1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
The Miata is most definintely *not* a "sexy 323" It was a clean sheet design back in 1990. The approach of making a roadster out of a 323 was considered but not followed by Mazda; you must be thinking of the Mercury Capri of that era, which is essentially a topless 323. The Miata has a dual wishbone setup on all 4 corners with coilover shocks as stock exquipment. Oh, and Mazda won the 24 Hours of LeMans overall title several years back; when's the last time Saab, Lancia, Fiat or Alfa won? I'd say Mazda has a fair competition pedigree to back up the creation of a sports car.
There's never been a 1.9L Miata anywhere in the world; considering US specs, the original 1990-1993 (IIRC) cars were a 1.6l based on the motor from the turbocharged 323 GTX rally homologation special. Then there was a 1.8l for the balance of the first generation (through 1997). A new head for the 1.8 in '99 gave a bit more power, then there have been variations on variable timing and intake systems in the years since, getting the car up to a nominal 130 crank hp or so pushing about 2300lbs.
The Miata should far outcorner the 9000 - it weighs half as much and has perfect 50-50 weight distribution. Lots of factors affect handling, and the Miata is especially sensitive. The tires can make a big difference, as can tire pressures and alignment. If you devote a bit of time to the pressures and alignment and drive the car a bunch you'll find that the Miata is by far the superior car in twisty stuff to the 9000 (as well as Porsches and other high dollar sports cars). I suggest autocrossing the Miata at least once to find the handling limits in a safe environment.
As far as getting the tail out on the Miata, many things could have caused that. Overinflated tires, bad alignment, and poor driving technique (lift throttle oversteer) can all cause this.
All I know is my former '96 Miata outran my current '94 9000 by a LOT in the corners and was even with it in the straights (my 9k CSE is nonturbo). Check out Miata.net for a world of info on the Miata. One of the original designers, Bob Hall, hangs out there - pretty damned cool!
Scott
posted by 172.132....
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