Weight of the 89+ convertible looks like 150lb more than the 88. Where is the weight? Also is there any difference to the ragtop itself from 88 to 89?

 

Larger gas tank. More sound dampening material for interior. Also the different front nose is like what an 1" longer. Was there some items for chassis stiffness added in 89 maybe? Tranny is different, I also believe the rear end may add a little as well.

 

Engine, gas tank, dash structure, materials (like carpet, seats and insulation), and minor suspension differences.

 

Damn...seems like you guys got it pretty much covered. Ummm...don't forget that extra coat of paint and primer accounts for 5 lbs.

j/k

 

I think the transmission weights more as well.

 

Just your basic S4 vs S5 weight stuff.

 

I was under the impression that all manual tranny verts (S4 and S5) got the M50N tranny unlike the S4 NA coupes which got the M582 manual tranny.

 

So do you guys feel these changes make the later models more desirable? Were the changes addressing real world complaints about the 88? I am just thinking that the vert is heavy enough as it is so if the consensus is that the changes did not make the car noticably better, then the lighter and cheaper 88 is a good choice. If the newer models are tighter and more refined then the 89+ is maybe a better choice. What do you think?

 

Well the general consensus on this board is that the S5 look better, however the suspension changes make the car seem more softer and less in touch with the road. depending on preferance this may be a good thing or bad thing.

the Gas tank is a 50/50 thing, it would be nice to have the added range, but who needs the extra weight. So again its user preferance.

As far as the engine, while the S5 engine has more HP, it doesn't have any more torque, so the extra HP is just spread through the whole power band. Because of the extra weight however the 90+ is actually slower than the 88 with its 3.9 rear end, despite the extra 14 HP.

The extra weight for the body structure though is without any doubt a negitive, and only on the car so that it could pass US passive restraint regulations. It does not add any additional occupant safety (other than supporting the SRS system on the 90-91 'vert and S5 coupe).

So personally I think the 88 and 89 cars are very simular (enough for Mazda to even use the same front and rear harness), but I don't care for the 90-91, with its even additional supports for the SRS and funky Ford additions (Ford/Delco made the SRS system for mazda for the FC and pre-94 Miata).

So sticking with the 'vert, I guess if you wanted more of a racer, go with the 88, but if you wanted a little more refined go with the 89, and if you just want a cruiser and don't care about going fast, go with the 90-91 (and 92 in AUZ/NZ/Japan.

 

I think the S5 had the drip catcher pockets in the corners. Also the S5s convertibles all had the GXL luxury treatment.