Okay so a lot of people wanted the playlist so here you go. Drop the top and crank it up. open.spotify.com/playlist/5MueX79tJXcrTViiGKqlkl?si=9c7c41aee8d34f2b&nd=1
1) Man, the soft top is just *the move.* I've been kicking back and forth between RF and ST, and every time I see a ST with the top down, that's it. That grey looks really good too. 2) That Miata playlist has some gems in it! 🤣👌 3) This was super enjoyable to watch.
I'm gonna get one very soon as my 1 year round car and I was really torn between the two different tops but I really think I want the full soft top experience. I want to be able to get the top down in 3 seconds flat.
Leg room issue was the main reason I sold my 2008 NC touring. Even so, it was a absolute blast to drive in the twisties, and always put a smile on my face.
I have the 1.5 sport soft top in mica black . Picked it up a few weeks ago with 20 miles on the clock . I couldn't stop grinning the first time I put the roof down . It's not the most practical car to own but it is the most fun car to drive that I've ever owned
@@OutMotorsports I decided to take a drive from where I stay on the west coast of Scotland over to Mull of Kintyre . The drive was so much fun with the windy roads . To be honest I didn't even need to get above 60 to enjoy it. On the down side I had the roof down and as I'm a ginger I got sunburnt and I'm feeling a little bit sorry for myself today. One thing I did notice and I've never had happen before is other mx5 drivers wave at you
I love my 2021 Club MT Soul Red. The RF isn’t really a convertible so I didn’t consider it. The car is an absolute blast to drive. I’m only 5’7” so the size is perfect for me. To my eye it’s a great looking car. I get admiring comments almost everyday from strangers.
I love it!!! I miss my 97. Bought it in 03 with 40k miles. It was black on black/red with a manual. It was the most fun car I've ever had. The only fun cars that I've had that were comparable were my E46 325Ci w/Sport pkg and my lowered '15 FIAT 500 Sport w/Manual I also feel your pain with being tall and fitting into small cars. I'm 6'3", and I have no idea how this car would work for me at 40. I might check one out with the hubby.
After 3 amazing years with a 1994 Laguna Blue and tan Miata, it was sold in 2020 and after 2 years without one in my life, I couldn't take it anymore. I just ordered a '22 Club manual with the BBR (Brembo/BBS/Recaro) package, in that gorgeous Soul Red Crystal. Now the agonizing wait for production and delivery.
I have a 2024 reserved. On its way from Hiroshima, Japan. 1-2 weeks estimated delivery time. I also have a 2024 CX-5 AWD I plan to keep for back-up. Sport black. My first car was a 1965 Triumph Spitfire. I remember push starting it down the hill in front of my parents house when it wouldn't start in the morning. I also remember borrowing my brother's transistor radio to lay on the seat next to me on my way to school in the morning, because the am radio quit working, and seeing a guy heading in the opposite direction as me in his MG giving me the peace sign when we passed each other each morning. I felt like I was let into some type pf cool club, which I liked.
Gotta own your musical past. Nice and accurate review. I’m driving a dark grey 2017 ND1 after owning a white 1993 NA and bright yellow 2002 NB. I do wish Mazda would offer more bright “primary” color options, the yellow NB was a shot of sunshine any time I was in it.
It'd be really great if they did! That bright yellow on the NB was very, very good - and they had some other nice options at the time, too. There's been a few fun choices for the ND but not nearly enough of them.
Wow man, great review. I’ve always loved Miatas but I too am 6’2” and couldnt have this as a daily driver. I’m glad I ran across your channel. I’m a life long can fanatic and could talk about cars all day. Plus you’re easy on the eyes, respectfully.
Thanks, Tommy! Such is life being tall, we'll cram into a Miata for a week of fun but long-term ownership wouldn't work for us. Also really comes down to leg vs. torso ratio for any tall person. Seems if you're about 5'11" or under it's a much easier time.
I love my 2019 ND2, manual tranny, soft top MX-5 Miata in Soul Red Crystal. I saved some money buying the Sport model used and using the savings to mod numerous things including suspension to eliminate body roll.
I've got a 2019 ND2 also! I like the body roll, makes is feel I'm going superfast and taking corners hard even way under the limit. How does the experience differ for you?
Had our ND Icon special since 2016 We live in Suffolk UK with lots of twisty 12ft wide country lanes . So we bought the 1.5 which is perfect power and weight wise for our location. Our local club members took part in breaking a record for MX5s recently. 708 MX's in a convoy. To me that sort of turn out says all you need to know if the MX is good or bad
I own a 2000 Honda S2000. My wife purchased a 2019 MX5 RF GT with the GTS package. The car is T-I-N-Y! We got out of her car and into mine and even she said, "My God, this car seems huge!". The driving experiences are very similar between the 2 cars: I think the shifter throw is too long on the Mazda but then again, nothing will be better than the S2K shifter. The Mazda is also very loud -- I am not sure if its the buttresses on the RF but the wind noise is really bad on this car. We downloaded a decibel meter phone app and were consistently recording noise levels approaching 90db! That's almost jetliner level noise! As a comparison, my S2k with the top down was mid to upper 70s. Both cars top down at ~65-70mph. I really like the modern amenities - heated seats, tilt/telescope wheel (really wish the S2K had this), lane keeping assist. The LED headlights are awesome and turn with the steering wheel. The GTS package adds the Bilstein shocks which I think are much more valuable than the big Brembo brakes on the Club. Definitely a matter personal taste, but she also had an NA and I never liked the body roll that Mazda seems to leave in these cars. The Bilsteins fix all of that. We have the Ceramic White with black leather colors. Overall, I like the car, but I'm going to keep my S2000!
S2000 and ND Miata, what a pairing! Agreed on wind noise in the RF, we much prefer the soft top and miss the power retractable hard top of the NC Miata days. Enjoy 'em both!
