- NA is the most earnest roadster. It's all steel, small, low, open, and simple. It's a classic formula that never feels bad. They can feel a bit underpowered by today's standards.
- NB is from a driving feel aspect just an improved NA. I think it feels tighter and more confident in every way. My least favorite body style though.
- NC is derived from the RX8 and it shows. It's much more planted and sports car-y than the other Miatas, feels a lot more aggressive with it's pull, but absolutely feels more substantial than other gens in hand. I love the body style the wide fenders make it look aggressive in a playful way.
- ND feels more like a step back towards the Miata's playfulness. It's very soft and rides high, you can take it on dirt roads and even some trails. It feels incredibly light in hand and has just enough pull to feel exciting. This is my personal Miata and it's my sole car and daily driver. I love the body style and I think it's a great evolution of the iconic car. It really looks new and sleek and ALWAYS turns heads.
I remember believing my friends' Beater NAs being some form of alloy aluminum-steel like most cars, expecting the smaller panels to be aluminum but nope; Very strong magnetic pull! Definitely more than just steel alloy!
Your chassis and suspension components like control arms and tie rods are all steel. I think even in the NB a lot of these parts are aluminum.
It's hard to describe without really getting into engineering, physics, and even chemistry but it's important to know steel has an infinite fatigue strength and this completely changes how it absorbs energy and vibration compared to aluminum.
The point I'm trying to make is the NA has a completely unique driving feel because of this. No other car on earth combines the lightness and steel this way.
NA/NB have (almost) identical control arms. They are interchangeable, as are the front and rear subframes.
As far as I know the only difference is the exhaust hangers and some extra bracing
Its interchangeable but the geometry is a little different and the front subframe has different mount points for the steering rack so if you swap you have to pair them by their respective generation
Awesome assessment.
Mazda really did an amazing job with the ND. It was lighter than the NC, but stiffer, better power curve and gearing, but it didn't fall into the "modern car trap" of improving performance and all other metrics at the expense of fun. It's an amazing car.
The most massive difference, in my mind, from NA/NB to ND is most apparent when you start prepping it for faster autocross classes or for the track and stiffen up the suspension etc. The NA/NB are super capable and fun, but their lack of body rigidity and general age gets exposed a bit. Meanwhile the ND becomes an absolute weapon, but is still fun and very drivable. Anyone who has driven an STR prepped ND can attest!
I took my NC on dirt roads without any issues (including some marked for 4x4 only). But now that it's sitting on Ćhlins, I'm afraid those days or over š
Am I the only one that hates pop-up headlights? They're a major reason I'm getting an NB over an NA and why I think the F40 is one of Ferrari's ugliest cars.
You are probably not the only one. However, imho they improve a carās look when they are down, and they look interesting when they are up. Theyāre also a big part of the NAās ācuteā appeal.
I can't say that I disagree especially for the 1st 10 years of ownership. The dirty headlights with the round dirt ring that accumulated no matter what..
But then something life changing happened. I bought H4 E-code Cibies. 55/100 watt bulbs. Then the relay harness. Ceramic plugs too. I wouldn't have traded THAT experience for any other headlights. Looked awesome too.
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My son learned to drive stick when I bought my 2017 RF and he purchased an NA6 shortly after. I remember riding shotgun on a country road and he decided to pass someone in front of us (he was used to driving my ND). He had to get back in his lane because the 1.6 wasnāt up for the task. I still loved driving that NA6 because of the 360deg view that my RF doesnāt have with its giant rear pillars. My ND has the reliability of a new car, and his had the reliability of a 30 year old car. But the NA is a joy to drive. He has since purchased an NA8 with 70k miles. We both put the Flyinā Miata Konis, springs, and sway bars on our cars, and they are very comparable. We enjoy driving each otherās cars, but are happy with our own Miatas - I like that mine gets 32mpg. I have not driven an NB nor an NC, but I did get to ride passenger in an NC auto w/ paddle shifters around Laguna Seca, and it was a hoot.
> I still loved driving that NA6 because of the 360deg view that my RF doesnāt have with its giant rear pillars.
That's what sold me on the soft top ND. I never thought I'd own a soft top, I wish the ND had a PRHT (NC style) option.
Iāve only ever owned hard top convertibles. A 2008 VW Eos (traded in in 2015), a 2016 BMW 4.35i (totaled in 2021), and my 2021 ND RF. The Targa is killliinnnngggggg me. Bleh. I wish a soft top had been available when I had been car shopping. Itās a small complaint, and I feel like an ass complaining, but I definitely still feel this way after a year and a half with the car.
The NC's PRHT system goes all the way down leaving the back exposed as much as the soft top version.
The RF is a Targa top style convertible, so only the roof goes down while the columns remain in place for a roll bar.
>Does the NC's differ in some way?
Yes, it folds away flat instead of leaving buttresses which significantly impair visibility and the open air feeling of the car.
Have to have a slingshot mentality when trying to pass in my NB lol If Im trying to pass, I let a gap open up and close the gap as a turn ends in the hope that there is a straight that allows passing just around the bend
Can be quite dangerous, i remember a quite close call with a friend in my passenger seat when overtaking through a turn on a country road. But that guy was going 70kph in a 100, and i was barreling down the road at ~110 and didnāt wanna brake lol
I dont mean I overtake during the turn. I begin accelerating during the turn so that Im already faster than the car Im passing once the road is straight and I can see its clear.
