2016 Miata Engine Makes Less Power
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Originally Posted By: Klutch9
Keep in mind that the Miata is not about power. It's about the balance of the whole package. My Miata would be a totally different car if it had 200hp. Instead, I have 140hp and have to really wring it out to get anywhere. That's part of what makes the Miata great. Kudos to Mazda for keeping the car's intent the same into the ND generation. I know it sounds odd, unless you've driven a Miata (especially an older gen one).
Trying to communicate that to the typical Murican is nearly
impossible, the only thing most comprehend is "mor powah" is better. Weight and balance be [censored]! Most folks in the USA would still prefer a 1970 Chevelle SS even though the only thing that did best was a straight line 0-60 time the rest of the stats were shaving cream. LOL
Keep in mind that the Miata is not about power. It's about the balance of the whole package. My Miata would be a totally different car if it had 200hp. Instead, I have 140hp and have to really wring it out to get anywhere. That's part of what makes the Miata great. Kudos to Mazda for keeping the car's intent the same into the ND generation. I know it sounds odd, unless you've driven a Miata (especially an older gen one).
Trying to communicate that to the typical Murican is nearly
impossible, the only thing most comprehend is "mor powah" is better. Weight and balance be [censored]! Most folks in the USA would still prefer a 1970 Chevelle SS even though the only thing that did best was a straight line 0-60 time the rest of the stats were shaving cream. LOL
Originally Posted By: antiqueshell
Originally Posted By: Klutch9
Keep in mind that the Miata is not about power. It's about the balance of the whole package. My Miata would be a totally different car if it had 200hp. Instead, I have 140hp and have to really wring it out to get anywhere. That's part of what makes the Miata great. Kudos to Mazda for keeping the car's intent the same into the ND generation. I know it sounds odd, unless you've driven a Miata (especially an older gen one).
Trying to communicate that to the typical Murican is nearly
impossible, the only thing most comprehend is "mor powah" is better. Weight and balance be [censored]! Most folks in the USA would still prefer a 1970 Chevelle SS even though the only thing that did best was a straight line 0-60 time the rest of the stats were shaving cream. LOL
Actually, an LS-powered Miata IS still well-balanced. It's just well-balanced with 450HP instead of 150. From actual weighing of converted Miatas, an LS1 Miata has the same weight balance as a stock MazdaSpeed turbo MX5.
Originally Posted By: Klutch9
Keep in mind that the Miata is not about power. It's about the balance of the whole package. My Miata would be a totally different car if it had 200hp. Instead, I have 140hp and have to really wring it out to get anywhere. That's part of what makes the Miata great. Kudos to Mazda for keeping the car's intent the same into the ND generation. I know it sounds odd, unless you've driven a Miata (especially an older gen one).
Trying to communicate that to the typical Murican is nearly
impossible, the only thing most comprehend is "mor powah" is better. Weight and balance be [censored]! Most folks in the USA would still prefer a 1970 Chevelle SS even though the only thing that did best was a straight line 0-60 time the rest of the stats were shaving cream. LOL
Actually, an LS-powered Miata IS still well-balanced. It's just well-balanced with 450HP instead of 150. From actual weighing of converted Miatas, an LS1 Miata has the same weight balance as a stock MazdaSpeed turbo MX5.
I also wish they made a Miata coupe, like an actual permanent hard top.
The LS engine option is better on a Miata versus the SBF for balance purposes. An aluminum block LS engine weighs less than the 1.6 or 1.8 that was in the NA and NB MX-5s.
The LS engine option is better on a Miata versus the SBF for balance purposes. An aluminum block LS engine weighs less than the 1.6 or 1.8 that was in the NA and NB MX-5s.
Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
I also wish they made a Miata coupe, like an actual permanent hard top.
The LS engine option is better on a Miata versus the SBF for balance purposes. An aluminum block LS engine weighs less than the 1.6 or 1.8 that was in the NA and NB MX-5s.
