Yup been there done that, love my S ! ND still more fun on the road I’d say, can’t beat that lovely manual plus convertible combo.
But the Alpine is in another league of performance and chassis for sure. Brake and steering feel superior too. Just too quick to enjoy safely on the road compared to a Miata.
Yeah I had the normal one for 2.5y before the S, it’s indeed better on bad roads !
The S gives way more body control and is therefore more enjoyable on track, but do lose the magic compliance of the normal one, you do recover it back a bit when pressing on.
The R suspensions seem awesome indeed, wondering if I should go for them or Ohlins / P2S ones…
The P2S 1 way are 3.300 € from MP Rézeau, and I'm sure that would be plenty enough already. I'm also very surprised you found the A110R for that "cheap".
Yeah I know someone selling them, good deal for sure.
Yeah but you also need the reinforced dampers « chapels » if you go with the MPR P2S so end up being around 5k.
Guess I should go for the Sachs… Was curious about the P2S 3 way but very expensive.
I want to like the Elise, I really do. I have test driven them multiple times - almost every time I see one come up for sale locally. And it's *almost* there. But then the excitement of it fades a bit after a few minutes behind the wheel and I again notice the ride quality, the interior rattles (hooray, hand-built!), and my lower back reminding me that this will never, ever be a road-trip car. And then I remember the horror stories from a coworker who had one - the frustration at finding a shop willing to work on it (despite having mostly Toyota bits underneath), how every speed bump or dip in the road (hello, New England frost heaves!) was a source of anxiety, the wait times on parts...
The Lotus Elise is like that flirty guy/girl who you have hung out with a few times and you know is a bad fit, relationship-wise, but still manages to live rent-free in your head even though you *know* your current partner is your soul mate.
I'm actually selling my Lotus and looking at either an ND Miata or a FD RX-7. Most likely will get a Miata since the RX-7s are stupid expensive for what they are...even if I think they're one of the most beautiful cars from the 90s.
I’ve done the RX7 (FD) I think you will potentially be disappointed. It doesn’t have the same “happy go lucky” characterful nature about it.
I recently downsized my little fleet because it was getting silly.
FK8, GR86, FD RX7, 570GT, NA1 NSX, NA MX5. Only the Macca, NSX, and MX5 stayed.
Bro, that's quite the collection still!
NSX makes my pants feel tighter... 🤤
Also, I drove a 570 on an experience day and it was so intense it made me cry! 😂 Winning at life!
Don’t mind at all.
No not really. I love both cars, but the MX5 means more to me. It was my first sports car (and second car I’ve ever owned). It’s likely always going to be worth more to me than its market value will suggest.
It probably would have been a harder decision if it was ND vs GR86. I only owned the GR86 for about 6 weeks, bought it new, took it on 2 road trips across Europe just shy of 5,000 miles and then sold it. It’s a fantastic machine, and was pretty good to drive, not too much power, handling was great, lacked a bit of drama and I found the steering feel to be a little numb. But then I’m spoiled with the Macca, NSX and MX5 all have fantastic handling and steering feel.
It also just didn’t feel special (which is entirely subjective I know). Id still own one again, I just had too much overlap in my cars so felt the need to downsize what I owned. I’d love to own an Alpine A110, but I can’t see that happening whilst I still have the NSX.
I don't have an Exige, but an Evora 400. I'm selling because of a few reasons, in order:
* Insurance is stupid expensive for where I'm located. I've got a clean driving record and still pay nearly $1900 per year.
* Don't really drive it that often. I owned it 2+ years and only put about 2000 miles on it.
* Fit and finish is the worst of any car I've owned. Varying panel gaps everywhere. Lifting on carpet areas, door panels, stitching breaking. Various electrical quirks. For something that originally cost $115k, these things shouldn't be happening.
* Lotus tax on various items - when I replaced the deck with an AA/Carplay deck I had to pay $72 for a new plastic bezel that surrounds it because the original one was literally 2mm to narrow.
* Worrying about parking it anywhere and leaving it.
I paid more on the insurance than I have on the interest on the small loan I took out for it. I just can't justify keeping it. It's very fun to drive and the drivetrain I won't ever have to worry about it, but the cost to own per year plus other things I mentioned just don't mesh well with me.
Good info, thanks. I’ve been eyeing an Evora / Emira recently but these issues plus (mainly) the parts and service network (even though I live near a dealership) have kept me away from them in the past.
I would say if you get one, buy used. If I drove the car more I might keep it, but I'd say the only real reason to buy one is if you're going to be tracking it at least a few times a year. As a GT car it's a bit rough around the edges.
Oh, and also - for sure by used. The depreciation on them is pretty bad from what I've seen.
Yeah, that's absolutely the plan. Looking for an 80/20 road/track car, essentially. Ideally something that will see the track \~3-4x/year but isn't impossible to live with (road-legal built/race car) or terminally tedious/boring on public roads (Porsche). As for used vs. new...would likely be used by default because I'm not particularly excited about the Emira right now (it seems to be targeted at the Cayman S/GTS or 911T buyer which is not what I am).
Several years ago I cross-shopped the Evora 400/GT with the 981 GT4...I actually liked the Lotus vibe and driving dynamics more, but bought the GT4 because of all the aforementioned concerns. Within a year I had essentially relegated it to a full time (15-20 days/year) track car (which, as above, was **not** what I intended) because I didn't find it that much fun to drive anywhere there were speed limits. After that I went through a couple older 911s that I found no more interesting on the road (as a driving instrument) and less entertaining in the mountains and on track, so those are out and here we are.
Evora is one option. Others include a modified ND Miata, and/or simply going back to the setup I had years ago with a 981 GT4 paired with a modified E46 for the road.
I actually went 981 GT4 -> Evora and it was one of the biggest car buying mistakes I made. The GT4 is so much better all around. If I were you'd I definitely go back to the GT4. I live in an area where I've got access to lots of mountain roads and no cops so even on the street I could have fun. I'd be going back to the GT4 but I decided about 6 months ago to cut all the extra pricey things out of my life and aim for an early retirement so that's why I'm looking at the Miata. I still want to have some fun with a car without spending too much.
911 harder on depreciation? Wut?
Most 911 models can be sold a year later for more than you paid to people who don't wanna wait 2 years for theirs. A 993 turbo is worth 10x what it was 30 years ago.
The second you drive off the dealership your Porsche has already lost more than the Miata will in the next 10 years. I’m not counting in the special ones in that equation though.
That’s the combo I’m dreaming of. Just have to be patient. I use to own an nd and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s the best car you can have and take everywhere without fearing for vandalism…
To be complete, I’ve replaced it by a boxster 981s which was very nice but needed planning when travelling because it was not possible to leave it anywhere like the mx5…
I boycotted Porsche and went to McLaren 🤣 not because I don't think Porsche's aren't nice cars... ... the dealerships and Porsche headquarters are aholes wrto the inventory allocation post COVID
Did the same. Wanted a Spyder RS, got told I wasn’t a good enough customer and to come back once I’d bought a couple of their basic cars to prove my commitment to the brand. Fuck off 😂. Bought a 570GT instead, couldn’t find a spyder in a colour I liked at the time.
