The Mazda Miata: Legendary or not?

[Azuremen]

Modern roadsters are the limp wristed laughing stocks of the performance car world which is no surprise why they generally attract a very feminine demographic of buyers (from both sides of the gender fence)

Any discerning buyer looking for a performance oriented vehicle needs their head checked if they consider a vehicle without a roof (reduced chassis rigidity) and lawnmower-like power to be acceptable in terms of desirability when it comes to spirited motoring.

Honestly, I have to say you have no clue what you are talking about. As someone who has owned one of those "limp wristed" roadsters, they are incredible satisfying to drive. Not to mention you're attitude is a bit offensive and banking way too heavily on stereotypes.

Also, the chassis on my MR-S was much more rigid than the previous MR2 generations.

Wow, your post is FULL of FAIL.

Fail from too much "I need to be a man" and ignorance, I'd say.

 

[176OES]

Wow, your post is FULL of FAIL.

And yours is full of intelligent response.... oh... wait



No it isnt.

 

[fitftw]

Everyone's entitled to their opinions. Not everyone is going to agree. This goes for EVERYTHING IN THE WORLD.

That's why so many different cars exist. Something for everybody.

The Miata...is for me. Every time I mod it or perform routine maintenance, I fall in love a little bit more.

 

[Northstar]

Not sure if it's the same in Australia but the car in your avatar is mainly driven by middle aged women that want a Lexus but can't afford a new one here in the states.

Just saying.

Also, the fact that a car has been able to attract such a large following from enthusiasts and women alike has to have something going for it.

 

[176OES]

Not sure if it's the same in Australia...

Its not

 

[Northstar]

Its not

Congrats, you just completely invalidated your entire argument.

 

[12thgear]

Any discerning buyer looking for a performance oriented vehicle needs their head checked if they consider a vehicle without a roof (reduced chassis rigidity) and lawnmower-like power to be acceptable in terms of desirability when it comes to spirited motoring.

The only 3 things they have going for them is light, rwd, and cheap.

I'd add also add balanced, with good steering feel and a great shifter. It's really user friendly. I think it makes for a package that's fun to drive every day, not just at extra legal speeds or on track days. I have no problem admitting it's slow, but getting a car with similar qualities (relatively light, rwd, balanced, user friendly) but with more performance is going to cost a lot more. So I think cheap is an important virtue. The car gets a lot right. There's something about an open roof too, whether it's a convertible, targa, or T-tops. It's a lot of fun.

Based on what you're saying, anything without a fixed roof doesn't qualify as a serious car. Which begs the question...

 

[Luminis]

Modern roadsters are the limp wristed laughing stocks of the performance car world which is no surprise why they generally attract a very feminine demographic of buyers (from both sides of the gender fence)

And that's coming from someone who uses a purple SC300 as his avatar?
Yeah, that's a proper, manly sports car, alright

 

[176OES]

My response was purely to your comment in the first line of your response. Nothing else.

If you wish to twist that in a way which suits your 'argument', go right ahead.

 

[wfooshee]

I'm voting in the negative.

This is going to ruffle the feathers of the fanboys, but tough luck.

I dont care how good their owners think they are, I dont care how many sold, I dont care if the style hasnt been dramatically changed, and I dont care what other reasons may be given.

Modern roadsters are the limp wristed laughing stocks of the performance car world which is no surprise why they generally attract a very feminine demographic of buyers (from both sides of the gender fence)

Any discerning buyer looking for a performance oriented vehicle needs their head checked if they consider a vehicle without a roof (reduced chassis rigidity) and lawnmower-like power to be acceptable in terms of desirability when it comes to spirited motoring.

The only 3 things they have going for them is light, rwd, and cheap.

And before anyone asks, yes.. I have driven one. Numerous times. And the truth is I found it was so underwhelming its not funny. You have to thrash the living daylights out of it to even get anything which resembles enjoyable driving... and then what happens if you want more? Tough luck... its got no more thanks to that pathetic excuse for a powerplant which mazda somehow deemed acceptable.

If they had added a proper hardtop to the line and also offered a better engine alternative, I probably would be singing a totally different tune. Mazda built its performance reputation on the back of the rotary engine. why they didnt see fit to put it into the MX5/Miata is a mystery. But, that just wasnt in their business plan I guess.

Wow, your post is FULL of FAIL.

Regarding the first quote, the second is spot-on!

There is much more to driving a car than stoplight racing, power runs in a straight line.

Take your Mustang or Camaro to an autocross course and the Miatas will put you to shame.

Sure, you're not going to break your neck with multi-g acceleration, and nobody will have to repair the headrests from impacts of your skull.

There are more powerful sports cars out there. The Porsche 911 is legendary, after decades and decades of very much the same philosophy of design. The Corvette, if not legendary, is certainly iconic. The Fiat X-1/9 . . . aw, crap!

