Reset: 1st Gen SE vs. Miata
10-09-09, 04:49 PM
#28
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Unless your car is a track car, you shouldn't need to trim for them...
10-09-09, 06:07 PM
#30
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the miata and the GSL-SE are like the two best cars mazda has ever made....
comparing STOCK to STOCK, they are probably really close in performance. miata probably handles better than the rx7, its lighter. rx7 has more power.
as far as maintenance the rx7 is better. the miata is saddled with a reciprocating piston engine, so you have to change timing belts, and if its a 99+ adjust valves too.
rx7 has more cargo space, but the top goes down on the miata...
miata gets better mileage (29 vs like 22-24).
the original miata owners had a significant portion that were either gay or engineers.
comparing STOCK to STOCK, they are probably really close in performance. miata probably handles better than the rx7, its lighter. rx7 has more power.
as far as maintenance the rx7 is better. the miata is saddled with a reciprocating piston engine, so you have to change timing belts, and if its a 99+ adjust valves too.
rx7 has more cargo space, but the top goes down on the miata...
miata gets better mileage (29 vs like 22-24).
the original miata owners had a significant portion that were either gay or engineers.
10-10-09, 01:24 AM
#31
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My first car was a bone stock 92 m1 and i fell in love with mazda as soon as i drove it. My current car is a stock 81 fb(12a) and the previous comparissons are really true. The Rx7(even the 12a) is a little faster feeling than the miata, but it feels noticably heavier in the handling. The miata is very darty and nimble, and loves to corner at speed effortlessly, where the rx7 seems much less eager although both are very responsive to all inputs. Interestingly, most of the m1's interior was based on fb styling.
The gay community and old women did manage to effectively ruin the m1's reputation to the rest of the car community though, and i alsways manage to catch hell from my friends about having owned one haha.
The gay community and old women did manage to effectively ruin the m1's reputation to the rest of the car community though, and i alsways manage to catch hell from my friends about having owned one haha.
10-10-09, 04:52 AM
#32
Dr. Drift
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get the SE man, the best choice i ever made was getting my SE, only payed $200 and put about $500 into it and it was a monster, worst choice i ever made was getting rid of it, soon as i can im getting another one, those are so easy and cheap to get insane power out of
10-10-09, 07:33 AM
#34
I am about to purchase a Miata but it will have the the LS1 swap in it. Still looking for a donor car and already have the engine and trans on the way. Gotta respect a Miata's ability on the track gay car or not! Superior aftermarket for it. Yeah I have a FB but I am not biased to great engineering and plus it is a Mazda guys rotary or not! Oh yeha pics above are hotness.
10-10-09, 08:40 AM
#35
Lives on the Forum
lol, I will not drive a Miata. Simply because I've heard so many racers tell me how much they used to love their RX7, until the day they drove a Miata. I'm not taking that chance. 
No doubt they are incredible cars, and in some cases "gay" is only in the eye of the beholder.
And, no I didn't have to modify the strut tower for the camber plates. Billy does provide a template you can use to cut out a larger section in the center, for greater movement, but I don't know who would actually need that much.
No doubt they are incredible cars, and in some cases "gay" is only in the eye of the beholder.
And, no I didn't have to modify the strut tower for the camber plates. Billy does provide a template you can use to cut out a larger section in the center, for greater movement, but I don't know who would actually need that much.
10-10-09, 10:03 AM
#36
Newer is Better
Not usually true. If you give me the option of a newer car with the same mileage as an older car, with everything else being equal, I'll take the newer one every time. There are many things that wear out just from the years -- especially rubber.
10-10-09, 10:16 AM
#37
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I used to have a Miata and a 400hp FD in the same garage. The FD was great for blowing off the doors of just about anyone. However, the Miata was my guilty pleasure. Get that thing on a back, twisty road and it would leave the FD in the dust (the MX-5 was race prepared with a later engine).
The Miata was, loud, rode hard, and was cramped--but I loved it. Anyone who thinks that they are ghey is:
a.) a homophobe
b.) never had their a*s handed to them by a ghey car
c.) been beaten so badly by a Miata that their only defence is saying that the other car is "gay"
I would go with the guy who said buy both. They are both great cars and it is hard to compare them.