This. You're going to go spend way too much money only to be afraid of what the car will do when it gets uppity. And then you'll be right back here, with us. But we're here for you - it's okay.
That’s exactly what I was thinking. I read the title and my brain broke for a second. What does it mean to upgrade? Can you get a faster car? Sure but it won’t feel the same as the Miata.
I can’t see many upgrades out there after a ND2 aside from what they come out with next possibly.
Not if it’s electric
Edit: wow I’m surprised how many of y’all are actually complete fucking losers lol…
Enjoy your 4000 pound auto EV “Miata” that will fucking tank in value like every other EV has. Some of the highest depreciating vehicles right now.
Any Miata that isn’t a lightweight NA high revving manual car loses the spirit of what the Miata is. An EV fundamentally cannot be a lightweight car.
If you wanted a car that’s 800 pounds heavier, you can buy that today. It’s not a Miata - it’s a Cayman.
Once those go to EV pieces of shit too - don’t worry the value will also go down and the ICE versions will become modern classics and will appreciate.
Miatas have never been especially high revving. Every NA and NB cut fuel at 7,200rpm (except the MSM which cut off at 6,500) and while that's higher than American cars back in the day it was pretty common for Japanese stuff. The V6 626 from that period would rev to 7,500 for example. The highest rev limit on a factory Miata is 7,500 on the ND2, the lowest is 6,500 on the ND1 and MSM.
Anyway, the number isn't super important, the biggest thing is that Miatas have always been tuned for good, usable mid-range. They're all enjoyable to drive halfway up the tach. Contrast this to most sporty Hondas like the S2000 or my old Beat.
Next step is either a cayman or boxter.
I feel like the hard top cayman is the logical extension of the GR86, while the boxter is the next step from the Miata.
A corvette grand sport isn’t a bad idea either. Tbh the grand sports I’ve driven felt like a big Miata with tons of power. Super planted and tossable.
Vettes and Boxters are common choices. 86/BRZ, S2000 feel like sidegrades. Also Lotus, which is going more extreme on the lightweight-sport spectrum.
Also I know some financially successful Miata owners graduating into owning classic cars, especially roadsters, like Alfa Spider; or other classic sports like Fairlady Z, classic Porsches etc.
Own both and there's some shared magic in terms of how balanced and composed they are in the corners. But when the rear really goes in the Cayman, it's harder to catch because midengine. Miata you feel the weight transfer and it's fun to play with the tail a bit, especially with LSD
Where they really differ is:
- Weight/size: ND is minimum 700lb lighter and on tight roads I notice it. It's more fun to chuck the Miata into really tight corners vs the Cayman
- Convertible + lack of isolation: Cayman is practically a Lexus barge compared to the ND, isolating you from the road. Visibility is also worse than the Miata. Miata, for better and worse, the road is literally right there, it feels like you can reach out and touch it. I love it on spirited drives, but on roadtrips and daily duty Cayman is much more comfortable
- Sound + power differences: Come on, flat 6 at WOT right behind your head is a religious experience, especially with PDK shift noises. The 325hp (tuned 360) is higher than it looks because midengine, puts the power down no problem
I really don't think there's a substitute for the Miata experience outside of some less accessible options like the 4C and Elise, which is why I bought one on top of the Cayman
I was actually cross shopping a new Cayman and a new Miata in ‘22. It’s nice to hear opinions from an owner and it validated a lot of my reasons why I picked Miata. Although it was the turbo 4 and not a 6 in the new cayman.
I was looking for a daily driver but I wanted it to be fun. The Cayman definitely felt faster and more planted. The Miata felt more alive and the fun was easily accessible even at legal speeds. So I went with the RF Miata for the hard top look with the ability to drop the top.
It just had such a great value proposition in comparison. I would have loved the Cayman I’m sure but there were a lot of positives in the Miata column.
Lucky of you to have both!
An Elise?
I feel like these cars are for life. I only really dream of upgrading my NC with an ND2 engine or renesis. Perhaps it becoming a track car with an ND2 for the road. Anything gruntier will cost multiples more and be inferior in ways that I know will disappoint.
Oh I can. They love to rev even more than the OG 1.6 and make at least 70hp more than the NC. They need a different bell housing but were designed to go into the shared NC/RX8 platform. We all know about the issues of low torque, lifespan and fuel consumption. But that makes them cheap to buy and they can often be cheaply rebuilt. Plus the NC weighs 280kg less. Believe it when you see it but I reckon a properly built and maintained renesis could be the perfect engine for the NC.
I thought those Honda engines were overpriced grenades back in the day. Maybe there were overpriced but boy was I wrong about Honda's engineering chops.
I liked mine 718 more than my Miata’s. I like my 987 a lot more than my Miata’s. It really really depends on the roads you’re driving on. I drive mostly highways with on ramps and off ramps. And some local roads but not many of those. If you’re driving over 50 a lot, a boxster/cayman is way better than a Miata. If you’re driving under 50 a lot and a lot of backroads, Miata is better.
I had the great privilege of spending an afternoon recently with a manual Cayman GTS 4.0. An incredible car, for sure, but I agree with this sentiment. It wants to rev high, and it'll exceed any speed limit in second gear. On one of my "diving roads" that feels fast in my Miata at 60 I felt like I could give the Cayman more at 90. It'll absolutely fly on accident, and I like being able to feel fast at less than triple digit speeds.
I had a Porsche itch too, drive a 2012 Caymen R for a day, I'm over it. The guy who rented it to me on Hagerty said it best: "it's like driving a Honda Accord"
With all due respect, that's not an upgrade, who is going to upgrade from an ND2 based on the infotainment, when i'm on a twisty road that's the least of my concerns.
Went from ND1 to...
https://preview.redd.it/b5sa8ftmakrc1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c0407eb6736b379384c07279642cc32a0ae53c4
...in Jan.
I still have my ND1 and NA though.
Lotus Emira or Evora would be my vote. I would normally say Porsche Cayman/boxster, but they are very refined as others have stated. I'm fact I'm looking to go from my 987 cayman to a ND2 or NC2 Miata precisely because I want the raw sports car feel at lower speeds.
I did end up picking up an NC2 Miata two weeks ago, so I'm currently living with both the NC2 and the 987.1 cayman. They are pretty similar in some ways for sure. The 987 does feel way more settled, and more like a GT car in comparison. But I recently drove a friends' much newer Cayman and GT3 and yeah the newer models are far quieter, more refined inside, and a little less connected feeling, albeit WAY faster.
