Mk3 handling

[neon_fox]

Although in the market for a Mk1 car to replace my previous Mk2 VS-limited, I've noticed how far down in price the early Mk3s have come. Does the Mk3 handle the same as the others? I drove a Mk3 some time ago and felt it was rather 'aloof' and didn't feel alive the same way the mk1/2 do.

I'd be interested to hear from people that have moved to a Mk3 from a Mk1 or 2 and have sorted the handling, and how it compares to their previous cars.

Thanks in advance,

Fox.

[hornetrider]

I had a very well sorted Mk1 R-Ltd on billies with a fast road setup, moved to a Boxster S, then back into a Mk3.5 Coupe. My 3.5 has Eibachs and also a fast road setup and although its a bit more refined than the Mk1 in general believe you me it is every bit as precise. It has more mechanical grip due to the wider 17s, but you can still get it to play around the limit - just not quite as easily as a 15" shod Mk1. Performance wise it is quicker than the Mk1 and man alive are the brakes better - they stop you on a dime.

I think with all MX5s until you know you have driven a well sorted one, its very easy to generalise about handling qualities as you won't be comparing like for like.

[madmover]

Having owned a MK2 and Driven a MK3 I can appreciate they handle totally different but i have to say i was very impressed with the MK3 handling and thought it was a great car. They are totally different but reading about it seems the handling isnt regarded as a 'problem' by many people who enjoy to drive 'spiritedly' guess it all comes down to what you want out of the car...

[Craikeybaby]

I owned a mk1 for 6 year (4 on standard suspension and 2 on coilovers) and I currently own a mk3.5 (standard suspension) and the mk3.5 handles just as well as the mk1 did on standard suspension, if not a little better due to the smoother ride. Obviously it doesn't corner as well as the mk1 on coilovers and I don't get shaken around over every crease on the road.

I've driven a mk3 on standard suspension and didn't get on with it at all.

[Trefy5]

Another nod to the qualities of the mk3 (can't speak for the .5)
I've driven my mate's 1.8 mk1 (set up properly) and my mk3 1.8 (also WiM'd) back to back - less than two weeks ago
Both feel brilliant for differing reasons and my mk1 mate thoroughly enjoyed driving mine. We were on and near the Triangle at the time
Another friend has a 1.6 mk2 - the first 5 i ever drove. I drove it again back in April whilst mine was having her eibachs fitted and the mk2 felt brilliant in another way again. They don't really care for theirs but the handling ignited the famous MX5 smile on my face.

Set up correctly, no matter the mk you will love it
Enjoy