From a technical perspective, the NB is better in pretty much every way. Better aerodynamics, more rigid chassis structure, nicer interior and of course it has a better engine, drivetrain and more advanced engine management, especially on the later NB2 cars. The only leg-ups the NA has, in my opinion, is the classic styling, pop-ups (not for aero reasons of course) and slightly roomier-feeling interior. Unless you have a soft-spot for NAs like me, the NB is unquestionably the better driving car. You'll definitely have a lot of fun in both though.
Yeah I've owned a na & currently own a nb it was frustrating hearing how little they know about their cars lol Absolutely right like most people say na is the better Miata nb is the better car. But just about everything off the nb is an upgrade on the na including engine
message to the NA owner: you're car from factory made 116 hp, the hot air intake and catback exhaust you installed is not pushing your power figure over the factory one, your motor is 30 odd years old and is probably pushing 80hp lol, that factory power figure is at the flywheel, 116hp @ flywheel would probably get like 90-100 in these things.
I don’t think any Miata owner installs a cold air intake under the pretense that they’re gaining much power. A Miata is all about the driving experience, over actual performance numbers, and an intake enhances the aural qualities under hood, thereby making the car feel faster to the driver’s ear. That the filter actually is less restrictive is just icing on the cake.
@@LateNightCable Sorry but if there are mx5 owners out there that install new intakes under the assumption they will loose power, and still do it, they’re not very smart
I have a european NB2 with 1.8 VVT, the better "square top" intake, big brakes and torsen differential. I'd say the difference between an early NB and an NB2 is probably bigger than between a late NA and an early NB. Especially if they're all 1.8s. I've done some mods, but the two best ones is coilovers and aftermarket ECU. The mid range power is much better when tuning the VVT.
@@heybentai I thought I'd be happy with it, but bottom line it needs more power. I've got stainless steel headers and race cat from IL motorsports and a Borla muffler aswell, but it really doesn't do much. I saw a brittish company had a sale on their ITB's now but they make maybe 25hp, not more. In Sweden the yearly mandatory sercurity checks makes it hard to convert to forced induction, so I might do it.
I have both, i haven’t really experienced the NB since i have to get the block and head machined and rebuild the motor, but its an 04 so I’m pretty excited on getting it running hope its worth it as a daily since i really look forward to having ac😭, i also love my NA and it’s the one i plan on fully building, it’s been my daily for almost two years, i also got both of mine for under $2500 with clean titles and not in bad shape, the NB has 107k and my NA has about 192k now ever since i bought it, i already have my 1.8 for my NA just need to build it
Ive got a 97 NA8 and a 05 NB mazdaspeed i love the mazdaspeed but my 97 has a 99 drivetrain swap and is basically identical engine wise except for the turbo the msm was blessed with fron factory
Sorry but there is a debate for sure. I think the NB looks better in any way and i'm old enough to grew up with ugly popups everywhere. The NA also handles sloppy compared to the NB. I had the luck to be able to drive them all in a row to decide what i want and beside of the lack of power in with the NB, it won against all the others. A Turbo is what "repairs" the car and makes it epic than.
Dudes, that “self deleting cowl” as you call it is not broken, this is how Mazda made it. It’s a tray to support the window washer hoses and keep them out of the wiper linkage… Also, the leather package tan top is not made of leather, lol.
In Europe the 1.8 NA comes at 130 hp and the 1.8 vvti I think it's 146 hp. That makes a difference when they're so light. However, the pop-ups give you a +25hp instantly so it's not that bad.