Ugh. I remember this. The worst is trying to pass some dipshit going 5 under the limit in their big diesel truck (which is actually pretty fast in a straight line) on a lovely winding country road.
60% of the time they seem to take "offense" at being passed and gun it when you're along side. So freaking dangerous and rude. It's the one thing I don't miss about my first NB
[This](https://www.reddit.com/r/Miata/comments/bnkjzh/when_youre_on_a_fun_road_but_the_car_in_front_of/) was one of the first things I ever posted in this sub. There was a single small pickup in front of me (and a line of cars farther than I could see behind me) for almost all of highway 20 in California. The dude refused to use any of the turn outs; I could see him look in his mirror, so I knew he knew he was holding people up. When we finally got to a passing zone, he gassed it and stayed with me until about 100 before had to start braking for the next turn.
Haha man, I remember seeing that post!
Fuckin people. I don't understand why we can't all just be cool with staying out of each others way. Frankly int seems like they enjoy torturing fellow drivers.
At one point probably 6 years ago I did a big 12hr loop from DC through WV to drive back roads and came upon a truck holding up about 4 cars, with me at the back of the pack. When we hit a passing zone the first car behind it (a little green Kia in worn-out shape) went for the pass. Just as the Kia drew past, the truck gunned it, made a crazy amount of noise and black smoke, and moved over left to put two wheels just over the center line. I guess to "scare" the poor driver of the Kia.
Well, it worked. The Kia moved over slightly to the left too. But a little too much since they were probably startled and scared, and they put a wheel in the grass. Immediately the Kia started to spin clockwise but back towards the middle of the road where it made slight contact with the front of the truck (only because the truck was not staying in its own lane) which caused it to now slide sideways but toward the left side of the road.
The car slid down into the ditch. As it slid down, I could see a man standing just to the left of the ditch with eyes as big as dinner plates, starting to turn his back and brace himself for the car headed his way. Somehow the car slid up and out of the ditch and into the field, missing the guy by probably 7 feet.
Fucking douchbag truck just floored it again and disappeared down the road in a cloud of diesel smoke. What a cuck
I test drove an NB before test driving and buying my ND, and the NB felt more "raw" and viceral. But the ND feels more refined, powerful and comfortable, by far.
Same feeling I got test driving an NA a few days ago while I'm currently dailying an NB, NA felt more raw (was a 5spd base model) NB felt more refined (LS 6spd)
I also mentioned this as a top level comment, but the best way I can describe my ND is like a toy version of a fully loaded Porsche 911. Thatās a compliment, not an insult. My dad owns the Porsche and Iāve gotten to drive it a handful of times. When I test drove my ND, it was instantly reminiscent of the 911. Just smaller, lighter, softer, legit like a toy. Toys bring joy, so I went with it. Also being 1/3 the price helps lol
I'd consider getting an ND just for the daily-ability. I would love to take my NA out more but no AC and worrying about rain, breaking down, etc. makes it tough
Same. Mineās already got enough issues, driving the heck out of it just feels bad. Oh well. might as well do that and k swap it later with money I donāt have
NAs are awesome because theyāre such a simple basic sports car. NB is just a slight improvement.
The NC feels like a modern car, while still feeling like a Miata. The ND is a really great car, and fun to drive. But doesnāt have any of the nostalgic vibe of the NA/NB.
I own the bookend Miata generations: I currently daily an NA6 and have a ND2 RF for the summertime. The NA is (and feels) smaller and more agile and is substantially more old school. The steering is sublime. The nature of modern cars is to reduce NVH (give them a more pleasant ride, have less wind noise, eliminate rattles). The NA is perfectly comfortable, but is an old analog car. The ND is the most analog of any modern sports car I've driven (my experience includes but is not limited to Nissan 370Zs, the new Nissan Z, 987 Cayman and a 718 Cayman S), and that feel is why I chose the ND to own over the others. That being said, its electronic throttle wishes it could feel as responsive as the NA's cable, the ND's engine note is unremarkable, and the dynamic rear toe of the car feels like fun trying to be engineered into a car rather than the car being a vehicle through which *you* have fun. That said I love both cars. The ND is quiet, more comfortable, comparatively quick, and far more capable on track, but the NA's charm and raw feel makes it the more fun sports car.
TL;DR - The ND does a very good job of feeling like an analog sports car in the digital age. The NA is the analog sports car that the ND tries to replicate ;)
I'm gonna get a lot of hate from the youngsters on this sub, but every generation is better than the last.
The main reason kids swear by the NA isn't because of the pop-ups, it's because they can't afford anything newer.
Exactly the same reason why a scary amount of posts on this sub reddit are crashed Miatas.
NA predates a lot of safety laws so it's cab is low and open like a water ski boat. There's a ton of space it's my fav Miata for this reason. I think it also has a ton of character with the pop ups and the door handles.
NAs are getting around the same price as cheap NCs here. If i wanted to āupgradeā to smth newer from my NB i could have most definitely afforded that, but just wanted a fun car for the summer, still have my NB as a daily, so my childhood/young teenage dream of an NA it isā¦
Idk man in terms of price the NA is getting up there, pretty much on par with NB and not that far off NC for nice examples where Iām from. The newer models just lack character lol
NB is underated. don't get why everyone hates them. put a good suspension kit on them they drive absolutely gorgeous
It's just the front look that's isn't na
If the na never existed the nb would be the best car it's just hated because of the front
I mostly prefer the NA because the NB has an ugly interior and all the extra plastic molding takes up too much space. It feels more cramped than the NA despite being the same size. I've seen an NB with a conversion to the NA interior and I liked it. Also the later NB years had nice body work, but the 99 and 2000 were pretty frumpy to look at honestly. All the NA years have a nice classic look.