Damn, I miss both of those cars...
The Miata was, loud, rode hard, and was cramped--but I loved it. Anyone who thinks that they are ghey is:
a.) a homophobe
b.) never had their a*s handed to them by a ghey car
c.) been beaten so badly by a Miata that their only defence is saying that the other car is "gay"
I would go with the guy who said buy both. They are both great cars and it is hard to compare them.
Damn, I miss both of those cars...
10-10-09, 11:18 AM
#39
Lives on the Forum
lol, here we are arguing over a 7 year old thread. Hey PJR, what did you end up doing? Do you regret the choice you made? (pretty sure he went with the fb)....
Let's get a 7 year update on this!
Let's get a 7 year update on this!
10-10-09, 12:03 PM
#40
i'd rock a Miata in a heartbeat and i wouldn't feel any guilt about it whatsoever! provided i had secured an '84-'85 stock sunroofed Rx-7 and a '79 already squared away, i'd take a Miata over an SE. i've liked the Miatas since their introduction and i still harbor thoughts about having an original M-edition. i can't say i care for the M2s much, but i honestly wouldn't think twice about buying an M1 or M3, if i had the money to do so.
10-10-09, 03:09 PM
#41
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the miata and the GSL-SE are like the two best cars mazda has ever made....
comparing STOCK to STOCK, they are probably really close in performance. miata probably handles better than the rx7, its lighter. rx7 has more power.
as far as maintenance the rx7 is better. the miata is saddled with a reciprocating piston engine, so you have to change timing belts, and if its a 99+ adjust valves too.
rx7 has more cargo space, but the top goes down on the miata...
miata gets better mileage (29 vs like 22-24).
the original miata owners had a significant portion that were either gay or engineers.
comparing STOCK to STOCK, they are probably really close in performance. miata probably handles better than the rx7, its lighter. rx7 has more power.
as far as maintenance the rx7 is better. the miata is saddled with a reciprocating piston engine, so you have to change timing belts, and if its a 99+ adjust valves too.
rx7 has more cargo space, but the top goes down on the miata...
miata gets better mileage (29 vs like 22-24).
the original miata owners had a significant portion that were either gay or engineers.
10-10-09, 11:13 PM
#43
no disrespect meant, but if your car was anything even resembling stock-motored, then i'd dare something was wrong with it. VERY wrong!!! i'd get 24+ MPG on stock ported engine with a Dell'Orto and stock exhaust akin to Swiss cheese. it increased to 25-26 MPG after i got my RB exhaust system.
10-11-09, 12:05 AM
#44
I really like the latest generation miata. A buddy took me out in his and it does handle like a go kart (unbelievably so!). Convertible is cool too. It had no problem keeping up with my SE before the supercharger, and did alright after also. I enjoy what the 7 represents though, and being an old dog I like the retro aspect. This year I have only seen 5 fb's on the road, really makes mine feel rare. Something about the miata still screams girls car to me. I guess if I were into cross dressing and wore a long silk scarf and matching kerchief I could fall in love with the miata. However, it would hurt having my nuts and hammer ducktaped up in my crotch to complete the sell, especially with those seats!
A miata cruise would be good for a milf hunting episode.....
Not to mention storage issues with a miata....
eventually this guy will grow up and buy an rx7
OMFG, I am changing my mind!
I love the miata!
I want a miata!
Especially one equipped like this one!
All kidding aside, I think the miata is a great car. Too bad mazda couldn't put a hardtop and hatchback on it, a rotary inside and rebadge it the new rx7......I think the fb is more related to the miata than to the fc.
A miata cruise would be good for a milf hunting episode.....
Not to mention storage issues with a miata....
eventually this guy will grow up and buy an rx7
OMFG, I am changing my mind!
I love the miata!
I want a miata!
Especially one equipped like this one!
All kidding aside, I think the miata is a great car. Too bad mazda couldn't put a hardtop and hatchback on it, a rotary inside and rebadge it the new rx7......I think the fb is more related to the miata than to the fc.
10-12-09, 07:08 AM
#46
Environmentally-Hostile
I would like to own either an NA or NC Miata at some point. NB's look kinda girly.