Very nice review of a wonderful car. I have a 1997 and a 2019, both soft tops, both manuals, both delightful to drive. And really both quite affordable, especially when you consider how basic and reliable they are.
Great review of a great car…and I enjoyed your trip down memory lane :) The ND is on my short list for “next car.” I love driving electric and will definitely keep commuting that way, but there is room for a manual transmission roadster in my life, too.
In my country is downright impossible to own a car at a young age without spending your parents money, it's quite sad that I could never experience the feeling of "back in the day driving a 19xx" car.
I just purchased a 2021 MX-5 GT soft top in polymetal grey a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it! I've loved the Miata since 1990 and always knew I'd own one eventually. I can't stay out of it, going out for pointless drives all the time haha. I actually prefer the soft top because it's lighter, looks better with top down (in my opinion) and has super simple top operation. I got mine for $30,800 which is a steal! I disagree with complaints about the electric steering. I think it provides plenty of feedback.
@@fl4coxiii I've had horrible luck with used vehicles. I always seem to inherit a bunch of problems so for something like this that I plan to keep forever, I wanted brand new.
To cheer you guys up: I am planning to get one in st 2018 and 36k km on it and it costs $38.000, so you should consider yourself lucky. And 2020 0 km Miata’s are on sale for $51.000.
The NA & ND have definite DNA links in their car genes. Like your review as driving is the focus of this car. The modern features you want are here in the new ND2. On the highway I never felt like the semi trucks are intimidating as you can get around & past them easily. Having a glass back window with defroster / speakers built into the seats / navigation system plus blue tooth to connect the phone is really great stuff. Even with all that you can still be just focused on driving the car without distractions.
Glad you're enjoying it! The automatic is actually the same in the NC and ND, and it suits the NC a bit better - and was considered far more advanced when the NC came out.
Good review of what is a well packaged, small, light weight sports car. Having owned a 97 NA, 05 NB Mazdaspeed and 06 NC, I have just moved to a 17 FIAT 124 Spider. I think the 124 Spider is a very close competitor to the ND 1 & 2 and for some, including me, the 124 slightly retro styling and rarity on the road are big positives.
I wanted to buy a weekend car and I had my eyes dead set on the ND miata. Until my friend told me to get a Lotus Elise, since they're the same price. Now I have a Lotus Elise, and I don't regret anything!
The Elise is a *fabulous* car, congrats!! Not quite as daily-driver friendly as a new Miata so they appeal to different folks (generally)... but oh so fun.
@@OutMotorsports the Elise is not even close to the Miata in daily drivability. There’s no room in the rear trunk, and no cup holders. Getting in and out is a pain, and the clutch and the shifter is so much heavier despite the slight HP advantage! But it does one thing very well: look expensive and drive and corner like no other!
Test drove one today - car costs 1/5th of the other cars I’m shopping, but I’m very seriously considering it - was SO fun to drive. Only concern is seats were not super comfortable - wish there was an upgrade.
Heated Recaro seats are part of an option package on some trim levels (or maybe just one now for 2022?) - have you tried those yet? Might be just different enough to make you happy.
@@OutMotorsports Dealer only had one in stock and didn't have that options. I've tried to research and see if there is any difference and they see to be built on the same base?? Wish I could try them.
Can’t believe it took you 14 mins to finally mention it’s a RWD and when you did it was such a casual comment. Like that’s some of the most important piece of information about this car. Anyway, looks like a fun ride. 👍
Miatas are always fun! RWD is definitely important, though the Miata's drivetrain layout has been the same for 32 years now and that's likely why I didn't lead the entire video with that fact :-)
@@OutMotorsports yeah that’s true, I just pointed out cause some people might not be aware of the Miata being RWD, and honestly it is to me one of the most important features this car has to offer, along with its weight. Like there’s not a lot of RWDs available at that price range.
If it were our money and our car... 6MT + soft top. The RF is a good, fun car and the RF roof is really cool, but it's not the same as having a full convertible experience. More of a targa top situation.
Nice review. I still miss my '94 which I drove for 16 years. Nothing was more fun or easy to work-on. I WANT to like this newer version, but it's lacking the character and styling of the NA Miata. "New" does not always mean better. I wish the rear-end looked better (Taillights too inboard for my tastes) and the overall "Squished" look makes the car seem even smaller than my '94. I wish they kept the battery in the trunk. I wish they make the car wider and larger also. A V-6 would have been great. LOVE the soft-top. I guess you can't have it all though. The Fiat (Twin) looks better to me than this styling. For my money, I'd buy the older Miata and save some money. These are nice (Well, anything new is.) but..... Can't seem to love it as much as my older '94.
Nice Review. I wish I had one in college and love your nostalgia trip. I bought my ND1 in my 50's and just traded it for an ND2. The Recaro Seats and BBS Wheel package isn't available on the GT you have, only the Club instead of the cloth seats. So you loose a few luxury bits, like the Homelink mirror, heated auto dimming side mirror, moving directional headlights and such that the GT has. (My 2 cents, add a second camera angle looking down the road for some shots)
It is a really good-looking car! The RF looks more expensive than it is. Just wish more of the roof went down. But between the two body styles, it's hard to go wrong.
Maybe with the top up, but the soft top looks better with the top down. The RF looks awkward with the top down in my opinion and the buttresses obstruct the view quite badly. For me that full open air feel of the soft top is an important part of the Miata experience.
I’ve had both ND1 and ND2, the engine is nice and the extra revs are enjoyable but the ND1 has better lower end torque and a raspier exhaust note .....and surprisingly, I don’t notice any real difference in terms of acceleration. The best part of the ND2 is actually the telescoping steering column and back up camera.
People are getting taller over the years and Mazda has to adjust to this. They are missing a bunch of sales at the expense of a few inches in the cabin. A standard NC is 2500 lbs and that's not as heavy as the purists may claim and more people actually fit in that car.