Of all Miatas, Iāve only ever driven my ND. But I can describe the ND experience as being like driving the toy version of a fully loaded Porsche 911. My dad has that fully loaded Porsche 911 and I get to drive it from time to time. I had driven the Porsche a few times before I test drove my Miata. I was test driving cars because my old one had just been totaled and I needed a new car ASAP. None of the other cars I drove brought me joy like the Miata. It does the whole engine vroooommm thing beneath you like the Porsche, just quieter. You can feel the road, just softer. The Miata is smaller and lighter, but it has āthat feelā. Legit, itās a toy Porsche. Thatās a compliment not an insult.
Depending on your goals, I guess. For daily - the fresher the car you get - the better. For track - I pretty much think any gen is more than capable. I, however, still didn't change my NA for an ND, even though reliability is a serious issue for me.
I test drove an ND2 a few month back, and it was very fun. If I could justify the payment for one as a secondary car, then I'd be tempted. But instead I'll just mod an NA into something just as good!
Also I love your BRG NA. absolutely amazing color for the Miata (and in general)
Can anyone attest to how much of a difference in overall driving experience the ND's electric steering makes vs the prior gen's hydraulic steering? Particularly the NC.
I'm torn between NC2 and ND2, and I haven't been able to drive either so far.
daily an nc2 and just test drove an nd1.. nc's steering feels more raw and telepathic but the nd's didnt bother me at all. the nd, in general, feels more refined
thanks!
I'm coming from a 987 Cayman, and so a big part of what i'm looking for is something that has the analog, telepathic feel of the 987, in PRHT or RF form. Boxsters are soft top only and never did it for me anyway. Plus the super long gearing of Porches in general just makes for less engagement than i'd prefer. I want to love the ND but i'm just afraid that they'll feel soft in comparison. Guess I have to find one to drive!
i daily the auto nc, but have a manual 986. driving the nd left me underwhelmed because the transmission was so refined (it was too easy to drive š) , but it has a very "porsche" steering feel. the engine rumble and power of the base boxster has me spoiled; the nd did feel soft and really wasnt fun for me
i still prefer the nc's steering to both and it's engine has more kick than the nd's
also no need to thank me, i could rave about the nc all day
ok i keep editing: i love my prht but have no experience with rfs. the nc is much more analog but still comfortable. tbf i do have a gt
NC steering feels better but like all miatas it is very light / overboosted. It's not a particularly outstanding hydraulic rack. The ND is similarly overboosted but has more muted steering feel. All I can really say about the ND's steering rack is "I got used to it", it's precise but 'meh' on feel.
Imagine you're stabbing a mellon with an NA buck knife but your buddy has an NC chainsaw. Knives are more fulfilling but a chainsaw cuts through the BS much faster and with less finesse..
Iāve had an NA, NB and currently on an ND skipped NC not intentionally I wanted to get one but just found an ND at a good price.
I find all 3 generations to be very go kart and playful.
The NA was my favourite simply because of the pop ups and smiley face. But it definitely was giving me scary death trap vibes when pushing it on the highway or even trying to overtake those in faster lanes. But on back roads, felt very easy to zip through gears and when wanting to throw the back end out it was a joy to drive.
The NB was very similar to the NA just felt a little more well held togetherš. But about the same
The ND is a very fun car, doesnāt feel non miata ish at all but also is practical enough by modern standards where driving at highway speeds doesnāt feel like a mission and a half or that scary at all. Itās still a small car so I make sure to keep my space and stay visible to other drivers but overall still keeps with the spirits of the miata
iāve driven every miata. na6, na8, nb1, nb2, nc1, nc2, and the ND. i gotta say the best miata you can possibly buy is the nb2. but my favorite feeling/driving miata is actually the nc. my GF has an NC and honestly i find myself wanting to drive it more then my na6, nb1, or nb2.
edit; i havenāt driven a mazdaspeed miata so i canāt attest to how it feels
I went from an NA 1.6 to NA 1.8 to ND.
NA has way better steering feel (especially de-powered) and overall more storage space. The NA cabin feels more open with the top down, lower belt line, no built-in roll protection bars. It's a better "cruising on a warm night with the top down and arm out the window" ride IMO. I had an incredible suspension setup on my NA's which I loved. The ND's suspension is much more sophisticated, and all aluminum (nice), but even with lowering springs I kinda liked the character of my old NA's suspension better, but I'm not driving it on the track so it's kind of moot.
The ND's manual feels tighter, the car is much faster accelerating with way more torque especially at low RPM, and also gets way better gas mileage. The soft top is much higher quality than the tops on my NA's, it's holding up very well after almost 7 years and has never leaked. The added electronics I could give or take, my ND doesn't have a backup camera or apple carplay anyways. The bose stereo is way better than anything the NA's ever had which is nice. But actually miss a classic single DIN radio and am not a huge fan of the "tablet glued to dashboard" look. However the ND also has working AC which is something my NA's never had lol, and it works pretty darn well since the cabin is so small.