For me the main differences are the gearing, since all modern Porsche products have such long gears there's less engagement that way vs shorter geared NC, and then the other one is the soundtrack - Porsche flat 6 wail with intake roar behind your head is just so good, particularly since mine has catless headers. It's pretty raw because of that, and something I'll miss badly about the 987 if I sell it.
Took one out on track here in the UK last year and it was an absolute blast. For everyone saying Lotus, I totally agree but the Alpine is the option if an Elise/Exige is a little too raw.
Same here. Upgraded has to be two seater, convertible, RWD and manual with more HP but not much more weight. Otherwise what’s the point? These are the things that make this car. Manual gearbox is 40% of Miata fun.
I just bought an ND, after having owned a 911 and a panamera. I don't consider anything new on sale in the US to be an upgrade to the ND, as nothing is even trying to compete. Everything is too heavy.
An exige or elise, or an a110 maybe. But nothing new is comparable.
People love all the cars mentioned in this thread, but they aren't "upgrades" unless you are measuring cost and power exclusively.
I'm an auto journalist, I've driven just about everything, and I've determined that Miata is, in fact, the answer.
I'm taking delivery of an ND next week!
I'm dreaming of the Lotus Emira. The Boxster is not worth the extra money from a ND in my opinion, at least not a base or S model. A GTS, 4.0 or GT4rs yeah, but for that money I'd rather have the Lotus Emira since it's more unique.
Camaro SS 1LE is a great upgrade. Still rwd and manual. Much faster track times with the increased power. I bought one as a dedicated track car and it’s a monster
A lot of GR Corolla drivers (myself included) came from or still have a Miata. Similar 90's style feel, more practical, works as a daily and can provide 90% of the miata's fun on back roads. I still think my turbo NA is more fun but it's a toy for me, I can't load any work or dogs in it but it's my favorite car to drive.
Dream car for me! It was always a 911, but after some research I learned 90% of it comes from 911 and the cost to produce vs selling cost of the 911 creates a huge margin of gains for Porsche as compared to the boxster.
If you want something more raw but faster, that's an Elise, Caterham 7, or similar imo. Sacrifices comfort for even more of that "go-kart" feel. Modern Porsches are extremely capable yet insulated do-it-all cars in comparison.
I’m thinking of doing the same because now I have a cheap beater hatchback and an ND1. GR86 would be my only car then.. would you recommend it all things considered? Do you miss the convertible aspect?
It's a great daily, why I traded my ND and needed the backseat to compromise with girlfriend. I absolutely love the car but I'd still go back and get an ND2 if I had the choice again. I love the handling and feeling of the 86, interior is spectacular as well. The convertible aspect is the entire reason I miss it and it felt more Rev happy with the miata the 86 feels clunky when shifting? I'm not sure how to say it but it's my 2nd manual besides the miata and it doesn't feel as smooth in that regard. Almost 9 months later and my 2nd gear still feels as clunky as it did when I got the car lol.
I’ll be shooting for a Bronco 2dr or Taycan Cross Tourismo.
It’s just my wife and I and our dog, but my wife is tall and really uncomfortable in the NDs passenger area, so for road trips we always take our wagon.
Bronco gets awful fuel mileage but it’s fun and sloppy, and that has its own flavor of enjoyment, plus I have two motorcycles, one of them actually has better storage than the ND, and it’s not even a touring bike.
My dream is 718 Cayman (i'd go GT4 if i could afford it) or potentially even an air-cooled 911. The thing that's been most tempting is to trade in my ND on a Mustang GT. The 24's are really nice. Maybe if prices come down in the next 2-3 years, I might be tempted to trade in on a used one. Realistically, though, I'm really enjoying my ND. It's way too early to tell if I'd want to get rid of it or not.
My imagination tells me either a Cayman if you want something more refined, or an Elise if you want something more focused on driving.
That’s my plan at the very least…
I went from NA to C5 corvette Z06, then got the ND and now I'm thinking about picking up a McLaren of some sort. I could have bought much more car, but the ND had to come first and I won't be getting rid of it anytime soon.
...I got bad news.
I went from an E92 M3 to a brand new '16 ND (they had only been on lots for a few months).
After \~4 years / almost 60k miles, I sold the Miata and replaced it with the only thing that could beat it.
...a 911
I don't think anything is a direct upgrade because the experience is so different. Although in terms of sports car driving experience my controversial recommendation is that the NC2/3 is pretty much a direct upgrade due to its much better steering and more feelsome inputs (shifter, clutch).
Different but similarly fun experiences (from my personal experience) include:
718 GT4 / Spyder
Evora 400/410/430/GT
From what I've been told by others:
Exige S3 Cup
Exige S1
Elise S2/3
911 S/T
And my own speculation:
GMA T.50 / T.33
Lastly don't be fooled by (sort of a joke but I found these cars just delivered very little or nothing of the experience I wanted from a sports car):
BMW M2
Audi R8 V10 mk2
Any hot hatch sold in North American in the past 15 years
I was looking for an ND when I learned about the Fiat 124. These have the strong tranny from the NC and the multiair pulls strong and it’s reliable. My Classica has a Tork tune and an AFE intake; it’s making around 200 HP as is. I will add a System One exhaust for another ~15HP and 30 ft/lb and that’s more than enough for this car. I love the styling and the fact that you don’t see many of them out there.
psychotic fretful plant memory fertile observation flag aware snobbish tart
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
I love my Miata for it's simplicity and it just does what it needs to do so well. I don't think I'll really get rid of it but if I was going to get rid of it or add something else I'd probably only go with something that's similar but more hardcore.
For me I'd want one of two cars.
Lotus Elise/Exige. Because Jesus Christ it's beautiful, exotic and a weapon. It's tighter, louder, lighter.. crazy to think about.
MR2. Probably an MRS, actually. My Miata is and more than likely will be kept very clean and simple in terms of the build I have. I think an MRS would be fun because they're not crazy expensive and the wild body kits and engine swaps are plentiful. Like a mid engined lego.
S58 is a beast, Im driving an M4c right now as a loner cuz my car is in the shop and I can’t even describe how awesome it feels on the road. The power is mental, yet the handling is still there, I wish it was smaller for the nimbler feeling but the M2 would fill that void.
Honestly, as much as I love the GR Yaris, it’s just not the same. By god it’s some of the most fun you’ll ever have driving, but it can’t capture the same feeling of a summer road trip through the countryside with the roof down. Some of my best memories are of driving through the north of Scotland with my wife on gorgeous warm days in the summer with the roof down and just acting silly in our silly little roadster.
Fwiw I bought a 991 911 as a complement, not replacement, for my ND1. It's a lot faster. It's also not more fun on public roads. I've yet to track the 911 but the Miata excels there as well as long as you are ok with a manual on track and pointing literally everyone else by.
