Which MX-5 is the best?
Discussion
IMO, having owned a Mk2.5 and a Mk3, and extensively driven a Mk1 and Mk2 over the past few years
Mk1 is the better of the earlier ones, though lots of UK cars are (sadly) rotting away, they just seem to handle better than the Mk2, have pop-up lights, though often low spec (UK cars only).
Mk3 is the better overall (again, IMO), once lowered and geometry done, bit of power behind it and handles as well as the Mk1 (again, IMO)
Mk1 is the better of the earlier ones, though lots of UK cars are (sadly) rotting away, they just seem to handle better than the Mk2, have pop-up lights, though often low spec (UK cars only).
Mk3 is the better overall (again, IMO), once lowered and geometry done, bit of power behind it and handles as well as the Mk1 (again, IMO)
I've had a 1.6 MK1 and a 1.8 MkII. The MKII is a better all round car - better interior etc and build but, if I'm honest, I reckon I had more fun in the MK 1 even with a smaller engine. It was smaller, lighter and demanded more of the driver. It is a car not without its faults, but, IMHO, a fun car without rival for the price. I loved it. My wife preferred the MK 11 and cried when it went. I wasn't that bothered when it went.
The reason I ask is we need a second car in case we need (or just want!) to be different places - it doesn't need to be practical and, until our driveway is done (which depends on the council more than anything!) it will be kept on the road so I don't want to get the Elise or similar just yet.
I want a relatively cheap, fun, rwd soft top and the MX-5 is the obvious choice (although I know some people on here would say the MR2 is a better drive...).
I don't mind spending MK3 money if it's worth it, but if I can get as goog an experience in an earlier car, I won't lose as much when I get my Elise / VX / whatever.
I'm a firm believer that bigger is better, so I'd be looking at 1.8 MK1s and 2s and a 2.0 Sport MK3, unless you can persuade me otherwise... Having said that an MX-5 specialist near me (Paul Sheard) recently had a MK1 1.6 Turbo for sale that I probably should have had a test drive in.
Thoughts on turbo'd and s'charged versions? How much power could I expect?
I want a relatively cheap, fun, rwd soft top and the MX-5 is the obvious choice (although I know some people on here would say the MR2 is a better drive...).
I don't mind spending MK3 money if it's worth it, but if I can get as goog an experience in an earlier car, I won't lose as much when I get my Elise / VX / whatever.
I'm a firm believer that bigger is better, so I'd be looking at 1.8 MK1s and 2s and a 2.0 Sport MK3, unless you can persuade me otherwise... Having said that an MX-5 specialist near me (Paul Sheard) recently had a MK1 1.6 Turbo for sale that I probably should have had a test drive in.
Thoughts on turbo'd and s'charged versions? How much power could I expect?
Dave The Jackal said:
Thoughts on turbo'd and s'charged versions? How much power could I expect?
Depends entirely on the conversion. Top end Flyin Miata turbo kits, on a built engine can easily exceed 300BHP, you might want to keep a spare gearbox in the garage though! Most conversions on standard engine internals will be around 180- 220BHP on standard engine internals. Basic greddy or HKS kits will be maybe 40BHP more than stock.I'd highly advise taking a little help to assess a forced induction car, I don't know enough about the supercharger kits to comment.
I'd have a genuine BBR special edition MK1 or a good turbo conversion if it was a well known car through some of the owners clubs.
Edited by v8will on Saturday 24th July 20:55
Dave The Jackal said:
Bonefish Blues said:
Thought about this long and hard and ultimately bought a Mk 2.5 Sport.
When did 2.5 appear? What differentiates it from MK2?Improved Safety
The seat belts are equipped with load limiter and pre-tensioner systems.
A double locking system has been added to power door lock system.
Improved Convenience
A keyless entry system has been adopted
An auto open function has been adopted for the driver-side power window system
The console has been enlarged to provide more space utilization
A removable ashtray has been adopted
Inproved Comfort
A seat warmer system has been adopted
Improved Design
Quad headlights have been adopted
The instrument cluster design has been changed
Improved Marketability
Front fog lights have been added
A 2-Din size audio unit has been adopted. It provides various, extendable combinations (CD player/CD changer/cassette deck/MD player)
Modification To Match Market Regulations
A MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) has been added to the instrument cluster or OBD model in compliance with the OBD regulation.
Doniger said:
Cock Womble 7 said:
Mk1, if only for the pop-up headlights.
s
t, there's even a button on the dash that will raise the pop-up headlights for no reason whatsoever.
The lack of this is the worst thing about having a mk2 s
t, there's even a button on the dash that will raise the pop-up headlights for no reason whatsoever.
It doesn't turn the headlights on, it doesn't flash the headlights, it just raises them for no reason whatsoever.
It should be labelled the "Look! I've got pop-up headlights - how cool is that?" switch.
rudecherub said:
second generation was a big car shape in a too small body
the original looks the most pleasing to the eye but is less well equipped. Mk1 every time for me
I like the looks of the Mk2, but love my mk1 and the price means they're such a bargain.the original looks the most pleasing to the eye but is less well equipped. Mk1 every time for me
As for less equipment? Meehhhh it's a sports type car, should be light and without gubbins
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