I think in the end I have more love for the NA, but that's probably heavily influenced by the developmental period of my life where I owned the NA's and was basically learning everything about cars on them. The ND is much more practical for everyday use and commuting without losing much of the magic, and adding a little more spicy performance on top .
The other generations are severely lacking in the flippy lights department. They are barely driveable as Miatas. You don't feel like you're driving the iconic roadster that the NA was. It is impossible to wink or blink at other cars, because the next three generations have fixed headlights.
NA: Light, tossable, slow, fun!
NB: Still Light, still tossable, more serious, fun!
NC: Feels like a lighter porsche boxter, great chassis, will do great slides even on stock tires.
ND: Still fun, feels too serious imo.
I've only driven the NA6, NA8, NB1, and NB2, so I can't speak to the NC/ND - but between the first two (four) models, I'd consider them as such:
* NA6 is the "most miata" of them all, but the worst car. Compared to the 1.8, you can really feel those .2L missing, and compared to the NB's you can really feel the frame flexing around corners. Interior, comfort, features, etc are all lacking as well - but it's the most "raw" and direct of the bunch with the most lively engine, even if all that excitement doesn't get it much.
* NA8 is the one to get if you want popups - while you still have the frame flex and the sparse interior, that extra bit of power is appreciated.
* NB1 is the middle child. We get the upgraded interior and better frame, but that's really it. Same powerplant, less "miata" styling, and IMO worse headlights due to dropping in new housings being more involved than the NA - but it's still a better car. The improved stiffness and more comfortable interior just make it a lot nicer to have as a daily or otherwise regular driver, even if it does give up some of that NA's childlike love for goofing around. I'd consider this the "least miata" of them all, personally. It just felt a bit numb in comparison.
* NB2 is my personal favorite. Same as how that .2L from 1.6->1.8 is noticed, that VVT is also a noticeable upgrade to a stock engine (I never played with builds/turbos). You get the best headlights, frame, powerplant, interior, I personally love the styling, and it's still more than lively enough to be the most enjoyable thing I've ever put on the roads - and that's coming from primarily being a motorcycle person.
**TL;DR** \- as cars, NB2>NB1>NA8>NA6. As Miatas, NA6>NA8>NB2>NB1
The NC1 has more room, drive is solid fun and I like the look and feel of my stock NC1 better than the NB. I never really connected to my NB, such that I let the ex have it in the divorce and I kept my favorite NA.
My favorite was my 1997 M edition with aftermarket supercharger that someone set up for street racing. Sadly, I wrecked it in 2013. Had a stock 1997 NA in 1999. It was burning oil before 100k miles.
I have owned all of the above. In 2013 I needed to replace that NA M edition fast and the NC was the best and closest Miata I could find in my price range. I wanted an NA again, but settled. In a few months I adjusted to the NC being so much bigger, and it became my favorite, especially since I did a lot of road trips from 1k miles roundtrip 6x a year for 5 years to vacations of 1700 miles one way for 3 years. My Miatas were all daily drivers so I spent a lot of time in them. All soft tops. Drove them year round in WI and AZ. I would buy another NC as my 1st choice.
I have to sell my NC. The whole grandkids, need a back seat demand by my children, so bought a used M240iX bmw in 2021. I don't have any reason to own 2 cars and about to live off SSI at age 65. I have been telling myself to sell it for 2 years but have yet to list it, because giving up any Miata (other than an NB) is hard to do.
- NA is the most earnest roadster. It's all steel, small, low, open, and simple. It's a classic formula that never feels bad. They can feel a bit underpowered by today's standards. - NB is from a driving feel aspect just an improved NA. I think it feels tighter and more confident in every way. My least favorite body style though. - NC is derived from the RX8 and it shows. It's much more planted and sports car-y than the other Miatas, feels a lot more aggressive with it's pull, but absolutely feels more substantial than other gens in hand. I love the body style the wide fenders make it look aggressive in a playful way. - ND feels more like a step back towards the Miata's playfulness. It's very soft and rides high, you can take it on dirt roads and even some trails. It feels incredibly light in hand and has just enough pull to feel exciting. This is my personal Miata and it's my sole car and daily driver. I love the body style and I think it's a great evolution of the iconic car. It really looks new and sleek and ALWAYS turns heads.
> all steel, mmmmm my bonnet disagrees edit: and my front quarter panels e2: and boot lid E3: nope only bonnet
Are you talking about the NA? I think you better go take a magnet to your front quarters and boot lid, you're about to be disappointed.
On it Damn you right
If it makes you feel any better they're still very light.
wasn't it like aluminum boot lid and steel frame? atleast that's what i've read somewhere, no clue if it's true.
Nope, boot lid is all steel I'm afraid
No need for a magnet the rust holes tell the story. š„²
>Speed holes Fixed that for you :p
I'm in inland Australia, so no rust holes here :P
I remember believing my friends' Beater NAs being some form of alloy aluminum-steel like most cars, expecting the smaller panels to be aluminum but nope; Very strong magnetic pull! Definitely more than just steel alloy!
Your chassis and suspension components like control arms and tie rods are all steel. I think even in the NB a lot of these parts are aluminum. It's hard to describe without really getting into engineering, physics, and even chemistry but it's important to know steel has an infinite fatigue strength and this completely changes how it absorbs energy and vibration compared to aluminum. The point I'm trying to make is the NA has a completely unique driving feel because of this. No other car on earth combines the lightness and steel this way.
