Agreed, this is some of the best automotive content and high production value, as usual. Kudos and hope to hear more behind the scenes discussions of some of the great enthusiast vehicles. Really awesome to hear the perspective of designers/engineers.
The fun part is: You could make a video about almost every single vehicle which is driving on the road (well, ok.. maybe not about a Dacia Logan or other very low budget cars) and you would find the same passion there.. It's mostly about the people involved in the Product Development. They are the variable which gives the cars their "querks and features" and the character. I've worked in the development department (body parts) for two totally different OEMs in Germany and have noticed the same passion from my side and also from my colleagues even the products being two absolutely different leagues (economy car & sportscar).. I've kept this passion now being a Product Manager - it helps a lot regarding requirement creation for engineering and also for technical understanding. Sadly most Product Managers didn't get in contact with any engineering before creating some "wild" requirements for their research/engineering colleagues - you'll notice this immediately.
"But we're getting into the weeds here..." That's good! We need more content like this! It gives you insight into what goes into making these cars. The NC haters don't understand why the car is the way it is and don't appreciate the effort that went into making it better given the restrictions Mazda had at the time. Really great content. Keep it up.
Drive an NC (manual of course) on a good road ...you will be very surprised. And at the prices you can buy one for today, it's a lot of very sophisticated engineering for the money
NC’s have tons of potential, there’s a reason the Koenigsegg test driver owns a track-prepped NC. The biggest thing for people that have driven multiple gens is that those people older, floppy chassis’s give the driver more of a “this thing’s crazy!” Feeling. Less refinement makes the car feel more raw, which at legal road speeds can more fun and on the edge.
From way back in the day reading his articles in Sport Compact Car magazine. To seeing this content now. To getting to drive one of his creations every day. (I bought an ND2 RF Club) Absolutely fantastic.
This doc-u-series is any enthusiasts dream, and you guys are doing a phenomenal job. Thanks for all the time and hard work you guys have done to create a complete Miata documentary. 😘
Wow, what a curveball with the under-the-car segment. I thought it was going to be just "oh the car got bigger, we have a bigger engine" platitudes. This is phenomenal.
Not a curveball at all if you're familiar with SavageGeese's work. That's a staple of ALL of his reviews and is one of MANY reasons why he's my favorite of all the car channels on TH-cam. EXCELLENT job, Mark! ...as expected.
I turn 68 in three days and picking up a 2006 in mint condition tomorrow. It is 4:00 in the morning and I can't think about anything else. I had 2 MG midgets in the early 70s and drove hundreds of miles a week between FSU in Tallahassee and my gf in Sarasota. I test drove this one by myself with the top down and barefoot and fell in love with driving again. My wife and kids look at me and shake their heads. I really appreciate the depth and quality of Savagegeese videos. Thank you.
*sees SG published my most anticipated episode of this mini series: gets excited *Reads the title "forcing change": oh no, he's going to be harsh to my NC chubby boi *Gets Dave Coleman to present the NC: oh yeah, it's about time to get technical and give the NC some deserved recognition.
After watching the engineer talk about how much work is spent on creating the perfect feeling in a car over a giant horsepower spec sheet makes me respect Mazda incredibly. Even though they're a small company compared to Toyota and Honda and gm, they commit themselves to developing an affordable sports car no matter what naysayers say about it being slow. They deserve the utmost respect when all these other large companies co develop everything when they talk about they can't afford to do it alone *cough cough...Toyota* for this reason I will love Mazda, as the na Miata was my introduction to the company.
As an NC enthusiast, this is a great video. It captures a lot of the shortfalls and improvements in NC over the revisions in such a positive way. Thank you for making this video.
I've owned Miatas since 1993, and I loved my NC so much I kept it when I bought the 30th anniversary ND. The NC will be my son's first car when he gets his license in 3 years :D
I have a feeling that the NC is something like an unloved child among its brothers. From what i can tell, many despise it just for not being the NA. Thank you for this video, it finally confirms what i have been feeling about how it drives for years now. I love my NC, even with the smaller 1.8 offered in Europe, and there will never be anything like it.
I had an na and I have to say it's a true sports car. People may rag on it being slow but its, it's own platform designed to have fully independent suspension and rwd. And being able to floor it everywhere is a blast
The Miata is far, far more enjoyable than its numbers suggest. I absolutely adore my ND2, and I think it's the best deal in new sports cars. "You can't drive a spec sheet."
I've owned an NC which I sold shortly after getting married. For those who had the chance to deep dive into these cars, they'd know NC is unfairly under-appreciated. Also, the top-trim NBs were heavier than the baseline (or the clubsport) soft top NC's. Having the same engine block shared by the regular Mazda3, there are also plenty of replacement engines available from most junkyards (anywhere from $250 - $700) in case you blow one (it's a huge benefit if you race them). Paired with really robust transmission and just a solid car overall and ages very well. No rust issues like the old generations and can fit a driver up to 6'2" without a hassle. As it shares the RX-8 platform, the car is over-built in a way but it translates to much stiffer chassis than the NA/NB and Mazda really shaved the weight from all other areas to keep the car below 2500 lbs. (My GS trim weighed 2460lb with 1/2 tank of gas). I've driven every generation of miatas except NB1 and would personally rate ND2 > ND1 = NC3&2 > NC1 > NA2 > NB2 > NA1 in terms of driving fun (though all miatas are fun to drive by default)
As Jeremy Clarkson put it when he reviewed the NC, "You waste your money on a Mustang or a Ferrari. The fact is that if you want a sports car, the MX-5 is perfect. Nothing on the road will give you better value. Nothing will give you so much fun. The only reason I’m giving it five stars is because I can’t give it 14."