Such a shame the Nc had a allergic reaction to something coming out of the factory, considering its probably the best performance wise out of all mx5's
@benji280792 More rubber, more power, more suspension travel, more rigid chassis, better weight distribution in exchange for slightly more weight, it's fairly well documented that the nc is faster around a track stock, for stock. And that's fairly well documented and agreed upon within the miata community, including from Keith Tanner who certainly knows more about miatas than both of us combined. Weight isn't everything a s2k is 20% odd heavier than a nb and will lay down better track times consistently
@@perplexed2352 that's just not true... Na and nb are already 50-50 weight distribution. NC was 126 or 160cv for 1100kg Na was 116 or 130cv for 950kg Weight ratio is not really better. I have a 130cv na, just an exhaust and shocks and some chassis braces, never been passed by a NC on track. Nb yes, nds are really faster. Na and nb are clearly better for small tracks with many corners. You compare with a s2000 that cost the double, make twice the power...
i’ve had 4 miata’s, 3 NA’s (both 1.6 and 1.8) and a nb2 and i can say the nb has been a way more enjoyable, better driver experience car. The downside to the nb would be it’s way less mechanical and more electronic focused obviously as time has gone on and blah blah which has been the cause of all my problems lol electrical sucks but anyway yea nb gang
4:40 the 1.8l began in 1994, but the NB drivetrain from the transmission back (driveshaft, diff, axles) are different! However you are correct the 5 speed transmissions are very similar, people who want to turbo NA’s will get NB drivetrains and bolt it up to their stock transmissions
It's definitely better overall, never been in or drove an NB before but I'm sure it's a better experience, probably rides better and feels smoother. I think really the only thing the NA has over the NB is the looks and the rawness of the experience.
@@BlakeGFilmsa silly old saying about these two is that the NB is a better car, but the NA is a better Miata. As the owner of a ‘99 NB, I can say that it is all Miata, just with thoughtful touches to dynamics and livability. But you really can’t go wrong with NA or NB. Those are the two generations that will forever define the model and the philosophy by which it was developed, over all others.
The best miata is the one you’re driving. You will get over the popups gimmick once you get an NA and it will just feel natural to you so just get the better deal and don’t worry about the gen. The NA does get more looks and popups make the kids go mad tho 😂😂
I have a 99 swap in my 97, but there is definitely a handful of things you need to do, but if you blow your na8 and want to swap a nb1 into it keep your na8 motor and part it out onto the nb1 motor you need all the connectors swapped over
My friend bought a blue NA last year and he has been trying to get me to buy one as well. I finally decided to do it but bought the NB because I like everything about it more than on the NA. Funny enough it's also blue XD. When we drive together all people around us look confused.
The VVT is not all that, the earlier 1.8 is non interference and inherently simpler, so it’s a better base to build upon or leave alone. And the 5-speed box and it’s ratios are preferable from the standpoint of autocross.
I had a 1999 Miata with a 6speed transmission back in 2004. It was black with tan interior so I’m sure it’s not an Anniversary Edition. I think the 6speed was available as an option since I had the LSD and the upgraded Bilstein dampers.
LOTS so incorrect information in this video. The NA and NB are literally the same chassis and nearly the same car under the sheet metal. That NA has a replaced/Non-OEM soft top.(1992 Silverstone didn't have the option to get a tan hardtop) 89-94 NA are 1.6 95+ are 1.9. NB are all 1.9 with the 01+ gaining VVTi. 1999 Special edition NB came with the Aisin AZ6 6-speed transmission which was later came with various packages of the 01+ NB. NB OEM body work is called "Tupperware" by the community, and is not rare and is relatively undesirable. All 1.6 NA's had the option of a viscous LSD, all 1.8 NA and NB Miatas had the option of an torsen LSD. That strut tower brace on the NB is NOT OEM. That cowl cover is just like that on all NA/NB and only covers the intake for the HVAC system. In 1994 all auto manufacturers stopped using R-12 refrigerant and started to uses the ODB-2 standard diagnostic. The NB sounded better with the larger resonator.
NB2s with VVT only made 3 hp but gain a bit more torque. Also, NA6s are from 90-93 where NA8s are from 94-97. NB1s do not have the same engine as an NA8. NA8 has a BP, where NB1s have BP4Ws, which is a pretty decent difference in power as well as torque. Also a notable thing is a LOT of NBs came with torsens from the factory where as with NAs its not uncommon but not very common.
