1.6 or 1.8??

[Paul_B]

Hi guys, sorry for the newb question - I did search through but couldn't find a topic on this...

So, I think I'm shortly going to be looking for a mk1 MX5 (once I sell my cars). I'm just not sure whether to go for a 1.6 or a 1.8. I've been told the 1.6s are a little more revvy and 'nippy' and obviously slightly more economical. But are there any benefits of having a 1.8?

Any advice and suggestions as to the pros and cons of both would be much appreciated

[willd58]

Mk1 or Mk2, I may be wrong but the early 1.6 engines compared to the early 1.8's don't have as much difference as the later 1.6 compared to the later 140bhp versions of the 1.8. If you are getting a mk2 then get the 1.8 imo, I have driven a mk2 1.6 and the difference is noticeable.

[offroading.net]

Depends on the year, early 5's/Eunos's have 115bhp in 1.6 form compared to the 1.8's 130bhp. Later 1.6's had 90bhp and are best avoided.
Drive them both, BUT my 115bhp 1.6 engine has just died & I am fitting a 1.8

[Paul_B]

I've definitely decided on a MK1, but a post 91 model I think, as I have read that pre '91 models had some engine troubles?

Upto what year did the 1.6 have 115bhp?

[Howard-]

Paul_B said:

I've definitely decided on a MK1, but a post 91 model I think, as I have read that pre '91 models had some engine troubles?

Upto what year did the 1.6 have 115bhp?

1994 in the UK market. The JDM ones remained unchanged AFAIK.


I'd definitely say try a mk1 1.6 before discounting it. Mine goes rather well when I give it a bootful

[MX-5 Lazza]

Pretty sure the 1.6 was replaced by the 1.8 in 1993 and the 88bhp 1.6 was introduced in 1994.

I didn't think there was a JDM 1.6 after 1993...

[I Am Milk]

Just to reply.

My 1991 1.6 is quite nippy as well when I put my foot down.

D:

[trooperiziz]

I've owned both, a 1992 1.6 and a 1995 1.8.

The 1.6 is very slightly revvier, but not by much. The 1.8 is noticeably quicker.

[OllieWinchester]

Hello mate!



You are welcome to have a go in mine if you want, just flew through its MOT the other day too.
I promise I'll get round to sorting a date for going out for that meal soon, I'm just flat out at work at the moment.

[dylan0451]

as far as mk1's go

i'd imagine the 1800 is more driveable with more low down torque, i think it also has a bigger final drive hence sits at lower revs on the motorway

although the 1800 is about 50-60 kg maybe more? heavier with a bigger final drive, so i'd think in real world hard b road driving there really wouldn't be much in it

there's no worries about the short nose crank issue with an 1800 like there are with the very early 1600's but i think thats more down to care - my 1600 has a rolling road print of 137bhp (if you believe them) and has been thrashed as a track car all it's life here yet the bolt is torqued up and the key/keyway hasn't moved

touch wood!

when i was searching for an mx5 i read through wikipedia, mx5oc buying section, you tube, parkers etc. etc. and decided it was a 94-98 1800 special or nothing at all

i ended up with a 1990 1600 base model ex track car!

i figure any mk1 bar the late 1600 88bhp is a good buy. my main buying points would be the condition of the shell and history of regular oil changes

[OnlyMX5ives]

Regarding Mk1's.

1.8 is better for commuting as it has laods more low torque.

Open road the 1.6 is arguably more rewarding.

1.8 gets better brakes, chassis braces and bigger / stronger diff.

I upgraded my personal 1.6 to a 1.8 because I moved up 3 years and 200cc pretty much for the same cost of adding the brakes, braces and diff to my 1.6.

[Paul_B]

OllieWinchester said:

Hello mate!



You are welcome to have a go in mine if you want, just flew through its MOT the other day too.
I promise I'll get round to sorting a date for going out for that meal soon, I'm just flat out at work at the moment.

Alright mate! Yours is a 1.6 isn't it? I'd be up for a blat, definitely And yeah, be good to sort something out soon, let me know dude.

Cheers for the responses guys Certainly swaying me towards a 1.8 now. The stiffer bracing and better diff appeal to me and a bit of extra grunt is always good. A proper hunt should commence in a couple of weeks.