2016 Mazda Miata

I do not dislike the RF but I am not fond of it either. I wonder what the wind buffering is like and if that was taken into consideration or is it just a new design concept Mazda thinks is appealing? No fault of theirs for experimenting but RF sales numbers will decide how long it will stay in production.

I miss my '99 so much that I have started searching locally for another NB. Love the BMW but it is no Miata.

 

Still loving the ND and with spring sprung it's my go to car. The RF is nice looking but the extra mass up high and fact that my top goes all the way down makes me prefer what I have.

 

I believe that any Miata can be ones go to car if given the chance as they are still "shade tree mechanic" friendly and the smiles are never ending.

My former stepmother retired from Mazda after 30+yrs and she loved the Miata, kindred spirits we are.

 

About 3K miles, and have done a few track sessions. Car is flawless and a gem in so many ways. So usable, approachable, very neutral, in fact the most neutral street car I've ever driven (jury is out on ACR, which feels amazing but limits are a track only proposition). Wilwood calipers up front instead of $3400 Brembo package. Coil overs and sway bars later this month. The car is pretty soft for track work. I'm not going crazy with spring rates as I don't want to ruin it for the street. When the aftermarket matures I will probably go turbo. And I want to get some oil temp data to see if a cooler is warranted.

I had to turbo my Elise, too, as I just can't make do with under 200 hp even in a light car and have to say that 5 sec 0-60 or better is nice.

But the driving dynamics of a 2300 lb car is so refreshing. With about 250 hp this thing will be Goldilocks right.

 

Suspension mods done, with Flyin Miata sway bars and Stance coilover and 7 kg/mm F, 4 kg/mm rear rates (I dislike the use of mass as unit for spring rate, but it is all the rage for the Japanese cars). Car is lowered with 2.5 deg F and 2 deg rear.

A blast on track and runs Spec Miata track record pace at Motorsport Ranch with top down. Very neutral and so easy on consumables due to low weight. I will leave it as is for a while to see what the power adder options are and to get a feel if they will overwhelm the drivetrain and cooling system.

With the fine weather I completely dig this car.