Damn I could've listened to this man describe this car down to each bolt for hours. The only sin of this documentary is the fact that it's about 3 hours too short. Amazing work
Correct. This is why I dont understand all the "Sport SUV" bs.. Why we need an X6M? Is it really a sports car? No! This thing is heavy as hell and additionally has a very high sitting point of gravity. It is a heavy (even if fast in the straight line) tank with very low lateral dynamics..
@@PressurenFlames but 600HP bro! Lol seriously, the way cars are marketed now is all numbers and gimmicks. Consumers care less and less about how the car actually drives. We're lucky to still have cars like the ND available.
@@PressurenFlames We don't need those "coupe sports SUVs". The companies need them because they basically print them money. BMW made an X6 and saw it grew on numbers sold and they went on ahead with it. Hence why Cayenne, Urus, Levante, upcominf Ferrari SUV all exists.
I'm assuming this is the same Dave Coleman from Sport Compact Car, also the originator of the Dave Point. This guy single-handedly kept me from becoming some douchy ricer with a fart pipe. Thanks Dave
You mentioning “the Dave Point” made me dust off an old memory. LOVED Sport Compact Car in the late 90s. I have been away from sports cars for about 10 years driving FWD sedans. I am looking at getting a NC after driving a friend’s NB for awhile.
I cant belive I just now found this series, feel like the algorithm has shorted me till now. Always been a big fan of miatas, so happy that I am almost to a point were I can own one.
Keep up the outstanding work. I just love my 03, Miata . This new generation Miata,is just, what is needed, for me to want to upgrade. Zoom- Zoom. Thank you MIATA. I can hardly wait!
Savagegeese should direct video production for the rebooted Top Gear. I remember another great piece he created on the NC years ago. This body of work will be cherished by the Miata community for YEARS to come.
We've had a NA Miata in the family since I think 2001. I remember when the NC came out. It embodied what we feared would happen with the model. It wasn't as light or agile, it didn't feel as mechanically raw, it shared a platform with the rx-8 (very unpure). It seemed like every car was getting heavier in that era and the Miata was another casualty. Sadly, we were so focused on what the NC wasn't, that we didn't properly appreciate what it was. A great lightweight roadster in it's own right.
I'm 74 and own a base NC2 with automatic. This is everything I'm looking for in a fun drop top here in Florida. I've been through old classic convertibles and now just want something that is fun, reliable and not needing a constant supply of money to keep running.
There's something about the proportions of all the lights and panels that really works well. The move towards the larger grille on the NC2 isn't 100% my cup of tea, but every time I see it now, I can see how it evolved into the ND. I think the ND has a great overall shape, and the smallness of it even compared to the NA/NB is impressive, but it's features are just a little too angular.
@@ftovr2957 You're right. I think it is the proportion. Also for me is the simple strong flowing lines. Not too rounded, just enough strong angular lines. Not too busy ala the new Civic.
That's my baby! Most loved miata yet. It has a lightened flywheel from the factory. The speed at which this little engine revs is really cool. Almost reminds me of a motorcycle engine. I got my NC new in 2010 and it was my first car. I learned to drive a manual in this and having that light flywheel was really interesting. Just tap the throttle and the engine revs. A few years later I test drove a few 'sporty' VW cars, and I was shocked at how slow and unresponsive the throttle peddle was.
I learned so much about my NC from this video and seeing the exact same car I own (the 25th anniversary edition) on the video made me feel very lucky to own one. Too bad it has to be stored for a few months waiting for winter to pass (I live in Ontario, Canada). Great series of documentaries, keep up the good work!
Well wish me luck, Im in Quebec, and will be daily driving my NC2 thorought the coming winter! Rust proofing is done, winter tires are on, the wait is on...
2 years ago my dad got a salvaged 2009 miata Grand Touring, and said to all of my siblings "who ever fixes it up gets to keep it" And that's how I got a car at 12.
The most comprehensive video on Miatas that I have ever seen. This is due to the Mazda executive who completely explains the history, and the inner workings on the Miata. The best cinematography of any video of Miatas do to the filming of the underside of the car. The best product knowledge the best conversation in Miata. Best editing and cut away shots. All the best Shaun of NYC
Seriously, this has to be one of the best documentaries on an everyday enthusiast's car I've ever seen (and I watch a LOT). Superb work Savagegeese, please let there be more!
This could go on the history channel or modern marvels and would raise their quality by an endless amount. No fiddeling around, just perfect camera, informative interview, superp cutting in great visuals that show what is being talked about, smooth fitting music and a host that doesn't have to be center frame all the time but is still present in every bit of this masterpiece. Way to lead the way into a new decade.