Good performance driving is as much about keeping momentum as it is about power. The Miata will corner at better speed than many cars, will stay balanced during that cornering (not losing one end or the other over and over) and change direction without throwing huge amounts of weight around its chassis.

It's been doing that since Reagan was President. Anyone who had an '89 Miata will comfortably move right into a 2008. It'll be close to the same experience!

That is legendary.

As for gripes about rigidity, that's where the engineering comes in that everone says is missing in this car. The Miata is more rigid than many coupes that have been thrown around the past couple of decades. I've never driven a brand new Camaro that didn't squeak or rattle. I've never driven a Miata, brand new or not, that did.

As for the power, that wasn't the market. The Miata was built to resurrect the classic British roadster, yet with the reliability of any Japanese coupe or sedan. Back in the day, many Americans in their muscle cars laughed at the British roadsters and were confused why they kept disappearing into the distance on mountain roads. Yes, the rotary is stronger, yet it's also incredibly more thirsty. Not the market Mazda was going for.

Having driven a '67 MGB, and having spent hours watching Dad try to keep it running, I can say that the Miata is the same sort of experience for great-handling open-top driving, without the "British" headaches of reliability and maintenance. Truly a home run by Mazda.

 

[176OES]

I'm finding it amusing how the fanboys wish to bring my vehicle into the spotlight here. Not really what the topic is about guys... but if you really must know: Its not a Lexus. Lexus was the low-spec LHD version the USA got. Toyota also produced the vehicle RHD for the JDM branded as a Soarer, which had higher trim levels than the Lexus and better performance options available (1JZ-GTE and Active Suspension in the V8 Model for examples). Previous owner is responsible for the respray, I got the vehicle for enough of a bargain that I decided could live with the colour. I dont plan to own the car forever anyways, and its only a paintjob... so I'm not too worried.
Bottom line is, things could always be worse, I could own a Purple Miata instead haha

 

[Azuremen]

You still own a car that isn't exactly known for handling, or anything. Even in the Japanese and foreign scenes, it really just shows up as a drift car. And the 1JZ-GTE isn't something to write home about. The US also got the 2JZ-GE in the SC300, with a manual (gasp). And both the Soarer and the SC series are luxury sport coupes. Hardly sports cars.

You seem to be thinking no one around here knows more about cars than you, or about overseas stuff. Regardless, my M3 would at it.

And there is nothing wrong with a purple car, provided it is a good purple.

 

[176OES]

Regarding the first quote, the second is spot-on!

There is much more to driving a car than stoplight racing, power runs in a straight line.

Take your Mustang or Camaro to an autocross course and the Miatas will put you to shame.

Sure, you're not going to break your neck with multi-g acceleration, and nobody will have to repair the headrests from impacts of your skull.

There are more powerful sports cars out there. The Porsche 911 is legendary, after decades and decades of very much the same philosophy of design. The Corvette, if not legendary, is certainly iconic. The Fiat X-1/9 . . . aw, crap!

Good performance driving is as much about keeping momentum as it is about power. The Miata will corner at better speed than many cars, will stay balanced during that cornering (not losing one end or the other over and over) and change direction without throwing huge amounts of weight around its chassis.

It's been doing that since Reagan was President. Anyone who had an '89 Miata will comfortably move right into a 2008. It'll be close to the same experience!

That is legendary.

As for gripes about rigidity, that's where the engineering comes in that everone says is missing in this car. The Miata is more rigid than many coupes that have been thrown around the past couple of decades. I've never driven a brand new Camaro that didn't squeak or rattle. I've never driven a Miata, brand new or not, that did.

As for the power, that wasn't the market. The Miata was built to resurrect the classic British roadster, yet with the reliability of any Japanese coupe or sedan. Back in the day, many Americans in their muscle cars laughed at the British roadsters and were confused why they kept disappearing into the distance on mountain roads. Yes, the rotary is stronger, yet it's also incredibly more thirsty. Not the market Mazda was going for.

Having driven a '67 MGB, and having spent hours watching Dad try to keep it running, I can say that the Miata is the same sort of experience for great-handling open-top driving, without the "British" headaches of reliability and maintenance. Truly a home run by Mazda.

When it comes to mountains, what we have locally here is average at best by most standards, yet when I drove the one I had access to I could not help but find it lacking.

Yeah, it can take a corner... but on an upward incline the powering out of the corner was laughable. If any fun was to be found it was definitely more at home going downhill than it was uphill.

Thats the good thing about the automotive world, there's something out there to please everyone... personally, they just do not do it for me though.

 

[CodeRedR51]

And yours is full of intelligent response.... oh... wait



No it isnt.

Either was yours.

Touche.