My 1st new car was an NB bought like a month after they 1st came out in 97. Loved it for 4 years until I decided to get a boat & needed something to pull it. Now, 20+ years & 8 cars later, I'm dying to get either the best 19-22 used soft top or new 23 thar I can find. Hoping to get a summertime deal in toasty Phoenix.
@@OutMotorsports Thank you. Ordering a 2023 MX-5 NF 6-speed in Deep Crystal Blue Mica on White Napa today. It'll keep the kid in me happy until my base Cayman manual arrives (2 - 3 year 😳waiting time!)
LOL, why are 8 out of 10 Miata reviews done by people over 6 feet tall? Is there some sort of correlation between being tall and reviewing cars? Great review by the way.
I can't help it! And I won't say *no* to a week with one of these, it's worth the slight discomfort to go Miataing everywhere. FWIW, my dad has a 2013 PRHT and fits perfectly at roughly 5'10" so you don't have to be thaaaat much shorter to fit very well. Glad you enjoyed! Stick around for more fun reviews/videos if you're so inclined.
Honda has got over expensive in recent years and looks are no longer there. Stopped buying them. I loved them back in the 90's with the Honda Delsol convertible and Honda Civic coupe, had both, they were good prices, good looks, but not nowadays.
@@OutMotorsports Yeah, it's a shame they have such a high entry-point. IF you manage to get one, since they won't produce any more and thus, used market stagnates as well. But still i'm thinking about selling mine for an MX-5...hard decision!
Only thing I have against modern convertibles is that half inch drop with the windows when raising or lowering roof, it makes it over complicated and liable to faults. The convertible i have does this half inch window drop, and has failed twice when out of warranty by stopping electric window operation, just due to wear on the electrical relay contacts, due to the number of operations, as it operates each time a door is opened or closed, and also roof open and close operation, and cost me a lot to get repaired. I just do not see why there has to be a half inch drop, when earlier convertibles did not have this.
I would have to say the Mini Cooper is actually more fun to drive but what’s the point of owning a car if it’s going to fall apart after 3 years. I’d much rather have the Mazda.
There are a bunch of factual errors in this video. Things stated incorrectly, omitted, or mixed up. At 3:04 - the package referred to that includes the Recaro Seats and BBS wheels- yes, that’s correct, but also included is the Brembo brake calipers- and it’s not a “little bit more” - its $4,400. 2019 and up have 181hp - not 186hp. At least according to Mazda. Ever. No idea where that number came from. The ND2 is identical to the ND1 exterior wise - there was no facelift. All mechanical, and a new paint color. Wireless CarPlay is ONLY available on the GT in 2021. It’s still wired in other trims for 2021. The Miata came out in 1989, not 1990. It also came with power steering (and without - but you could get either) The redline is not exact and depends on the gear. I owned an 2012 NC and the thought of it being a “highway cruiser” is hilarious.. lol. A Kia Stinger is a highway cruiser. No Miata is. The NC gen js larger but it’s still relatively tiny compared to average cars. The leather and cloth seats are the same shapes, just a different covering. Only the Recaro seats are shaped differently. Sorry my friend, I don’t usually do this but I heard a bunch of thing that I felt needed to be clarified. Nothing personal.
Thanks for such passionate feedback! Sometimes we get little things wrong, we're only human. Really appreciate the clarifications, especially on a five horsepower discrepancy. Other Mazdas make 186 so that must have been on the brain! Some feedback on your feedback... The NC is by far the most "cruiser-y" *of the generations of Miata*. We always, always recommend potential buyers sit in every type of seat as every body is different and sometimes you'll prefer cloth to leather, etc even if "the seats are the same" otherwise - you may feel more comfortable in one or the other. Many people use the term "facelift" to describe a mid-lifecycle refresh as it rolls off the tongue a bit easier, but yes, the ND1 and ND2 look the same despite the latter being a bit more powerful amid all its other updates/improvements. Redline may vary per gear, but it's only printed in one place on the tach so that's what we rattled off. And yes, if you want to nitpick, the NA Miata went on sale in late 1989 but it was as a 1990 model year. In any case, thanks for watching.
@@OutMotorsports I just can't imagine any Miata being called a cruiser even with the NC. I owned one, and while its true that its the largest, heaviest, and possibly least noisy on the highway with the PRHT closed, it really doesn't even give one a cruiser vibe. It's too low to the ground, not long enough, not wide enough, not much room, and the 6MT has to be wound out to go like fast enough. I agree if I *HAD* to pick one generation to drive across the U.S. with, and it had to be a Miata, I would pick a 2013-2015 NC3 (final facelift) Grant Touring with the PRHT. Regarding the use of "facelift" - in general automotive terminology, that's when a vehicle stays basically the same under the hood etc but it gets a few aesthetic changes only up front, like more stylish headlights, or a new looking grille, etc.. Speaking of the NC, it's had 3 facelifts - check out the difference between the fronts of a 2006-2008 NC1, a 2009-2012 NC2, and a 2013-2015 NC3 - the NC1 & NC3 look like different vehicles because of modernized and better looking headlights, entire new and more aggressive front and rear bumpers, fog light locations and support, and the grille. In fact, many NC1 or NC2 owners do the "NC3 face swap." Although Mazda did change the fronts, the internals mostly stayed the same. Same power and torque, just a stronger motor, trans, and some other interior adjustments. The 2016 ND still looks exactly the same now in 2021 as it did then. I have a 2020 Club. There are different packages you can get, which will give you LED DRLs, or a black painted club trim splitter at the bottom vs. little subtle winglets, but the major change was the motor and transmission. 2016-2018 ND1 Miatats received only 155hp! Thats less than it came with in 2006-2015 with 167hp in the NCs (the ND was lighter and thus still faster). The big reason the car is now all over the place is because Mazda improved the 6MT and increased powere to 181hp in 2019s and up. But the front stayed the same. Had you said "mechanical facelift" - sure. But I thought you said something like "the front gets a facelift" - its still the same. Anyways way too much written and my intention was just to help. :) Nothing personal ever. Your review was filmed and edited well.