I've seen a lot of content on Miata's on all generations from over 7 years since I got my eye set on having a Miata myself. I just stumbled upon this episode in a series and for me, it is the very best I've seen in those 7 years of watching video's on Miata's. This is the stuff that enthusiasts like me who not only love the ride, but also love the technology see explained by one of the people that played a large role in making something that's good even better. Really awesome how this is told, explained, filmed and produced. Thank you very much!
Honestly, I feel like I’m in Miata heaven. This documentary needs to win an award. The under the car tour was rapturous. I want to be friends with Dave Coleman. Maybe I can work for him.
You've made some Miata lovers dreams come true with the series! I love the time and effort you put into this and all your videos! Hope you have a lot more to come in 2020! (Maybe a 3 series or M3 docuseries?)
Just bought an NC MX5 here in the UK. It's the first RWD car I've owned, the first "decent" car I've owned. Picking it up tomorrow. Doesn't feel real yet...many adventures ahead, and I can't wait.
loved loved loved the technical deep dive as a owner of a 1.6 1991 NA i'm aspiring to do a super20 NC build in the future and while the NC is the unloved miata this video counteracts a lot of the negative beliefs that people have on this generation.
The NC sold better in the US than the ND has and that was despite the fact that the Solstice and Sky were being produced when the NC was introduced. The NC was a Car and Driver 10Best for 8 years of its production run. Its a great sports car and terrific Miata. IMHO the weight hype is just that, hype. Its still a tiny, lightweight car. Sure this car is about 150 lbs heavier than the ND, but its still a blast.
As far as sales goes, that applies to all sports cars. The MX-5 was the small sports car for Boomers, and now the Boomers have got old and don't want a sports car anymore (or really any sort of traditional car with low step-in height). Gen X and Millennials either don't care about cars or can't afford the luxury of a second car.
This video is on a another level. You've changed the game by giving dignity back to the people by trusting that they are smart enough to understand basic technical details on a product that should be valued for it's engineering but for whatever reason isn't in social and traditional media.
It's the sum of its parts that make the NC even in its 1.8 form so endearing. As a Mazda salesman involved with the NA and thinking it be perfect then, Mazda didn't just rest in their laurels. They strived to make it better. Thanks guys.
Love the series and the depth. I was worried that not having someone involved with the development of the NC would make things superficial. Glad to see that Dave Coleman provides very interesting depth. Still would have liked to hear more about the NC1 design aesthetics. I love how it pays homage to the NA with the shape of the headlights and hood bulge. I like the neutral expression better as opposed to the later smiley faces.
I believe this is how I got to watch your YT channel for the 1st time. I was looking for some info on my NC Miata MY2012 and saw this. I was blown away how great this video footage was, and since I'm a mechanical engineer, I really loved the part with Ford/Mazda project leader. Such a first-hand info always enriches the value of the entire video content, I really appreciate your efforts on these technical videos. Greetings from Poland.
This is the best episode yet, I could hear him talk about the Motorsports and Business teams going back and forth all day! Lots of cool hidden details in the design of the chassis.
Fantastic series from my favorite auto reviewer. Thanks very much, savagegeese! I've just purchased an NC2 in November 2019 and this video makes me love it all the more. Plus, it was an amazingly fun shock to see Dave Coleman telling the story. I had lost track of him after we spent a few weeks together in Japan back in the early 90's! Love that he still has the passion for cars that we shared way back then as college students!
This documentary is what made me look for an NC... after 4 NAs and 2 NBs (2 MSM in fact), I am hooked on the NC..., especially after having owned a RX8, I was very familiar with the chassis..In fact, I just purchased a 2008 NC PRHT... Thank you Dave and Mr Goose :)
Me too! Owned all 4 series now-found a 1 owner 13 prht in copper red- 39k and weekend toy. Cali car. On 9/03 I took dlvry from oak tree Mazda in San Jose ca- special order shinsen…. 223k on original clutch- miss her so…. These cars have a soul.
This is such a great channel for automotive people. I just bought MX-5 NC in Nordic Green color. It was just a matter of time when I'm gonna have one. Driving this car in the sunset on the open road at 80km/h with some Rock songs playing and roof off, it's just something on whole another level.
This is like watching the DVD commentary on a car. You get all the behind the scenes stuff you glaze over when looking over the car. Builds a much higher appreciation for what these people do when making a car like this.
I bought a 2013 with 22,000 miles in February. I love this car! I had a 2008 Mazdaspeed 6 beforehand and can honestly say this one is so much more fun. I was originally going to buy a 2013 Mazdaspeed 3. I decided late the night before to take one more look at the market and found an ad for my MX-5 Club Edition. It was stunning. I have always liked the Miatas but never thought I'd actually own one. But, when I saw this one it was love at first sight. I've since taken it on 4 road trips throughout the Southwest and can't wait for many more. This car still turns a lot of heads and gets many compliments. Also you don't see many on the road, which retains a unique look.
I would LOVE to see this format with other vehicle manufacturers. Learned a lot from listening to Dave Coleman talk about the engineering process for the engine and chassis. It really makes me want to get an NC.