FB + NB + NSX + FD and I'll be set
(ok maybe a 4 seater like an MS6 or M45)
FB + NB + NSX + FD and I'll be set
(ok maybe a 4 seater like an MS6 or M45)
10-12-09, 01:35 PM
#47
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if you were using the stock efi, something was way wrong
10-12-09, 04:52 PM
#48
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probably that water coolant sensor? also was it just city driving? hilly driving? i got about 12 - 15 when i was always visiting my gf (now ex) up a pretty nice hill.
10-12-09, 08:48 PM
#49
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Wow, that "coupe" Miata looks great; I wonder why Mazda didn't make that? The integrated roof would definately add some much-needed stability to the MX platform!
My minitrucker friends and I used to crack at this guy for driving a first-gen Miata, but of course we had it out for all the ricers back then. Turns out, Brad had a supercharger under the hood of that little "gay" car, and it would kick some of the local muscle cars' asses redlight to redlight (and I'm sure in the curves too, but I'd never riden with him to verify).
FB's (even FC's and FD's) have their downfalls (the rotary engine is DEFINATELY not one), but when it's all said and done they are more structurally sound than the Miata platform. ANY car without a roof is lacking some serious support that will be noticed during performance driving. That's why companies like Flyin' Miata make their "butterfly brace" to help stiffen the chassis in the Miatas.
I've still got plenty more mods to finish up on my FB (an SE clone), but I've got well over $4K in the suspension and steering alone, which isn't really much. Everything's new (except for the cleaned, painted, and powdercoated SE strut housings and rear axle) and top of the line, but so far it's only bolt-in upgrades. After I seam weld critical areas and get around to ordering springs for and installing my RS front coilover kit (and buy or build a rear "coilover" style kit), along with a few more things that I plan to build with my current access to these CNC machines, I believe that my FB will handle better than any Miata or almost any convertible, except for maybe that coupe concept if it were loaded with performance suspension and steering goodies (BTW, I LOVE that Miata coupe concept!!!).
But the bottom line is: how much money are you willing to sink into the car(s) to achieve or come close to your ultimate goals? If you're going to auto-x or road race, I'd bet you'd be better off in the long run getting the FB and loading it up with suspension and steering goodies than with the Miata. If you had a Miata and wanted to race it, chances are you'd wind up in a Spec-Miata class where you're not too far from bone stock. Fun cars and exciting races, but too many governing rules and regulations for my taste. I'm building my FB for double duty since I don't have to worry about inspection or emissions here in KY, and I'm not worried about class placement; when she's ready I'll probably be up against some serious competition for her, but I'm just looking to have a good time on the track and to be able to say that I at least finished, whether fourth or last, its the fun of the sport that matters.
If you want a cruiser that will serve grocery-hauling duties, an FB would probably be your best bet there, too. I like the Miata, but that TINY trunk and lack of storage space kinda limits your options when you fill your buggies at the local grocery store. The FB will hold quite a bit of cargo in the bins (or behind the seats with the bins removed) and in the rear hatch area. Hell, you could carry a full set of extra wheels and tires in the rear of your FB with the storage bins removed (provided you're not running 8.5" or wider wheels and 285mm tires or larger with a tubbed rear and the proper mods to the front fenders, suspension, and "sub-frame"), where you can see what happens in the pic above when the Miata owner tried to attempt the same thing...
If you're not concerned with any of that and have another grocery-getter, then buy both if you can afford them. They're both great platforms to start from, each with their own weaknesses, but it all boils down to YOU, the buyer. Buy the car based on your expectations for it and its' intended usage, but don't plan on any stock vehicle to be perfect "right out of the box." You need to factor in the mods that you'd want and like to do to any car before you buy, plan on maintennance (rotary engines use oil and should be checked more frequently than their piston engined cousins, especially when you start adding more power; oil needs to be injected at a greater rate to keep the internal seals lubed), and, most importantly, what you would be happier with in the long run.
As stated previously, if you can afford both, get both. You can't go wrong with two Mazdas! But remember, this is a ROTARY ENGINE FORUM, the replys will tend to be biased towards the FBs. Ask the same question on a Miata forum on you're likely to get flamed for even contemplating the FB.
