Is the S / S-VT worth it?

[waveman]

I am set on getting an MX-5 within the near future. Will be going for something around £3/£4.5k most likely a Mk2.5.

Trying to decide between a standard 1.8 or a S/S-VT.

What are the main differences and is the S a much better drive?

Cheers

[Richyvrlimited]

LSD on its own is enough of a difference to make it worth it.

But generally the svt is a higher spec so heated leather seats, A/C, fog lights etc.

[LukeBird]

The S-VT is definitely worth it IMO. It has decent toys on it and the punchier VVT engine is a decent upgrade as it's torquier lower down the rev range and hence quite a lot more flexible.

[GBDG]

You could look at a Euphonic too, they have an LSD, front strut brace, (imo slightly iffy) leather interior, heated seats and lovely alloys.

[MX-5 Lazza]

All Mk2.5 1.8 have the VVT engine. S-VT isn't really a model, it's 1.8 or 1.8 Sport.
Sport adds some nice extras like heated leather seats, LSD, 16" alloys but all should have electric windows, mirrors, ABS.
AC is an option so is just as likely to be found on the base 1.8 as the Sport.

[waveman]

Awesome, cheers for that guys.

Yeah I do love the Euphonic alloys.

Does the Euphonic have the 6 speed gearbox from the S or the standard 5 speed. Is there really much of a difference?

Will I notice much of a difference with the LSD on the road or just on track days ( I do plan to do a few of these in it)?

I have also heard that some but not all of the S spec have uprated Bilstein suspension how do you spot the difference?

[hornetrider]

GBDG said:

You could look at a Euphonic too, they have an LSD, front strut brace, (imo slightly iffy) leather interior, heated seats and lovely alloys.

Or a Phoenix on an 02 plate. Brown leather in that one.

http://www.mx5-3rdgenerationlimited.com/phoenix.ht...

[Daaave]

You'll struggle to notice the LSD on the road, on track it makes a huge difference when exiting corners. Some say that the handling can be adversely affected on the road with a LSD, I can't say I'm good enough to notice. Unless you plan on doing a fair amount of track work it's a feature that should not be in your top five must have bits on the car.

[hornetrider]

Got to disagree there Dave me old chum.

[arthurc604]

Good luck on your hunt. I picked up this one after 2 months of searching: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260900343726#ht_1593wt_9...

I'm pretty new to MX-5s so hopefully someone will correct me if I'm wrong. The Bilstein dampers can be easily identified by their yellow body. Some say that the ride is a bit harsh, and is actually better with aftermarket coilovers even with stiffer spring rates. Personally I don't mind too much.

I think another difference with the sport models is the addition of a few bits of chassis bracing as indicated in this diagram: http://members.fortunecity.com/jasoncuadra/06841e6...

Here's another source on the sport bracing that you get: http://forum.miata.net/vb/archive/index.php/t-2904...

[MX-5 Lazza]

Bigger brakes on the Mk2.5 Sport too

[GBDG]

waveman said:

Does the Euphonic have the 6 speed gearbox from the S or the standard 5 speed. Is there really much of a difference?

It has the 5 speed box, which I believe has slightly better fuel economy. Not sure how it otherwise affects performance.

[Richyvrlimited]

Daaave said:

You'll struggle to notice the LSD on the road, on track it makes a huge difference when exiting corners. Some say that the handling can be adversely affected on the road with a LSD, I can't say I'm good enough to notice. Unless you plan on doing a fair amount of track work it's a feature that should not be in your top five must have bits on the car.

Couldn't disagree more.

Sans LSD the car is benine and basically dull to drive. With an LSD the thing comes alive and is much more communicative over what it's doing.

It's the first thing I did to my MK2.5 It's a feature that SHOULD be in your top 5.

[Richyvrlimited]

GBDG said:

It has the 5 speed box, which I believe has slightly better fuel economy. Not sure how it otherwise affects performance.

Economy should be broardly similar, the 6 speed has closer ratios, but a longer final drive.

[Gorilla Boy]

Bigger brakes are useful, heated seats keep the mrs happy and the 6speed box you get used to quickly

[Bonefish Blues]

We had this same dilemma c2 years ago, and the answer was yes, in Sport flavour - it's a great spec. and drive.

All of the various Special Editions seemed to be missing something or other, so we just got the Sport we should have looked at in the first place.

[gd49]

waveman said:

Does the Euphonic have the 6 speed gearbox from the S or the standard 5 speed. Is there really much of a difference?

Will I notice much of a difference with the LSD on the road or just on track days ( I do plan to do a few of these in it)?

I have also heard that some but not all of the S spec have uprated Bilstein suspension how do you spot the difference?

Most things with 5s come down to personal preference - there's plenty of people out there who prefer the 5 speed or 6 speed box, some people are happy without LSD, others regard it as essential. Test drive a couple of different specs then decide what you want.

Personally I preferred the softer standard suspension over the Bilsteins, and the change of the 5 speed box over the 6 speed box, but I use mine as a daily driver and don't do track days yet. Not got an LSD, it's still more than capable of some sideways action but can't comment on the difference an LSD would make.

Bilstein suspension should be easy to spot if you look under the rear of the car - can't remember if it's blue or yellow but it is distinctively different to the standard suspension.