I worked for a local Porsche shop for a short while that made it's business on Maintaining, Storing, and Transporting 911 GT3 Cup Cars, now also touching into LMP, and Audi R8 Racecars One of the crew cheifs was a Miata guy and had a NC, I was often working on it for him during downtime, which would give me an excuse to take it out and drive it. That's where I fell in love with the NC, and saw the light of Miata as a whole. Looking at late model NCs underneath compared to brand new fresh from the factory Porsche Racecars, it was crazy to see how good the quality of the Engineering was, at significantly lower pricepoint. I'm also an RX-8 owner so I may be a tad biased, but God be Damned If that is not one of the single best cars to come out of the 2000-2010 decade, so incredibly good out of the box.
definitely not saying anything new but this is the best channel on TH-cam. The level of quality is not only apparent in the video editing and the camera work, but in the people. Love all your videos! Thank you
Absolutely love my '07 NC1. A great daily driver that makes going to the grocery store a mini adventure. Also love my brother's little red 1990 model. I recently drove mine from Detroit to Tucson and had a fun, relaxing and comfortable ride the whole time. This video bolstered my view that the NC was and is a TRUE Miata in every sense of the word.
Just re-watched this - when it was released I owned a 2006 NC, my 4th MX5. I currently own a Lotus Elise but I am seriously considering going back and getting a really nice, late NC3. People think I'm mad that i might replace a Lotus with 'just' as Mazda, but people who understand enginering and enjoy driving really 'get' the Nc/Mk3. Loved my old cars, with winky-wonk headlights, but the NC is the best 'sports car' of them all. My 2006 was so good on track, forgiving, strong, balanced, easy to drive quickly. Brilliant piece this, well done.
Been driving an 06 for about 6 months... loving it! But this vid is the best thing I've seen in ages - answering questions about what is missing, what to change etc. And whether I should sell this one and buy a later one.... hmmm!
The NC is an underrated gem Yes the ND is a better car but the NC has its own charm A friend of mine owns a red NC and it’s so nice to drive one every time
@@lifeofmike556 No you can’t argue the NC is quicker than the ND. I’ve owned an NC2 for 5 years and now an ND2. The ND2 is quicker and a better performer is every metric.
I like the looks of the ND but I find the cabin too cramped, once again. I fit much better in the NC, at least I feel that I do. Plus, no PRHT in the ND, unless you want the RF, which I don't care for.
OMGWTFLOL I felt exactly the same on those issues when I purchased a NC a few months ago. The other kicker for me was the ND has direct injection which is well known for carbon issues. That sealed the deal to buy a NC
NC might be the best chassis and have the best gearbox but good googly moogly is it ugly. Every iteration. From the melted stick of butter to the maniacally laughing toucan.
I have watched this episode like 6 times...can't seem to get enough of Dave Coleman in-depth knowledge, passion and mazda continuing pursuit in evolving the Mx5 for the car enthusiasts. Thanks for the dedication and effort put into producing these wonderful mini series.
Currently have owned a 2006 NC1 for 7 years and have had a 90 and 94 NA. Received WAY MORE comments from strangers on the NAs than I have ever received on the NC1. That being said, the NC1 is a way better car (and safer) than the NAs. The NAs were just so small that you had to obsessively watch out for other drivers to keep from getting hit. I spent a lot of money on upgrades for the NAs to get better performance, but never felt the NC really needed anything. Great car, easy to drive and just plain fun!!
What a great video. Dave Coleman discussing the technical bits was the highlight for me. I thought I knew a lot about my car, but it turns out the rabbit hole goes way deeper than I imagined.
Dave Coleman is a legend. He's the reason for the 240 craze in the US. Flat black has it's origins with that same Silvia. Sport compact car was the best car magazine maybe ever while he was there and now he's helped make mazda what they are today. I hope someone does a documentary on him at some point.
I keep coming back to this series, so yeah I’m a serial commenter. Thank you for this! The series made me put having either an NC or ND2 on my bucket list.
I'm a devout NB man but always loved the looks of the NC. I honestly never realised what a massive leap forward this car was until now. I might reconsider my position;o). Thank you for the info and a really well made video. A joy to watch.
I bought a used NC last year after i test drove the ND and fell in love with it (got to store to check mazda 3 originally but left the store with MX5 on my mind) still love the ND design more than NC but really dont know where i will store the small things in the ND once i buy it in few years, its my primary car, used also for long trips in europe from time to time, ND seems to me was really designed just for the track even though they say RF is supposed to be for daily drivers. Love how i can actually carry things inside my NC.
@@johnnyparker2128 sorr mate but you must not have owned a NC. Yes it has glove box, but also it has much deeper storage under your armrest, maybe 2 or 3 times bigger, that can serve as cupholder for 2 cups as well, then you have two more cupholders on the door which are perfect for me and i believe the ND could easily have it but it wouldnt fit the cool style, then on NC you have also Nets on the doors which are perfect for keeping neon vests, which are mandatory to have in Europe in case you stuck on the side of the road, and then you have the cubby between the seats and the empty space infront of gearbox. Let me tell you when you daily drive this and its your only car, all of these space matters. And glovebox is key because it has so much room, so i wouldn't say "just". That being said i dont think it will stop me from buying ND, just gonna have carry stuff in my trunk...
