The Definitive Post: "What Miata Should I Buy?"

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Holy cow guys, it seems like everyone on Reddit is figuring out how much fun we're all having and want in on the deal. As such, this subreddit frequently sees the same question: "I have $xxxx budget, what Miata should I buy?" A dedicated post to point people to is useful, so here it is:

The Generations

There have been three generations of Miata so far, and they are referred to by their chassis code (NA,NB,NC) or by (M1,M2,M3). Defining characteristics are the flip-up headlights of the NA, the swoopy shape of the NB, and the fender bulges of the NC. The first two generations are very similar, some argue that they are the same car, as Mazda could not afford a total redesign for the NB. The biggest change within a generation was in 1994, when Mazda swapped the 1.6L to a 1.8L. With the NA and NB, many parts are compatible between the 1.8L powertrains. With the right hardware, hardtops are compatible from '90 to '05. Suspension components are even sometimes compatible, even if the NB shock mounts are quite a bit different. As such, parts for NAs and NBs are extremely cheap. As with all cars, the Miata has become heavier, safer, and more powerful over time. The newest version weighs 2,450 lbs, the first weighs 2,100 lbs.

[Colors, Packages, & Special Editions (NA & NB)](http://www.miata.net/faq/production.html#What are the different packages/options available for the Miata?)

NA - (1990 - 1997)

Decent Shape Daily Driver: ($3k - $7k)

Defining characteristics: Pop-up headlamps.

Years to be careful about: '90-'91 (Shortnose crankshaft failures)

• 1990 - Debut of car, 1.6L B6ZE(RS) engine with 115bhp. Curb weight 2,150 lbs. Suspension is double wishbone all-around and will remain that way until the NC. 0-60 in ~9 seconds.

• 1994 - Changed over to the 1.8L BP-ZE engine (131bhp). Passenger airbag added for US market. Chassis stiffened significantly for side impacts and performance. Curb weight 2,200 lbs. The differential was increased to a 7" unit. Some have issues with the previous 6" breaking under hard use or increased power. 0-60 in ~8.5 seconds. (Some call the '94-'97 the NA2, and the '90-'93 the NA1.)

• 1996 - OBD II adopted for emissions reasons (all '96 US cars were required to have OBD II). Power was boosted to 133 bhp.

• NA Limited Slip Differentials - 1990-1993 limited slips are viscous and wear out by 60k miles. 1994+ limited slips are Torsens, which don't suffer from longevity issues that much.

NB - (1999 - 2005)

Decent Shape Daily Driver: ($6k - $14k)

Defining characteristics: Looks like a short FD RX-7 with permanent headlights.

Years to be careful about:

'98: They have a common problem of not existing. All North American '98s were relabeled and sold as '99s. Other markets have a few '98 NBs scampering around.

'99: Thrust Bearing #4 - If the car has more than 30k miles, you're probably fine.

'01 and early '02: Clutch Chatter. Annoying, requires clutch replacement and flywheel grinding if you want to fix it.

• 1999 - Power increased to 140bhp. VICS (variable intake) added to increase low end torque. Hydraulic lifters changed to solid lifters. Curb weight creeped up to 2,300lbs. A 10 year Anniversary Edition (very, very blue) appeared with a new 6-speed derived from the RX-7. Base '99 did 0-60 in ~8.5 seconds.

• 2001 - Mazda got some money, so they refreshed it a little. Some call the '99-'00 the NB1 and the '01-'05 the NB2. Headlights changed to projectors, harder lines appears on the nose. Comparison (1999 vs 2001) Variable Valve timing was added to the head and the VICS was removed. The cast iron header was removed and a tubular design was added, reducing weight and restrictions. The compression ratio increased to 10:1. Premium fuel is recommended for 2001+, although many report 87 octane to run fine. Power in the US is 143bhp. Curb weight 2,350lbs. (Mazda marketed the car as having 155bhp, but in the US the car was changed to comply with California's emissions, reducing the power to 143. Previous years had a separate California model with another catalytic converter and tune.) The "Sport Package" appeared, offering larger brakes, tires, Bilstein struts, and extra chassis stiffening. The seats were increased in height, so drivers over 6'1" might want to get 2001+ seats for rear impact protection.

• 2003 - Torsen Diff was changed to a Tochigi-Fugi unit. This is a spring-loaded clutchpack type differential and works by limiting the speed differential between the rear tires. The Torsen uses worm gears and housing deflection to reduce slip. Few drivers will feel the difference, but the Torsen turns in a little better and is a little more predictable in power-on oversteer and lift-throttle situations. The Torsen does have a disadvantage: it becomes an open diff if you lift a tire and upsets the chassis (and Torsen) when the tire lands.

• 2004 - Rear end for the 6-speed changed to a 4.10 from a 3.90. This makes the car feel a bit faster at the expense of high revs on the highway.

NB MazdaSpeed - (2004-2005)

Decent Shape Daily Driver: ($9k - $14k)

Defining characteristics: Turbo

Mazda went back to the '99 head (no VVT) and a 9.5 compression ratio, added a turbo, and tuned up the Hard S Suspension package for some 17" Racing Hart Wheels. In stock form, you'll see 7.25 lbs of boost and 178bhp. It came with the Fuji diff (Ownership changed to Bosch) and the 6-speed transmission. While some complain about the significant turbo lag, this is easily the fastest factory Miata sold in the US and A. 0-60 in 6.7 seconds, 20/26 mpg. While the turbo is small, the breathing problems are commonly fixed with a Flyin' Miata Fixit Kit that attacks turbo lag, boost loss, and a restrictive intake. According to dutchbag and funkdenomotron, the kit is all-but essential and fixes many of the frustrations. Due to the limitations of the MSM turbo, it's probably not the most cost-effective platform to make big power numbers. Amusingly enough, the lowered 6500 rpm redline limits the top speed to about 125mph. The regular NB is capable of 135-140. Check out funkdenomotron's review on his 04 MSM

NC - (2006 - )

Decent Shape Running Car: ($12k - $35k)

Defining characteristics: Happy bar of soap with fender flares.

• 2006 - Sold as the MX-5 in the US (Miata is a US-only name), this is a complete redesign. The rear suspension was changed to a multilink type. A new 2.0L engine was introduced pumping out 170 bhp at 6700rpm. The automatic version makes 168 bhp. A six-speed automatic with paddle-requesters became available. If you are scared of shifting or have a disability, it's actually not a terrible choice (unlike the previous generations). Power retractable hard top was added to keep up with the other cool-kid convertibles (it adds about 100lbs high up on the car). Curb weight 2,410 lbs with a soft top. 0-60 in ~8.5 seconds.

• 2009 - Facelifted to give it a dramatic smile. Redline bumped up to 7200 rpm.