Which MX-5 version is best?

[Biccaroo]

PHer's seem to love the MX-5 but which version (e.g. 1.8 Nevada) is considered to be the best and offers the greatest VFM? I'd like to focus mainly on the second generation as the first generation is getting on a bit and the latest incarnation isn't quite so good (Is it?). Cheers!

[GC8]

A late Japanese market Mk2/NB will probably be the best. The original forced induction Mazdaspeed cars are brilliant, but rare.

[caraddict]

GC8 said:

A late Japanese market Mk2/NB will probably be the best. The original forced induction Mazdaspeed cars are brilliant, but rare.

What makes the Japanese version better?

[Simbu]

I'm rather biased but the pre-facelift S model is pretty great! 140bhp 1.8 engine, LSD. Find one with a hard top and no rust (not easy) and you're sorted.

Only downside to pre-facelifts IMO are the seats. They're just not supportive enough. You and your passenger will slide all over the place if you press on through the twisties.

[GC8]

caraddict said:

What makes the Japanese version better?

Higher specification, better bits and all NBs had a six speed transmission and LSD. The later JDM NBs were rated at 160PS too.

[cheddar]

I've owned 5 of 'em, loved them all but the earliest NA 1.6's (had two) were the sweet spot for me.

Early 1.8 NB's (had two) were a little coarse, ordinary and the least enjoyable.

Had the very last of the NB's (2004) more power, bigger tyres, more kit. They were definitely the quickest and grippiest, but the best? No.

Be hard work finding a straight, rustfree sweet NA 1.6 but worth the effort.

All IMHO of course

[Onetrackmind]

Mk1 JDM Eunos 1.8 RS. Particularly driver focused with BBS alloys, Recaro Kevlar seats, Torsen diff with low ratios qnd Bilstein suspension.

[Biccaroo]

Hmm, ok. What if I wasn't interested in JDM versions? Which UK cars are considered the best and why?

[GC8]

Late facelifted Mk2 / NB cars. As youve seen though, its subjective and we dont all agree. Ive owned lots of cars with pop up headlamps so they dont sway my opinion at all, but others love them and overlook the Mk1s shortcomings.

[Papa Hotel]

The mk3 with the folding hard-top is best. [/thread]

[uk_vette]

Sorry,

What is NB ?

vette

[ambuletz]

This site will help you understand what models came with what spec, its a shame they don't do it as a comparison table aswell.
http://www.mx5-mazda.co.uk/mk2models.htm

The face-lift/mk2.5 versions do look alot nicer!

[GC8]

uk_vette said:

Sorry,

What is NB ?

vette

Chassis prefix / model identifier. Mark 1 is the NA, Mark 2 the NB and the current Mark 3, the NC.

[Onetrackmind]

Biccaroo said:

Hmm, ok. What if I wasn't interested in JDM versions? Which UK cars are considered the best and why?

It's really worth going for a JDM car if you want an earlier one. Less rust, better spec, usually come with an LSD. Loads were imported including the RS I referred to, so you'll have no problem finding one.

[uk_vette]

GC8 said:

uk_vette said:

Sorry,

What is NB ?

vette

Chassis prefix / model identifier. Mark 1 is the NA, Mark 2 the NB and the current Mark 3, the NC.

.
.
Thanks

So basically?
The NA was the pop up headlights
The NB was the exposed head lights, with square front edge bonnet
The NC is exposed headlights with the quite rounded front edge bonnet.

In lay mans terms, , , , , , is this some thing right?

Sorry

vette

[MrBrightSi]

BBR turbo.

Enough said.

[Shaw Tarse]

uk_vette said:

GC8 said:

uk_vette said:

Sorry,

What is NB ?

vette

Chassis prefix / model identifier. Mark 1 is the NA, Mark 2 the NB and the current Mark 3, the NC.

.
.
Thanks

So basically?
The NA was the pop up headlights
The NB was the exposed head lights, with square front edge bonnet
The NC is exposed headlights with the quite rounded front edge bonnet.

In lay mans terms, , , , , , is this some thing right?

Sorry

vette

I think so, ignoring the .5 facelift models

[Biccaroo]

In terms of looks I only really like the face-lifted MX-5 NB/Second Generation/Mk2 versions. This at least has some aggressive styling. The others are far too curvy/bubbly for my liking.

Compared to the MR2 Mk3, how are they on space and practicality? Any better? My MR2 is a fantastic little car, but the lack of storage space is starting to become a problem.

[ambuletz]

Biccaroo said:

In terms of looks I only really like the face-lifted MX-5 NB/Second Generation/Mk2 versions. This at least has some aggressive styling. The others are far too curvy/bubbly for my liking.

Compared to the MR2 Mk3, how are they on space and practicality? Any better? My MR2 is a fantastic little car, but the lack of storage space is starting to become a problem.

well the MX-5 would be more practical.

This is quite an extensive review on it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saFxTZnfEzs

[cheddar]

The Crack Fox said:

Less is more with the MX-5, I've driven the lot, but a grand spent on an early 1.6 NA car is the way to go IMO. Look for rust.

+1