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      08-08-2017, 06:01 PM   #1
rovsky
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Anyone gone from a 135i to an NA/NB Miata?

I have a 2013 135is dct.
The car is incredible in so many ways but it's leaving me lacking in a few ways:
1) not a manual
2) can't mod it (because it's too expensive)
3) can't auto-x it (because of #2)

I'm thinking of downgrading to an NA/NB miata so that I can:
1) have a manual again
2) mod the hell out of it
3) get into auto-x

Will I miss the power? The comfort? The roof? Anyone that's gone from a 135i to a miata have any thoughts?
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      08-08-2017, 08:14 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rovsky View Post
I have a 2013 135is dct.
The car is incredible in so many ways but it's leaving me lacking in a few ways:
1) not a manual
2) can't mod it (because it's too expensive)
3) can't auto-x it (because of #2)

I'm thinking of downgrading to an NA/NB miata so that I can:
1) have a manual again
2) mod the hell out of it
3) get into auto-x

Will I miss the power? The comfort? The roof? Anyone that's gone from a 135i to a miata have any thoughts?
I went from an NB to a Z3 M Coupe and the wife had a 135i during the time I had the MC. It's was easily my least favorite of those three cars.

The Miata was awesome until I had a long, straight highway commute. They're not exactly fast above 70 or so. Jackholes in Camrys or V8 SUVs will walk away from you and be able to cut you off with abandon.

The M Coupe was awesome on the highway and a fair approximation of the Miata at about any speed below 70. Just with a much higher penchant for power oversteer and the trailing arm rear suspension liked to try to kill you.

The 1er needed a real LSD. It was so tortured on things like Glendora Mountain Road or Mulholland. I always missed the MC when I found myself there in the 135i.

I'd easily recommend any generation Miata over an E82 if you do more city driving than highway or have a high tolerance for being the slow car in traffic. They're awesome, balanced cars that will make you a better track driver since you really get a quick sense of what makes you faster and what slows you down. I still miss having mine and consider adding an ND for a weekend car, even with a two year old in the house.
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      08-08-2017, 08:24 PM   #3
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You ever think s2000?
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      08-08-2017, 08:40 PM   #4
Red Bread
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fundguy1 View Post
You ever think s2000?
An NB with 2k extra revs. Great cars too, just not nearly the track support, if that's a priority.
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      08-08-2017, 10:25 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Fundguy1 View Post
You ever think s2000?
I feel like starting with a Miata and graduating to an s2000 or a Cayman would be my goal
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      08-09-2017, 12:23 AM   #6
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I have a friend who put a supra motor in his miata. He drifts it.
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      08-09-2017, 04:50 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Bread View Post
An NB with 2k extra revs. Great cars too, just not nearly the track support, if that's a priority.
Huh?

The s2000 has an aftermarket and a front & rear suspension that's set up better for auto-x than the Miata (also more power). All you would really need to be competitive are tires and shocks. The Miata would need a lot more!
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      08-09-2017, 05:14 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FrostyDC4 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Bread View Post
An NB with 2k extra revs. Great cars too, just not nearly the track support, if that's a priority.
Huh?

The s2000 has an aftermarket and a front & rear suspension that's set up better for auto-x than the Miata (also more power). All you would really need to be competitive are tires and shocks. The Miata would need a lot more!
I meant actual competitive classes. Spec Miata is a huge, national footprint that just about anyone can find large classes locally. A modified S2k would typically be pushed into a field of Camaros and other things that would eat its torqueless lunch.

Sure, the S2k will post faster lap times, an AP1 will teach you a lot more about oversteer, and both AP1 and AP2 will show you much faster speeds than a Spec Miata. But the Spec Miata will let you race against other drivers in equal cars.

Oh, sorry, saw your autox comment, you're probably right there.
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      08-11-2017, 07:34 PM   #9
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It's not about the numbers with the MX-5. Is that silly grin on your face even when driving at legal speed. There are so many convertible sports car that came and went...MR2, s2000, z , z3, del sol, cheap boxsters....

As the saying goes....The answer is always a Miata.
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      08-12-2017, 11:58 PM   #10
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You should consider a Vett. C6

Stick available on all models.
Can be had for cheap.
Obscene amounts of well priced parts available.
Can autox the hell out of it.
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      08-13-2017, 12:20 AM   #11
rovsky
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MSups6 View Post
You should consider a Vett. C6

Stick available on all models.
Can be had for cheap.
Obscene amounts of well priced parts available.
Can autox the hell out of it.
I like this idea actually. my dad had an 02 z06 a while back and that car was super fun.
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