MX5 Mk2 - is the 1.6 really useless vs 1.8?
Discussion
My OH & I are in the market for a low-cost fun car and the MX5 (in true PH style) fits the bill. The local indie that services our cars has an absolutely immaculate one with a factory hard top in British Racing Green. 51K but a full history. £4,750 seems a little steep for an 03 but I'm sure there's wriggle-room there.
The thing that niggles me is that it's a 1.6, not the 1.8 and everyone seems to say the 99BHP 1.6 just isn't enough for the car. I'd be very interested to hear whether other PHers would consider a 1.6.
The thing that niggles me is that it's a 1.6, not the 1.8 and everyone seems to say the 99BHP 1.6 just isn't enough for the car. I'd be very interested to hear whether other PHers would consider a 1.6.
As stated, its very, very expansive! Id expect to pay far less for a clean Mk2.5 1.8 VVT Sport with a hard top.
The 1.6 isnt as lame as many will have you believe, as the power output is respectable - it was only the UK market 1994> 1.6l Mk1 that was detuned.
The 1.6 isnt as lame as many will have you believe, as the power output is respectable - it was only the UK market 1994> 1.6l Mk1 that was detuned.
Edited by GC8 on Friday 9th March 16:26
UnderTheRadar said:
My OH & I are in the market for a low-cost fun car and the MX5 (in true PH style) fits the bill. The local indie that services our cars has an absolutely immaculate one with a factory hard top in British Racing Green. 51K but a full history. £4,750 seems a little steep for an 03 but I'm sure there's wriggle-room there.
The thing that niggles me is that it's a 1.6, not the 1.8 and everyone seems to say the 99BHP 1.6 just isn't enough for the car. I'd be very interested to hear whether other PHers would consider a 1.6.
Does it really matter what other PH'ers would or wouldn't consider?? Surely the only opinions worth anything are that of your OH and your own.The thing that niggles me is that it's a 1.6, not the 1.8 and everyone seems to say the 99BHP 1.6 just isn't enough for the car. I'd be very interested to hear whether other PHers would consider a 1.6.
So on that basis drive it and see what you think. If you like it, then you know it's fine, if you don't, then you also know. If you are not sure, then arrange to drive a 1.8 version so you can compare.
Thank you for your replies. So it's overpriced, availability of the 1.8 is good and I can get one for less than they are selling the 1.6. Although the 1.6 is not a dog. However I think in this area there is more money than sense and someone will buy it at that price because of the BRG colour and it's cosmetically mint.
ETA Actually I just drove past and it's £4790
ETA Actually I just drove past and it's £4790
I went for a 1.6 NB as it was in the colour,spec and condition I was after, I only test drove 1.6s, and am perfectly happy with mine.
The engine can be a little gutless toward the top end, but that doesn't detract from the handling of the car, and theres something amusing about revving the nuts off it to get some performance.
If you do ever go FI, the 1.6 is just as good a platform as the 1.8, and you can take that 110bhp to circa 200 with no problem.
The engine can be a little gutless toward the top end, but that doesn't detract from the handling of the car, and theres something amusing about revving the nuts off it to get some performance.
If you do ever go FI, the 1.6 is just as good a platform as the 1.8, and you can take that 110bhp to circa 200 with no problem.
No, it's a great little engine. Still thirsty, but I have always found 1.6 MX5's a little more willing to rev and requiring just a touch more 'wringing out' to get the best from them. I'd choose the 1.8 if I were looking for a cruiser, and the 1.6 for a fun little blaster.
More important I think is to choose a car on price and condition. There is little between the engines when out on the road, and you're best putting your cash to the best car overall.
More important I think is to choose a car on price and condition. There is little between the engines when out on the road, and you're best putting your cash to the best car overall.
given how rusty even some late Mk2.5s are, I'd be worrying about other things than the engine.UnderTheRadar said:
Interesting - apologies for the novice question but where should I be looking for rust?
Rear arches and sills are the first places you can really see it. And on the inside of the boot lid. But if you can see cosmetic rust there there is a good chance that it may be present in more critical areas like suspension mounts etc etc. Had a 1.6 in crystal blue colour and loved it. Sounded awesome with the K&N typhoon filter and this seemed to give it some serious extra power...front end seemed to lift up somewhat when booting it and it absolutely roared. Beat many a car off lights...notably a flash young Asian guy who clearly loved cars in a pimped Audi TT...side by side at lights all the way to next set...he was so impressed he wound window down and said " fast innit" what engines innit? 1.6. Can't imagine 1.8 is much better.
1981linley said:
Had a 1.6 in crystal blue colour and loved it. Sounded awesome with the K&N typhoon filter and this seemed to give it some serious extra power...front end seemed to lift up somewhat when booting it and it absolutely roared. Beat many a car off lights...notably a flash young Asian guy who clearly loved cars in a pimped Audi TT...side by side at lights all the way to next set...he was so impressed he wound window down and said " fast innit" what engines innit? 1.6. Can't imagine 1.8 is much better.
Cool story bro... 
1.8 is far far quicker, the air filter just makes it noisier, not actually faster.
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