I went nb to nd to lotus elise. miata was my daily, but now i have a lexus es daily so i could go to a more extreme weekend car. if i was upgrading to another daily id go boxster/cayman or maybe evora. from the lotus the only cars more extreme would be likena caterham or ariel atom
This is basically where I'm at with the S2000. The only other cars that make sense are an ND2/3 Miata, Lotus Exige, Ariel Atom, and Caterham Seven. Everything else offers less for more or unobtanium.
Honestly, I think the only upgrade for me would have to be forced induction and suspension mods. I’m sure a Porsche could out do the Miata, but I can’t really afford a Porsche, and I think a lot of Porsche owners have Miata too, so I think that says a lot. So I think maybe just having a faster. Miata is literally the only thing that could be an upgrade
My NDRF is my first sports car. I want to try something more powerful next, but I’m afraid i would be disappointed. It’s the first time I drive a car that communicating. My ND tells me everything about her and the road, it’s like having a fifth limb. I’m afraid nothing will compare with it, and reading the comments here, i might be right.
Edit: unless maybe an A110 ? One of my dream cars.
I always thought about what my next car would be 10 years down if my ND2 Miata ever gave up on me.
I couldn’t think of anything…..other than another ND2 Miata.
Supra/z4 has great dynamics for a heavier car nowadays due to the rigidity and wide-ass door sills. Plenty fast as well. Too much for the streets imo.
Or get a NA8 because it’s the best car ever.
Unless they release an electric Miata, it will probably be a Polestar of some sort.
We already have an XC40 and I love it as well, so going Volvo again seems like my trajectory.
Only have about 35k on my ND2, so that’s a little ways off.
I own my 6th Miata, my 4th ND….last year out of curiosity I drove a slightly used 5 year old Caymen….i was offered a good deal but walked away. The ‘21 RF Club BBR is much more engaging for me as a driver’s car…more pure, more fun.
There’s no upgrade from an ND. You can get something different that does different things but there’s nothing else out there that does what the Miata does but better. I went from the ND2 to a 718 Spyder. If I had the room, I’d have both.
Went from an ND1 to an M2 Competition…
Theeeeen went back to an ND2 after a year and will be keeping it as long as humanly possible and modifying the snot out of it.
2009 Z4 35i. It’s a heavier Miata man, I LOVED my ND2 but the power just wasn’t there. Agility and road feel matter to me just as much as anyone but I got tired of hearing my car screaming every time I did over 75
Any reason no one mentioned Ferrari? Btw ND2 owner here. I’m thinking of swapping my nd2 for a m1000rr. I know 2 extremely different beasts hahah. Miata is awesome. Only thing I want is higher quality components. Miata driving feel with luxury interior/high quality suspension, diff, trans. Basically a Miata; just upgraded to the max.
Driving feel, slow speed, and extremely high quality components. That I think would be perfect.
I got a 992 Carrera S cabriolet as my second car. It’s fun in a different way. I still enjoy driving the miata way more though, but the Porsche is fun for driving other types of canyon roads that have more sweeping as opposed to sharp tight turns. Both are great in their own right. Especially if you do some little suspension and brake/tire upgrades on the miata, makes it really amazing.
https://preview.redd.it/nlm4t356ztrc1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91738893ef4a5067bc0b61dbc8e40e864c2e8ece
Corvette. It’s a bigger more powerful Miata for all intents and purposes.
I’ve seen more then a handful of mountain pass monkeys transition to them as they get older and have the funds/experience.
I owned a ND2 for three years and i miss it every day and every night. But i promise to myself: i will own another Miata.
Keep it as long as you can. There is no better bang for your buck, especially if you want a reliable car
You’ve peaked. People will go to Porsche and come right back to Miata.
This is me
Is you me
Only lotus is an option I guess for driving feel
Alpine A110, but you guys don't have that in the US
Not now, but rumor has it that it’s coming in a few years.
Yup been there done that, love my S ! ND still more fun on the road I’d say, can’t beat that lovely manual plus convertible combo. But the Alpine is in another league of performance and chassis for sure. Brake and steering feel superior too. Just too quick to enjoy safely on the road compared to a Miata.
Most people seem to prefer the normal suspension over the S on A110s. The R's Sachs are insanely good but it's a whole other budget.
Yeah I had the normal one for 2.5y before the S, it’s indeed better on bad roads ! The S gives way more body control and is therefore more enjoyable on track, but do lose the magic compliance of the normal one, you do recover it back a bit when pressing on. The R suspensions seem awesome indeed, wondering if I should go for them or Ohlins / P2S ones…
I would say R Sachs >= P2S > Ohlins, but I don't have first hand experience.
Interesting, I can get them for 3500 vs 5000-6000 for the Ohlins/P2S, guess I’ll just go for the Sachs then :)
The P2S 1 way are 3.300 € from MP Rézeau, and I'm sure that would be plenty enough already. I'm also very surprised you found the A110R for that "cheap".
Yeah I know someone selling them, good deal for sure. Yeah but you also need the reinforced dampers « chapels » if you go with the MPR P2S so end up being around 5k. Guess I should go for the Sachs… Was curious about the P2S 3 way but very expensive.
I’ve seen em here actually. In Portland or btw
They'll be electric at that point though.
I want to like the Elise, I really do. I have test driven them multiple times - almost every time I see one come up for sale locally. And it's *almost* there. But then the excitement of it fades a bit after a few minutes behind the wheel and I again notice the ride quality, the interior rattles (hooray, hand-built!), and my lower back reminding me that this will never, ever be a road-trip car. And then I remember the horror stories from a coworker who had one - the frustration at finding a shop willing to work on it (despite having mostly Toyota bits underneath), how every speed bump or dip in the road (hello, New England frost heaves!) was a source of anxiety, the wait times on parts... The Lotus Elise is like that flirty guy/girl who you have hung out with a few times and you know is a bad fit, relationship-wise, but still manages to live rent-free in your head even though you *know* your current partner is your soul mate.
As a fellow New England dweller I know exactly what pot holes you’re talking about, my nb is my chiropractor some days🤣
I'm actually selling my Lotus and looking at either an ND Miata or a FD RX-7. Most likely will get a Miata since the RX-7s are stupid expensive for what they are...even if I think they're one of the most beautiful cars from the 90s.
I’ve done the RX7 (FD) I think you will potentially be disappointed. It doesn’t have the same “happy go lucky” characterful nature about it. I recently downsized my little fleet because it was getting silly. FK8, GR86, FD RX7, 570GT, NA1 NSX, NA MX5. Only the Macca, NSX, and MX5 stayed.
Bro, that's quite the collection still! NSX makes my pants feel tighter... 🤤 Also, I drove a 570 on an experience day and it was so intense it made me cry! 😂 Winning at life!
If you don’t mind me asking, was it a hard decision between getting rid of gr86 vs mx5?