NB is faster (due to more compression and better injectors), stiffer (due to more bracing), wider body, has more features (power windows, defrost, and power locks) while the NA is lighter and has pop ups. But the only good thing about a NA6 is a live oil pressure, any 1.8 only has a on and off switch of the oil pressure
I just brought an nb1 2000 with 74kfor 6k its automatic (but i think it's fine for a miata talking about the transmission). The only thing that bad is the paint .
Nb is just better in every way in my opinion, the pop ups are a little cheesy, Nb more fits in with the Jdm drift / touge scene, and less the cute car scene especially with some good wheels and suspension.
The difference is power between the NA 1.6 and 1.8 is negligible. The displacement is greater but they lowered the compression ratio and changed the gearing so they are basically identical power wise. You don’t gain anything.
Just got an NB2 this year and BOYYYY ITS FUN!
Yes. I got one a year sooner. I was looking for a good one for +- two years and ended up with 2003 1.8 Silver Blues with just 52k km, now has 58k.
Im tryna get like u
From a technical perspective, the NB is better in pretty much every way. Better aerodynamics, more rigid chassis structure, nicer interior and of course it has a better engine, drivetrain and more advanced engine management, especially on the later NB2 cars. The only leg-ups the NA has, in my opinion, is the classic styling, pop-ups (not for aero reasons of course) and slightly roomier-feeling interior. Unless you have a soft-spot for NAs like me, the NB is unquestionably the better driving car. You'll definitely have a lot of fun in both though.
Yeah I've owned a na & currently own a nb it was frustrating hearing how little they know about their cars lol
Absolutely right like most people say na is the better Miata nb is the better car. But just about everything off the nb is an upgrade on the na including engine
You might be right: the nb is the better car, the na is the "better" miata
1999 Miata was the sweet spot for me. Best parts of the NA and NB.
It's literally the same chassis structure...
One small correction. The 6speed debuted in the 10th Anniversary Edition Miata which was the nb1 in 2000.
One small correction. The 6speed debuted in the 10th Anniversary Edition Miata which was the nb1 in 1999.
This was such a great video. Literally it feels like I’m hanging out with my buddies talking about our cars. Love the POV view too. Subbed :)
Glad you enjoyed it! Thx for subbing 🙏
Agreed! Other than driving, standing around “bs’ing” about cars is one of my favorite things to do. ❤
message to the NA owner: you're car from factory made 116 hp, the hot air intake and catback exhaust you installed is not pushing your power figure over the factory one, your motor is 30 odd years old and is probably pushing 80hp lol, that factory power figure is at the flywheel, 116hp @ flywheel would probably get like 90-100 in these things.
Cheese is just a loaf of milk
Came here to say this. Thank you
Doesn't help that the heat shield on the exhaust manifold is missing. Car companies install components like this for a reason.
I don’t think any Miata owner installs a cold air intake under the pretense that they’re gaining much power. A Miata is all about the driving experience, over actual performance numbers, and an intake enhances the aural qualities under hood, thereby making the car feel faster to the driver’s ear. That the filter actually is less restrictive is just icing on the cake.
@@LateNightCable Sorry but if there are mx5 owners out there that install new intakes under the assumption they will loose power, and still do it, they’re not very smart
The nb2 is the one you want it's got vvt and a better flowing interior
I agree, but i like the nb1 more🙂
@@Tpaardek nb1 better non interference and they rip still you don’t need vvti
@@keonicajucom4622 yea thats true. I also like the simplicity of it. And that vvt is not like you are flying or so.
@@keonicajucom4622you know that the vvt engine is also non interference right?
But it doesn't have popup lights so your point is null and void 🤣🤣🤣
I have a european NB2 with 1.8 VVT, the better "square top" intake, big brakes and torsen differential. I'd say the difference between an early NB and an NB2 is probably bigger than between a late NA and an early NB. Especially if they're all 1.8s.
I've done some mods, but the two best ones is coilovers and aftermarket ECU. The mid range power is much better when tuning the VVT.
