already and the oil guage is basically a dummy so it won't move much. The fuel guage is also not the most accurate (certainly on my Mk2) - it stays at full for ages, then drops quickly to near empty and stays there for a while.
If/ went you get one clear the drainage holes, rust-proof the arches if they haveb't been done already and the oil guage is basically a dummy so it won't move much. The fuel guage is also not the most accurate (certainly on my Mk2) - it stays at full for ages, then drops quickly to near empty and stays there for a while.
I have a MKI and the wife has a MKII.
MKI looks better (IMO) but the MKII is a much more modern feeling car inside. The interior finish is leaps and bounds ahead of the MKI. Driving wise they feel pretty much the same although the wife's is a 1.8 6speed so it's a fair bit quicker. The MKI is a classic design and while I like the MKII I'm not sure it's look is quite as timeless, plus the MKI pop up lights are just plain awesome.
I'd try both and see which you prefer and then buy one with no rot. Which ever you get you'll have a big grin on your face eveytime you drop the hood and take it for a razz.
Nick
MKI looks better (IMO) but the MKII is a much more modern feeling car inside. The interior finish is leaps and bounds ahead of the MKI. Driving wise they feel pretty much the same although the wife's is a 1.8 6speed so it's a fair bit quicker. The MKI is a classic design and while I like the MKII I'm not sure it's look is quite as timeless, plus the MKI pop up lights are just plain awesome.
I'd try both and see which you prefer and then buy one with no rot. Which ever you get you'll have a big grin on your face eveytime you drop the hood and take it for a razz.
Nick
I have both.
The MK2 is much more refined without loosing anything of the 'MX5ness'.
The only downside to the MK2 is the lack of aftermarket parts in comparision to the MK1.
Personally I can't understand the affity to pop-up lights, they take up far too much room in the engine bay, (much less room for intercooler pipework etc), and look pretty gash when they're actually up.
Both versions are prone to rust on the rear cills, but unfortunately the MK2 is very prone to rust it's main strengthening beams in the engine bay - from the inside out - pay very careful attention to the bits the front subframe attaches too when looking at a MK2.
Best thing to suggest is to get a drive in both and pick what you prefer.
The MK2 is much more refined without loosing anything of the 'MX5ness'.
The only downside to the MK2 is the lack of aftermarket parts in comparision to the MK1.
Personally I can't understand the affity to pop-up lights, they take up far too much room in the engine bay, (much less room for intercooler pipework etc), and look pretty gash when they're actually up.
Both versions are prone to rust on the rear cills, but unfortunately the MK2 is very prone to rust it's main strengthening beams in the engine bay - from the inside out - pay very careful attention to the bits the front subframe attaches too when looking at a MK2.
Best thing to suggest is to get a drive in both and pick what you prefer.
IMO, if you are in any way worried about the "hairdresser" image of MX5s then stick with a MK1. They look much more timeless and classic, less of the girlyness of later models. IMO of course.
OTher than looks, it's just a case of refinement, you can tell a MK2 is a newer car in many ways but yet again I prefer the sparseness of the MK1.
It's all personal preference
OTher than looks, it's just a case of refinement, you can tell a MK2 is a newer car in many ways but yet again I prefer the sparseness of the MK1.
It's all personal preference
SimonV8ster said:
Is the MK2 based on the MK1 or was it a new design ?
The Mk2 and Mk1 are the same car underneath basically. They are much, much more alike in the majority of ways than most people seem to want to admit for whatever reason. With 'eyes closed', you could drive them both and it would be hard to tell the difference.
Between about £2-3 grand, you could buy either really, depending on what you had to hand.
Interior space is pretty much the same. Boot in Mk2 is marginally larger.
The updates to the Mk2 are just the kind of things that could have gone into a 'Mid term facelift' as it were, had the car kept the pop-ups. slight stiffer, touch more power, nicer inside, little touches really.
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