Agree - the NC has decent space for luggage and makes an excellent tourer. The ND is a clever thing, but too limited in luggage capacity for longer European trips, meaning UK to Spain, or Italy.
Huge thanks to savagegeese for this great series. I was getting impatient about this video being late, but it was so worth the wait. The history and background that Dave Coleman, Tom Matano, Ken Saward, and others have brought to every video have raised the level of these videos beyond anything else I've seen to date on the Miata story. I've seen and known some of this before, but have never seen it all in one place, nor presented as well. The passion for valuing responsiveness over numbers that Dave Coleman shares only strengthens my enthusiasm for how Mazda thinks as a manufacturer. At this point I'm torn between the NC and the ND, and am leaning towards the NC, but I think I'll need to wait and see that last video in the series before I make a decision. I can't wait.
I've driven every generation of the Miata. I owned a 2010 MX-5 Grand Touring with Sport Package triple black 6 speed. It was setup for C Street auto-x. I put different brake pads, Koni Sport shocks, aggressive alignment for max camber, changed fluids, 16mm solid and adjustable H&R rear sway bar, and a set of RE71R tires. Man was that car fun to drive. So well balanced, a little oversteery if you where not smooth in transitions but man would it rotate. Drift missile when you wanted it th-cam.com/video/yXcZc9YLyqg/w-d-xo.html , could throttle steer it like my Corvette. Blast to drive. I daily drove the car (including winter-stupid fun in the snow, never once got stuck) without changing a thing (other than tires) from the auto-x setup for about 3 years. I miss the car. The things that took a little away from its Miata-ness, like the bigger size and little bit heavier made it a better DAILY driver. I packed it too the gills more than once. Great gas mileage as well. Put a ton of miles on it. A change in my life was the only reason for selling. Wish I still had it. Oh BTW, took it to the drag strip once. Ran a 14.7@93mph. BONE STOCK before I set it up for auto-x. Not too shabby. th-cam.com/video/tEA-GVkC9XI/w-d-xo.html The ND is really a better Miata, as it should be, its newer. That being said the ND1 setup for auto-x to make it fast, is a stupid stiff front bar that was ripping the sub frames out, and I've driven them. You have to trail brake A LOT. It will NOT turn unless your on the brake at all. I hate that, it doesn't fit my driving style and it was not fun. My NC was FUN and FAST. Hopefully the refined ND2 is better in auto-x trim. I really like the ND and I can see myself owning one for sure. The hate on the NC is stupid, they handle good with a couple tweaks. I showed more than a few disbelievers in the NC that they can go at a auto-x or two. The NC properly setup is as fast as a Scion FRS with the TRD package. th-cam.com/video/QqvHel8hdGc/w-d-xo.html P.S. I appreciate the robustness of the NC, I drove the piss out of that car and it never once complained. Took it like a champ.
I loved my 2006 NC Miata. It was an uncommon off-white color in the base trim and was an absolute blast to drive. I often got compliments on it even though it's a common car, and I have a 911 now but still think about going back to a Miata sometimes. I think it's not necessarily bad that the NC was bigger, softer, and more comfortable. It feels way more substantial and I did whole-day road trips in the NC with the roof down and didn't feel tired afterward. The NC still has amazing handling, it just feels a little more mature than an NA or NB.
being a first-time miata owner, and an NC1 owner at that, i love this car. it’s peppy, while being forgiving to a new owner like me. the engine gleefully sings as i glide across the highway. i love this car so much, i wouldn’t wanna trade it for anything for the foreseeable future. it’s so interesting seeing what was happening behind the scenes at mazda and ford, and the unusual culmination of american cost-cutting and japanese engineering. thank you savagegeese
Love hearing the engineers/designers geeking out over their creation. You can really hear the passion.
Agreed, this is some of the best automotive content and high production value, as usual. Kudos and hope to hear more behind the scenes discussions of some of the great enthusiast vehicles. Really awesome to hear the perspective of designers/engineers.
The Engineers Wife hate that passion. I can hear the nagging now. “ I betcha you love that car more than me “. That’s why I am single.
The fun part is: You could make a video about almost every single vehicle which is driving on the road (well, ok.. maybe not about a Dacia Logan or other very low budget cars) and you would find the same passion there..
It's mostly about the people involved in the Product Development. They are the variable which gives the cars their "querks and features" and the character.
I've worked in the development department (body parts) for two totally different OEMs in Germany and have noticed the same passion from my side and also from my colleagues even the products being two absolutely different leagues (economy car & sportscar)..
I've kept this passion now being a Product Manager - it helps a lot regarding requirement creation for engineering and also for technical understanding. Sadly most Product Managers didn't get in contact with any engineering before creating some "wild" requirements for their research/engineering colleagues - you'll notice this immediately.
They are so proud of their work. I'm happy for everyone involved because the end product is completely awesome
Thank,s...all miata Friend,s wih really Passion .......for ever !
"But we're getting into the weeds here..." That's good! We need more content like this! It gives you insight into what goes into making these cars. The NC haters don't understand why the car is the way it is and don't appreciate the effort that went into making it better given the restrictions Mazda had at the time. Really great content. Keep it up.
As someone who has had to deal with those long bolts on the NA PPF to do a diff swap, he is absolutely right. They are such a pain in the ass.
