Comments on: Baby Miata in the Works? http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/ The Truth About Cars is dedicated to providing candid, unbiased automobile reviews and the latest in auto industry news. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:42:27 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: peteski http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506652 peteski Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:03:49 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506652 AuricTech : +1 AuricTech : +1

]]> By: Strippo http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506563 Strippo Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:53:16 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506563 The NC is definitely roomier and more comfortable for the taller driver than prior generations, but for your passenger? Not so much. The NC is definitely roomier and more comfortable for the taller driver than prior generations, but for your passenger? Not so much.

]]> By: MidLifeCelica http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506543 MidLifeCelica Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:33:06 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506543 At 6' 2" / 240+ (OK, ++) , I'd have to buy 2, so I could strap one to each foot! At 6′ 2″ / 240+ (OK, ++) , I’d have to buy 2, so I could strap one to each foot!

]]> By: Mike66Chryslers http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506472 Mike66Chryslers Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:51:52 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506472 If the current Miata is not signifcantly bigger than the older ones, then I don't see how they could make it much smaller. The only time I ever sat in one was at a car show years ago. My legs got trapped under the steering wheel and I had to crawl out on my hands and knees! At that time at least, A Miata was not made for people over 6' tall. If the current Miata is not signifcantly bigger than the older ones, then I don’t see how they could make it much smaller. The only time I ever sat in one was at a car show years ago. My legs got trapped under the steering wheel and I had to crawl out on my hands and knees! At that time at least, A Miata was not made for people over 6′ tall.

]]> By: Atomicblue http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506445 Atomicblue Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:19:42 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506445 My current daily driver is a ’93 Miata. No_slushbox is right that the dimensions of the current Miata (NC) are not that much more than the NA. However every time I park next to a new MX-5 Miata I can’t help but think “damn that thing's a porker”. It’s just not as minimalist and simple as the original. Don’t get me wrong, I like the look of the refreshed 2009 and have considered one. But I just can’t seem to justify it when I look at what the NA I’m currently driving offers for the price (paid for and so cheap to operate). Now, if the MX-2 were to be a RWD car and come in at less than say 2200 lbs and 160 hp, then maybe. My current daily driver is a ’93 Miata. No_slushbox is right that the dimensions of the current Miata (NC) are not that much more than the NA. However every time I park next to a new MX-5 Miata I can’t help but think “damn that thing’s a porker”. It’s just not as minimalist and simple as the original. Don’t get me wrong, I like the look of the refreshed 2009 and have considered one. But I just can’t seem to justify it when I look at what the NA I’m currently driving offers for the price (paid for and so cheap to operate). Now, if the MX-2 were to be a RWD car and come in at less than say 2200 lbs and 160 hp, then maybe.

]]> By: no_slushbox http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506418 no_slushbox Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:44:21 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506418 People recall history so incorrectly sometimes. The current generation NC Miata, the best Miata ever, compares <em>very</em> well with the first generation NA Miata in every dimension. It is only 1.9 inches longer than the 1990 NA Miata. It is only 1.8 inches wider than the 1990 NA Miata. It is only .8 inches taller than the 1990 NA Miata. It weighs 305 pounds more than the 1990 NA Miata, but only 88 pounds more than the structurally reinforced, dual airbag, side impact door beam 1997 NA Miata. http://autos.msn.com/research/compare/exterior.aspx?c=0&n=3&i=0&ph1=t0&ph2=t0&tb=0&dt=0&v=t108931&v=t765&v=t12160 Even the fuel economy is very close. And the price is lower if you adjust for inflation. Many cars have grown substantially, but not the Miata, the Miata has stayed <em>incredibly</em> true to its original design, despite now having dual front airbags, side airbags, and ABS as standard. There is no way that Mazda can make a smaller "Miata" (it would be the smallest Miata ever), without making it either transverse FWD (which sucks), or, much less likely, mid engined. People should stop complaining and start shopping. A current generation Miata can be had for under $20K new, and under $15K used, and the previous generations keep getting cheaper. People recall history so incorrectly sometimes.

The current generation NC Miata, the best Miata ever, compares very well with the first generation NA Miata in every dimension.

It is only 1.9 inches longer than the 1990 NA Miata.