I'd drive a Miata if I could afford one right now, and I probably will own one after I graduate. I just won't rock rainbow and "I'm the Queen" stickers on it; some quality suspension mods and wheels and tires would suit me fine for a daily driven Miata...
Just my $0.02, I know it's an old thread but I've had a couple/few beers and felt the need to share my opinion...
My minitrucker friends and I used to crack at this guy for driving a first-gen Miata, but of course we had it out for all the ricers back then. Turns out, Brad had a supercharger under the hood of that little "gay" car, and it would kick some of the local muscle cars' asses redlight to redlight (and I'm sure in the curves too, but I'd never riden with him to verify).
FB's (even FC's and FD's) have their downfalls (the rotary engine is DEFINATELY not one), but when it's all said and done they are more structurally sound than the Miata platform. ANY car without a roof is lacking some serious support that will be noticed during performance driving. That's why companies like Flyin' Miata make their "butterfly brace" to help stiffen the chassis in the Miatas.
I've still got plenty more mods to finish up on my FB (an SE clone), but I've got well over $4K in the suspension and steering alone, which isn't really much. Everything's new (except for the cleaned, painted, and powdercoated SE strut housings and rear axle) and top of the line, but so far it's only bolt-in upgrades. After I seam weld critical areas and get around to ordering springs for and installing my RS front coilover kit (and buy or build a rear "coilover" style kit), along with a few more things that I plan to build with my current access to these CNC machines, I believe that my FB will handle better than any Miata or almost any convertible, except for maybe that coupe concept if it were loaded with performance suspension and steering goodies (BTW, I LOVE that Miata coupe concept!!!).
But the bottom line is: how much money are you willing to sink into the car(s) to achieve or come close to your ultimate goals? If you're going to auto-x or road race, I'd bet you'd be better off in the long run getting the FB and loading it up with suspension and steering goodies than with the Miata. If you had a Miata and wanted to race it, chances are you'd wind up in a Spec-Miata class where you're not too far from bone stock. Fun cars and exciting races, but too many governing rules and regulations for my taste. I'm building my FB for double duty since I don't have to worry about inspection or emissions here in KY, and I'm not worried about class placement; when she's ready I'll probably be up against some serious competition for her, but I'm just looking to have a good time on the track and to be able to say that I at least finished, whether fourth or last, its the fun of the sport that matters.
If you want a cruiser that will serve grocery-hauling duties, an FB would probably be your best bet there, too. I like the Miata, but that TINY trunk and lack of storage space kinda limits your options when you fill your buggies at the local grocery store. The FB will hold quite a bit of cargo in the bins (or behind the seats with the bins removed) and in the rear hatch area. Hell, you could carry a full set of extra wheels and tires in the rear of your FB with the storage bins removed (provided you're not running 8.5" or wider wheels and 285mm tires or larger with a tubbed rear and the proper mods to the front fenders, suspension, and "sub-frame"), where you can see what happens in the pic above when the Miata owner tried to attempt the same thing...
If you're not concerned with any of that and have another grocery-getter, then buy both if you can afford them. They're both great platforms to start from, each with their own weaknesses, but it all boils down to YOU, the buyer. Buy the car based on your expectations for it and its' intended usage, but don't plan on any stock vehicle to be perfect "right out of the box." You need to factor in the mods that you'd want and like to do to any car before you buy, plan on maintennance (rotary engines use oil and should be checked more frequently than their piston engined cousins, especially when you start adding more power; oil needs to be injected at a greater rate to keep the internal seals lubed), and, most importantly, what you would be happier with in the long run.
As stated previously, if you can afford both, get both. You can't go wrong with two Mazdas! But remember, this is a ROTARY ENGINE FORUM, the replys will tend to be biased towards the FBs. Ask the same question on a Miata forum on you're likely to get flamed for even contemplating the FB.
I'd drive a Miata if I could afford one right now, and I probably will own one after I graduate. I just won't rock rainbow and "I'm the Queen" stickers on it; some quality suspension mods and wheels and tires would suit me fine for a daily driven Miata...
Just my $0.02, I know it's an old thread but I've had a couple/few beers and felt the need to share my opinion...
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