 

[176OES]

You still own a car that isn't exactly known for handling, or anything. Even in the Japanese and foreign scenes, it really just shows up as a drift car. And the 1JZ-GTE isn't something to write home about. The US also got the 2JZ-GE in the SC300, with a manual (gasp). And both the Soarer and the SC series are luxury sport coupes. Hardly sports cars.

You seem to be thinking no one around here knows more about cars than you, or about overseas stuff. Regardless, my M3 would at it.

And there is nothing wrong with a purple car, provided it is a good purple.

I never brought my car into the discussion... other guys did.

and I never claimed it to be something it wasnt either - yeah it had more options as I mentioned, but you're correct.. for its day it was a luxury car first and foremost... If you wanted a big sports car that was performance first and foremost, you bought a Supra.

As for knowing more than everyone else, hell no. Not even for a second. The whole point of a forum is to provide an open place where people can share information and opinions... and some of those are always going to differ. It would be pretty damned boring if all everyone did all day was sit around and agree with other and circle jerk about how good miata's are.

I'll admit to being overly opinionated (and also it being 6am with no sleep doesnt help either), but I definitely dont intend to come across as some smartass smugfag who thinks he knows everything... I just have my opinions, and like anyone else, I'm entitled to them no matter how right or wrong they may be (which is all a matter of personal perspective)

As for your M3... yep, probably. Would still have fun giving it a go though

 

[Famine]

Modern roadsters are the limp wristed laughing stocks of the performance car world

I hear that Bugatti Veyrons are the pauper's laughing stock of the powerboat world too.

 

[fitftw]

The guy with the purple Soarer says he doesn't plan to keep his car forever.

The moment I test drove my Miata, I knew I was going to keep her forever.

 

[176OES]

The guy with the purple Soarer says he doesn't plan to keep his car forever.

The moment I test drove my Miata, I knew I was going to keep her forever.

Some are more easily pleased than others

 

[Zenith]

@176OES I'm curious. You say that it isn't a great car because it doesn't have enough power (basically), and you also said that modified Miata's don't count because you can "do that to any car".

So here are my questions..

Isn't the popularity of modifying a Miata part of what makes the car legendary?

Must all cars be great driver's cars right out of the factory in order to be consider legendary? (Skylines, Silvias, etc. wouldn't have nearly the amount of fame associated with them if it weren't for tuning)

Must a car be a great driver's car by your standards to be considered legendary? Doesn't the widespread popularity of the car, it's complete revival of the roadster category, and the heavy use it gets in racing make it legendary?

 

[homeforsummer]

Here is 5 roadsters that are all around better.

...

BMW Z3

 

[zr1chris]

http://www.quiros.net/miata/miata_vs_z3.htm
"In my case, I'd rather spend the money somewhere else, and have almost as much fun with my Miata 2000 SE."

Here is another. http://www.karr-tv.com/roadcomp.htm Which basically says that the only thing better about the Miata is that its cheaper.

 

[Zenith]

http://www.quiros.net/miata/miata_vs_z3.htm
"In my case, I'd rather spend the money somewhere else, and have almost as much fun with my Miata 2000 SE."

Go find a comparison from a reputable source, not some idiot with the HTML skills of a five year old.

EDIT: Just give up already. People have picked apart your arguments again and again. Every time you discover that your reasoning is invalid, you simply hop to a more ridiculous argument and desperately try to back up your claims with terrible sources. As much as I'd love to watch your argument descend into the pits of complete and utter failure, it's gotten old. 👎 You lose.

 

[homeforsummer]

http://www.quiros.net/miata/miata_vs_z3.htm
"In my case, I'd rather spend the money somewhere else, and have almost as much fun with my Miata 2000 SE."

Here is another. http://www.karr-tv.com/roadcomp.htm Which basically says that the only thing better about the Miata is that its cheaper.

 

[CodeRedR51]

 

[zr1chris]

Go find a comparison from a reputable source, not some idiot with the HTML skills of a five year old.

EDIT: Just give up already. People have picked apart your arguments again and again. Every time you discover that your reasoning is invalid, you simply hop to a more ridiculous argument and desperately try to back up your claims with terrible sources. As much as I'd love to watch your argument descend into the pits of complete and utter failure, it's gotten old. 👎 You lose.

They have attempted to and all of you have failed miserably. You will not find anywhere that anyone says the Z3 is not as good as the Miata without bringing price as the main reason. The only reason the Miata gets its notoriety is because of its price (bang for the buck). Here is what you would call a more reputable source http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1996-to-2002-bmw-z3-1.htm
"Value for the Money
Eye-catching appearance and BMW's reputation for handling prowess make the Z3 tempting. Still, based on performance or equipment, it's difficult to justify paying so much more for a Z3 than a Mazda Miata. M-Series models, on the other hand, perform as promised and just might be worth the extra dollars."

Its all about the price tag and not about the Miata being the better car. Remove the price factor and the Z3 is simply the better CAR.