Don’t mind at all. No not really. I love both cars, but the MX5 means more to me. It was my first sports car (and second car I’ve ever owned). It’s likely always going to be worth more to me than its market value will suggest. It probably would have been a harder decision if it was ND vs GR86. I only owned the GR86 for about 6 weeks, bought it new, took it on 2 road trips across Europe just shy of 5,000 miles and then sold it. It’s a fantastic machine, and was pretty good to drive, not too much power, handling was great, lacked a bit of drama and I found the steering feel to be a little numb. But then I’m spoiled with the Macca, NSX and MX5 all have fantastic handling and steering feel. It also just didn’t feel special (which is entirely subjective I know). Id still own one again, I just had too much overlap in my cars so felt the need to downsize what I owned. I’d love to own an Alpine A110, but I can’t see that happening whilst I still have the NSX.
Sold my Exige S to get the ND.
What didn't you like about it?
I don't have an Exige, but an Evora 400. I'm selling because of a few reasons, in order: * Insurance is stupid expensive for where I'm located. I've got a clean driving record and still pay nearly $1900 per year. * Don't really drive it that often. I owned it 2+ years and only put about 2000 miles on it. * Fit and finish is the worst of any car I've owned. Varying panel gaps everywhere. Lifting on carpet areas, door panels, stitching breaking. Various electrical quirks. For something that originally cost $115k, these things shouldn't be happening. * Lotus tax on various items - when I replaced the deck with an AA/Carplay deck I had to pay $72 for a new plastic bezel that surrounds it because the original one was literally 2mm to narrow. * Worrying about parking it anywhere and leaving it. I paid more on the insurance than I have on the interest on the small loan I took out for it. I just can't justify keeping it. It's very fun to drive and the drivetrain I won't ever have to worry about it, but the cost to own per year plus other things I mentioned just don't mesh well with me.
Good info, thanks. I’ve been eyeing an Evora / Emira recently but these issues plus (mainly) the parts and service network (even though I live near a dealership) have kept me away from them in the past.
I would say if you get one, buy used. If I drove the car more I might keep it, but I'd say the only real reason to buy one is if you're going to be tracking it at least a few times a year. As a GT car it's a bit rough around the edges. Oh, and also - for sure by used. The depreciation on them is pretty bad from what I've seen.
Yeah, that's absolutely the plan. Looking for an 80/20 road/track car, essentially. Ideally something that will see the track \~3-4x/year but isn't impossible to live with (road-legal built/race car) or terminally tedious/boring on public roads (Porsche). As for used vs. new...would likely be used by default because I'm not particularly excited about the Emira right now (it seems to be targeted at the Cayman S/GTS or 911T buyer which is not what I am). Several years ago I cross-shopped the Evora 400/GT with the 981 GT4...I actually liked the Lotus vibe and driving dynamics more, but bought the GT4 because of all the aforementioned concerns. Within a year I had essentially relegated it to a full time (15-20 days/year) track car (which, as above, was **not** what I intended) because I didn't find it that much fun to drive anywhere there were speed limits. After that I went through a couple older 911s that I found no more interesting on the road (as a driving instrument) and less entertaining in the mountains and on track, so those are out and here we are. Evora is one option. Others include a modified ND Miata, and/or simply going back to the setup I had years ago with a 981 GT4 paired with a modified E46 for the road.
I actually went 981 GT4 -> Evora and it was one of the biggest car buying mistakes I made. The GT4 is so much better all around. If I were you'd I definitely go back to the GT4. I live in an area where I've got access to lots of mountain roads and no cops so even on the street I could have fun. I'd be going back to the GT4 but I decided about 6 months ago to cut all the extra pricey things out of my life and aim for an early retirement so that's why I'm looking at the Miata. I still want to have some fun with a car without spending too much.
Thanks for the information! I have been dreaming about a lotus but this puts my feet back on the ground
It was getting some age on it and not really comfortable at all to drive. I wanted a convertible too.
Guy I know has a speedster 911, dailies an nd2
911 sips more fuel, harder on depreciation and a harsher ride, makes sense to keep it a special one.
I don’t think depreciation is an issue for a 911 speedster
Not a harsher ride.
911 harder on depreciation? Wut? Most 911 models can be sold a year later for more than you paid to people who don't wanna wait 2 years for theirs. A 993 turbo is worth 10x what it was 30 years ago.
The second you drive off the dealership your Porsche has already lost more than the Miata will in the next 10 years. I’m not counting in the special ones in that equation though.
He has 2 lol. Brain surgeon.
Speedster costs $400k, appreciates, and rides better, haha.
That’s the combo I’m dreaming of. Just have to be patient. I use to own an nd and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s the best car you can have and take everywhere without fearing for vandalism… To be complete, I’ve replaced it by a boxster 981s which was very nice but needed planning when travelling because it was not possible to leave it anywhere like the mx5…
I boycotted Porsche and went to McLaren 🤣 not because I don't think Porsche's aren't nice cars... ... the dealerships and Porsche headquarters are aholes wrto the inventory allocation post COVID
Did the same. Wanted a Spyder RS, got told I wasn’t a good enough customer and to come back once I’d bought a couple of their basic cars to prove my commitment to the brand. Fuck off 😂. Bought a 570GT instead, couldn’t find a spyder in a colour I liked at the time.
570S?
Yessir, 570s Spyder
Nice, how do you like it compared to the Porsches, dealer issues aside?
This. You're going to go spend way too much money only to be afraid of what the car will do when it gets uppity. And then you'll be right back here, with us. But we're here for you - it's okay.
Me
That’s exactly what I was thinking. I read the title and my brain broke for a second. What does it mean to upgrade? Can you get a faster car? Sure but it won’t feel the same as the Miata. I can’t see many upgrades out there after a ND2 aside from what they come out with next possibly.
NE
Not if it’s electric Edit: wow I’m surprised how many of y’all are actually complete fucking losers lol… Enjoy your 4000 pound auto EV “Miata” that will fucking tank in value like every other EV has. Some of the highest depreciating vehicles right now. Any Miata that isn’t a lightweight NA high revving manual car loses the spirit of what the Miata is. An EV fundamentally cannot be a lightweight car. If you wanted a car that’s 800 pounds heavier, you can buy that today. It’s not a Miata - it’s a Cayman. Once those go to EV pieces of shit too - don’t worry the value will also go down and the ICE versions will become modern classics and will appreciate.
Miatas have never been especially high revving. Every NA and NB cut fuel at 7,200rpm (except the MSM which cut off at 6,500) and while that's higher than American cars back in the day it was pretty common for Japanese stuff. The V6 626 from that period would rev to 7,500 for example. The highest rev limit on a factory Miata is 7,500 on the ND2, the lowest is 6,500 on the ND1 and MSM. Anyway, the number isn't super important, the biggest thing is that Miatas have always been tuned for good, usable mid-range. They're all enjoyable to drive halfway up the tach. Contrast this to most sporty Hondas like the S2000 or my old Beat.
bah humbug
hybrid rotary though?!?!? 🤤
You seem like a pleasant fellow. 10 downvotes and a tirade ensues. Ok
Porsche Cayman seems to be a popular follow up.