It is only 1.8 inches wider than the 1990 NA Miata.

It is only .8 inches taller than the 1990 NA Miata.

It weighs 305 pounds more than the 1990 NA Miata, but only 88 pounds more than the structurally reinforced, dual airbag, side impact door beam 1997 NA Miata.

http://autos.msn.com/research/compare/exterior.aspx?c=0&n=3&i=0&ph1=t0&ph2=t0&tb=0&dt=0&v=t108931&v=t765&v=t12160

Even the fuel economy is very close. And the price is lower if you adjust for inflation.

Many cars have grown substantially, but not the Miata, the Miata has stayed incredibly true to its original design, despite now having dual front airbags, side airbags, and ABS as standard.

There is no way that Mazda can make a smaller “Miata” (it would be the smallest Miata ever), without making it either transverse FWD (which sucks), or, much less likely, mid engined.

People should stop complaining and start shopping. A current generation Miata can be had for under $20K new, and under $15K used, and the previous generations keep getting cheaper.

]]> By: SpacemanSpiff http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506412 SpacemanSpiff Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:30:25 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506412 Stupid bleepity-bleeping Mazda. I can't fit into your big Miata, now you're going to tease me with an even more desirable smaller & lighter version. Gee thanks... Stupid bleepity-bleeping Mazda. I can’t fit into your big Miata, now you’re going to tease me with an even more desirable smaller & lighter version. Gee thanks…

]]> By: stuki http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506406 stuki Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:16:59 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506406 I'd say bring it on! The current MX, while small relatively, is still too fast and big to ‘race’ at somewhat legal street speeds in the US. There’s nothing like a completely under endowed little car, small enough to four wheel drift while staying in your lane and slow enough to almost require that kind of driving just to keep up with traffic, for pure, everyday driving fun. Especially if your reactions aren’t all that anymore. Spend the money on brakes, and on keeping the car light. Narrow, tall sidewall, long wearing rubber and conservative alignment is good as well. And again, focus on the brakes! All current “micro’ cars aren’t really built for enthusiastic driving, so come completely underequipped in that department. I’d say bring it on! The current MX, while small relatively, is still too fast and big to ‘race’ at somewhat legal street speeds in the US. There’s nothing like a completely under endowed little car, small enough to four wheel drift while staying in your lane and slow enough to almost require that kind of driving just to keep up with traffic, for pure, everyday driving fun. Especially if your reactions aren’t all that anymore. Spend the money on brakes, and on keeping the car light. Narrow, tall sidewall, long wearing rubber and conservative alignment is good as well.

And again, focus on the brakes! All current “micro’ cars aren’t really built for enthusiastic driving, so come completely underequipped in that department.

]]> By: superbadd75 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506403 superbadd75 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:03:10 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506403 Bring it on. And please don't give it a goofy looking smiley face front fascia! Bring it on. And please don’t give it a goofy looking smiley face front fascia!

]]> By: midelectric http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506383 midelectric Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:04:13 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506383 The Mazda AZ-1 is one of my favorite kei cars, with mid-engine, turbo and gullwing doors it looked like a blast to drive. Hopefully this will be mid-engine as well, making it it's own model with less chance of cannibalizing Miata sales. Plus I'd like a modern replacement for my AW11 MR2 The Mazda AZ-1 is one of my favorite kei cars, with mid-engine, turbo and gullwing doors it looked like a blast to drive. Hopefully this will be mid-engine as well, making it it’s own model with less chance of cannibalizing Miata sales.

Plus I’d like a modern replacement for my AW11 MR2

]]> By: Ronman http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506360 Ronman Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:41:12 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506360 I already drive a 2, if they are goign to manufacturer a CC to rival the 207cc and the likes, they have a great platform on their hand and i can imagine it driving much better than the french cars of the segment, even with a small ish engine I already drive a 2, if they are goign to manufacturer a CC to rival the 207cc and the likes, they have a great platform on their hand and i can imagine it driving much better than the french cars of the segment, even with a small ish engine

]]> By: Ronman http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506359 Ronman Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:40:57 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506359 very cool idea very cool idea

]]> By: Mirko Reinhardt http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506356 Mirko Reinhardt Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:34:25 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506356 @NulloModo : <i>Really, is there anyone out there saying the Miata is too big?</i> Me. My favourite modern car is the Smart Roadster. Which is 2.5 ft shorter than a Miata. It's only problem was the crappy gearbox. It had a 0.7L turbo engine and was magnificent fun. @NulloModo :
Really, is there anyone out there saying the Miata is too big?