Except that version is EXPENSIVE. The base model is the best combination for value and enjoyment for
"the rest of us" that don't make a fortune.
I also wish they made a Miata coupe, like an actual permanent hard top.
The LS engine option is better on a Miata versus the SBF for balance purposes. An aluminum block LS engine weighs less than the 1.6 or 1.8 that was in the NA and NB MX-5s.
Except that version is EXPENSIVE. The base model is the best combination for value and enjoyment for
"the rest of us" that don't make a fortune.
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
..Miata sets the handling standard for 2-seater convertible since it was introduced more than 25-30 years ago..
118 horsepower is 'enough' in my '96M 1.8L. It's quick, sexy and a rush in other ways.
No surprise when our son shared "Dad, I got pulled on by a minivan!"
Have long admired and been jonesing for an S2000, too, so please let me know if you're ever looking to part with yours.
..Miata sets the handling standard for 2-seater convertible since it was introduced more than 25-30 years ago..
118 horsepower is 'enough' in my '96M 1.8L. It's quick, sexy and a rush in other ways.
No surprise when our son shared "Dad, I got pulled on by a minivan!"
Have long admired and been jonesing for an S2000, too, so please let me know if you're ever looking to part with yours.
It's already been said, but the Miata isn't really about power...it's about that chassis. Ask most sportscar enthusiasts and they'll probably agree that the Miata is a hoot to drive and still is on their list of most entertaining cars in existence.
155 hp is about the limit that one can realistically have fun with on a public road. Wind out 1st and 2nd, then get halfway through 3rd before needing to let off. Most country roads will be a 3rd-4th gear run to keep the engine on boil, with some sharp corners needing a dip to 2nd.
400 hp is great for a road course or dragstrip. But given the average enthusiast's driving skill, unless they do HPDE's regularly, 155 hp would be enough of a rush without getting themselves or others injured or killed.
400 hp is great for a road course or dragstrip. But given the average enthusiast's driving skill, unless they do HPDE's regularly, 155 hp would be enough of a rush without getting themselves or others injured or killed.
They make V8 kits for Miata. It may not be balanced any more, and WHO CARES!!!! It is a animal and your grin muscles will be sore after one ride.
http://www.flyinmiata.com/V8/ for example, no afilliation
Rod
http://www.flyinmiata.com/V8/ for example, no afilliation
Rod
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Originally Posted By: whip
IMO, it's more fun to drive a slow car quickly, than a fast car at 50% of it's ability. On public streets, a Miata is more entertaining than a high dollar sports car.
I have one track car that isn't all that fast(0-60 in 4.8s, 0-100 in 12.8s) and a track car that is well and truly slow(0-60 in 8.0s, 0-100 in 24.8s)- both are fun, but in different ways. The slower car taught me about consistency and conservation of momentum. Every lap has to be perfect because there isn't enough horsepower to cover up mistakes. The car that's almost fast can still stay close to most of the cars in an instructor session, and even pass a few every so often.
IMO, it's more fun to drive a slow car quickly, than a fast car at 50% of it's ability. On public streets, a Miata is more entertaining than a high dollar sports car.
I have one track car that isn't all that fast(0-60 in 4.8s, 0-100 in 12.8s) and a track car that is well and truly slow(0-60 in 8.0s, 0-100 in 24.8s)- both are fun, but in different ways. The slower car taught me about consistency and conservation of momentum. Every lap has to be perfect because there isn't enough horsepower to cover up mistakes. The car that's almost fast can still stay close to most of the cars in an instructor session, and even pass a few every so often.
Originally Posted By: splinter
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
..Miata sets the handling standard for 2-seater convertible since it was introduced more than 25-30 years ago..
118 horsepower is 'enough' in my '96M 1.8L. It's quick, sexy and a rush in other ways.
No surprise when our son shared "Dad, I got pulled on by a minivan!"
Have long admired and been jonesing for an S2000, too, so please let me know if you're ever looking to part with yours.
Probably never.
