dlq04

I thought I would start a thread centering on cars - any brand, any model, any style, any year - to see if there is interest for discussion.

To kick things off I will toss out the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

I would love to post the entire article but I don't find it online. It appeared in the Hagerty Insurance bi-monthly magazine. The article begins the review with the opinion of a 51-year old California S2000 owner named Lance (anyone know him?) saying he has never been a Miata guy. "They've just never had enough power. But not this one. This one is quick. Much quicker than my Honda."

The new Miata has 26 more hp than last year's car; sprinting to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and a quarter-mile in 14.5 seconds. With 181 hp, 7500 rpm redline, and weighing only 2339 pounds. Prices start at $26k and for about $35k the Club model comes with Bilstein dampen, a limited-slip differential, and a strut tower brace, with Bamboo brakes as an option, heate4d Recaro buckets, etc.

Unlike Lance, I've always had a soft-spot for Miata's and was about to buy one till I test drove an S2000 back in 2001.

dlq04

The second car I'll toss out for discussion is the Tesla Model 3. I am including a lengthy video that was a real eye opener for me about what is would be like to own an EV in Michigan in 30 degree weather. This is as straight forward talk as you'll ever hear from a car lover, weekend racer, and first time owner.

You can fast forward to about the 7.5 minute mark, when it gets interesting.

robb

Morris

The only time I got in a Miata, the top of the windshield cut right across my line of vision. That was a killer right there. Maybe now you can lower your seat?
Is the 0-60 time for the new Miata really less than the S2000? Or is this just the writers personal opinion?

TsukubaCody

0-60 times aren't opinions.

dlq04

From my OLD notes (pick a number )

4.9 seconds (R&T - January 2001)....this was an acknowledged typo.

5.2 seconds (Motor Trend, Feb 2000)

5.3 seconds (R&T, Sept ‘99 and R&T Buyer’s Guide Jan 2001)

5.5 seconds (R&T - Comparison in Road Test Annual 2001)

5.6 seconds (Consumers Report website, 1stGen car)

5.75 seconds (AutoWeek)... comparison: Porsche Boxster S was 5.74 seconds.

5.8 seconds (C&D)

5.8 seconds (Consumers Report 2005)

5.82192137 seconds (Motor Trend, Sep 1999)... used in Honda’s S2000 magazine ads

5.9 seconds (Edmonds, 1stGen car)

6.2 seconds (R&T - Aug 1999)... attributed to road conditions; revised in a re-test the following month to 5.3 seconds

6.3 seconds (C&D - Dec 2002 with hard top installed)

6.4 seconds (Popular Mechanics, 1stGen car)

6.5 seconds (MotorWeek, prog. #1904)

YES back when I bought my S2000 it really kicked Miata's butt: Again from OLD notes - The S2000 is quick off the line for a sports car. Faster than a standard Boxster and Z3 by 0.6 sec, Audi TT by 0.9 sec, SLK’s by 1.0 and 1.5 sec, MR2 by 1.6 sec., and Miata by 2.3 sec. Only the Boxster S and BMW M are faster by 0.1 and 0.3 sec respectively.

I don't have 0-60 handy for the 2nd generation S2000.

robb

tof

Nice thread, Dave.

The new MX5 is interesting, especially the RF I would love to have an RF. Not only is it great having a "hard top" convertible (sort of) but for me, the ND Miata looks much MUCH better in this iteration. The extra power (finally!) is welcome, too. I think this is the first Miata that can truly compete with the S2000 as a sports car for the enthusiast driver. Of course it was first available six years after the last S2000 rolled off the assembly line, so you would expect it to be better. Too bad the Miata red line is so low at just a tick over 7K RPM.

The Tesla Model 3, the one everyone can afford at $35K, except base models still don't exist. I worry more about the company than the car. Where are you going to get replacement parts after Toyota, GM, Honda, BMW, and Mercedes produce better cars for less money by leveraging their huge R&D budgets and engineering muscle.

I've enjoyed a number of the Autoline videos and the one you link is excellent. But for those who like a lighter touch, check out Doug Demuro's take. Spoiler: He loves the 3 but isn't too impressed with Tesla's build quality.

For those who want a deeper dive down the rabbit hole, go to YouTube and search "disassembly tesla model 3 munro & associates" or similar. This company disassembles cars and produces reports on engineering and construction details that are sold to various auto manufacturers and others interested parties. Here is an Autoline video featuring Sandy Munro describing the tear-down of the Model 3.

hirev

i have owned two miatas, a 1990 and a 2001. Both cars were a blast to drive and down on power, don't know about the new one. at the car shows i have been to sitting in the car brings back all sorts of memories, like the new features,like adj steering column, more power, nice brakes, choice of hard tops, better seats,nice tech,etc...what nobody tells you is that usually others in larger vehicles take your right of way or just don't see you. Also unless you are on the power in the right gear passing is an acquired taste.

smaller in many ways that my 2004 s2000 and arguably not as nice looking i would not trade my older car for a newer miata. i would recommend a miata for most everyone though.

hirev

Tesla model 3, my friend got one, interior is so bland with cheap materials that i think the looks combined make this a 40,000 car imho. I have no interest, although i recognize electric is the car of the future. don't care at all for the tablet dash either.
if all things were equal, like price I would take the epace jag any day of the week over the model 3. i think the whole idea of the tesla is brilliant, i have toured the factory and was impressed.