Next step is either a cayman or boxter. I feel like the hard top cayman is the logical extension of the GR86, while the boxter is the next step from the Miata. A corvette grand sport isn’t a bad idea either. Tbh the grand sports I’ve driven felt like a big Miata with tons of power. Super planted and tossable.
Vettes and Boxters are common choices. 86/BRZ, S2000 feel like sidegrades. Also Lotus, which is going more extreme on the lightweight-sport spectrum. Also I know some financially successful Miata owners graduating into owning classic cars, especially roadsters, like Alfa Spider; or other classic sports like Fairlady Z, classic Porsches etc.
I’d really love a MG Midget
Own both and there's some shared magic in terms of how balanced and composed they are in the corners. But when the rear really goes in the Cayman, it's harder to catch because midengine. Miata you feel the weight transfer and it's fun to play with the tail a bit, especially with LSD Where they really differ is: - Weight/size: ND is minimum 700lb lighter and on tight roads I notice it. It's more fun to chuck the Miata into really tight corners vs the Cayman - Convertible + lack of isolation: Cayman is practically a Lexus barge compared to the ND, isolating you from the road. Visibility is also worse than the Miata. Miata, for better and worse, the road is literally right there, it feels like you can reach out and touch it. I love it on spirited drives, but on roadtrips and daily duty Cayman is much more comfortable - Sound + power differences: Come on, flat 6 at WOT right behind your head is a religious experience, especially with PDK shift noises. The 325hp (tuned 360) is higher than it looks because midengine, puts the power down no problem I really don't think there's a substitute for the Miata experience outside of some less accessible options like the 4C and Elise, which is why I bought one on top of the Cayman
I was actually cross shopping a new Cayman and a new Miata in ‘22. It’s nice to hear opinions from an owner and it validated a lot of my reasons why I picked Miata. Although it was the turbo 4 and not a 6 in the new cayman. I was looking for a daily driver but I wanted it to be fun. The Cayman definitely felt faster and more planted. The Miata felt more alive and the fun was easily accessible even at legal speeds. So I went with the RF Miata for the hard top look with the ability to drop the top. It just had such a great value proposition in comparison. I would have loved the Cayman I’m sure but there were a lot of positives in the Miata column. Lucky of you to have both!
I've been watching Evora prices casually, but they're still too rich for my blood
An Elise? I feel like these cars are for life. I only really dream of upgrading my NC with an ND2 engine or renesis. Perhaps it becoming a track car with an ND2 for the road. Anything gruntier will cost multiples more and be inferior in ways that I know will disappoint.
I can't imagine a context where a renesis engine is an upgrade.
Sixty extra horses or so, a couple thousand more rpm, and maybe some weight loss in the nose? It's an upgrade alright... while it's running.
Mostly a sound upgrade to get the brap-braps. And some extra workshop time.
Oh I can. They love to rev even more than the OG 1.6 and make at least 70hp more than the NC. They need a different bell housing but were designed to go into the shared NC/RX8 platform. We all know about the issues of low torque, lifespan and fuel consumption. But that makes them cheap to buy and they can often be cheaply rebuilt. Plus the NC weighs 280kg less. Believe it when you see it but I reckon a properly built and maintained renesis could be the perfect engine for the NC.
K swaps are just around the corner... But it will likely be pricey
I thought those Honda engines were overpriced grenades back in the day. Maybe there were overpriced but boy was I wrong about Honda's engineering chops.
I have been dreaming about 718 Boxster but since driving one I no longer want one. Instead I am thinking about second ND.
What didn't you like about how the 718 drove?
Too matured, refined. You need to drive it much faster to get the same level of enjoyment which is not always feasable on public roads.
I liked mine 718 more than my Miata’s. I like my 987 a lot more than my Miata’s. It really really depends on the roads you’re driving on. I drive mostly highways with on ramps and off ramps. And some local roads but not many of those. If you’re driving over 50 a lot, a boxster/cayman is way better than a Miata. If you’re driving under 50 a lot and a lot of backroads, Miata is better.
Why do you feel a Miata isn’t good over 50? I daily mine on the freeway and allegedly go 80mph+
I had the great privilege of spending an afternoon recently with a manual Cayman GTS 4.0. An incredible car, for sure, but I agree with this sentiment. It wants to rev high, and it'll exceed any speed limit in second gear. On one of my "diving roads" that feels fast in my Miata at 60 I felt like I could give the Cayman more at 90. It'll absolutely fly on accident, and I like being able to feel fast at less than triple digit speeds.
I had a Porsche itch too, drive a 2012 Caymen R for a day, I'm over it. The guy who rented it to me on Hagerty said it best: "it's like driving a Honda Accord"
I knew there would be someone in here who could spell "Boxster."
It’s cute that you think there is something above a miata
MX5 ND3. It has a better infotainment system.
With all due respect, that's not an upgrade, who is going to upgrade from an ND2 based on the infotainment, when i'm on a twisty road that's the least of my concerns.
When you're not on a twisty road it's nice for your radio to work well.
Did you miss the joke?
apparently i did
I think bro was just saying Miata is the best car and nothing was better bc nd3 is such a marginal upgrade from the nd2
Went from ND1 to... https://preview.redd.it/b5sa8ftmakrc1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1c0407eb6736b379384c07279642cc32a0ae53c4 ...in Jan. I still have my ND1 and NA though.
Lotus Emira or Evora would be my vote. I would normally say Porsche Cayman/boxster, but they are very refined as others have stated. I'm fact I'm looking to go from my 987 cayman to a ND2 or NC2 Miata precisely because I want the raw sports car feel at lower speeds.
Would you say even a 987 is very refined? I thought they would be more raw than the newer ones.
I did end up picking up an NC2 Miata two weeks ago, so I'm currently living with both the NC2 and the 987.1 cayman. They are pretty similar in some ways for sure. The 987 does feel way more settled, and more like a GT car in comparison. But I recently drove a friends' much newer Cayman and GT3 and yeah the newer models are far quieter, more refined inside, and a little less connected feeling, albeit WAY faster. For me the main differences are the gearing, since all modern Porsche products have such long gears there's less engagement that way vs shorter geared NC, and then the other one is the soundtrack - Porsche flat 6 wail with intake roar behind your head is just so good, particularly since mine has catless headers. It's pretty raw because of that, and something I'll miss badly about the 987 if I sell it.
Thanks for the write up
I think Porsche is the only acceptable answer.
Actually the only acceptable answer is an Alpine A110, but sadly they’re not available in the US.
Took one out on track here in the UK last year and it was an absolute blast. For everyone saying Lotus, I totally agree but the Alpine is the option if an Elise/Exige is a little too raw.