Sounds like you got a pretty nice set up, right on.
@@heybentai I thought I'd be happy with it, but bottom line it needs more power. I've got stainless steel headers and race cat from IL motorsports and a Borla muffler aswell, but it really doesn't do much.
I saw a brittish company had a sale on their ITB's now but they make maybe 25hp, not more. In Sweden the yearly mandatory sercurity checks makes it hard to convert to forced induction, so I might do it.
Jeeez yearly mandatory inspections, that’s butt. ITBs are still sick they make a much different noise.
@@heybentai Yea, true. I love the sound but I'm afraid it'll be too loud :D
@@viktorandersson7819 nawwww, let it ride
FYI, some NB (prefacelift) special edition came with 6 speed gearbox.
I have both, i haven’t really experienced the NB since i have to get the block and head machined and rebuild the motor, but its an 04 so I’m pretty excited on getting it running hope its worth it as a daily since i really look forward to having ac😭, i also love my NA and it’s the one i plan on fully building, it’s been my daily for almost two years, i also got both of mine for under $2500 with clean titles and not in bad shape, the NB has 107k and my NA has about 192k now ever since i bought it, i already have my 1.8 for my NA just need to build it
I got to drive both, and the NA is really fun but the NB feels so much more refined when you’re driving it. Good luck on the engine rebuild 🤘
Also have both, prefer the the NB and only bring the NA out on special occasions.
Ive got a 97 NA8 and a 05 NB mazdaspeed i love the mazdaspeed but my 97 has a 99 drivetrain swap and is basically identical engine wise except for the turbo the msm was blessed with fron factory
NA pop-ups, no debate here.
Sorry but there is a debate for sure. I think the NB looks better in any way and i'm old enough to grew up with ugly popups everywhere. The NA also handles sloppy compared to the NB. I had the luck to be able to drive them all in a row to decide what i want and beside of the lack of power in with the NB, it won against all the others. A Turbo is what "repairs" the car and makes it epic than.
Dudes, that “self deleting cowl” as you call it is not broken, this is how Mazda made it. It’s a tray to support the window washer hoses and keep them out of the wiper linkage… Also, the leather package tan top is not made of leather, lol.
Sick 944 in the background
In Europe the 1.8 NA comes at 130 hp and the 1.8 vvti I think it's 146 hp. That makes a difference when they're so light. However, the pop-ups give you a +25hp instantly so it's not that bad.
Such a shame the Nc had a allergic reaction to something coming out of the factory, considering its probably the best performance wise out of all mx5's
I dont agree, it's the heavier one...
But it's certainly the most "dailyable"
@benji280792 More rubber, more power, more suspension travel, more rigid chassis, better weight distribution in exchange for slightly more weight, it's fairly well documented that the nc is faster around a track stock, for stock.
And that's fairly well documented and agreed upon within the miata community, including from Keith Tanner who certainly knows more about miatas than both of us combined.
Weight isn't everything a s2k is 20% odd heavier than a nb and will lay down better track times consistently
@@perplexed2352 that's just not true...
Na and nb are already 50-50 weight distribution.
NC was 126 or 160cv for 1100kg
Na was 116 or 130cv for 950kg
Weight ratio is not really better.
I have a 130cv na, just an exhaust and shocks and some chassis braces, never been passed by a NC on track. Nb yes, nds are really faster.
Na and nb are clearly better for small tracks with many corners.
You compare with a s2000 that cost the double, make twice the power...
Silver nb1’s for the win 💪
i’ve had 4 miata’s, 3 NA’s (both 1.6 and 1.8) and a nb2 and i can say the nb has been a way more enjoyable, better driver experience car. The downside to the nb would be it’s way less mechanical and more electronic focused obviously as time has gone on and blah blah which has been the cause of all my problems lol electrical sucks but anyway yea nb gang
Here in Switzerland an NA costs pretty much twice as mich as an NB would cost, but i really want those pop up headlights 😭
NBs look way better. Most other cars with popups look better than he NA, too. Preludes, Corvettes, Firebirds, MR2, etc.