Ohhh.. So this is why they discontinued the Fiat 124 Spider for 2021.... Same interior, same manual, same easy top.... but Turbo'd.. Fiata guys still have 5 inches on Miata guys tho... Just sayin
Yeah but I'm ugly so I'd have to get the RF. Besides, my Fiesta ST was $10,000 less expensive, and on the stock turbo, with less than $1,000 worth of modifications not only do I have a car that will meet or beat an MX-5 on track, but it will meet or beat a lot of cars on the road that it has no business to.. There are dozens of people in my online communities that have gone big turbo and ran near 400 horsepower for 200k miles before engine failure, and since it only had 200hp stock Id say thats not bad, if you're into that crazy straight line speed. Mazda really missed a trick by not putting the 1.6 EcoBoost into the MX-5. I sent them an email telling them it would have been the perfect return of the Mazdaspeed MX-5, but I aint nobody. It wouldn't have mattered anyway because they probably would have sold it for $38,000. You just don't get enough car for your money with the MX-5.
Interior is too cramped, weird hump on the passenger side floor, windshield too close to your head, seats do not recline back enough...Mazda dropped the ball on this one.
You can still have the same security with the PRHT NC Miata. This 2021 is the same as the 2019. Cmon Mazda need to add another 100hp to keep up with the competition.
No, they don't. A large part of the Miata's appeal (in every generation) is that it's accessible power to be used on the street. The Miata has never been a "numbers car" set up to win stoplight drag races or be a dyno queen. Mazda focused on keeping weight very low (2,341 pounds!) and that plus 181 horsepower gets you a power to weight ratio of 12.9 lbs/hp. It is about as quick as a 2.0 liter Supra and the just-released 2022 Subaru BRZ, both of which are also in the 12.x range. Plenty of people will build you a 300+ horsepower Miata, but Mazda isn't gonna do it themselves. And we're happy about that, adding more power would honestly ruin the car for a lot of people, us included.
Okay so a lot of people wanted the playlist so here you go. Drop the top and crank it up.
open.spotify.com/playlist/5MueX79tJXcrTViiGKqlkl?si=9c7c41aee8d34f2b&nd=1
I was just going to ask where the playlist is...nice video!
Hi. Where are you based
Very nice review. I have the RF and absolutely love it! Everything you said was spot on and being 5'7' means this car was made for me!
1) Man, the soft top is just *the move.* I've been kicking back and forth between RF and ST, and every time I see a ST with the top down, that's it. That grey looks really good too.
2) That Miata playlist has some gems in it! 🤣👌
3) This was super enjoyable to watch.
Ive got the 2021 RF and I wish I had gotten the droptop instead.
Polymetal grey RF for me all the way.
@@mjbl1787 Why
I'm gonna get one very soon as my 1 year round car and I was really torn between the two different tops but I really think I want the full soft top experience. I want to be able to get the top down in 3 seconds flat.
Mazda is so underrated. I own a Tribute SUV and it has been one of the most reliable SUVs I have ever had. I would buy a Mazda again.
It’s a tarted-up Ford Escape
Leg room issue was the main reason I sold my 2008 NC touring. Even so, it was a absolute blast to drive in the twisties, and always put a smile on my face.
I have the 1.5 sport soft top in mica black . Picked it up a few weeks ago with 20 miles on the clock . I couldn't stop grinning the first time I put the roof down . It's not the most practical car to own but it is the most fun car to drive that I've ever owned
Congrats on the purchase! They are so fun. You can always rent something if you need to move a futon.
@@OutMotorsports I decided to take a drive from where I stay on the west coast of Scotland over to Mull of Kintyre . The drive was so much fun with the windy roads . To be honest I didn't even need to get above 60 to enjoy it. On the down side I had the roof down and as I'm a ginger I got sunburnt and I'm feeling a little bit sorry for myself today. One thing I did notice and I've never had happen before is other mx5 drivers wave at you
I love my 2021 Club MT Soul Red. The RF isn’t really a convertible so I didn’t consider it. The car is an absolute blast to drive. I’m only 5’7” so the size is perfect for me. To my eye it’s a great looking car. I get admiring comments almost everyday from strangers.
What do u drive manual or automatic?
@@Fall508River Manual, automatic in a Miata is a crime against humanity!
@@Chelmable 🤣
I love it!!! I miss my 97. Bought it in 03 with 40k miles. It was black on black/red with a manual. It was the most fun car I've ever had. The only fun cars that I've had that were comparable were my E46 325Ci w/Sport pkg and my lowered '15 FIAT 500 Sport w/Manual
I also feel your pain with being tall and fitting into small cars. I'm 6'3", and I have no idea how this car would work for me at 40. I might check one out with the hubby.
Perfect successor to the Datsun 2000. This brings back memories of me zooming around the mountain roads of northern California.
After 3 amazing years with a 1994 Laguna Blue and tan Miata, it was sold in 2020 and after 2 years without one in my life, I couldn't take it anymore. I just ordered a '22 Club manual with the BBR (Brembo/BBS/Recaro) package, in that gorgeous Soul Red Crystal. Now the agonizing wait for production and delivery.
Laguna Blue
I have a 2024 reserved. On its way from Hiroshima, Japan. 1-2 weeks estimated delivery time. I also have a 2024 CX-5 AWD I plan to keep for back-up. Sport black. My first car was a 1965 Triumph Spitfire. I remember push starting it down the hill in front of my parents house when it wouldn't start in the morning. I also remember borrowing my brother's transistor radio to lay on the seat next to me on my way to school in the morning, because the am radio quit working, and seeing a guy heading in the opposite direction as me in his MG giving me the peace sign when we passed each other each morning. I felt like I was let into some type pf cool club, which I liked.