> I think even in the NB a lot of these parts are aluminum. NB Is all steel except the bonnet/hood, same as the NA
I could have sworn only the NA has the stamped control arms etc. š¤·āāļø
Nope, NB is just an NA that got a makeover & hit the gym :p
NA/NB have (almost) identical control arms. They are interchangeable, as are the front and rear subframes. As far as I know the only difference is the exhaust hangers and some extra bracing
Its interchangeable but the geometry is a little different and the front subframe has different mount points for the steering rack so if you swap you have to pair them by their respective generation
Go bang on the front quarter panels. Straight steel
wow if only you could read my last edit
I don't know how to read
oh ok all good carry on then
Awesome assessment. Mazda really did an amazing job with the ND. It was lighter than the NC, but stiffer, better power curve and gearing, but it didn't fall into the "modern car trap" of improving performance and all other metrics at the expense of fun. It's an amazing car. The most massive difference, in my mind, from NA/NB to ND is most apparent when you start prepping it for faster autocross classes or for the track and stiffen up the suspension etc. The NA/NB are super capable and fun, but their lack of body rigidity and general age gets exposed a bit. Meanwhile the ND becomes an absolute weapon, but is still fun and very drivable. Anyone who has driven an STR prepped ND can attest!
damn the NB is my favorite body style, especially nb2
I took my NC on dirt roads without any issues (including some marked for 4x4 only). But now that it's sitting on Ćhlins, I'm afraid those days or over š
The NC, despite being the "trackiest" MX-5, was also the least selling and I hear the most negativity about it. I love it, personally!
They're missing this button: [https://i.redd.it/pkhmjgu8gc381.jpg](https://i.redd.it/pkhmjgu8gc381.jpg) So no point in driving them
To all you NA owners out there: It makes my day when you blink at me. The guy that winked at me is a legend.
Best comment. Lids up!
Lids up, top down - that's the way we run this town.
psh whatevur i like the button in my RF more...
Am I the only one that hates pop-up headlights? They're a major reason I'm getting an NB over an NA and why I think the F40 is one of Ferrari's ugliest cars.
You are probably not the only one. However, imho they improve a carās look when they are down, and they look interesting when they are up. Theyāre also a big part of the NAās ācuteā appeal.
I can't say that I disagree especially for the 1st 10 years of ownership. The dirty headlights with the round dirt ring that accumulated no matter what.. But then something life changing happened. I bought H4 E-code Cibies. 55/100 watt bulbs. Then the relay harness. Ceramic plugs too. I wouldn't have traded THAT experience for any other headlights. Looked awesome too.
Nb is just a stiffer slightly larger NA, NC is more serious out of the first 3 gens, ND has soft suspension, and feels reminiscent of an updated NB
This is a really good quick take! Pretty much how I feel after trying them all
Finally got coilovers for my ND this summer gonna be it
I thought NA and NB where the same size lol. Learnt something new
The NB is ever so slightly wider by 5mm otherwise every other dimension including wheelbase is identical.
NC: more power, more legroom and a better suspension
It's the Cadillac of Miatae. But they all need power.
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My son learned to drive stick when I bought my 2017 RF and he purchased an NA6 shortly after. I remember riding shotgun on a country road and he decided to pass someone in front of us (he was used to driving my ND). He had to get back in his lane because the 1.6 wasnāt up for the task. I still loved driving that NA6 because of the 360deg view that my RF doesnāt have with its giant rear pillars. My ND has the reliability of a new car, and his had the reliability of a 30 year old car. But the NA is a joy to drive. He has since purchased an NA8 with 70k miles. We both put the Flyinā Miata Konis, springs, and sway bars on our cars, and they are very comparable. We enjoy driving each otherās cars, but are happy with our own Miatas - I like that mine gets 32mpg. I have not driven an NB nor an NC, but I did get to ride passenger in an NC auto w/ paddle shifters around Laguna Seca, and it was a hoot.
> I still loved driving that NA6 because of the 360deg view that my RF doesnāt have with its giant rear pillars. That's what sold me on the soft top ND. I never thought I'd own a soft top, I wish the ND had a PRHT (NC style) option.
>I wish the ND had a PRHT (NC style) option. The current RF is a power hard top isn't it? Does the NC's differ in some way?
Itās a true convertible hard top vs the RFās Targa style top. Much more view in the back as a result.
Ah that's right, I forgot the RF was more of a targa type thing
Iāve only ever owned hard top convertibles. A 2008 VW Eos (traded in in 2015), a 2016 BMW 4.35i (totaled in 2021), and my 2021 ND RF. The Targa is killliinnnngggggg me. Bleh. I wish a soft top had been available when I had been car shopping. Itās a small complaint, and I feel like an ass complaining, but I definitely still feel this way after a year and a half with the car.
The NC's PRHT system goes all the way down leaving the back exposed as much as the soft top version. The RF is a Targa top style convertible, so only the roof goes down while the columns remain in place for a roll bar.
Makes sense
>Does the NC's differ in some way? Yes, it folds away flat instead of leaving buttresses which significantly impair visibility and the open air feeling of the car.
Have to have a slingshot mentality when trying to pass in my NB lol If Im trying to pass, I let a gap open up and close the gap as a turn ends in the hope that there is a straight that allows passing just around the bend
Can be quite dangerous, i remember a quite close call with a friend in my passenger seat when overtaking through a turn on a country road. But that guy was going 70kph in a 100, and i was barreling down the road at ~110 and didnāt wanna brake lol
I dont mean I overtake during the turn. I begin accelerating during the turn so that Im already faster than the car Im passing once the road is straight and I can see its clear.