@@tmo2798 yeah, decided to buy an nb one month ago 😂
4:40 the 1.8l began in 1994, but the NB drivetrain from the transmission back (driveshaft, diff, axles) are different! However you are correct the 5 speed transmissions are very similar, people who want to turbo NA’s will get NB drivetrains and bolt it up to their stock transmissions
I recently got a nb just because it was a cheap car to drive to work. Now I'm hooked in the miata life lol. I want pop ups now
😂❤ welcome
Technically the NB is better because after all it is an NA with many factory upgrades.
The NB has gotten no love in the comments 😂
@@heybentai Zoom Zoom right over your head. I own a 2003 LS Miata.
I read your NB as NA 😂
It's definitely better overall, never been in or drove an NB before but I'm sure it's a better experience, probably rides better and feels smoother. I think really the only thing the NA has over the NB is the looks and the rawness of the experience.
@@BlakeGFilmsa silly old saying about these two is that the NB is a better car, but the NA is a better Miata. As the owner of a ‘99 NB, I can say that it is all Miata, just with thoughtful touches to dynamics and livability.
But you really can’t go wrong with NA or NB. Those are the two generations that will forever define the model and the philosophy by which it was developed, over all others.
Performance wise: obviously..NB
For being a miata: NA..it’s iconic to the miata to be able to wink lol
I drive an nc I'll never forget when an na winked at me once I came a little bit wish I could do that lol 🤣
@@chasemoore1281 LMAOOOO
The best miata is the one you’re driving. You will get over the popups gimmick once you get an NA and it will just feel natural to you so just get the better deal and don’t worry about the gen. The NA does get more looks and popups make the kids go mad tho 😂😂
I have a 99 swap in my 97, but there is definitely a handful of things you need to do, but if you blow your na8 and want to swap a nb1 into it keep your na8 motor and part it out onto the nb1 motor you need all the connectors swapped over
Oh, the NB really really need a new radiator! That thing is about to explode man!
I thought that too, the factory radiator clearly shows you when it’s time to replace.
My friend bought a blue NA last year and he has been trying to get me to buy one as well. I finally decided to do it but bought the NB because I like everything about it more than on the NA. Funny enough it's also blue XD. When we drive together all people around us look confused.
You both have great cars with unlimited possibilities. Drive them, mod/repair them, join a club. Enjoy and expand your Roadster experience.
Simple Answer. NA body with a NB chassis, interior , 1.8vvt engine and 6 speed gearbox would be the goat of all mx-5's.
U got the krabby patty secret formula with this one^
The VVT is not all that, the earlier 1.8 is non interference and inherently simpler, so it’s a better base to build upon or leave alone. And the 5-speed box and it’s ratios are preferable from the standpoint of autocross.
@@LateNightCableyou know that the vvt engine is also non interference?
I had a 1999 Miata with a 6speed transmission back in 2004. It was black with tan interior so I’m sure it’s not an Anniversary Edition.
I think the 6speed was available as an option since I had the LSD and the upgraded Bilstein dampers.
That’s dope we just made another Miata video with the same NA that’s now an autocross car you should check it out
@@heybentai 🫡 Will do! 🙂
LOTS so incorrect information in this video. The NA and NB are literally the same chassis and nearly the same car under the sheet metal. That NA has a replaced/Non-OEM soft top.(1992 Silverstone didn't have the option to get a tan hardtop) 89-94 NA are 1.6 95+ are 1.9. NB are all 1.9 with the 01+ gaining VVTi. 1999 Special edition NB came with the Aisin AZ6 6-speed transmission which was later came with various packages of the 01+ NB. NB OEM body work is called "Tupperware" by the community, and is not rare and is relatively undesirable. All 1.6 NA's had the option of a viscous LSD, all 1.8 NA and NB Miatas had the option of an torsen LSD. That strut tower brace on the NB is NOT OEM. That cowl cover is just like that on all NA/NB and only covers the intake for the HVAC system. In 1994 all auto manufacturers stopped using R-12 refrigerant and started to uses the ODB-2 standard diagnostic. The NB sounded better with the larger resonator.