Me.
My favourite modern car is the Smart Roadster. Which is 2.5 ft shorter than a Miata. It’s only problem was the crappy gearbox. It had a 0.7L turbo engine and was magnificent fun.

]]> By: Kurt. http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506350 Kurt. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:55:40 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506350 Not to hijack the thread here but the Chinese can't really produce a stripped down car and expect it to sell in America. They will want to change the impresion of Chinese products and produce bells and whistles. However, Mazda could...and they could even use Chinese/Indian labor to make it happen. no one would care. America "initially" would rejoyce that this was a simlple car with nothing wasted...but then someone would want a stereo...and leather...and A/C...and an automatic...and 17 inch rims...and it would end up as the current Miata. Not to hijack the thread here but the Chinese can’t really produce a stripped down car and expect it to sell in America. They will want to change the impresion of Chinese products and produce bells and whistles.

However, Mazda could…and they could even use Chinese/Indian labor to make it happen. no one would care. America “initially” would rejoyce that this was a simlple car with nothing wasted…but then someone would want a stereo…and leather…and A/C…and an automatic…and 17 inch rims…and it would end up as the current Miata.

]]> By: venator http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506334 venator Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:23:26 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506334 My idea of driving fun is to push the car to its limits. The sub-MX5 Mazda could do that the same as the original Spitfire, A-H Sprite/MG Midget, Fiat 850 Sport Coupe/Spider etc. could, without having to worry about too many speeding tickets. My idea of driving fun is to push the car to its limits. The sub-MX5 Mazda could do that the same as the original Spitfire, A-H Sprite/MG Midget, Fiat 850 Sport Coupe/Spider etc. could, without having to worry about too many speeding tickets.

]]> By: drifter http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506330 drifter Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:48:13 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506330 Miatas has been becoming porkier and costlier to own and run with each generation. 17inch wheels and only 31miles per premium gas makes it much more expensive to run than something like a Civic coupe which weighs more. Bring back a roaster with a liter engine, 35mpg on regular and 14inch wheels and sell it for $15k without power windows, bose audio etc and party like it is 1960s all over again. Perhaps chineese owners of MG might be planning just that. Miatas has been becoming porkier and costlier to own and run with each generation. 17inch wheels and only 31miles per premium gas makes it much more expensive to run than something like a Civic coupe which weighs more.

Bring back a roaster with a liter engine, 35mpg on regular and 14inch wheels and sell it for $15k without power windows, bose audio etc and party like it is 1960s all over again. Perhaps chineese owners of MG might be planning just that.

]]> By: grog http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506308 grog Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:54:27 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506308 What sitting at home said. Back in the early 80s, all the sorority babes drove Fiat Spyders. Sorority babes and Fiat Spyders are a lot like Twinkies: they look good and taste great but are really bad for you. The first thought that came to mind when I saw the "smaller Miata" concept was "original Miata". Mazda would come full circle then if they did that. As insane as it sounds, I recall how my friends all wished Datsun would have gone back to the 240Z instead of ruining the Zs over the years (latest incarnations excepted). What sitting at home said.

Back in the early 80s, all the sorority babes drove Fiat Spyders. Sorority babes and Fiat Spyders are a lot like Twinkies: they look good and taste great but are really bad for you.

The first thought that came to mind when I saw the “smaller Miata” concept was “original Miata”. Mazda would come full circle then if they did that. As insane as it sounds, I recall how my friends all wished Datsun would have gone back to the 240Z instead of ruining the Zs over the years (latest incarnations excepted).

]]> By: Kendahl http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506306 Kendahl Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:45:13 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506306 The Lotus Elan from the 1960s weighed only 1,500 lbs. I haven't been able to find any specs on its size, but remember reading a comment that that it was even smaller than the first generation Miata. The Lotus Elan from the 1960s weighed only 1,500 lbs. I haven’t been able to find any specs on its size, but remember reading a comment that that it was even smaller than the first generation Miata.