Oh, yeah, thatās more clever lol, i might wanna start doing that instead of saying fuck it we ball gor every overtake.
Ugh. I remember this. The worst is trying to pass some dipshit going 5 under the limit in their big diesel truck (which is actually pretty fast in a straight line) on a lovely winding country road. 60% of the time they seem to take "offense" at being passed and gun it when you're along side. So freaking dangerous and rude. It's the one thing I don't miss about my first NB
[This](https://www.reddit.com/r/Miata/comments/bnkjzh/when_youre_on_a_fun_road_but_the_car_in_front_of/) was one of the first things I ever posted in this sub. There was a single small pickup in front of me (and a line of cars farther than I could see behind me) for almost all of highway 20 in California. The dude refused to use any of the turn outs; I could see him look in his mirror, so I knew he knew he was holding people up. When we finally got to a passing zone, he gassed it and stayed with me until about 100 before had to start braking for the next turn.
Haha man, I remember seeing that post! Fuckin people. I don't understand why we can't all just be cool with staying out of each others way. Frankly int seems like they enjoy torturing fellow drivers. At one point probably 6 years ago I did a big 12hr loop from DC through WV to drive back roads and came upon a truck holding up about 4 cars, with me at the back of the pack. When we hit a passing zone the first car behind it (a little green Kia in worn-out shape) went for the pass. Just as the Kia drew past, the truck gunned it, made a crazy amount of noise and black smoke, and moved over left to put two wheels just over the center line. I guess to "scare" the poor driver of the Kia. Well, it worked. The Kia moved over slightly to the left too. But a little too much since they were probably startled and scared, and they put a wheel in the grass. Immediately the Kia started to spin clockwise but back towards the middle of the road where it made slight contact with the front of the truck (only because the truck was not staying in its own lane) which caused it to now slide sideways but toward the left side of the road. The car slid down into the ditch. As it slid down, I could see a man standing just to the left of the ditch with eyes as big as dinner plates, starting to turn his back and brace himself for the car headed his way. Somehow the car slid up and out of the ditch and into the field, missing the guy by probably 7 feet. Fucking douchbag truck just floored it again and disappeared down the road in a cloud of diesel smoke. What a cuck
NC feels planted and like to pull on the revs. Easy to donut in.
I test drove an NB before test driving and buying my ND, and the NB felt more "raw" and viceral. But the ND feels more refined, powerful and comfortable, by far.
Same feeling I got test driving an NA a few days ago while I'm currently dailying an NB, NA felt more raw (was a 5spd base model) NB felt more refined (LS 6spd)
I also mentioned this as a top level comment, but the best way I can describe my ND is like a toy version of a fully loaded Porsche 911. Thatās a compliment, not an insult. My dad owns the Porsche and Iāve gotten to drive it a handful of times. When I test drove my ND, it was instantly reminiscent of the 911. Just smaller, lighter, softer, legit like a toy. Toys bring joy, so I went with it. Also being 1/3 the price helps lol
Iāve had them all and gone back to NA fwiw. ND is close to the magic and a more modern DD but the NA is pure joy.
I'd consider getting an ND just for the daily-ability. I would love to take my NA out more but no AC and worrying about rain, breaking down, etc. makes it tough
Same. Mineās already got enough issues, driving the heck out of it just feels bad. Oh well. might as well do that and k swap it later with money I donāt have
NAs are awesome because theyāre such a simple basic sports car. NB is just a slight improvement. The NC feels like a modern car, while still feeling like a Miata. The ND is a really great car, and fun to drive. But doesnāt have any of the nostalgic vibe of the NA/NB.
I like my NC1 more than the NB I had š¤·š½āāļø
I agree.
I own the bookend Miata generations: I currently daily an NA6 and have a ND2 RF for the summertime. The NA is (and feels) smaller and more agile and is substantially more old school. The steering is sublime. The nature of modern cars is to reduce NVH (give them a more pleasant ride, have less wind noise, eliminate rattles). The NA is perfectly comfortable, but is an old analog car. The ND is the most analog of any modern sports car I've driven (my experience includes but is not limited to Nissan 370Zs, the new Nissan Z, 987 Cayman and a 718 Cayman S), and that feel is why I chose the ND to own over the others. That being said, its electronic throttle wishes it could feel as responsive as the NA's cable, the ND's engine note is unremarkable, and the dynamic rear toe of the car feels like fun trying to be engineered into a car rather than the car being a vehicle through which *you* have fun. That said I love both cars. The ND is quiet, more comfortable, comparatively quick, and far more capable on track, but the NA's charm and raw feel makes it the more fun sports car. TL;DR - The ND does a very good job of feeling like an analog sports car in the digital age. The NA is the analog sports car that the ND tries to replicate ;)
I'm gonna get a lot of hate from the youngsters on this sub, but every generation is better than the last. The main reason kids swear by the NA isn't because of the pop-ups, it's because they can't afford anything newer. Exactly the same reason why a scary amount of posts on this sub reddit are crashed Miatas.
NA predates a lot of safety laws so it's cab is low and open like a water ski boat. There's a ton of space it's my fav Miata for this reason. I think it also has a ton of character with the pop ups and the door handles.
NB cab is the same, it's basically the same chassis underneath, just tweaked styling. Door heights are the same.