Excited for you! You will have a BLAST.
Gotta own your musical past. Nice and accurate review. I’m driving a dark grey 2017 ND1 after owning a white 1993 NA and bright yellow 2002 NB. I do wish Mazda would offer more bright “primary” color options, the yellow NB was a shot of sunshine any time I was in it.
It'd be really great if they did! That bright yellow on the NB was very, very good - and they had some other nice options at the time, too. There's been a few fun choices for the ND but not nearly enough of them.
Wow man, great review. I’ve always loved Miatas but I too am 6’2” and couldnt have this as a daily driver. I’m glad I ran across your channel. I’m a life long can fanatic and could talk about cars all day. Plus you’re easy on the eyes, respectfully.
Thanks, Tommy! Such is life being tall, we'll cram into a Miata for a week of fun but long-term ownership wouldn't work for us. Also really comes down to leg vs. torso ratio for any tall person. Seems if you're about 5'11" or under it's a much easier time.
I love my 2019 ND2, manual tranny, soft top MX-5 Miata in Soul Red Crystal. I saved some money buying the Sport model used and using the savings to mod numerous things including suspension to eliminate body roll.
I've got a 2019 ND2 also! I like the body roll, makes is feel I'm going superfast and taking corners hard even way under the limit. How does the experience differ for you?
Had our ND Icon special since 2016
We live in Suffolk UK with lots of twisty 12ft wide country lanes .
So we bought the 1.5 which is perfect power and weight wise for our location.
Our local club members took part in breaking a record for MX5s recently.
708 MX's in a convoy.
To me that sort of turn out says all you need to know if the MX is good or bad
I love how the Miata can fit into a one and a half parking spots *sideways*. That car is insanely small
My first car was a 1974 Datsun 260Z. Hearing you say your old playlist from 2007 makes me feel really old.
Excellent review. It's nice to listen to someone that knows what a real roadster was made for.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!
Great review. I'm just 6'2" myself. I'd have to test drive it to see how I'd fit into it.
I own a 2000 Honda S2000. My wife purchased a 2019 MX5 RF GT with the GTS package. The car is T-I-N-Y! We got out of her car and into mine and even she said, "My God, this car seems huge!". The driving experiences are very similar between the 2 cars: I think the shifter throw is too long on the Mazda but then again, nothing will be better than the S2K shifter. The Mazda is also very loud -- I am not sure if its the buttresses on the RF but the wind noise is really bad on this car. We downloaded a decibel meter phone app and were consistently recording noise levels approaching 90db! That's almost jetliner level noise! As a comparison, my S2k with the top down was mid to upper 70s. Both cars top down at ~65-70mph. I really like the modern amenities - heated seats, tilt/telescope wheel (really wish the S2K had this), lane keeping assist. The LED headlights are awesome and turn with the steering wheel. The GTS package adds the Bilstein shocks which I think are much more valuable than the big Brembo brakes on the Club. Definitely a matter personal taste, but she also had an NA and I never liked the body roll that Mazda seems to leave in these cars. The Bilsteins fix all of that. We have the Ceramic White with black leather colors. Overall, I like the car, but I'm going to keep my S2000!
S2000 and ND Miata, what a pairing! Agreed on wind noise in the RF, we much prefer the soft top and miss the power retractable hard top of the NC Miata days. Enjoy 'em both!
Very nice review of a wonderful car. I have a 1997 and a 2019, both soft tops, both manuals, both delightful to drive. And really both quite affordable, especially when you consider how basic and reliable they are.
Great review of a great car…and I enjoyed your trip down memory lane :)
The ND is on my short list for “next car.” I love driving electric and will definitely keep commuting that way, but there is room for a manual transmission roadster in my life, too.
In my country is downright impossible to own a car at a young age without spending your parents money, it's quite sad that I could never experience the feeling of "back in the day driving a 19xx" car.
What country is that?
@@peterhulse1064 plenty of countries like that
I had a 99 Silver NB and could totally relate! Had it all through high school and college. Had the iPod shuffle hooked up to the cassette adapter too😂
The RF is not a true convertible imo.
It's not as open. The RF does look better and can be used in winter if required.
Great review!
I just purchased a 2021 MX-5 GT soft top in polymetal grey a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it! I've loved the Miata since 1990 and always knew I'd own one eventually. I can't stay out of it, going out for pointless drives all the time haha. I actually prefer the soft top because it's lighter, looks better with top down (in my opinion) and has super simple top operation. I got mine for $30,800 which is a steal! I disagree with complaints about the electric steering. I think it provides plenty of feedback.
Mine is 2018 gt soft top black with red top hot mine for 21.5 k , with 4k miles on it and I couldn't be happier
You guys must be in US, right?
In AU it’s 40+ k for 2020 with 3000 km on the clock which I wish it could be lower :(
@@fl4coxiii I've had horrible luck with used vehicles. I always seem to inherit a bunch of problems so for something like this that I plan to keep forever, I wanted brand new.
@@JohnJ25 Yes I'm in the US.
To cheer you guys up: I am planning to get one in st 2018 and 36k km on it and it costs $38.000, so you should consider yourself lucky. And 2020 0 km Miata’s are on sale for $51.000.
The NA & ND have definite DNA links in their car genes. Like your review as driving is the focus of this car. The modern features you want are here in the new ND2. On the highway I never felt like the semi trucks are intimidating as you can get around & past them easily. Having a glass back window with defroster / speakers built into the seats / navigation system plus blue tooth to connect the phone is really great stuff. Even with all that you can still be just focused on driving the car without distractions.
Great review! As a local I recognize the scenery. Some of my fave biking roads are also some of the nicest driving roads.
