MX5World

Welcome to MX-5 Miata World

Ask a question in the Forums · Add your car to the Registry · Parts and Cars For Sale
Use the menu bar above to navigate all the features of this website

This website is not in any way connected with, or authorised by, the Mazda Motor Corporation. All trademarks are used for identification purposes only.
Adjust Text Size:  Larger · Smaller · Reset
MX5World Sponsors

Advertise your business here
0

MX-5 Miata World News Feed

Loading...
Loading...


MX-5 Miata Information in a Nutshell

The MX-5 Miata was conceived as a small roadster, with light weight and minimal mechanical complexity limited only by legal and safety requirements; technologically modern, but a philosophically direct descendant of the small British roadsters of the 1960s such as the Triumph Spitfire, MG MGB, or Lotus Elan. In that spirit, it was designed with a traditional front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout and four-wheel independent double wishbone suspension. It has a longitudinally-mounted four cylinder engine coupled to a manual transmission (5 speed for NA, 5 or 6 speed in NB & NC); an automatic transmission is a cost option.

Now in its third generation, the MX5's first generation, the NA, sold over 400,000 units from 1989 to 1997 – with a 1.6 L (98 cu in) straight-4 engine to 1993, a 1.8 L (110 cu in) engine thereafter (with a de-tuned 1.6 as a budget option in some markets) – recognizable by its pop-up headlights. The second generation (NB) was introduced in 1998 with a slight increase in engine power; it can be recognized by the fixed headlights and the glass rear window. The third generation (NC) was introduced in 2005 with a 2.0 L (120 cu in) engine.

The body is a conventional, but light, unibody or monocoque construction, with (detachable) front and rear subframes. The MX-5 also incorporates a truss marketed as the Powerplant Frame (PPF) which connects the engine to the differential, minimizing flex and contributing to responsive handling. Some MX-5s feature limited slip differentials and anti-lock braking system. Traction control is an option available on NC models. The earlier cars weighed in at just over a ton, with engine power output usually 116 bhp (87 kW). The later cars were heavier, with higher power engines.

With an approximate 50:50 front/rear weight balance, the car has nearly neutral handling. Inducing oversteer is easy and very controllable, thus making the MX-5 a popular choice for amateur and stock racing, including, in the USA, the Sports Car Club of America's Solo2 autocross and Spec Miata race series and in the UK the Ma5da racing championship.

Beginning with the third generation, Mazda consolidated worldwide marketing using the MX-5 name, though enthusiasts in the USA still refer to it as Miata, a name that means "reward" in Old High German. The MX-5 has won many awards including Wheels Magazine's Car of the Year for 1989 and 2005; Sports Car International's "Best Sports Car of the 1990s" and "Ten Best Sports Cars of All Time"; 2005-2006 Car of the Year Japan; 2005 Australian Car of the Year; and Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list seven times.



Website News

Thursday March 7, 2024
Added new website The Elva Experience
Friday July 7, 2023
Changed forum message score display so scores are only shown if 5 or more members have voted.
Wednesday June 8, 2022
Added "about X time duration later..." text between posts in a topic if there has been more than a week between posts (also useful when a very old topic is resurrected)
Wednesday June 8, 2022
Added New Member flag to newly registered members for increased safety (scammers almost always use a newly created account).
Wednesday June 8, 2022
Added "Topic Creator (OP)" to topic read pages to flag replies by the creator of the thread.
Tuesday April 27, 2021
Defer non-critical CSS and JS to speed up page loading
Monday April 19, 2021
New Stripe membership payment system launched
Tuesday March 9, 2021
Added three new websites: The Vintage Race Forum, The Lotus Experience, and The Small4x4 Forum
Monday March 8, 2021
Completed media file storage migration
Monday April 27, 2020
Members can now change their home site from the account edit area

Legal Disclaimers

The author, Corvus Digital Corp, believes to the best of his knowledge the information contained in this website to be correct, however no warranty is made as to its accuracy. Corvus Digital Corp disclaims any liability for financial loss, property damage or injury in connection with use of this information. Any trademarked names are property of their respective trademark holder and are used for identification purposes only. Portions of this website may be copyrighted by other individuals or organizations. The opinions published by members on this website including but not limited to the forums, library and journals do not necessarily state or reflect the views of Corvus Digital Corp. Publication on this website should not be considered an endorsement.

By using this site, you consent to our online privacy policy and abide by our terms & conditions.

About This Website

This site was launched in July 2010 by Skye Nott as the 6th site in The AutoShrine Network.
All design and content is © Corvus Digital Corp unless otherwise noted.

This website is not in any way connected with, or authorised by, the Mazda Motor Corporation.




Join The Club
Sign in to ask questions, share photos, and access all website features
Your Cars
2002 Mazda Miata Special Edition
Text Size
Larger Smaller
Reset Save