Na for looks, nb2 for performance
NB2s with VVT only made 3 hp but gain a bit more torque. Also, NA6s are from 90-93 where NA8s are from 94-97. NB1s do not have the same engine as an NA8. NA8 has a BP, where NB1s have BP4Ws, which is a pretty decent difference in power as well as torque. Also a notable thing is a LOT of NBs came with torsens from the factory where as with NAs its not uncommon but not very common.
NB is faster (due to more compression and better injectors), stiffer (due to more bracing), wider body, has more features (power windows, defrost, and power locks) while the NA is lighter and has pop ups. But the only good thing about a NA6 is a live oil pressure, any 1.8 only has a on and off switch of the oil pressure
The 1994 na8 has live oil pressure after that yes dumby gauge
@shameless_ricer very true my good sir ✌️
Cool. Do you guys ever make it out to Ridgeway at all? I’m in the market but not sure I’ll fit with a helmet.
I just brought an nb1 2000 with 74kfor 6k its automatic (but i think it's fine for a miata talking about the transmission). The only thing that bad is the paint .
I bought a 2000nb 70k miles. No rust for 3k but this is in the uk. How come it’s so pricey in the US?
because your steering wheel is on the other side. the buyers market is way smaller therefore cheaper.
I bought my 2000se factory 6spd lsd car with 160k on it no rust for $800 I live in the us
Nb is just better in every way in my opinion, the pop ups are a little cheesy, Nb more fits in with the Jdm drift / touge scene, and less the cute car scene especially with some good wheels and suspension.
The NB does feel better to drive for sure. NA does have its place tho, body kit makes it more aggressive.
I agree. Because of the Na, the name 'Miata' stands for cute girl car
Based Miata Comparison
Based comment 🤙
most nimble miater in Arkansas
My na is missing the wiper cover cowl thing too! Where do they all go!? Is there a guy somewhere holding all of them? 😂
An ls would be cool in any Miata
The difference is power between the NA 1.6 and 1.8 is negligible. The displacement is greater but they lowered the compression ratio and changed the gearing so they are basically identical power wise. You don’t gain anything.
I think nb is better in every way but the na has popups so I chose that one.
NB=Performance king, NA=Sexy queen
The NA sounds so aggressive 😂
Nc3 best Miata but if i had too choose between a and b im going nb
What part Washington maybe we could cruise together I got Na
We are near the Vancouver/PDX area hmu on insta 🤙
The real answer is the NC but tiktok will say NA
That’s not a old Mazda logo it’s a Eunos badge.
Im sorry the old mazda emblem is mid no disrespect if you like it but i want the m
How is it a 99 with fog lights?…
2000 rite. It’s like NB 1.5 lol
na!!!!!
Na is cooler.
Fuck that, I'm a NC man. NC 1 at that !!!
finding out the base model NC is faster than a mazdaspeed nb rhined my day when i found out🤣
good miats
I agree lol
NA with NB's drivetrain swap is the best
did bro say bose-y
Get a nc2...
Neither of those... NC hands down.
Hmm the most superior is the ND but The NC it’s also an amazing option I think it’s a better daily then these two
As an nc driver ty it's the BEST one
nice miatas, but no rolls😭
We didn’t have time we started running out of light 😅 there are some rollers on my insta
Idec if its got a 1.8 and a few things extrraa😂😂😂🤦
Nc makes 170 thats all ima say
they are not close to stock bruh....
pop up headlight add 100HP
Easily
These kids got ripped off :/
The NA 5.5k for a rust free with 130k miles isn’t terrible. But the other kid…. Oh man I feel bad for him. 10k for a 76k mile NB?
@@jtfoog5220 it’s a lot of miles for 5,5k. Ik they went up in value a bit but that’s still way too much
Na all day