 

[Zenith]

They have attempted to and all of you have failed miserably. You will not find anywhere that anyone says the Z3 is not as good as the Miata without bringing price as the main reason. The only reason the Miata gets its notoriety is because of its price (bang for the buck).

You must be kidding



Jeremy Clarkson in a different article
"I said recently that the BMW Z4 is the best of the open sports cars, but after a couple of days with the Mazda I realised I was talking nonsense. The BMW is excellent but the MX-5 demonstrates that its extra speed, extra grip and extra size is all a bit wasteful. In the little Japanese car you get exactly what you need, and exactly the space you need, and nothing more.

I realise that the hairy-chested among you will be scoffing and tutting and heading straight for this column on the internet so you can speak your mind. You will say “girl’s car” and “gay” and all sorts of other things.

Well, that’s fine. You waste your money on a Mustang or a Ferrari. The fact is that if you want a sports car, the MX-5 is perfect. Nothing on the road will give you better value. Nothing will give you so much fun. The only reason I’m giving it five stars is because I can’t give it 14. "

And many many many more.... Price is definitely a factor into what makes a car a legend. It decides who can buy it and how it stacks up with similar cars. Not only is the Z3 an absolute pig to drive, look at, or be seen in, it costs 50% more than the Miata. Anyone (you) who doesn't believe that price is part of a car's status is an absolute idiot.

EDIT: At this point you're the laughing stock of the GTP CiG forums, if you wish to continue making moot points, go right ahead. This is where I get off the fail train.

 

[zr1chris]

You must be kidding



Jeremy Clarkson in a different article
"I said recently that the BMW Z4 is the best of the open sports cars, but after a couple of days with the Mazda I realised I was talking nonsense. The BMW is excellent but the MX-5 demonstrates that its extra speed, extra grip and extra size is all a bit wasteful. In the little Japanese car you get exactly what you need, and exactly the space you need, and nothing more.

I realise that the hairy-chested among you will be scoffing and tutting and heading straight for this column on the internet so you can speak your mind. You will say “girl’s car” and “gay” and all sorts of other things.

Well, that’s fine. You waste your money on a Mustang or a Ferrari. The fact is that if you want a sports car, the MX-5 is perfect. Nothing on the road will give you better value. Nothing will give you so much fun. The only reason I’m giving it five stars is because I can’t give it 14. "

And many many many more....

You guys need to stop worshiping Top Gear and taking their word as the Bible. I love Top Gear too but it doesn't mean that their opinion is always the right one. And once again it proves my point about the car only being great because of the money it costs compared to the next better car.

 

[12thgear]

They have attempted to and all of you have failed miserably. You will not find anywhere that anyone says the Z3 is not as good as the Miata without bringing price as the main reason. The only reason the Miata gets its notoriety is because of its price (bang for the buck). Here is what you would call a more reputable source http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/1996-to-2002-bmw-z3-1.htm
"Value for the Money
Eye-catching appearance and BMW's reputation for handling prowess make the Z3 tempting. Still, based on performance or equipment, it's difficult to justify paying so much more for a Z3 than a Mazda Miata. M-Series models, on the other hand, perform as promised and just might be worth the extra dollars."

Its all about the price tag and not about the Miata being the better car

Bang for the buck shouldn't be underestimated. That's how a lot of auto legends are born. What about the Golf GTI? It created the "hot hatch" market and has a devoted fanbase. What about the 240Z? What about the Mustang?

Is anybody here really saying the Miata is the best roadster ever? That's ridiculous. What I'm saying, and history bears this out, is the Miata is one of of most popular sports cars ever made and it's impact can be felt in the automotive industry. It has proven to be one of the most important roadsters ever made. It has a devoted following with an active community surrounding it. It's still a benchmark against which other small roadsters are compared.

 

[zr1chris]

Bang for the buck shouldn't be underestimated. That's how a lot of auto legends are born. What about the Golf GTI? It created the "hot hatch" market and has a devoted fanbase. What about the 240Z? What about the Mustang?

Is anybody here really saying the Miata is the best roadster ever? That's ridiculous. What I'm saying, and history bears this out, is the Miata is one of of most popular sports cars ever made and it's impact can be felt in the automotive industry. It has proven to be one of the most important roadsters ever made. It has a devoted following with an active community surrounding it. It's still a benchmark against which other small roadsters are compared.

Some basically are. For anyone to think this car is in the top 10 or 20 cars of all time must think its the best roadster of all time or at least in the top 2 or 3. I have said over and over that yes the Miata does have a special place in the automotive industry mainly in the roadster category but it is not in the group of the most elite automobiles ever made like some of the other people on here seem to think. You will never ever here someone (mainly any men) say that a Miata is their dream car and if they do then their standards are pretty low or are extremely easily pleased.

 

[AOS-]

You're judging by one class, they're judging it by another.

Realize it and Embrace it, please.