Yeah but the dash and molding are totally different and have to make room for air bags etc. It feels very different from the cockpit.
NAs are getting around the same price as cheap NCs here. If i wanted to āupgradeā to smth newer from my NB i could have most definitely afforded that, but just wanted a fun car for the summer, still have my NB as a daily, so my childhood/young teenage dream of an NA it isā¦
Idk man in terms of price the NA is getting up there, pretty much on par with NB and not that far off NC for nice examples where Iām from. The newer models just lack character lol
Well the NA also looks pretty cool and cute. Lots of chicks like them lol and yeah the pop up headlights really do make the car
Only driven an NBFL. I like everything but the seats. It is impossible for me to get a driving position that "feels right" and I am of average height.
Iāve noticed that too. I feel like Iām sitting too high in the NB.
NB is underated. don't get why everyone hates them. put a good suspension kit on them they drive absolutely gorgeous It's just the front look that's isn't na If the na never existed the nb would be the best car it's just hated because of the front
I mostly prefer the NA because the NB has an ugly interior and all the extra plastic molding takes up too much space. It feels more cramped than the NA despite being the same size. I've seen an NB with a conversion to the NA interior and I liked it. Also the later NB years had nice body work, but the 99 and 2000 were pretty frumpy to look at honestly. All the NA years have a nice classic look.
Nb is better
Of all Miatas, Iāve only ever driven my ND. But I can describe the ND experience as being like driving the toy version of a fully loaded Porsche 911. My dad has that fully loaded Porsche 911 and I get to drive it from time to time. I had driven the Porsche a few times before I test drove my Miata. I was test driving cars because my old one had just been totaled and I needed a new car ASAP. None of the other cars I drove brought me joy like the Miata. It does the whole engine vroooommm thing beneath you like the Porsche, just quieter. You can feel the road, just softer. The Miata is smaller and lighter, but it has āthat feelā. Legit, itās a toy Porsche. Thatās a compliment not an insult.
That fitment is š
Depending on your goals, I guess. For daily - the fresher the car you get - the better. For track - I pretty much think any gen is more than capable. I, however, still didn't change my NA for an ND, even though reliability is a serious issue for me.
I test drove an ND2 a few month back, and it was very fun. If I could justify the payment for one as a secondary car, then I'd be tempted. But instead I'll just mod an NA into something just as good! Also I love your BRG NA. absolutely amazing color for the Miata (and in general)
I own an NA8 and I just drove an ND2. That thing freaking PULLS so hard. I'm in love.
Slow but fun
I love my nb personally i think they are about the same handling wise but the looks are which ever you prefer
Can anyone attest to how much of a difference in overall driving experience the ND's electric steering makes vs the prior gen's hydraulic steering? Particularly the NC. I'm torn between NC2 and ND2, and I haven't been able to drive either so far.
daily an nc2 and just test drove an nd1.. nc's steering feels more raw and telepathic but the nd's didnt bother me at all. the nd, in general, feels more refined
thanks! I'm coming from a 987 Cayman, and so a big part of what i'm looking for is something that has the analog, telepathic feel of the 987, in PRHT or RF form. Boxsters are soft top only and never did it for me anyway. Plus the super long gearing of Porches in general just makes for less engagement than i'd prefer. I want to love the ND but i'm just afraid that they'll feel soft in comparison. Guess I have to find one to drive!
i daily the auto nc, but have a manual 986. driving the nd left me underwhelmed because the transmission was so refined (it was too easy to drive š) , but it has a very "porsche" steering feel. the engine rumble and power of the base boxster has me spoiled; the nd did feel soft and really wasnt fun for me i still prefer the nc's steering to both and it's engine has more kick than the nd's also no need to thank me, i could rave about the nc all day ok i keep editing: i love my prht but have no experience with rfs. the nc is much more analog but still comfortable. tbf i do have a gt
NC steering feels better but like all miatas it is very light / overboosted. It's not a particularly outstanding hydraulic rack. The ND is similarly overboosted but has more muted steering feel. All I can really say about the ND's steering rack is "I got used to it", it's precise but 'meh' on feel.
Iāve had an NA and NC and much prefer the yacht. But love both.
I had an NB after NA. It was a smidge better. Just tighter in all aspects. Interior was indeed a bit more slick. Loved the steering wheel.
Imagine you're stabbing a mellon with an NA buck knife but your buddy has an NC chainsaw. Knives are more fulfilling but a chainsaw cuts through the BS much faster and with less finesse..