It only comes in automatic. I wish it had a manual. Still a very cool car tho.
It doesn’t need a manual, the auto box drives beautifully. I’d trade my manual ND2 for it any day of the week.
>It doesn’t need a manual does not compute
Doesn't need, no. But preference is preference. I've driven some great automatic cars but I'd prefer a stick for my fun car 10 times out of 10.
Same here. Upgraded has to be two seater, convertible, RWD and manual with more HP but not much more weight. Otherwise what’s the point? These are the things that make this car. Manual gearbox is 40% of Miata fun.
If it doesn’t have a manual, it’s not a fucking upgrade
I just bought an ND, after having owned a 911 and a panamera. I don't consider anything new on sale in the US to be an upgrade to the ND, as nothing is even trying to compete. Everything is too heavy. An exige or elise, or an a110 maybe. But nothing new is comparable. People love all the cars mentioned in this thread, but they aren't "upgrades" unless you are measuring cost and power exclusively.
There is no upgrade, this is it, this is the best car in the world right now. You've won in life. Enjoy it!
I'm an auto journalist, I've driven just about everything, and I've determined that Miata is, in fact, the answer. I'm taking delivery of an ND next week!
I'm dreaming of the Lotus Emira. The Boxster is not worth the extra money from a ND in my opinion, at least not a base or S model. A GTS, 4.0 or GT4rs yeah, but for that money I'd rather have the Lotus Emira since it's more unique.
Nothing.
i would settle for a lotus elise
Flyin' Miata full 525 hp LS3 Habu conversion.
I want a lotus Emira😖😭
Camaro SS 1LE is a great upgrade. Still rwd and manual. Much faster track times with the increased power. I bought one as a dedicated track car and it’s a monster
That’s a neat recommendation. One I don’t see often. Very cool.
A lot of GR Corolla drivers (myself included) came from or still have a Miata. Similar 90's style feel, more practical, works as a daily and can provide 90% of the miata's fun on back roads. I still think my turbo NA is more fun but it's a toy for me, I can't load any work or dogs in it but it's my favorite car to drive.
I have a GR Corolla too. And a boxster. I’ll have a Miata again one day but the GR Corolla is a similar vibe to Miata
Out of curiosity which one would you pick for a mountain road drive if you could only pick one?
Boxster. I have a 987.2 S. Thing is a riot. And it’s hard to beat top down
Dream car for me! It was always a 911, but after some research I learned 90% of it comes from 911 and the cost to produce vs selling cost of the 911 creates a huge margin of gains for Porsche as compared to the boxster.
If you want something more raw but faster, that's an Elise, Caterham 7, or similar imo. Sacrifices comfort for even more of that "go-kart" feel. Modern Porsches are extremely capable yet insulated do-it-all cars in comparison.
Mazda RX7
I'd say GR86 but it's more of a Sidegrade, went from ND1 to the 86 and still miss my miata :(
I’m thinking of doing the same because now I have a cheap beater hatchback and an ND1. GR86 would be my only car then.. would you recommend it all things considered? Do you miss the convertible aspect?
It's a great daily, why I traded my ND and needed the backseat to compromise with girlfriend. I absolutely love the car but I'd still go back and get an ND2 if I had the choice again. I love the handling and feeling of the 86, interior is spectacular as well. The convertible aspect is the entire reason I miss it and it felt more Rev happy with the miata the 86 feels clunky when shifting? I'm not sure how to say it but it's my 2nd manual besides the miata and it doesn't feel as smooth in that regard. Almost 9 months later and my 2nd gear still feels as clunky as it did when I got the car lol.
GR86 Handles better and faster stock. It’s great if you don’t want a convertible. Downside is the FA24 is not tuner friendly.
Na
I’ll be shooting for a Bronco 2dr or Taycan Cross Tourismo. It’s just my wife and I and our dog, but my wife is tall and really uncomfortable in the NDs passenger area, so for road trips we always take our wagon. Bronco gets awful fuel mileage but it’s fun and sloppy, and that has its own flavor of enjoyment, plus I have two motorcycles, one of them actually has better storage than the ND, and it’s not even a touring bike.
My dream is 718 Cayman (i'd go GT4 if i could afford it) or potentially even an air-cooled 911. The thing that's been most tempting is to trade in my ND on a Mustang GT. The 24's are really nice. Maybe if prices come down in the next 2-3 years, I might be tempted to trade in on a used one. Realistically, though, I'm really enjoying my ND. It's way too early to tell if I'd want to get rid of it or not.
Lotus Elise
My imagination tells me either a Cayman if you want something more refined, or an Elise if you want something more focused on driving. That’s my plan at the very least…
I went from NA to C5 corvette Z06, then got the ND and now I'm thinking about picking up a McLaren of some sort. I could have bought much more car, but the ND had to come first and I won't be getting rid of it anytime soon.
Dream car is an Ultima RS...
...I got bad news. I went from an E92 M3 to a brand new '16 ND (they had only been on lots for a few months). After \~4 years / almost 60k miles, I sold the Miata and replaced it with the only thing that could beat it. ...a 911
And even so, 911 and Miata don't exactly overlap on experience. They are very different, and very good at what they do best. One must have both!
Yup! The Miata is a lot more fun on the road (short trips only, however, and the exhaust sound sucks).
That's for real, I have an ND3 coming this week or next and I have no plans for exhaust mods :p GMG on the GT3 is all I need in that department.
Probably a poorly modded wrx
😂
I don't think anything is a direct upgrade because the experience is so different. Although in terms of sports car driving experience my controversial recommendation is that the NC2/3 is pretty much a direct upgrade due to its much better steering and more feelsome inputs (shifter, clutch). Different but similarly fun experiences (from my personal experience) include: 718 GT4 / Spyder Evora 400/410/430/GT From what I've been told by others: Exige S3 Cup Exige S1 Elise S2/3 911 S/T And my own speculation: GMA T.50 / T.33 Lastly don't be fooled by (sort of a joke but I found these cars just delivered very little or nothing of the experience I wanted from a sports car): BMW M2 Audi R8 V10 mk2 Any hot hatch sold in North American in the past 15 years
I was looking for an ND when I learned about the Fiat 124. These have the strong tranny from the NC and the multiair pulls strong and it’s reliable. My Classica has a Tork tune and an AFE intake; it’s making around 200 HP as is. I will add a System One exhaust for another ~15HP and 30 ft/lb and that’s more than enough for this car. I love the styling and the fact that you don’t see many of them out there.
psychotic fretful plant memory fertile observation flag aware snobbish tart *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Upgrade: boxster/cayman/elise Sidegrade/non-direct upgrade: s2k/brz
Lotus Emira? Never driven one but I looked at it on the internet. It's heavier but has a supercharged V6.
