New shape or old shape

[owain]

If you were spending 8-12k on a convertible sporty car, out of either an early new shape mx5 or one of the last old shape models which would be best?
I prefer the look of the old shape but i'm not sure of the main differences between the models
any info/opinions would be great
also what tends to be the best choice engine/spec wise?

[Wigeon Incognito]

Try them both, they're very different IMO.

I'd probably go for a Mk3 (new shape) 2.0i Sport and if it didn't already have the Eibach suspension upgrade fitted (a dealer option that sorts the handling and makes the car sit as it should) I'd have it fitted.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Also depends on what you want to use the car for. If it's motorways, lazy drives, long journeys etc. then the Mk3 is a much more comfortable place to be. If you want a b-road blatter and fun driving car then the older models would be a better match. The Mk3 can do the b-road blatting and the Mk2.5 can do motorways (especially the 1.8 Sport model with 6-speed gearbox) but they are different cars.

[missing the VR6]

Mk3 2.0 Sport. Had three as company cars and as a daily prospect they beat the MK1/2 hands down.

[zac510]

8-12k I'd get the newest model you can! Although I've never driven one I'm sure the mk3 would be the superior purchase, for mechanical/condition reasons too.

[OllieBirmingham]

Buy a Mk1 and do a lairy engine conversion, then spent the change on cocaine and hookers. Just a thought.....

[Pulse]

As above, they are different cars. I've had 2 Mk2s however, and had no issues with driving them on motorways etc.

One thing to note is that the engine technology in the older models is very old, so poor MPG. I reckon you'd get better MPG from the 2.0 Mk3 than you would from the 1.8 Mk2. Maybe even the 1.6. My MPG was dismal (worse than my 2.0T VXR in fact!)

My pick... Hmmm. I'd save my money and go for a Mk2.5 1.8 (a Sport if you can, as they come with LSD, although they carry a price premium).