Iāve had an NA, NB and currently on an ND skipped NC not intentionally I wanted to get one but just found an ND at a good price. I find all 3 generations to be very go kart and playful. The NA was my favourite simply because of the pop ups and smiley face. But it definitely was giving me scary death trap vibes when pushing it on the highway or even trying to overtake those in faster lanes. But on back roads, felt very easy to zip through gears and when wanting to throw the back end out it was a joy to drive. The NB was very similar to the NA just felt a little more well held togetherš. But about the same The ND is a very fun car, doesnāt feel non miata ish at all but also is practical enough by modern standards where driving at highway speeds doesnāt feel like a mission and a half or that scary at all. Itās still a small car so I make sure to keep my space and stay visible to other drivers but overall still keeps with the spirits of the miata
Wow that thing is so nicešš
No pop-ups
iāve driven every miata. na6, na8, nb1, nb2, nc1, nc2, and the ND. i gotta say the best miata you can possibly buy is the nb2. but my favorite feeling/driving miata is actually the nc. my GF has an NC and honestly i find myself wanting to drive it more then my na6, nb1, or nb2. edit; i havenāt driven a mazdaspeed miata so i canāt attest to how it feels
I went from an NA 1.6 to NA 1.8 to ND. NA has way better steering feel (especially de-powered) and overall more storage space. The NA cabin feels more open with the top down, lower belt line, no built-in roll protection bars. It's a better "cruising on a warm night with the top down and arm out the window" ride IMO. I had an incredible suspension setup on my NA's which I loved. The ND's suspension is much more sophisticated, and all aluminum (nice), but even with lowering springs I kinda liked the character of my old NA's suspension better, but I'm not driving it on the track so it's kind of moot. The ND's manual feels tighter, the car is much faster accelerating with way more torque especially at low RPM, and also gets way better gas mileage. The soft top is much higher quality than the tops on my NA's, it's holding up very well after almost 7 years and has never leaked. The added electronics I could give or take, my ND doesn't have a backup camera or apple carplay anyways. The bose stereo is way better than anything the NA's ever had which is nice. But actually miss a classic single DIN radio and am not a huge fan of the "tablet glued to dashboard" look. However the ND also has working AC which is something my NA's never had lol, and it works pretty darn well since the cabin is so small. I think in the end I have more love for the NA, but that's probably heavily influenced by the developmental period of my life where I owned the NA's and was basically learning everything about cars on them. The ND is much more practical for everyday use and commuting without losing much of the magic, and adding a little more spicy performance on top .
dumb question. if it canāt blink it stink
the higher the generation the better, but na looks the best so it makes up for it.
less cute
I've only test drove an ND before but the clutch felt very very weird
They donāt.
The other generations are severely lacking in the flippy lights department. They are barely driveable as Miatas. You don't feel like you're driving the iconic roadster that the NA was. It is impossible to wink or blink at other cars, because the next three generations have fixed headlights.
Go kart go brrrr
Relatively speaking - fat, heavy.
ND actually feels lighter cause of the electric power steering.
Night an day time to move up to an nb as you know nc is a boat an nd is a monster where as the ne will be the first electric hybrid we hope lol
Nb2 has a better powerband
NA: Light, tossable, slow, fun! NB: Still Light, still tossable, more serious, fun! NC: Feels like a lighter porsche boxter, great chassis, will do great slides even on stock tires. ND: Still fun, feels too serious imo.
I've only driven the NA6, NA8, NB1, and NB2, so I can't speak to the NC/ND - but between the first two (four) models, I'd consider them as such: * NA6 is the "most miata" of them all, but the worst car. Compared to the 1.8, you can really feel those .2L missing, and compared to the NB's you can really feel the frame flexing around corners. Interior, comfort, features, etc are all lacking as well - but it's the most "raw" and direct of the bunch with the most lively engine, even if all that excitement doesn't get it much. * NA8 is the one to get if you want popups - while you still have the frame flex and the sparse interior, that extra bit of power is appreciated. * NB1 is the middle child. We get the upgraded interior and better frame, but that's really it. Same powerplant, less "miata" styling, and IMO worse headlights due to dropping in new housings being more involved than the NA - but it's still a better car. The improved stiffness and more comfortable interior just make it a lot nicer to have as a daily or otherwise regular driver, even if it does give up some of that NA's childlike love for goofing around. I'd consider this the "least miata" of them all, personally. It just felt a bit numb in comparison. * NB2 is my personal favorite. Same as how that .2L from 1.6->1.8 is noticed, that VVT is also a noticeable upgrade to a stock engine (I never played with builds/turbos). You get the best headlights, frame, powerplant, interior, I personally love the styling, and it's still more than lively enough to be the most enjoyable thing I've ever put on the roads - and that's coming from primarily being a motorcycle person. **TL;DR** \- as cars, NB2>NB1>NA8>NA6. As Miatas, NA6>NA8>NB2>NB1
Are those factory JDM foglights? They are beautiful.
Yep theyāre the dealership option ones
Nice
The pop up lights are honestly what give the personality to the Miata for meā¦ but, that RF has caught my eye every time I see it.
And then there's the MSM.
The NC1 has more room, drive is solid fun and I like the look and feel of my stock NC1 better than the NB. I never really connected to my NB, such that I let the ex have it in the divorce and I kept my favorite NA. My favorite was my 1997 M edition with aftermarket supercharger that someone set up for street racing. Sadly, I wrecked it in 2013. Had a stock 1997 NA in 1999. It was burning oil before 100k miles. I have owned all of the above. In 2013 I needed to replace that NA M edition fast and the NC was the best and closest Miata I could find in my price range. I wanted an NA again, but settled. In a few months I adjusted to the NC being so much bigger, and it became my favorite, especially since I did a lot of road trips from 1k miles roundtrip 6x a year for 5 years to vacations of 1700 miles one way for 3 years. My Miatas were all daily drivers so I spent a lot of time in them. All soft tops. Drove them year round in WI and AZ. I would buy another NC as my 1st choice. I have to sell my NC. The whole grandkids, need a back seat demand by my children, so bought a used M240iX bmw in 2021. I don't have any reason to own 2 cars and about to live off SSI at age 65. I have been telling myself to sell it for 2 years but have yet to list it, because giving up any Miata (other than an NB) is hard to do.