For 14 years, 50 percent of Americans have thought the Mazda Miata is nothing more than the ultimate underpowered droptop for co-eds to look cute in
These ignorant dolts, most of whom spend their time watching NASCAR instead of studying for their GEDs, have conveniently turned a blind eye to the Miata's long list of road racing successes, its awesome balance and pure sports car reflexes. Instead, they focus on its modest 138 hp and lackadaisical quarter-mile times.
We are not ignorant dolts, at least when it comes to the Miata. We've always appreciated the car. In fact, it earned 8 Great Ride status in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002. Last year, however, with the addition of such heavyweight rides to the market as the Mitsubishi Evolution VIII and the Nissan 350Z, the Miata just didn't have the legs, or the beans, to remain on the list.
Well, it's back. Kinda. This is the Mazdaspeed MX-5. Miata does not appear on the car.
Trust us, it's a Miata. In fact, it's the best Miata ever. It's a Miata with stomp. Turbocharged stomp. Mazda rates the little 1.8 liter, which is force fed by a non-ball-bearing single-scroll IHI turbocharger making 8 pounds of boost at 170 hp at 6000 rpm, and 166 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm. It's backed by the very short geared six-speed and a limited-slip differential. Despite going through the traps in fifth gear-partly due to the engine's lower 6500-rpm redline (down from 7000 rpm)- the Mazdaspeed MX-5 still manages a very respectable 15.1-second quarter-mile run at 90.1 mph. That's quicker than the Acura RSX, Nissan Sentra SE-R and the MINI Cooper S. Take that, you ignorant dolts.
Mazda also managed to improve the roadster's handling. With retuned springs and shocks, a pencil's width less ride height than the normally aspirated car, lightweight Racing Hart wheels and Toyo Proxes R28 tires measuring 205/40R-17, the Mazdaspeed MX-5 zips through the slalom at 70.9 mph with awesome control and dances around the skidpad at a very impressive 0.96 g. And its four-wheel disc brakes, helped tremendously by the quality rubber, stop the two-seater from 60 mph in only 114 feet with no fade. Good stuff.
And it's still a Miata. Drive it like you bought it for a dollar and it still feels small, and despite weighing 2,529 pounds, which is 89 pounds more than the non-turbo model, it still feels light. It also still has the greatest shifter since George Hurst invented great shifters, and its steering feel is as pure and unmolested as a new puppy.
Plus, its engine is begging to have its wick turned up. We figure there's another 50 hp in there that can be tapped without much hassle. That would bring the quarter-mile times down into the mid-14s and the roadster's tail out whenever the hell we feel like it. -Scott Oldham
The StatsBase Price:$25,500Price As Tested:$26,7200-60 mph:6.9 sec.1/4 Mile:15.1 sec. @ 90.1 mphSlalom:70.9 mph (700 ft.)Skidpad:.96g (200 ft.)60-0 Braking:114 ft.
Mazdaspeed MX-5Best Feature: Sleeperness. The Ability To Sneakup On Honda-Heads That Think You're Driving Your Sister's Car.
Worst Feature: Seating Position. Only The Vertically Challenged Get Comfy. The Rest Of Us Would Kill For A Tilt Wheel.
First Three Things We'd Modify:1: Lower SeatEveryone Over 5'2" Complains Of Sitting On This Car Instead Of In It. Lower The Seat And Get The Steering Wheel Out Of Your Balls.
2: Wheels With A LipThey Would Do Wonders For The Little Car's Stance. There's Plenty Of Caliper Clearance To Play With.
3: Stand-Alone Engine ManagementtialEight psi would make 50 more hp if they didn't have to be so clean. Screw the air, let's go faster!