Good for you, I sold mines. I’m looking for RF Club modal now. Also make sure to clean your water drain system behind your seats.
My auto mx5nc has a manual mode with paddle shifters that work great ! so much fun in third and 4th gears, smiles
Glad you're enjoying it! The automatic is actually the same in the NC and ND, and it suits the NC a bit better - and was considered far more advanced when the NC came out.
That list of songs on your iPad brought back memories when I went to college in 2007 haha
Fwiw, my son manages to wind out his automatic NB...
Now to add this ND to my list; thanks for the informative review!
Good review of what is a well packaged, small, light weight sports car. Having owned a 97 NA, 05 NB Mazdaspeed and 06 NC, I have just moved to a 17 FIAT 124 Spider. I think the 124 Spider is a very close competitor to the ND 1 & 2 and for some, including me, the 124 slightly retro styling and rarity on the road are big positives.
I have an ND1 Club but I used to have a '78 124 spider. I love the new Fiat's look and may have gotten one if they had been available at the time.
I purchased this same car (white GT with the gray top). Beautiful car and a blast to drive!
Great video man love it!I use to own an e30 convertible if I buy another convertible eventually I will buy a Mazda Miata!!!
LOVE a good E30!
I HAVE ONE EXACTLY WHAT YOU ARE DEMNSTRATING I LOVE IT!!!
The miata playlist was a nice touch!
Glad you enjoyed! That iPod is still working today!
I wanted to buy a weekend car and I had my eyes dead set on the ND miata. Until my friend told me to get a Lotus Elise, since they're the same price. Now I have a Lotus Elise, and I don't regret anything!
The Elise is a *fabulous* car, congrats!! Not quite as daily-driver friendly as a new Miata so they appeal to different folks (generally)... but oh so fun.
@@OutMotorsports the Elise is not even close to the Miata in daily drivability. There’s no room in the rear trunk, and no cup holders. Getting in and out is a pain, and the clutch and the shifter is so much heavier despite the slight HP advantage! But it does one thing very well: look expensive and drive and corner like no other!
Oh, the Elise is a miserable daily driver and near impossible to get in and out of with any sort of grace. But they are SO fun.
I have the same car 2021 white GT. LOVE LOVE the car- but wish I had your playlist too!
I love this newest iteration of the ND. If I had more garage space and financial ability, I’d love to have one beside my stripped out NB1.
If you're considering a Miata, this real-world review is worth watching.
Glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching!
Test drove one today - car costs 1/5th of the other cars I’m shopping, but I’m very seriously considering it - was SO fun to drive. Only concern is seats were not super comfortable - wish there was an upgrade.
Heated Recaro seats are part of an option package on some trim levels (or maybe just one now for 2022?) - have you tried those yet? Might be just different enough to make you happy.
@@OutMotorsports Dealer only had one in stock and didn't have that options. I've tried to research and see if there is any difference and they see to be built on the same base?? Wish I could try them.
I love the Miata but I've only ever been able to fit in the old Mazdaspeed Miata (NB).
At 6'3 to 6'4", my knees are resting on the dash. 😭
How long do you spend cleaning the soft top? It should be a whole ceremony
"And better for it." Thank you for summing it up.
Sometimes growing up isn't so bad 😊
Even if I'm absolutely in love with the RF version, this is such a great car. 😍 Thank you guys
The RF isn't a *bad* choice by any means! It's just very different. Glad you enjoyed!
Counting the Days til i get my ND2
Can’t believe it took you 14 mins to finally mention it’s a RWD and when you did it was such a casual comment. Like that’s some of the most important piece of information about this car. Anyway, looks like a fun ride. 👍
Miatas are always fun! RWD is definitely important, though the Miata's drivetrain layout has been the same for 32 years now and that's likely why I didn't lead the entire video with that fact :-)
@@OutMotorsports yeah that’s true, I just pointed out cause some people might not be aware of the Miata being RWD, and honestly it is to me one of the most important features this car has to offer, along with its weight. Like there’s not a lot of RWDs available at that price range.
Sorry for all the comments, but this was a fantastic video. I agree about the NA miata opening my eyes to driving.
Great review man. Still torn between the hard top and soft top though. What ya think?
If it were our money and our car... 6MT + soft top. The RF is a good, fun car and the RF roof is really cool, but it's not the same as having a full convertible experience. More of a targa top situation.
My Miata is club spec soft top in mineral grey metallic. It’s awesome
Nice review. I still miss my '94 which I drove for 16 years. Nothing was more fun or easy to work-on. I WANT to like this newer version, but it's lacking the character and styling of the NA Miata. "New" does not always mean better. I wish the rear-end looked better (Taillights too inboard for my tastes) and the overall "Squished" look makes the car seem even smaller than my '94. I wish they kept the battery in the trunk. I wish they make the car wider and larger also. A V-6 would have been great. LOVE the soft-top. I guess you can't have it all though. The Fiat (Twin) looks better to me than this styling. For my money, I'd buy the older Miata and save some money. These are nice (Well, anything new is.) but..... Can't seem to love it as much as my older '94.
thank you , its good described, ill say its not required to consider message effect now onwards.👍
Nice video! Thanks Jake! Cheers, Tom
Nice Review. I wish I had one in college and love your nostalgia trip. I bought my ND1 in my 50's and just traded it for an ND2. The Recaro Seats and BBS Wheel package isn't available on the GT you have, only the Club instead of the cloth seats. So you loose a few luxury bits, like the Homelink mirror, heated auto dimming side mirror, moving directional headlights and such that the GT has. (My 2 cents, add a second camera angle looking down the road for some shots)
The Rf version just looks sooo much more appealing to the eye.
It is a really good-looking car! The RF looks more expensive than it is. Just wish more of the roof went down. But between the two body styles, it's hard to go wrong.
Your eye...
