My friend challenged me too a race (At a Local Drag Strip!LEGAL!) He has a 2000 Mazda Miata MX-5 and I have my 2002 Mini Cooper. Who do you think will win? I have a 5 speed Manuel and he has a automatic. I think the manuel gives me a huge advantage off the line. Any thoughts. My mods are listed below. I think the Checkered Side graphics add about 5hp each right ahah

 

You will lose. Don't race.

 

even though he has an automatic? The miata doesnt seam that fast to me. I have drove it and it lags.

 

Miata - 140hp, 2400 lbs. .058 hp/lb
MINI - 115hp, 2300 lbs. .050 hp/lb


Might be close with the mods and the manual

 

But here's a hint... Put in a bit of good gas as your car can use the octane!

Matt

 

Thanks a lot! I think I can pull it out. Before we race im putting in headers and flashing my ECU.

 

A MINI and a Miata and you're racing in a straight line? Sure, it'll be fun, but those two cars deserve to duke it out on an autocross course, where they're both amazingly capable cars.

 

What snid said.

 

I would race him on an autocross track. However, hes crashed two other cars before and each time I was with him. And each time it was in a turn he took to hard!

 

The RWD of the Miata might help it off the line, but I think you'd catch him once you start building boost

 

as I think he's driving a Cooper....

Matt

 

then I guess he's not catching up

 

Oh Ill catch up! Trust me!

 

Well take a look at the quarter times in the drag section (Ss are pulling in low 15s stock), lurk on a Miata board for a while and spot their 1/4 times and then post your slips when its over to see who won.

 

I have run with quite a few Miatii on the track, and all but the early model ones will outrun me on the straights. They will often comment later that the Coopers are the only cars that they can out accelerate, but can't outrun in the corners.

 

Ever see how they stack up against an S?

 

I think an S would destroy it!

 

An MCS with decent tires generally has no trouble with most Miata's. Unless the Miata is hiding a turbo. The driver, however, makes a considerable difference either way. I have not been around the new MX5's, though, and they could probably give an S trouble. These are all generalizations, of course, there are lots and lots of variables.

 

We are going tomorrow night. I will let you all know what happens. Hopefully I can pull off an upset.

 

u should find someone with an S to tag along...to really see how they compare

 

yeah or I can bring my 240sx (skyline Conversion) see how he compares against that

 

A 2000 Miata vs. a MSC would be a complete kill for the MCS

I drive a modded MCS and my bf drives a supercharged 99 Miata and it's a veeeeeeeery close race. We've played around with them a little and there is barely any difference in power, only in traction. It's all in the launch. Either one can launch good and win. So a Miata without that SC, easy lunch for my MINI.

Now a MC vs stock Miata.... guess we'll see after this little race I'm going to say it's more the driver than the car betwen those two, well, if they were both manuals. In this case, I think his auto will be the downfall.

 

I've run with quite a few Miatii as well at the track in my 914 and have the same experience - I can hold more speed through corners, but a miata always pulls away from me on a straightaway.

 

Tonight! We are going at 7:30. I think we will get the track slot at 8:45. I took off my rear wiper today and took out my radio. SAve alittle extra weight. I also only weigh 130pounds and he weighs 210. Extra weigh savings.

 

that will take a big chunk out!

Matt