Mk3/3.5 headroom. Are they the same?

[raf_gti]

I took my OH along today to try an MX-5 for size, both being 6'2 headroom is a bit of an issue for us! Sitting inside a cloth top 3.5 we both found our heads touching the support struts.

Now I've sat in a Mk3 before and I'm sure I found it a tad more spacious, is the headroom likely to be the same on both?

It should be pointed out that this is the first time I've sat in one with a 'view to buy' so perhaps I simply overlooked it before. Bit of an arse if that proves to be the case!

[Waugh-terfall]

Your OH is 6ft 2?!

As far as I know the NC facelift consisted of new lights, bumpers, grille styles, new dials and a bit more leg room, although looking at dimensions on Wikipedia I get this:

Height:

2006-08: 49.0 in (1,240 mm)
2006-08 PRHT: 49.4 in (1,250 mm)
2009-: 1,245 mm (49.0 in)
2009- RHT:　1,255 mm (49.4 in)

Suggesting a 3.5 is slightly taller than an earlier 3.

[Shaw Tarse]

I'd have thought the headroom would be the same on the two models?
In fact I'd have thought all MX5s have miles of headroom

[hornetrider]

The seats are different in the two cars, whether one is inherently higher than t'other I cannot say. What I do know is in the 3.5 the driver's side is height adjustable (not so in the 3 I believe)

Edited by hornetrider on Wednesday 24th November 18:51

[Waugh-terfall]

Shaw Tarse said:

In fact I'd have thought all MX5s have miles of headroom

I was just thinking, I've only been in a mk2, and not had any issues with headroom at 6ft 4, then it dawned on me, I've never been in it with the roof up!

[Shaw Tarse]

Height adjustable seats were not generally avaliable in Mk3 though I think they wre on the Niesko? (sp)

[raf_gti]

<humph>

After today it could be a case of standby for another what car thread in GG!

Very impressed with those of you who can manage to live with a 5 being even taller than I am.

[MX-5 Lazza]

I'm 6'2" and have had Mk1 & Mk2.5 MX5s for 12 years. I'd say try another one and adjust the seat a bit. You might find there is a bit more headroom if you lean the seat back a bit (as is the normal seating position in a small sports car ).

[hornetrider]

raf_gti said:

I took my OH along today to try an MX-5 for size, both being 6'2 headroom is a bit of an issue for us! Sitting inside a cloth top 3.5 we both found our heads touching the support struts.

Did you lower the seat?

[DannyGi11]

hornetrider said:

raf_gti said:

I took my OH along today to try an MX-5 for size, both being 6'2 headroom is a bit of an issue for us! Sitting inside a cloth top 3.5 we both found our heads touching the support struts.

Did you lower the seat?

^^This^^

I'm 6'3" and manage fine. But i dont know id the RC has more room in it?

[hornetrider]

DannyGi11 said:

I'm 6'3" and manage fine. But i dont know if the RC has more room in it?

Are you saying there is yet another advantage to having the RC?

[Jonny671]

I've found the MK3/.5 sit higher than the MK1 & 2.. Not sure why, think the base is bigger because of the height adjuster. In the MK3/.5 they have seat adjuster on the drivers side only, passenger doesn't have it.

Tom, how tall are you compared to BigC? He couldn't get in my MK2 with the roof on due to being too tall..

[Pints]

Jonny671 said:

I've found the MK3/.5 sit higher than the MK1 & 2.. Not sure why, think the base is bigger because of the height adjuster. In the MK3/.5 they have seat adjuster on the drivers side only, passenger doesn't have it.

I don't think the 1.8 has the height adjustment on the mk3. If it does, I haven't found it yet (and I could really do with it being bumped up a notch - the short arse that I am).

[hornetrider]

Pints said:

I don't think the 1.8 has the height adjustment on the mk3. If it does, I haven't found it yet (and I could really do with it being bumped up a notch - the short arse that I am).

Why not get yourself a nice trendy seat booster cushion?

[DannyGi11]

hornetrider said:

DannyGi11 said:

I'm 6'3" and manage fine. But i dont know if the RC has more room in it?

Are you saying there is yet another advantage to having the RC?

Quite possibly. I know I tested a mk3 soft top and my head was brushing the roof. The RC doesn't. Got about an inch to spare.

Its the best choice anyways! Cue the arguments hehee

[Pints]

hornetrider said:

Pints said:

I don't think the 1.8 has the height adjustment on the mk3. If it does, I haven't found it yet (and I could really do with it being bumped up a notch - the short arse that I am).

Why not get yourself a nice trendy seat booster cushion?

You have no idea how close to the truth you are.

[hornetrider]

Pints said:

hornetrider said:

Pints said:

I don't think the 1.8 has the height adjustment on the mk3. If it does, I haven't found it yet (and I could really do with it being bumped up a notch - the short arse that I am).

Why not get yourself a nice trendy seat booster cushion?

You have no idea how close to the truth you are.

perhaps you should change your login to Halfpints?

[raf_gti]

Well...

It appears the trick is to lower the seat then push the seat back, that certainly seemed to improve the situation

Also, it wasn't the support strut my head was brushing against but the 'bit of cloth' in-between them, what the hell is that used for?

All in all very happy with the test drive, just got to persuade the OH now that 2 seats and no real boot will be practical for us!

[Waugh-terfall]

Jonny671 said:

I've found the MK3/.5 sit higher than the MK1 & 2.. Not sure why, think the base is bigger because of the height adjuster. In the MK3/.5 they have seat adjuster on the drivers side only, passenger doesn't have it.

Tom, how tall are you compared to BigC? He couldn't get in my MK2 with the roof on due to being too tall..

following you through 'the bends' that day, looked like Noddy's car, his head was so far above the windscreen! I'm about 6ft 4, I've never been in yours with the roof up, though I tend to slump in yours, out of the wind. Bear in mind also, I've the seat right back and right down in my car, and my hair brushes the roof lining. Didn't you take some padding from the seat to make it sit lower, this could be an option, OP?

[Jonny671]

Waugh-terfall said:

Jonny671 said:

I've found the MK3/.5 sit higher than the MK1 & 2.. Not sure why, think the base is bigger because of the height adjuster. In the MK3/.5 they have seat adjuster on the drivers side only, passenger doesn't have it.

Tom, how tall are you compared to BigC? He couldn't get in my MK2 with the roof on due to being too tall..

following you through 'the bends' that day, looked like Noddy's car, his head was so far above the windscreen! I'm about 6ft 4, I've never been in yours with the roof up, though I tend to slump in yours, out of the wind. Bear in mind also, I've the seat right back and right down in my car, and my hair brushes the roof lining. Didn't you take some padding from the seat to make it sit lower, this could be an option, OP?

Yeah I took some foam out of the drivers seat. I probably wouldn't try it on a MK3 seat cause of the cost when it goes wrong