Just drove my first MX5....
Discussion
I'll give you an unqualified view (only from what I've heard or read, having not driven a Mk3, but having a Mk 1)
Performance figure wise, the Mk 3 is significantly quicker, Mk 1's certainly tend to be 8-9 second range (think mines more like 10 in real world terms)
In terms of driving, I think the earlier cars are a bit more accessible on the limit.
Performance figure wise, the Mk 3 is significantly quicker, Mk 1's certainly tend to be 8-9 second range (think mines more like 10 in real world terms)
In terms of driving, I think the earlier cars are a bit more accessible on the limit.
Haha the old performance issue always pops up. I can tell you that the mk3 isn't really any quicker than the mk2. The mk1 1.8 did 0-60 in 8.3, the mk2 1.8 added Varable valve timing and cut the time to 7.9 and the mk3 2.0 is the same 7.9 seconds. Earlier cars tend be regarded as better handling, the mk3 regarded as not as good and suffer from some geo' and suspension issues. The new mk3.5 is meant to be a return to form though with all mk3 issues being sorted so should be a a great car again.
PS just don't tell any mk3 owners that there cars aren't as good as mk1/2s, They don't like it
PS just don't tell any mk3 owners that there cars aren't as good as mk1/2s, They don't like it
Not wishing to doubt you - more interested:
How did you do the measurement? That sounds 'quick' - mainly based on you need to get into third to get to 60 (at least you do on mine, without wanting 4 dents in the bonnet!) Or is it modded? (Or perhaps a v strong engine)
One other thing, I'd take the car out and drive it - the normal benchmark figures don't reflect how quick an MX5 can get from A to B - often it's possible to carry some good speed through corners. You don't buy an MX5 for straight line speed!
How did you do the measurement? That sounds 'quick' - mainly based on you need to get into third to get to 60 (at least you do on mine, without wanting 4 dents in the bonnet!) Or is it modded? (Or perhaps a v strong engine)
One other thing, I'd take the car out and drive it - the normal benchmark figures don't reflect how quick an MX5 can get from A to B - often it's possible to carry some good speed through corners. You don't buy an MX5 for straight line speed!
I agree that the 0-60 isn't something you compare an MX-5 with, I just fancied giving it a go 
I consider it a reasonably quick car up to about 60-70mph 
But then I haven't driven any 400bhp supercars 
I used a G-Tech performance accelerometer thing - rather accurate bit of kit.
My engine also dyno'd at 118bhp so yeah I'd say it's a fairly strong example Timing is at 14degBTDC etc for a bit more lower torque, I guess all of this plus getting a good launch and gear changes contributed
I consider it a reasonably quick car up to about 60-70mph But then I haven't driven any 400bhp supercars I used a G-Tech performance accelerometer thing - rather accurate bit of kit.
My engine also dyno'd at 118bhp so yeah I'd say it's a fairly strong example
Timing is at 14degBTDC etc for a bit more lower torque, I guess all of this plus getting a good launch and gear changes contributed OnlyMX5ives said:
Though I hate to admit it...
In Autocross the Mk3's tend to beat the Mk1 & 2.
Afraid it may be true. I seem to remember seeing 5th gear eons ago, where VBH did a head to head with a Mk1 vs Mk3 around Anglesea. The Mk3 won by over 1 sec.In Autocross the Mk3's tend to beat the Mk1 & 2.
She did "prefer" the Mk1 though said she felt "much more connected to it".
tuttle said:
OnlyMX5ives said:
Though I hate to admit it...
In Autocross the Mk3's tend to beat the Mk1 & 2.
Afraid it may be true. I seem to remember seeing 5th gear eons ago, where VBH did a head to head with a Mk1 vs Mk3 around Anglesea. The Mk3 won by over 1 sec.In Autocross the Mk3's tend to beat the Mk1 & 2.
She did "prefer" the Mk1 though said she felt "much more connected to it".
And whinged a lot about the Mk1 not having PAS.
Grip & handling are very different things. MX5's have never been about grip levels just as they've never been about performance.
Each iteration of the MX5 has tweaked the suspension and given the car more grip - A Mk2 has more grip than a Mk1, Mk2.5 more than a Mk2 and now the Mk3 being a completely new car has more grip than the lot.
Handling is about more than just grip though. A Mk1 gives far more feedback than any later versions. Mk2/2.5 is easier to drive on the limits as the softer suspension allows more control when you are running out of grip. Mk3 has less feedback than previous versions but also has a much better ride.
So if you just want to compare lap times each new version should cut a bit of the time of the previous one. But on the road you'll be having more fun in a Mk1 because you'll be able to feel exactly how much grip there is at each wheel.
Each iteration of the MX5 has tweaked the suspension and given the car more grip - A Mk2 has more grip than a Mk1, Mk2.5 more than a Mk2 and now the Mk3 being a completely new car has more grip than the lot.
Handling is about more than just grip though. A Mk1 gives far more feedback than any later versions. Mk2/2.5 is easier to drive on the limits as the softer suspension allows more control when you are running out of grip. Mk3 has less feedback than previous versions but also has a much better ride.
So if you just want to compare lap times each new version should cut a bit of the time of the previous one. But on the road you'll be having more fun in a Mk1 because you'll be able to feel exactly how much grip there is at each wheel.
tuttle said:
OnlyMX5ives said:
Though I hate to admit it...
In Autocross the Mk3's tend to beat the Mk1 & 2.
Afraid it may be true. I seem to remember seeing 5th gear eons ago, where VBH did a head to head with a Mk1 vs Mk3 around Anglesea. The Mk3 won by over 1 sec.In Autocross the Mk3's tend to beat the Mk1 & 2.
She did "prefer" the Mk1 though said she felt "much more connected to it".
MX-5 Lazza said:
tuttle said:
OnlyMX5ives said:
Though I hate to admit it...
In Autocross the Mk3's tend to beat the Mk1 & 2.
Afraid it may be true. I seem to remember seeing 5th gear eons ago, where VBH did a head to head with a Mk1 vs Mk3 around Anglesea. The Mk3 won by over 1 sec.In Autocross the Mk3's tend to beat the Mk1 & 2.
She did "prefer" the Mk1 though said she felt "much more connected to it".
I only saw it the other day on Dave, and I'm pretty certain it was a 1.8 base model like mine... it has the brace bar behind the front seats.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eZNnVrVUAQ
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