I daily drove a nc for years. Fantastic car . I hope my new rf turns out to be as good .
@@gregblack4581 Did it?
This man is so passionate about the NC that he made me fall in love with it. I always thought it was the worst one up until I watched this
It’s the best one from a refinement standpoint. Everything feels better than in the na and nb. Way less rattles as well.
@@Tooshi3Tom ND is more refined in terms of quality.
Drive an NC (manual of course) on a good road ...you will be very surprised. And at the prices you can buy one for today, it's a lot of very sophisticated engineering for the money
Saying the worst miata doesnt mean much when all of them are great compared to other cars
NC’s have tons of potential, there’s a reason the Koenigsegg test driver owns a track-prepped NC. The biggest thing for people that have driven multiple gens is that those people older, floppy chassis’s give the driver more of a “this thing’s crazy!” Feeling. Less refinement makes the car feel more raw, which at legal road speeds can more fun and on the edge.
Love how he justified having forged internals for “reduced NVH” 😂 get this man a medal
Good argument for upper management do/don't decisons ;)
Don't tell management what you're you're really after - let them think it's for NVH!
I don't think the board would have appreciated "to turbocharge the f8ck out of it."
Hearing Dave Coleman in the shop is like a master class on vehicle dynamics. Great video.
From way back in the day reading his articles in Sport Compact Car magazine. To seeing this content now. To getting to drive one of his creations every day. (I bought an ND2 RF Club) Absolutely fantastic.
Dude knows what he's talking about for sure, it's a delight to hear him talk about it.
Seriously. I know very very very very little, but man!
I friend requested him on facebook haha
Could listen to Dave Coleman all day. Great video goose.
This doc-u-series is any enthusiasts dream, and you guys are doing a phenomenal job. Thanks for all the time and hard work you guys have done to create a complete Miata documentary. 😘
Wow, what a curveball with the under-the-car segment. I thought it was going to be just "oh the car got bigger, we have a bigger engine" platitudes. This is phenomenal.
Not a curveball at all if you're familiar with SavageGeese's work. That's a staple of ALL of his reviews and is one of MANY reasons why he's my favorite of all the car channels on TH-cam. EXCELLENT job, Mark! ...as expected.
I turn 68 in three days and picking up a 2006 in mint condition tomorrow. It is 4:00 in the morning and I can't think about anything else. I had 2 MG midgets in the early 70s and drove hundreds of miles a week between FSU in Tallahassee and my gf in Sarasota. I test drove this one by myself with the top down and barefoot and fell in love with driving again. My wife and kids look at me and shake their heads. I really appreciate the depth and quality of Savagegeese videos. Thank you.
Man I've never wanted an NC more than I do right now...
Same here.
I got one and I'm loving it!
Best car I've ever owned. I daily it with coilovers and it's still livable.
Pulled the trigger on a 14 Club. They're great!
and then ND video drops later...
*sees SG published my most anticipated episode of this mini series: gets excited
*Reads the title "forcing change": oh no, he's going to be harsh to my NC chubby boi
*Gets Dave Coleman to present the NC: oh yeah, it's about time to get technical and give the NC some deserved recognition.
First thing Mark says when he gets behind the wheel: "It feels like LIGHTNING compared to the NA and NB."
After watching the engineer talk about how much work is spent on creating the perfect feeling in a car over a giant horsepower spec sheet makes me respect Mazda incredibly. Even though they're a small company compared to Toyota and Honda and gm, they commit themselves to developing an affordable sports car no matter what naysayers say about it being slow. They deserve the utmost respect when all these other large companies co develop everything when they talk about they can't afford to do it alone *cough cough...Toyota* for this reason I will love Mazda, as the na Miata was my introduction to the company.
As an NC enthusiast, this is a great video. It captures a lot of the shortfalls and improvements in NC over the revisions in such a positive way. Thank you for making this video.
My NC has 10y now. Zero problems, just oil changes. Awesome vehicle !
Well done! I m getting mine next week, after having a tigra for ten years, i hope it ll last that long..so 12 years if you still got it
I've owned Miatas since 1993, and I loved my NC so much I kept it when I bought the 30th anniversary ND. The NC will be my son's first car when he gets his license in 3 years :D
Hi, can I apply to be your son? xD
I don’t blame you ! I love mine .
Yeah Ill be your son!
Lucky son!
My son already owns my Mazda ; they are little Hot Rods straight from the factory 🏭 n extremely dependable too!
❤ them 🤠!
I have a feeling that the NC is something like an unloved child among its brothers. From what i can tell, many despise it just for not being the NA. Thank you for this video, it finally confirms what i have been feeling about how it drives for years now. I love my NC, even with the smaller 1.8 offered in Europe, and there will never be anything like it.
Yes! Uploaded just in time for breakfast. I got a tingling feeling that I might end up getting a Miata once this series ends.
You won't reget it!
My NC is a blast. Best bang for the buck fun car out there
No matter what generation you get, they will all be fun ;)
I had an na and I have to say it's a true sports car. People may rag on it being slow but its, it's own platform designed to have fully independent suspension and rwd. And being able to floor it everywhere is a blast
The Miata is far, far more enjoyable than its numbers suggest. I absolutely adore my ND2, and I think it's the best deal in new sports cars.