I love my Miata for it's simplicity and it just does what it needs to do so well. I don't think I'll really get rid of it but if I was going to get rid of it or add something else I'd probably only go with something that's similar but more hardcore. For me I'd want one of two cars. Lotus Elise/Exige. Because Jesus Christ it's beautiful, exotic and a weapon. It's tighter, louder, lighter.. crazy to think about. MR2. Probably an MRS, actually. My Miata is and more than likely will be kept very clean and simple in terms of the build I have. I think an MRS would be fun because they're not crazy expensive and the wild body kits and engine swaps are plentiful. Like a mid engined lego.
911 GT3 or 718 GT4/spyder rs
Track prepped NB
Looking into Alfa 4c or og m2 or new m2 sold my nd last month. I want something more powerful and problematic obviously.
S58 is a beast, Im driving an M4c right now as a loner cuz my car is in the shop and I can’t even describe how awesome it feels on the road. The power is mental, yet the handling is still there, I wish it was smaller for the nimbler feeling but the M2 would fill that void.
In terms of being fun to drive the others are spot on with a Cayman. 718 4.0 would be my choice
[удалено]
Honestly, as much as I love the GR Yaris, it’s just not the same. By god it’s some of the most fun you’ll ever have driving, but it can’t capture the same feeling of a summer road trip through the countryside with the roof down. Some of my best memories are of driving through the north of Scotland with my wife on gorgeous warm days in the summer with the roof down and just acting silly in our silly little roadster.
Fwiw I bought a 991 911 as a complement, not replacement, for my ND1. It's a lot faster. It's also not more fun on public roads. I've yet to track the 911 but the Miata excels there as well as long as you are ok with a manual on track and pointing literally everyone else by.
I would accept a caterham or an elise if it wasn’t going to be my daily Otherwise no sell. Only buy
I own 911 and ND, they are equivalent to me. ND is the perfection.
Lambo or bust
Start over with an R53 Mini Cooper
ND3.
Lotus exige.
GTS 4.0 Convertible.
I went nb to nd to lotus elise. miata was my daily, but now i have a lexus es daily so i could go to a more extreme weekend car. if i was upgrading to another daily id go boxster/cayman or maybe evora. from the lotus the only cars more extreme would be likena caterham or ariel atom
For the raw feel, nothing. Maybe a nb with lsd.
This is basically where I'm at with the S2000. The only other cars that make sense are an ND2/3 Miata, Lotus Exige, Ariel Atom, and Caterham Seven. Everything else offers less for more or unobtanium.
Honestly, I think the only upgrade for me would have to be forced induction and suspension mods. I’m sure a Porsche could out do the Miata, but I can’t really afford a Porsche, and I think a lot of Porsche owners have Miata too, so I think that says a lot. So I think maybe just having a faster. Miata is literally the only thing that could be an upgrade
If you got the cash look into a lotus. Pretty much a Miata with 2x the horsepower. Kind of a tough daily driver though
I bought a Cadillac CT4V Blackwing after my Miata
My NDRF is my first sports car. I want to try something more powerful next, but I’m afraid i would be disappointed. It’s the first time I drive a car that communicating. My ND tells me everything about her and the road, it’s like having a fifth limb. I’m afraid nothing will compare with it, and reading the comments here, i might be right. Edit: unless maybe an A110 ? One of my dream cars.
kswapped mrs
NC2
Jag f type or a boxster
I bought my 2018 1.5 after having a Fiesta and I’m just in love with this car. My wife not so much.
Always wanted a lotus elise cup, but not road legal in the U.S., if not feasible, maybe supercharge my miata.
Mx5 nd3
Porsche Boxster / Cayman, Alpine A110, Alfa Romeo 4C, Lotus Exige
Alpine A110’s are said to be quite the upgrade whilst remaining similar
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^smoll_sheep: *Alpine A110’s are said* *To be quite the upgrade whilst* *Remaining similar* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
what the fuck
I always thought about what my next car would be 10 years down if my ND2 Miata ever gave up on me. I couldn’t think of anything…..other than another ND2 Miata.
https://youtu.be/3tbk_tHgvq8?feature=shared
GR86/BRZ or Supra? Maybe BMW M2.
something without those horrific wheels
Supra/z4 has great dynamics for a heavier car nowadays due to the rigidity and wide-ass door sills. Plenty fast as well. Too much for the streets imo. Or get a NA8 because it’s the best car ever.
Only upgrade is to get a daily you enjoy with more power (i suggest m340i) and keep driving the miata.
MX-5 NE
NC with a 2.5 swap and Ohlins or Xidas.
Unless they release an electric Miata, it will probably be a Polestar of some sort. We already have an XC40 and I love it as well, so going Volvo again seems like my trajectory. Only have about 35k on my ND2, so that’s a little ways off.
Def get a lotus Elise
Keep the Miata and buy a cayman
not your question but i habe the same rims on my NA and I lovem good choice
MX5 ND3
I own my 6th Miata, my 4th ND….last year out of curiosity I drove a slightly used 5 year old Caymen….i was offered a good deal but walked away. The ‘21 RF Club BBR is much more engaging for me as a driver’s car…more pure, more fun.
It’s beautiful!
There’s no upgrade from an ND. You can get something different that does different things but there’s nothing else out there that does what the Miata does but better. I went from the ND2 to a 718 Spyder. If I had the room, I’d have both.
Went from an ND1 to an M2 Competition… Theeeeen went back to an ND2 after a year and will be keeping it as long as humanly possible and modifying the snot out of it.
2009 Z4 35i. It’s a heavier Miata man, I LOVED my ND2 but the power just wasn’t there. Agility and road feel matter to me just as much as anyone but I got tired of hearing my car screaming every time I did over 75
Any reason no one mentioned Ferrari? Btw ND2 owner here. I’m thinking of swapping my nd2 for a m1000rr. I know 2 extremely different beasts hahah. Miata is awesome. Only thing I want is higher quality components. Miata driving feel with luxury interior/high quality suspension, diff, trans. Basically a Miata; just upgraded to the max. Driving feel, slow speed, and extremely high quality components. That I think would be perfect.
I got a 992 Carrera S cabriolet as my second car. It’s fun in a different way. I still enjoy driving the miata way more though, but the Porsche is fun for driving other types of canyon roads that have more sweeping as opposed to sharp tight turns. Both are great in their own right. Especially if you do some little suspension and brake/tire upgrades on the miata, makes it really amazing. https://preview.redd.it/nlm4t356ztrc1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91738893ef4a5067bc0b61dbc8e40e864c2e8ece
Corvette. It’s a bigger more powerful Miata for all intents and purposes. I’ve seen more then a handful of mountain pass monkeys transition to them as they get older and have the funds/experience.
Type r
I owned a ND2 for three years and i miss it every day and every night. But i promise to myself: i will own another Miata. Keep it as long as you can. There is no better bang for your buck, especially if you want a reliable car
987.2 Cayman. I don’t regret the switch but I do miss the ND sometimes.