In stock form there is no better performance/handling 2-seater convertible with 2.0-2.5L 4-cyl normally aspirated piston engine for less than $40k MSRP, that can be driven every day.
The bonus is the car is reliable and there is plenty of room under the hood to do regular maintenance.
Main negative is it eats rear tires at rapid space, I need to change rear tires at twice the rate of front in about 10-15k miles.
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
..Miata sets the handling standard for 2-seater convertible since it was introduced more than 25-30 years ago..
118 horsepower is 'enough' in my '96M 1.8L. It's quick, sexy and a rush in other ways.
No surprise when our son shared "Dad, I got pulled on by a minivan!"
Have long admired and been jonesing for an S2000, too, so please let me know if you're ever looking to part with yours.
Probably never.
In stock form there is no better performance/handling 2-seater convertible with 2.0-2.5L 4-cyl normally aspirated piston engine for less than $40k MSRP, that can be driven every day.
The bonus is the car is reliable and there is plenty of room under the hood to do regular maintenance.
Main negative is it eats rear tires at rapid space, I need to change rear tires at twice the rate of front in about 10-15k miles.
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
I'm thinking about replacing my 11.5 years old S2000 in future.
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Probably never.
Got it...wishing you many happy miles!
I'm thinking about replacing my 11.5 years old S2000 in future.
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Probably never.
Got it...wishing you many happy miles!
The Miata is still one of those cars where less power doesn't really bother me.
Originally Posted By: splinter
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
I'm thinking about replacing my 11.5 years old S2000 in future.
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Probably never.
Got it...wishing you many happy miles!
I didn't express myself very well. I was thinking about replacing the S2000 for sometime for a better performance/handling 2-seater convertible that is light weight.
Mazda Miata is on my potential list but only if it has more power than the last one at around 170 HP, I was/am looking at around 200-250 HP from a small 4-cyl normally aspirated piston engine, but none is available from Miata or any other marker.
Unless there is one available in a future I will not part my S2000 for a lesser performer.
Miata handling is very good, but performance is not at the same level with S2000.
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
I'm thinking about replacing my 11.5 years old S2000 in future.
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Probably never.
Got it...wishing you many happy miles!
I didn't express myself very well. I was thinking about replacing the S2000 for sometime for a better performance/handling 2-seater convertible that is light weight.
Mazda Miata is on my potential list but only if it has more power than the last one at around 170 HP, I was/am looking at around 200-250 HP from a small 4-cyl normally aspirated piston engine, but none is available from Miata or any other marker.
Unless there is one available in a future I will not part my S2000 for a lesser performer.
Miata handling is very good, but performance is not at the same level with S2000.
Originally Posted By: ragtoplvr
They make V8 kits for Miata. It may not be balanced any more, and WHO CARES!!!! It is a animal and your grin muscles will be sore after one ride.
http://www.flyinmiata.com/V8/ for example, no afilliation
Rod
No, you're missing the point: it IS still a balanced car! The LS swap upsets the balance not at all...it just goes from a well-balanced handler, to a well-balanced handler that is REALLY FAST.
They make V8 kits for Miata. It may not be balanced any more, and WHO CARES!!!! It is a animal and your grin muscles will be sore after one ride.
http://www.flyinmiata.com/V8/ for example, no afilliation
Rod
No, you're missing the point: it IS still a balanced car! The LS swap upsets the balance not at all...it just goes from a well-balanced handler, to a well-balanced handler that is REALLY FAST.
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
I was/am looking at around 200-250 HP from a small 4-cyl normally aspirated piston engine, but none is available from Miata or any other marker.
A Lotus Elise can be had with around 190 hp n/a 4-cylinder, and it's a really light vehicle. The over 200 hp version has an s/c.
hotwheels
I was/am looking at around 200-250 HP from a small 4-cyl normally aspirated piston engine, but none is available from Miata or any other marker.
A Lotus Elise can be had with around 190 hp n/a 4-cylinder, and it's a really light vehicle. The over 200 hp version has an s/c.
hotwheels
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