"You can't drive a spec sheet."
NC: unquestionably the jolliest MX-5.
I've owned an NC which I sold shortly after getting married. For those who had the chance to deep dive into these cars, they'd know NC is unfairly under-appreciated. Also, the top-trim NBs were heavier than the baseline (or the clubsport) soft top NC's. Having the same engine block shared by the regular Mazda3, there are also plenty of replacement engines available from most junkyards (anywhere from $250 - $700) in case you blow one (it's a huge benefit if you race them). Paired with really robust transmission and just a solid car overall and ages very well. No rust issues like the old generations and can fit a driver up to 6'2" without a hassle. As it shares the RX-8 platform, the car is over-built in a way but it translates to much stiffer chassis than the NA/NB and Mazda really shaved the weight from all other areas to keep the car below 2500 lbs. (My GS trim weighed 2460lb with 1/2 tank of gas). I've driven every generation of miatas except NB1 and would personally rate ND2 > ND1 = NC3&2 > NC1 > NA2 > NB2 > NA1 in terms of driving fun (though all miatas are fun to drive by default)
This series is as pure as the Mazda Miata itself.
As Jeremy Clarkson put it when he reviewed the NC, "You waste your money on a Mustang or a Ferrari. The fact is that if you want a sports car, the MX-5 is perfect. Nothing on the road will give you better value. Nothing will give you so much fun. The only reason I’m giving it five stars is because I can’t give it 14."
Awesome, so grateful for this series
Damn I could've listened to this man describe this car down to each bolt for hours. The only sin of this documentary is the fact that it's about 3 hours too short.
Amazing work
“To make a sports car really good it has to be on a dedicated sports car platform.”
Correct. This is why I dont understand all the "Sport SUV" bs.. Why we need an X6M? Is it really a sports car? No! This thing is heavy as hell and additionally has a very high sitting point of gravity. It is a heavy (even if fast in the straight line) tank with very low lateral dynamics..
@@PressurenFlames but 600HP bro! Lol seriously, the way cars are marketed now is all numbers and gimmicks. Consumers care less and less about how the car actually drives. We're lucky to still have cars like the ND available.
@@PressurenFlames We don't need those "coupe sports SUVs". The companies need them because they basically print them money. BMW made an X6 and saw it grew on numbers sold and they went on ahead with it. Hence why Cayenne, Urus, Levante, upcominf Ferrari SUV all exists.
@@geethsan1567 It was more a rhetorical question from my side ;) I know why these cars exist..
I'm assuming this is the same Dave Coleman from Sport Compact Car, also the originator of the Dave Point. This guy single-handedly kept me from becoming some douchy ricer with a fart pipe. Thanks Dave
You mentioning “the Dave Point” made me dust off an old memory. LOVED Sport Compact Car in the late 90s. I have been away from sports cars for about 10 years driving FWD sedans. I am looking at getting a NC after driving a friend’s NB for awhile.
I cant belive I just now found this series, feel like the algorithm has shorted me till now. Always been a big fan of miatas, so happy that I am almost to a point were I can own one.
I never knew the NC shared architecture with the RX-8, that's really interesting.
Still loving this series!
Shared RX-8 architecture without the rotary engine.
Likewise
Dave Coleman has been the best since his Sport Compact Car days. Passion for engineering and Motorsports oozes from his words.
Keep up the outstanding work. I just love my 03, Miata . This new generation Miata,is just, what is needed, for me to want to upgrade. Zoom- Zoom. Thank you MIATA. I can hardly wait!
Forged crank for NVH. Of course. That’s masterclass of how to have your cake and eat it too. I love Dave. Thank you again savagegoose
"It's impossible to look at a five-link suspension and figure out what's going on." Love that one.
Whoa, 27 minutes of what I'm sure will be top quality content! Think I'll wait to watch this one in 4K from the couch.
worthy to watch it several time...
@@lmc333 Sure thing, watched it three times already. 😊
“Wind the piss out of this thing” best quote ever
Mark better copyright that phrase quote ASAP !!!!!!
It's a very common saying in British English
In the UK we say 'Ring the nuts off it'
As I drive my NC I will be quoting Goose. Thanks.
@@NippyMoto 'rev the bollocks off 'used to be the term used.
Great having Dave Coleman as our guide. In addition Savagegeese serves up the most tastefully produced online automotive channel.
Dave Coleman is so god damn passionate and I can listen to him all day. Please include him for all technical breakdowns!
Savagegeese should direct video production for the rebooted Top Gear. I remember another great piece he created on the NC years ago. This body of work will be cherished by the Miata community for YEARS to come.
NC is the best proportioned MX-5. Such a pleasing design. I think it’ll age the best out of the series so far.
The most underrated Miata of all time
good.. least molested/beat on used miata.
most ugly miata.. almost just as ugly as my mrs
Yes...
We've had a NA Miata in the family since I think 2001. I remember when the NC came out. It embodied what we feared would happen with the model. It wasn't as light or agile, it didn't feel as mechanically raw, it shared a platform with the rx-8 (very unpure). It seemed like every car was getting heavier in that era and the Miata was another casualty. Sadly, we were so focused on what the NC wasn't, that we didn't properly appreciate what it was. A great lightweight roadster in it's own right.
