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Author Topic: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata  (Read 8226 times)

Offline Autos_Editor

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Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« on: June 25, 2012, 04:04:22 am »


Social Editor Michael Schlee brought a 'project car': a classic 1990 Mazda Miata. Here's how his first drive went.

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Offline initial_D

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #1 on: June 25, 2012, 06:33:37 am »
Looking forward to more mileages from the Miata.
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Offline Ace

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #2 on: June 25, 2012, 07:28:16 am »
What an amazing little automobile!!  300,000 km and still ticking !! This article brings back memories of what it was like driving beat up TR4's and MGB's back in the 70's. Every drive was an adventure and you always carried a tool box.
Hmmm, I could probably pick one up for about $5000.
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Offline hemusbull

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #3 on: June 25, 2012, 08:06:52 am »
Hey Michael, you made my monday! Far away from 2012 SE, this one is a pure Mazda Miata fun, a gem article for enthusiasts.
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Offline dragonfly

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #4 on: June 25, 2012, 08:39:46 am »
 Amazing...What's the top speed...80 MPH ?  Keerist...Gets at least 20 MPG at a steady 75...What an engineering marvel...Hehe

Looks cute, and drives nice...Winner!   Good luck pard...Jack
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Offline johngenx

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #5 on: June 25, 2012, 08:53:23 am »
80mph top speed?  What you been smokin?  The 116hp NA-model Miata specs a 203km/h top speed.  My own 94 (with a few more horses, but not that many more) was still pulling pretty well at 170km/h.
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Offline D70

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #6 on: June 25, 2012, 09:01:50 am »
Welcome to the living with a Miata. Less stuff is less weight. Good tires are a must, ultra high performance summer in stock size is what i favour. Radio over 80 kms with the top down is a wasted effort. Maximum torque is at over 5,000 rpm so wind the motor out when, 5,000 rpm is nothing to a motorcyclist. Remember this engine goes to over 7,000. Sign up to slalom on a track to find out how it really handles. Out maneuvers Z06s 911s and S2000s if in good stock condition. Have fun

http://flic.kr/p/8oEwDK

http://www.fuelly.com/driver/c2100/mx5-miata

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Offline Scarecrow

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #7 on: June 25, 2012, 09:12:30 am »
Bud, you gotta get rid of that stupid "style bar"...

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Offline mixmanmash

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #8 on: June 25, 2012, 09:35:44 am »
Definitely should slalom / auto-x the car. I've seen bone stock Miata's of this era embarrass newer cars with way more power.

And if it is slow for you, it's nothing that a good turbo kit couldn't solve.
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Offline Mike

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #9 on: June 25, 2012, 09:43:06 am »
Quote from: mixmanmash on June 25, 2012, 09:35:44 am
Definitely should slalom / auto-x the car. I've seen bone stock Miata's of this era embarrass newer cars with way more power.

And if it is slow for you, it's nothing that a good turbo kit couldn't solve.

I think slalom or a turbo will destroy this car.  It is old and fragile.  It needs a whole new suspension
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Offline johngenx

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #10 on: June 25, 2012, 09:55:36 am »
The Miata is the most uncivilized car I've driven in a very long time.  Mine lacks most of the expected comfort/safety features of new cars, though it has dual airbags and meets the side impact regs introduced a few years into the life of the Miata.  But, yes, there is no cruise, no A/C, and wind-up windows.

It's this very lack of civility that has quickly made this car one of my all time favourites that I've owned.  My daughter's spending a week away this summer, and the missus and I are stoked about taking a long trip in the car.
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Offline canuckystan

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #11 on: June 25, 2012, 11:15:25 am »
Great article, reminds of the various POS cars I've owned in days gone by - fun and frustrating all at the same time. 

If you really want to get serious, try it with a '71 Super Beetle - would love to see that  :)
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shearwater26

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #12 on: June 25, 2012, 04:10:06 pm »
Instead of unzipping the window, insert a pool noodle into the fold to keep it from creasing and just leave it zipped.
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Offline Hammy

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #13 on: June 25, 2012, 04:36:13 pm »
Sounds like a fun little car...... it looks great too.  Maybe I'll get one for my kid when he gets his license in a few months so I can drive it!
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Offline D70

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #14 on: June 25, 2012, 05:13:45 pm »
Ive been to Texas and Alaska in mine with a tent in the trunk http://flic.kr/p/81daYX   http://flic.kr/p/8sBXYc
Quote from: johngenx on June 25, 2012, 09:55:36 am
The Miata is the most uncivilized car I've driven in a very long time.  Mine lacks most of the expected comfort/safety features of new cars, though it has dual airbags and meets the side impact regs introduced a few years into the life of the Miata.  But, yes, there is no cruise, no A/C, and wind-up windows.

It's this very lack of civility that has quickly made this car one of my all time favourites that I've owned.  My daughter's spending a week away this summer, and the missus and I are stoked about taking a long trip in the car.
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Offline D70

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #15 on: June 25, 2012, 05:18:37 pm »
If you enjoy driving you will love it.  the 1990 is the lightest
  http://flic.kr/p/8vATRC
Quote from: Hammy on June 25, 2012, 04:36:13 pm
Sounds like a fun little car...... it looks great too.  Maybe I'll get one for my kid when he gets his license in a few months so I can drive it!
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Offline CanuckS2K

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #16 on: June 25, 2012, 05:51:16 pm »
Quote from: johngenx on June 25, 2012, 09:55:36 am
The Miata is the most uncivilized car I've driven in a very long time.  Mine lacks most of the expected comfort/safety features of new cars, though it has dual airbags and meets the side impact regs introduced a few years into the life of the Miata.  But, yes, there is no cruise, no A/C, and wind-up windows.

It's this very lack of civility that has quickly made this car one of my all time favourites that I've owned.  My daughter's spending a week away this summer, and the missus and I are stoked about taking a long trip in the car.

Good stuff John, any plans where you and the wifey will be headed in the Miata?
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Offline johngenx

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #17 on: June 25, 2012, 05:58:37 pm »
My speedo is a little more accurate than yours.  GPS = 117km/h at indicated 120km/h.  Do you have the correct tires?

Yeah, the engine is REVVING at highway speeds.  But, I don't have any problem with that.  I rarely have to downshift, and besides, the car is much nicer to cruise with the top down at 100-110 than any faster than that anyway.

The NB-model 6-speed is more relaxed, but I'm not sure it's an upgrade overall.  I preferred the shift action on the five speeds I drove over the six coggers.

We're heading to Montana, Idaho and Washington State.  Going to the Sun road (of course!) and then west.  Yup, packing light and no shopping.  That's part of the fun!  Reminds me of the summer we spent touring on the motorcycle.  Buying some new tires on the trip...
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Offline WRX_Pilot

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #18 on: June 26, 2012, 01:01:45 pm »
You say you are over 6' and fit in the car fine?  I sat in a new one (I'm 6'2) and my head touches with the roof up.  Are the older ones more tall-driver friendly?
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Offline Mike

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Re: Final Drive: 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata
« Reply #19 on: June 26, 2012, 01:03:39 pm »
Quote from: WRX_Pilot on June 26, 2012, 01:01:45 pm
You say you are over 6' and fit in the car fine?  I sat in a new one (I'm 6'2) and my head touches with the roof up.  Are the older ones more tall-driver friendly?


I don't know, I fit in the new and old ok.  The new one, with a hat on and hardtop closed it would hit the roof over bumps.
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