Now in a Miata... but Looking for Next Vehicle
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 277
Likes: 2
From: Slip F-18, Bahia Mar Marina
I definitely remember your ride. This is my NA's almost current state. She also has a polished stainless Hard Dog Double D Hardcore, which wasn't installed yet in this picture.
Just think. This year is *twelve* years of Miatas at the Gap. A Dozen Dragons!
Just think. This year is *twelve* years of Miatas at the Gap. A Dozen Dragons!
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 204
Likes: 1
Well since this is becoming the "we love our minis, but we love our miatas too" thread, I took the miata out of storage just this afternoon. It fired up as if 5 months ago was 5 days ago. Bit of wrenching in next couple of weeks (oil change, brake pads) but otherwise good to go.
Over the winter we may tend to forget how great these little cars are... admittedly, next to my JCW it is S-L-O-W (remember mine is modded quite a bit for suspension, roll bar, etc., but not FI yet) but it has remarkable handling feel and particularly steering feel, especially flung ridiculously fast into right-hand low-speed corners. It defines "classic sports car" and there is something to be said for sitting mere inches above the pavement (my seat has been foamectomied so another 2" drop over stock). At higher speeds things change and the JCW is just incredibly composed and has that german precision versus japanese scrappiness. But tough to compare these two, as others who own both have also said... they are really very different cars, each with its own reasons to make a caring driver giggle like a kid on helium.
I had forgotten as well how loud the Racing Beat exhaust is - and how nice and smooth it sounds under part throttle (refreshingly "un-rice").
Over the winter we may tend to forget how great these little cars are... admittedly, next to my JCW it is S-L-O-W (remember mine is modded quite a bit for suspension, roll bar, etc., but not FI yet) but it has remarkable handling feel and particularly steering feel, especially flung ridiculously fast into right-hand low-speed corners. It defines "classic sports car" and there is something to be said for sitting mere inches above the pavement (my seat has been foamectomied so another 2" drop over stock). At higher speeds things change and the JCW is just incredibly composed and has that german precision versus japanese scrappiness. But tough to compare these two, as others who own both have also said... they are really very different cars, each with its own reasons to make a caring driver giggle like a kid on helium.
I had forgotten as well how loud the Racing Beat exhaust is - and how nice and smooth it sounds under part throttle (refreshingly "un-rice").
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 0
From: Inside the DC Beltway
Well since this is becoming the "we love our minis, but we love our miatas too" thread, I took the miata out of storage just this afternoon. It fired up as if 5 months ago was 5 days ago. Bit of wrenching in next couple of weeks (oil change, brake pads) but otherwise good to go.
Over the winter we may tend to forget how great these little cars are... admittedly, next to my JCW it is S-L-O-W (remember mine is modded quite a bit for suspension, roll bar, etc., but not FI yet) but it has remarkable handling feel and particularly steering feel, especially flung ridiculously fast into right-hand low-speed corners. It defines "classic sports car" and there is something to be said for sitting mere inches above the pavement (my seat has been foamectomied so another 2" drop over stock). At higher speeds things change and the JCW is just incredibly composed and has that german precision versus japanese scrappiness. But tough to compare these two, as others who own both have also said... they are really very different cars, each with its own reasons to make a caring driver giggle like a kid on helium.
I had forgotten as well how loud the Racing Beat exhaust is - and how nice and smooth it sounds under part throttle (refreshingly "un-rice").
Over the winter we may tend to forget how great these little cars are... admittedly, next to my JCW it is S-L-O-W (remember mine is modded quite a bit for suspension, roll bar, etc., but not FI yet) but it has remarkable handling feel and particularly steering feel, especially flung ridiculously fast into right-hand low-speed corners. It defines "classic sports car" and there is something to be said for sitting mere inches above the pavement (my seat has been foamectomied so another 2" drop over stock). At higher speeds things change and the JCW is just incredibly composed and has that german precision versus japanese scrappiness. But tough to compare these two, as others who own both have also said... they are really very different cars, each with its own reasons to make a caring driver giggle like a kid on helium.
I had forgotten as well how loud the Racing Beat exhaust is - and how nice and smooth it sounds under part throttle (refreshingly "un-rice").
Since were doing side by side pictures now:
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 204
Likes: 1
Smurf blue is one of my fave NA colours... very nice!
Interesting point: some of my other miata owning friends are surprised so many mini owners also have miatas. In fact others tried repeatedly in the past to get me into something other than a mini, always saying "but you already have the miata!" They see the cars as "too similar". I always answer, "Oh you mean they both put driving pleasure first and foremost and are quick on their feet through the corners and easy to hustle through traffic and have huge - and quality - dealer performance and aftermarket support and they don't sell in massive numbers so I won't see my exact car and spec every 3kms... so that is a problem??"
Then they drive the mini and the opportunity cost of driving a fairly uninvolving car starts to seem high... and then they start to wonder if they really need that big euro sedan after all... It was the same when I was first getting into miatas... lots of misunderstanding and criticism from peers and then, one by one, modded hondas and "faster" sports cars were sold off and replaced with various years of NA's and NB's.
Interesting point: some of my other miata owning friends are surprised so many mini owners also have miatas. In fact others tried repeatedly in the past to get me into something other than a mini, always saying "but you already have the miata!" They see the cars as "too similar". I always answer, "Oh you mean they both put driving pleasure first and foremost and are quick on their feet through the corners and easy to hustle through traffic and have huge - and quality - dealer performance and aftermarket support and they don't sell in massive numbers so I won't see my exact car and spec every 3kms... so that is a problem??"
Then they drive the mini and the opportunity cost of driving a fairly uninvolving car starts to seem high... and then they start to wonder if they really need that big euro sedan after all... It was the same when I was first getting into miatas... lots of misunderstanding and criticism from peers and then, one by one, modded hondas and "faster" sports cars were sold off and replaced with various years of NA's and NB's.
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