Last Saturday (last sunny day before the skies opened up again) I had an opportunity to take the new (2006) Mazda MX-5 Miata for a drive over one of my favorite runs in the MCSa that I have. I have to say that I was quite impressed by the off-the-shelf capability of the MX-5 compared to the stock MCSa. The handling of the MX-5 is very neutral and the turning circle is even tighter than the MCSa's. Engine acceleration is close to the MCSa as is braking (the MX-5 starts out with a 115 foot 60 - 0; but ceramic pads get the MCSa to the same point, so it is basically a wash). On the way back to the dealer, I was thinking that the MX-5 would be a great toy to have. After spending a significant amount of time on the web checking up on the modifications that are being done to earlier generation MX-5s, it would seem that the MX-5 has a significant modification potential as well. (250 hp and ft/lbs are well within the ability of some of the analogs to Randy Webb in the MX-5 world, and, and, and...)

Now for the reason for this post: Would you trade in a MCS (or an MCSa) for a MX-5? Having both is not an option - too many toys; only one or the other.

 

No

 

No, they're ugly. Mazda needs to clean up their act.

 

Irrelevant question for me. I need a rear seat, a roof rack for boards and skis, and interior room for carrying windsurfing gear. If I didn't have these requirements, then I probably wouldn't be driving a Mini... or a Miata. Pehaps a slightly used Super 7...?

 

2 completely different cars. IMO the only thing they have in common is they are fun to drive. I seriously considered the MX-5. Great handling and great acceleration.
I travel fairly often for business. Did not feel like I could spend 6 plus hours in one. Also, have 3 kids. No back seat is a serious problem.

 

The only thing heretical is the automatic transmission!!

Zing!

Just kidding, you guys! I love all MINIs!

 

mayim's joking aside, was the manual transmission in the mx-5 a factor? perhaps you miss driving a stick . . .

also: ramping up the power significantly in a miata usually involves adding a turbo or supercharger, which is a much more serious undertaking than pulley/ecu/cai/exhaust that can get you really nice gains in the MINI.

 

Better yet, get an older turbo'd (or SC'd) miata for a song, and enjoy both. Works for me.

'91 Miata with SC
'04 MINI with SC
Insurance agent with diamonds.

 

That (great handling and great acceleration) was what got me thinking that the MX-5 would be a great toy to have.

But if you didn't have the issues of having to spend 6 plus hours in one or the absence of the back seat, would you go for the MX-5 over the MCSa?

 

For me, the auto is a requirement - I have tendonitis in my left knee; working the clutch will have me hobbling around on crutches the next day. Both the MCS and the MX-5 have the option of a 6 speed automatic transmission and both have the ability to use steering wheel-mounted paddles to shift the automatic transmission.

The newest (2006) edition of the MX-5 has a 2.0 liter engine that is spec'd at 166 hp for the a/t (170 hp for the MT). So, out of the box, the two are close to each other in power. The MX-5 is a little less in the weight department; so, maybe a bit "peppier". The approximate cost of upgrades (for the MX-5, it involves adding a s/c or t/c, but there are some really credible tuners out there that are analogous to Randy Webb in the MINI community) seems to be approximate to Webb Motorsports packages as well. So, back to my original question - what to do?

 

Alas, I presently have too many toys. I can have only one - either the MCSa stays and I put some $ into mods.; or, the MCSa goes and is replaced with a 2006 MX-5 that gets modded. If you had that choice (one or the other), what would you do? Since you have both, it would appear that you would have a very good insight into the relative strengths and weaknesses of each.

 

Like the perverbial comparison of apples to oranges....

 

For me, the deal-breaker on the MX-5 is the convertible aspect. I'd much rather have a hardtop with a big sunroof (which my on-the-way MCS will have) vs. a canvas-top convertible... Safety and structural rigidity should be better, and I can open the sunroof without having to put down the whole roof like I would for a convertible...

 

If you want a Miata, go get one! For me, no, I wouldn't make the trade. I've got my own ragtop, and getting another one just doesn't do it for me.

But what I'd do isn't the issue, what you want to do is. Asking here is your subconsious screaming to keep the Mini!

