Lets talk MX5s. NC v ND1 2.0 v ND1 1.5
Discussion
I think I've now decided I need another MX-5 in my life, and I'm weighing up the options.
Maximum budget is £15K, but ideally quite a bit less.
Option 1: NC 2.0 Sport Tech with mods
I do like the late NC shape, and it's the last with hydraulic steering, but the stock engine is a bit "meh" so I'd be taking it to BBR for some breathing mods, probably the Super 200 again.
Downsides are that it's the heaviest MX5 ever, at nearly 1,200 kg. I've also had an early NC already with the BBR Super 200, I did like it a lot, but an element of been there, done that.
Option 2: ND1 2.0 with mods
I also quite like the ND shape, and it's a lot lighter than the NC. However, it gets slated for its steering, and the stock engine is just as "meh" as the NC so I'd want to mod it.
Option 3: ND1 1.5
This one appeals to me, the lightest and purest MX5 currently available. Nice revvy engine. Despite the fact I say want to mod the above, it's for character, not speed, as my Super 200 still wasn't that quick really. I want a car I can take on a B road and thrash the pants off it without worrying. Plus I could save a fair bit of money as I'd probably only sort the suspension and intake / exhaust noise, both of which can be done relatively cheaply. Downside? No LSD. But does it need one with this power level? It wont be going on track. Plus the smaller wheels with more sidewalls should be good for our knackered roads.
I love this particular shape / colour combo too (also like them in black).
Maximum budget is £15K, but ideally quite a bit less.
Option 1: NC 2.0 Sport Tech with mods
I do like the late NC shape, and it's the last with hydraulic steering, but the stock engine is a bit "meh" so I'd be taking it to BBR for some breathing mods, probably the Super 200 again.
Downsides are that it's the heaviest MX5 ever, at nearly 1,200 kg. I've also had an early NC already with the BBR Super 200, I did like it a lot, but an element of been there, done that.
Option 2: ND1 2.0 with mods
I also quite like the ND shape, and it's a lot lighter than the NC. However, it gets slated for its steering, and the stock engine is just as "meh" as the NC so I'd want to mod it.
Option 3: ND1 1.5
This one appeals to me, the lightest and purest MX5 currently available. Nice revvy engine. Despite the fact I say want to mod the above, it's for character, not speed, as my Super 200 still wasn't that quick really. I want a car I can take on a B road and thrash the pants off it without worrying. Plus I could save a fair bit of money as I'd probably only sort the suspension and intake / exhaust noise, both of which can be done relatively cheaply. Downside? No LSD. But does it need one with this power level? It wont be going on track. Plus the smaller wheels with more sidewalls should be good for our knackered roads.
I love this particular shape / colour combo too (also like them in black).
That ND looks nice, I see some and am not sold on the looks but others look good.
Purists say the 1.5 is the better unit for driving as you describe, seems to be a more willing free revving engine.
You can only really decide by trying them out back to back but I know that can be difficult.
Purists say the 1.5 is the better unit for driving as you describe, seems to be a more willing free revving engine.
You can only really decide by trying them out back to back but I know that can be difficult.
Belle427 said:
That ND looks nice, I see some and am not sold on the looks but others look good.
Purists say the 1.5 is the better unit for driving as you describe, seems to be a more willing free revving engine.
You can only really decide by trying them out back to back but I know that can be difficult.
I know what you mean, but that one looks nice. I think white or black is good colour for these.Purists say the 1.5 is the better unit for driving as you describe, seems to be a more willing free revving engine.
You can only really decide by trying them out back to back but I know that can be difficult.
CMTMB said:
ND 1.5 for me. I've been keeping an eye on prices as I quite fancy getting one at some point.
Yep, I'm strangely very drawn to the little 1.5, by all accounts, it's the engine Mazda wanted it to have in the first place.Plus the thought of being able to spank it down a B road without blasting through triple digits like I would in my current car is highly appealing. I think the higher power variants tip the balance slightly towards being a little too quick again.
Ultimately as well, I go out these days to enjoy the experience of roof down motoring, my boy racer days are really behind me these days, and I couldn't care less about racing around or anything like that. There's a joy to be had of peddling a slow-ish car down a B road at speeds that would surprise people in more powerful machinery.
The fuel economy on the 1.5 is a nice bonus too - 40 MPG even when driven fairly hard is the reports. I can get less than 20 MPG out of my JCW when driven with intent, and rarely ever more than 25.
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Monday 9th March 11:37
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff