In a straight line, the 2016 MX-5 is much faster than any MX-5 before it, including the Mazdaspeed MX-5
It's also faster than the FR-S/BRZ twins by a good amount.
I think a lot of people need to drive the car before commentating on power. I wish Mazda never released the power figures. Everyone who drove it would now be talking about how fast it actually is for such a small little car.
I had to look up C&D's numbers just to confirm what you said but yeah, it's the fastest Miata ever released.
Also, look at the difference in fuel economy numbers.
C&D's own test numbers:
2005 Mazdaspeed Miata
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 18.3 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 8.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.2 sec @ 91 mph
Top speed (redline limited): 127 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 168 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.90 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 20/26 mpg
C/D observed: 21 mpg
2016 Miata
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.9 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 16.2 sec
Zero to 120 mph: 28.9 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.6 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 8.4 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 8.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.6 sec @ 95 mph
Top speed (drag limited): 129 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 158 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.90 g
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 27/34 mpg
C/D observed: 32 mpg