Matt

 

But if you didn't have your present ragtop, would you do the deal?

You are completely on point! Which is the reason I am asking for feedback...

 

they seem like fun! If I were to do it, I'd probably do one of the 5.0 conversions (yes, they fit with a little work). Modern Cobra!

But then again, most of my pleasure cars are somewhat unique. The Mustang is more rare than the Mini, and Miatas are a dime a dozen, much more common than the Mini.

And since I do have the mustang, your question is purly hypothetical, and the answer wouldn't mean didly!

Matt

ps. Go for it! Trade away. Let us know how you like it in a few months..... Summer is coming, and springtime is a great time to have a rag top. If you change your mind, you can always get another mini! and change your name to CaMiataFan!

 

The Miata is an interesting car, but to be honest its not one I particularly covet. Wait a couple of years and buy a used Elise or you could buy a 2000-2001 Boxster today for about the same $$$ as a new Miata. The MINI is compelling because there aren't any alternatives, its really the only game in town for what it is. With the Miata there are a number of alternatives, both new and used, so were I to feel the allure of a convertible again, while its possible I might wind up with a Miata, its not likely.

 

I was actually thinking a little along those lines, but not necessarily the 5.0 solution; there are some really nice turbo conversions that are putting out 270 hp out of a 1.8 liter engine on 91 octane pisswater (with CARB exemption numbers....)

Well, there was an incentive lease program on the MX-5 that expired today. Don't know if it was extended or not. Another item for consideration, the 2007 MX-5 is supposed to have an option for a convertible hardtop roof (like the MBZ SLK).... Member name would probably have to be something like MCSa2MX52MCSa...

 

who got rid of his modded Miata for a MCS! He can give you lots of insight!

Round and round we go, where we stop, nobody knows!

Matt

 

I've owned both a 1999 Boxster and a 1995 Miata. I miss them both, but not so much I'd trade my 05 S. You might be able to get a 2000 or 2001 Boxster for low 20's (not the S version), but the maintenance will absolutely kill you compared to Miata or the Mini. Think $200+ oil changes, rear main seal leaks, etc. My Boxster was probably the car I miss the most, but I don't miss the cost.

Don't even get me started on the maintenance cost of my 1987 Carrera. I sold it to get my Mini!

 

Has the interior quality stepped up this model? I rented the last version for a day or two and was shocked at how cheap the interior bits and the overall car feeling was - very tin can like, car gave me no confidence. I could see it as a fun car and the whole spec Miata thing but based on that car the Mini feels better all around. Oh and it looks better too

Of course, it's only a car, do what you really want - if you feel that a change might spice up things for you go for it On the other hand, if you are thinking of modding maybe you just need to do some of that to the MCS.

 

My GF has a 330 convertible and she wanted a fun car , good gas milage to keep the "junk" miles off the BMW. We startd looking at Miatas.. Drove several late model and one new "limited" she bought a 99 with 57,000 mi. The car is fun to drive but i woulod not give up my Mini for it...... I would however be very tempted to give up the Mini for the 06 MX-5 we drove......if I did not have an obnoxious amount of money in my Mini mods. If I could get out of my mods and start at sq. 1, I would probably go for it... it's all hypothetical of course........ That is one very nice car..... handles well, reasonably quick, nice build quality I think very good looking, comfortable etc....... I was really impressed..... My car is heavily modded and much faster but I really liked the MX-5

 

True, Porsche maintence isn't cheap, but frankly, it doesn't seem particularly out of line, given what some other cars seem to be costing these days. I just paid $750 to a Ford dealer to do the 30K service and put in a new air filter on my F250. Damn close, if not above Porsche prices. My 2000 911 has been trouble free. I'd add that the 2000+ cars are far better vis a vis the rear main seal, not non-existent, but much rarer problem. Not suggesting this is what to buy (although theres no doubt I would over a new Miata), mind you, simply that if you're looking into the mid 20K range, there are a lot of alternatives. The MCS really has no direct competitors.

 

I take it you plan to sell the Mini before it gets too old. Repair costs are astronomical on this car.

Yes, If the mood struck me to sell the MINI, I'd probably go drive the miata. My plan is to hold out for an Elise though.

 

an excellent choice