Maybe with the top up, but the soft top looks better with the top down. The RF looks awkward with the top down in my opinion and the buttresses obstruct the view quite badly. For me that full open air feel of the soft top is an important part of the Miata experience.
@@dlg5485 I never notice the buttresses in my RF! It’s still a Miata, so my visibility is pretty much 100% in the rear view mirrors.
I disagree
that playlist just amazing
Hah! Glad you enjoyed it!
I have a 2016 and its the best car I've owned. I love it. But the increased power and color options of the ND2 is kind of tempting.
I’ve had both ND1 and ND2, the engine is nice and the extra revs are enjoyable but the ND1 has better lower end torque and a raspier exhaust note .....and surprisingly, I don’t notice any real difference in terms of acceleration. The best part of the ND2 is actually the telescoping steering column and back up camera.
That was a nice review; thanks.
People are getting taller over the years and Mazda has to adjust to this. They are missing a bunch of sales at the expense of a few inches in the cabin. A standard NC is 2500 lbs and that's not as heavy as the purists may claim and more people actually fit in that car.
How much horsepower and weight thanks for the video
181 hp, 2345 lbs
Chez Francois! Great roads, great vid.
My 1st new car was an NB bought like a month after they 1st came out in 97. Loved it for 4 years until I decided to get a boat & needed something to pull it. Now, 20+ years & 8 cars later, I'm dying to get either the best 19-22 used soft top or new 23 thar I can find. Hoping to get a summertime deal in toasty Phoenix.
Good luck finding a deal! They are fun cars no matter what year you have - the NBs were great.
Wonderful review! New subscriber 🤗
Glad you enjoyed!!
@@OutMotorsports Thank you. Ordering a 2023 MX-5 NF 6-speed in Deep Crystal Blue Mica on White Napa today. It'll keep the kid in me happy until my base Cayman manual arrives (2 - 3 year 😳waiting time!)
LOL, why are 8 out of 10 Miata reviews done by people over 6 feet tall? Is there some sort of correlation between being tall and reviewing cars?
Great review by the way.
I can't help it! And I won't say *no* to a week with one of these, it's worth the slight discomfort to go Miataing everywhere. FWIW, my dad has a 2013 PRHT and fits perfectly at roughly 5'10" so you don't have to be thaaaat much shorter to fit very well.
Glad you enjoyed! Stick around for more fun reviews/videos if you're so inclined.
Need to see that playlist! 😀
Looking forward to buying it soon
I would love to get a copy of that Miata playlist !!!
Here you go...
open.spotify.com/playlist/5MueX79tJXcrTViiGKqlkl?si=9c7c41aee8d34f2b&nd=1
2023 MX5 or 2023 Civic si?
Honda has got over expensive in recent years and looks are no longer there. Stopped buying them. I loved them back in the 90's with the Honda Delsol convertible and Honda Civic coupe, had both, they were good prices, good looks, but not nowadays.
"...But nothing gives you this experience..."
Well...besides a Lotus Elise, which takes this experience even further =)
Absolutely! But the Elise isn't available brand-new in the same price bracket. For those looking on the used market, it's wonderful!
@@OutMotorsports Yeah, it's a shame they have such a high entry-point. IF you manage to get one, since they won't produce any more and thus, used market stagnates as well. But still i'm thinking about selling mine for an MX-5...hard decision!
NC PRHT *is* the full convertible experience. The ND RF is not.
The BBS and Recaros is a 4500 dollar option hardly a little bit for most people
The only miata i havent drove yet. Contemplating selling my 02 Miata for a new one. I dont know if its worth it though...
It's a nice upgrade from a NB2, for sure! Feels just about as light (because it is) and tossable but with modern tech and safety.
An 8k rpm redline would take this car to another level of special.
Wouldn't it? Would be nice assuming the engine could keep making power that high up - but would be way fun.
Love that thumbnail :)
Tubthumpin - Go dude!
I have a Miata playlist too!
I would pay good money for a brand new E36 M3, one of, if not the most magnificent road cars ever made.
They are so fantastic, minus the self-disassembling interiors. What a car, still.
Nice work!
Only thing I have against modern convertibles is that half inch drop with the windows when raising or lowering roof, it makes it over complicated and liable to faults. The convertible i have does this half inch window drop, and has failed twice when out of warranty by stopping electric window operation, just due to wear on the electrical relay contacts, due to the number of operations, as it operates each time a door is opened or closed, and also roof open and close operation, and cost me a lot to get repaired. I just do not see why there has to be a half inch drop, when earlier convertibles did not have this.
I had a 2001, loved it!!!! And Jake are you single?
Wow what a coincidence on the mp3 player
Love the review
Glad you enjoyed!
Bro, you gotta share that playlist
Just for you!
open.spotify.com/playlist/5MueX79tJXcrTViiGKqlkl?si=9c7c41aee8d34f2b&nd=1
Great review!
I saw the Britney in the Playlist: Bye Bye Bye 😁
I would have to say the Mini Cooper is actually more fun to drive but what’s the point of owning a car if it’s going to fall apart after 3 years. I’d much rather have the Mazda.
pure emotions
1989 was the first model year.
They went on sale in May 1989 as a 1990 model year. There is no 1989 model year, even though some were built and delivered to buyers in mid-late 1989.
GT soft too is a way better looking than than the RF with the stupid rear panel
The RF is neat but the soft top is so classic.
There are a bunch of factual errors in this video. Things stated incorrectly, omitted, or mixed up. At 3:04 - the package referred to that includes the Recaro Seats and BBS wheels- yes, that’s correct, but also included is the Brembo brake calipers- and it’s not a “little bit more” - its $4,400.
2019 and up have 181hp - not 186hp. At least according to Mazda. Ever. No idea where that number came from.
The ND2 is identical to the ND1 exterior wise - there was no facelift. All mechanical, and a new paint color.
Wireless CarPlay is ONLY available on the GT in 2021. It’s still wired in other trims for 2021.