]]> By: Richard Chen http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506296 Richard Chen Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:55:30 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506296 The original NA was about 2100 lbs and had a ~114 hp 1.6L engine. Crash requirements bulked it up a few hundred pounds over the years and generations. Perhaps this might be a reaction to the new footprint fuel economy regulations? Tiny car with a tinier engine? The original NA was about 2100 lbs and had a ~114 hp 1.6L engine. Crash requirements bulked it up a few hundred pounds over the years and generations.

Perhaps this might be a reaction to the new footprint fuel economy regulations? Tiny car with a tinier engine?

]]> By: sitting@home http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506286 sitting@home Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:24:49 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506286 <em>I’m think like Robstar…but i read in autoblog that it would be front drive…blehhh…might as well call it a Geo Metro….not zoom zoom but zzz zzzz….</em> I'm sure there's more than a few MINI drivers who would contend that a small FWD car (especially with a 1.6 blown engine) can accelerate and handle just fine. Unfortunately a small FWD roadster would probably be targeted more at sorority sisters whose Daddy won't pony up for a Boxster than driving enthusiasts (ie. a latter day Honda Del Sol). I’m think like Robstar…but i read in autoblog that it would be front drive…blehhh…might as well call it a Geo Metro….not zoom zoom but zzz zzzz….

I’m sure there’s more than a few MINI drivers who would contend that a small FWD car (especially with a 1.6 blown engine) can accelerate and handle just fine.

Unfortunately a small FWD roadster would probably be targeted more at sorority sisters whose Daddy won’t pony up for a Boxster than driving enthusiasts (ie. a latter day Honda Del Sol).

]]> By: carlisimo http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506285 carlisimo Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:24:02 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506285 If it happens it'll be a FWD convertible based on the Mazda2. It would be odd in the US, but in Europe it's pretty common to have a convertible version of a car in that size class. Peugeot started it, I think. If it happens it’ll be a FWD convertible based on the Mazda2. It would be odd in the US, but in Europe it’s pretty common to have a convertible version of a car in that size class. Peugeot started it, I think.

]]> By: Billy Bobb 2 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506284 Billy Bobb 2 Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:14:50 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506284 The new happy puss Mazda 3. Where have I seen this car before? Took a few minutes to realize it. "Tina Turbo". A Chevron original. The new happy puss Mazda 3.

Where have I seen this car before?

Took a few minutes to realize it.

“Tina Turbo”. A Chevron original.

]]> By: Nicholas Weaver http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506280 Nicholas Weaver Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:56:15 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506280 Why? The miata is already mini, and you really can't remove mass from the thing without failing to meet modern safety goals. As for a "club racer" for $15K, the stripped miata is only $22K. So why not get the real thing? Why? The miata is already mini, and you really can’t remove mass from the thing without failing to meet modern safety goals.

As for a “club racer” for $15K, the stripped miata is only $22K. So why not get the real thing?

]]> By: paris-dakar http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506274 paris-dakar Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:32:45 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506274 If it was FWD that would be a horrible idea, but the first car that came to my mind when I read this was 'Fiat 850 Spider'. A modern interpretation of that based on a shortened, narrowed MX5 platform would be cool. If it was FWD that would be a horrible idea, but the first car that came to my mind when I read this was ‘Fiat 850 Spider’. A modern interpretation of that based on a shortened, narrowed MX5 platform would be cool.

]]> By: GrandCharles http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/baby-miata-in-the-works/comment-page-1/#comment-1506268 GrandCharles Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:13:50 +0000 http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=321827#comment-1506268 John Horner : July 1st, 2009 at 7:38 pm Meanwhile, Mazda’s US sales crater looks like Chrysler’s: http://www.mazdausamedia.com/content/mazda-reports-june-2009-sales I wonder if it has something to do with the new clown faced mazda3.... John Horner :
July 1st, 2009 at 7:38 pm

Meanwhile, Mazda’s US sales crater looks like Chrysler’s:

http://www.mazdausamedia.com/content/mazda-reports-june-2009-sales

I wonder if it has something to do with the new clown faced mazda3….

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