NC 1.8 versus 2.0

[sawman]

Can anyone give insight into the realworld differences in the engine options for the NC mx5. Does the 2.0 feel much quicker? or sound better? or it is more satisfying to wring out the smaller engine on twisty backroads? Is the bigger engine a better grand tourer?

also does the bigger engined car come with any other bits that are considered improvements? I think I read somewhere it comes with an LSD whereas the 1.8 doesn't - anything else??

Also at what age do they start getting rusty? and are they generally reliable.

how do either version compare to the 1.6 NA? (I had one of those 10 years or so ago)

thanks in advance

[ecotec]

I had a 2.0 NC sport until very recently,

The sport models come with extra kit and I felt was worth the extra money over the standard 1.8.
Mine had heated leather, LSD, up-rated suspension, traction control and 6 speed box.

We took ours on three driving trips round France and it was fantastic,

A 2.0 sport will probably hold a bit more value too,

They rust, check any potentials over carefully

Edited by ecotec on Thursday 1st August 12:47

[littleredrooster]

I had a 1.8 NC last year, and currently have a 2.0 NC after regretting selling the first one!

The missus prefers the 2.0 as it is more tractable - more mid-range grunt meaning less gearchanges and easier overtakes. It is still a joy to rev to the redline, however.

LSD changes the handling slightly when pushing on, making it easier to adjust on the throttle.

Fuel consumption (if it matters) is much the same between the two, maybe the odd 1 or 2 mpg.

[drgoatboy]

I have never driven a 1.8 but I do think the chassis is well capable of handling a lot more power than the 2.0 in standard trim offers so I suspect the 1.8 might be a bit underwhelming. Having said that the 1.8 is still brisk and many people are more than happy with the performance. Depends on how you drive and what you are used to.

I had 2 NA before I got my NC. I much prefer the NC as an overall package. The Na is a little more raw, but for me the NC delivers 95% of the fun of an Na but adds some more creature comforts and a lot more safety. Its considerably faster and better geared for modern roads too. It's also not coming on for 30 years old which has its charms but I found a bit tiresome after a while.

Generally NC are reliable but low oil can lead to serious issues so tread carefully. Google for more details. Rust is starting to become a problem on some earlier cars particularly at the back of the sills where it meets the rear arch (just inside the arch itself)
Some have reported really bad rust to the point of scrapping leggy cars but it doesn't yet seem quite as common as Na or nb cars

[SlowcoachIII]

I’ve only ever had a 2L NC but I wouldn’t go any smaller, I had a similar powered car to the 1.8L which felt lacking to me.

The 2L comes with an LSD, traction control and side seat airbags over the 1.8L

Then the 2.0L sport adds 17” wheels to replace the 16” alloys, silver trim inside which really lifts the cabin as everything is black, plus silver roll bar covers, fog lights, a 6 speed gearbox, strut braces and updated suspension with Bilstein shocks.

I have the standard 2L and would say go for the sport (unless you’re thinking of changing the suspension) as the basic suspension is awful and wallowy.

[DanGPR]

As an aside, I would say that the exhaust manifold and remap on my 2.0 NC is amongst the best money I have ever spent on a car.
Uncorks the top end and really brings the car alive, loves to rev all the way to the limiter now.

[sawman]

Cheers for all the comments. I guess I'll have to have a go in some, to get a flavour, the garage down the road has a 20th anniversary 1.8 in at present - probably a starting point....