The Miata came out in 1989, not 1990. It also came with power steering (and without - but you could get either)
The redline is not exact and depends on the gear.
I owned an 2012 NC and the thought of it being a “highway cruiser” is hilarious.. lol. A Kia Stinger is a highway cruiser. No Miata is. The NC gen js larger but it’s still relatively tiny compared to average cars.
The leather and cloth seats are the same shapes, just a different covering. Only the Recaro seats are shaped differently.
Sorry my friend, I don’t usually do this but I heard a bunch of thing that I felt needed to be clarified. Nothing personal.
Thanks for such passionate feedback! Sometimes we get little things wrong, we're only human. Really appreciate the clarifications, especially on a five horsepower discrepancy. Other Mazdas make 186 so that must have been on the brain!
Some feedback on your feedback...
The NC is by far the most "cruiser-y" *of the generations of Miata*. We always, always recommend potential buyers sit in every type of seat as every body is different and sometimes you'll prefer cloth to leather, etc even if "the seats are the same" otherwise - you may feel more comfortable in one or the other. Many people use the term "facelift" to describe a mid-lifecycle refresh as it rolls off the tongue a bit easier, but yes, the ND1 and ND2 look the same despite the latter being a bit more powerful amid all its other updates/improvements. Redline may vary per gear, but it's only printed in one place on the tach so that's what we rattled off.
And yes, if you want to nitpick, the NA Miata went on sale in late 1989 but it was as a 1990 model year.
In any case, thanks for watching.
@@OutMotorsports I just can't imagine any Miata being called a cruiser even with the NC. I owned one, and while its true that its the largest, heaviest, and possibly least noisy on the highway with the PRHT closed, it really doesn't even give one a cruiser vibe. It's too low to the ground, not long enough, not wide enough, not much room, and the 6MT has to be wound out to go like fast enough.
I agree if I *HAD* to pick one generation to drive across the U.S. with, and it had to be a Miata, I would pick a 2013-2015 NC3 (final facelift) Grant Touring with the PRHT.
Regarding the use of "facelift" - in general automotive terminology, that's when a vehicle stays basically the same under the hood etc but it gets a few aesthetic changes only up front, like more stylish headlights, or a new looking grille, etc.. Speaking of the NC, it's had 3 facelifts - check out the difference between the fronts of a 2006-2008 NC1, a 2009-2012 NC2, and a 2013-2015 NC3 - the NC1 & NC3 look like different vehicles because of modernized and better looking headlights, entire new and more aggressive front and rear bumpers, fog light locations and support, and the grille. In fact, many NC1 or NC2 owners do the "NC3 face swap." Although Mazda did change the fronts, the internals mostly stayed the same. Same power and torque, just a stronger motor, trans, and some other interior adjustments. The 2016 ND still looks exactly the same now in 2021 as it did then. I have a 2020 Club. There are different packages you can get, which will give you LED DRLs, or a black painted club trim splitter at the bottom vs. little subtle winglets, but the major change was the motor and transmission. 2016-2018 ND1 Miatats received only 155hp! Thats less than it came with in 2006-2015 with 167hp in the NCs (the ND was lighter and thus still faster). The big reason the car is now all over the place is because Mazda improved the 6MT and increased powere to 181hp in 2019s and up. But the front stayed the same. Had you said "mechanical facelift" - sure. But I thought you said something like "the front gets a facelift" - its still the same. Anyways way too much written and my intention was just to help. :) Nothing personal ever. Your review was filmed and edited well.
hey thats great falls!
Ohhh.. So this is why they discontinued the Fiat 124 Spider for 2021.... Same interior, same manual, same easy top.... but Turbo'd.. Fiata guys still have 5 inches on Miata guys tho... Just sayin
YES MAAM
The automatic can be shifted like a manual, and offer the best of both for me. I have a 2010.
Great car unless you’re over six feet….then it’s just too small inside …buy a third gen NC instead
Perfect car but i dont fit in at 193
This man sold NA.
Yeah but I'm ugly so I'd have to get the RF.
Besides, my Fiesta ST was $10,000 less expensive, and on the stock turbo, with less than $1,000 worth of modifications not only do I have a car that will meet or beat an MX-5 on track, but it will meet or beat a lot of cars on the road that it has no business to.. There are dozens of people in my online communities that have gone big turbo and ran near 400 horsepower for 200k miles before engine failure, and since it only had 200hp stock Id say thats not bad, if you're into that crazy straight line speed.
Mazda really missed a trick by not putting the 1.6 EcoBoost into the MX-5. I sent them an email telling them it would have been the perfect return of the Mazdaspeed MX-5, but I aint nobody.
It wouldn't have mattered anyway because they probably would have sold it for $38,000.
You just don't get enough car for your money with the MX-5.
Interior is too cramped, weird hump on the passenger side floor, windshield too close to your head, seats do not recline back enough...Mazda dropped the ball on this one.
How you doin', host? 😉
You can still have the same security with the PRHT NC Miata. This 2021 is the same as the 2019. Cmon Mazda need to add another 100hp to keep up with the competition.
No, they don't. A large part of the Miata's appeal (in every generation) is that it's accessible power to be used on the street. The Miata has never been a "numbers car" set up to win stoplight drag races or be a dyno queen. Mazda focused on keeping weight very low (2,341 pounds!) and that plus 181 horsepower gets you a power to weight ratio of 12.9 lbs/hp. It is about as quick as a 2.0 liter Supra and the just-released 2022 Subaru BRZ, both of which are also in the 12.x range.
Plenty of people will build you a 300+ horsepower Miata, but Mazda isn't gonna do it themselves. And we're happy about that, adding more power would honestly ruin the car for a lot of people, us included.
@@OutMotorsports not that much anymore. The rest of the car move on since 2018. The MX-5 need to keep up.