It’s so interesting hearing deeper insights on a car without corporate bs spewed in. The world needs more of this!
Thank you
I know some of it wasn't true, just don't know how much....
I'm 74 and own a base NC2 with automatic. This is everything I'm looking for in a fun drop top here in Florida. I've been through old classic convertibles and now just want something that is fun, reliable and not needing a constant supply of money to keep running.
As an NC1 owner I have been waiting for this episode. Thanks Goose my boat has come in !
This was my favorite entry in the series so far (although they've all been great). Love the tech talk with Dave in the shop.
For some odd reason, in terms of looks, I love the NC the most.
There's something about the proportions of all the lights and panels that really works well. The move towards the larger grille on the NC2 isn't 100% my cup of tea, but every time I see it now, I can see how it evolved into the ND. I think the ND has a great overall shape, and the smallness of it even compared to the NA/NB is impressive, but it's features are just a little too angular.
@@ftovr2957 I love the look of the NC3 front end! Still not 100% sold on the stange fender flares tho, even after owning one for 5 years… 😅
@@ftovr2957 You're right. I think it is the proportion. Also for me is the simple strong flowing lines. Not too rounded, just enough strong angular lines. Not too busy ala the new Civic.
@@ftovr2957 yeah, and the tail lights look like a chinese knock off jaguar.
I’ve owned the na and nb now I want an nc watching this video makes me miss Miatas
That's my baby! Most loved miata yet. It has a lightened flywheel from the factory. The speed at which this little engine revs is really cool. Almost reminds me of a motorcycle engine. I got my NC new in 2010 and it was my first car. I learned to drive a manual in this and having that light flywheel was really interesting. Just tap the throttle and the engine revs. A few years later I test drove a few 'sporty' VW cars, and I was shocked at how slow and unresponsive the throttle peddle was.
I learned so much about my NC from this video and seeing the exact same car I own (the 25th anniversary edition) on the video made me feel very lucky to own one. Too bad it has to be stored for a few months waiting for winter to pass (I live in Ontario, Canada). Great series of documentaries, keep up the good work!
Dominique are you part of the 25th anniv group on Facebook?
Anthony Lu No I am not
Anthony Lu but I belong to the Trillium Miata club in Toronto
Well wish me luck, Im in Quebec, and will be daily driving my NC2 thorought the coming winter! Rust proofing is done, winter tires are on, the wait is on...
2 years ago my dad got a salvaged 2009 miata Grand Touring, and said to all of my siblings "who ever fixes it up gets to keep it" And that's how I got a car at 12.
The most comprehensive video on Miatas that I have ever seen.
This is due to the Mazda executive who completely explains the history, and the inner workings on the Miata.
The best cinematography of any video of Miatas do to the filming of the underside of the car. The best product knowledge the best conversation in Miata. Best editing and cut away shots.
All the best Shaun of NYC
Seriously, this has to be one of the best documentaries on an everyday enthusiast's car I've ever seen (and I watch a LOT). Superb work Savagegeese, please let there be more!
This could go on the history channel or modern marvels and would raise their quality by an endless amount. No fiddeling around, just perfect camera, informative interview, superp cutting in great visuals that show what is being talked about, smooth fitting music and a host that doesn't have to be center frame all the time but is still present in every bit of this masterpiece. Way to lead the way into a new decade.
One of the best series on TH-cam. I'd love to see something like this for other modern enthusiast cars
I've seen a lot of content on Miata's on all generations from over 7 years since I got my eye set on having a Miata myself. I just stumbled upon this episode in a series and for me, it is the very best I've seen in those 7 years of watching video's on Miata's. This is the stuff that enthusiasts like me who not only love the ride, but also love the technology see explained by one of the people that played a large role in making something that's good even better. Really awesome how this is told, explained, filmed and produced. Thank you very much!
Honestly, I feel like I’m in Miata heaven. This documentary needs to win an award. The under the car tour was rapturous. I want to be friends with Dave Coleman. Maybe I can work for him.
You've made some Miata lovers dreams come true with the series! I love the time and effort you put into this and all your videos! Hope you have a lot more to come in 2020! (Maybe a 3 series or M3 docuseries?)
Just bought an NC MX5 here in the UK. It's the first RWD car I've owned, the first "decent" car I've owned. Picking it up tomorrow. Doesn't feel real yet...many adventures ahead, and I can't wait.
Third time I’ve watched this, and I still think it is one of the best automotive pieces out there.
loved loved loved the technical deep dive as a owner of a 1.6 1991 NA i'm aspiring to do a super20 NC build in the future and while the NC is the unloved miata this video counteracts a lot of the negative beliefs that people have on this generation.
The NC sold better in the US than the ND has and that was despite the fact that the Solstice and Sky were being produced when the NC was introduced. The NC was a Car and Driver 10Best for 8 years of its production run. Its a great sports car and terrific Miata. IMHO the weight hype is just that, hype. Its still a tiny, lightweight car. Sure this car is about 150 lbs heavier than the ND, but its still a blast.
Yup, its only 'heavy' when compared to other Miatas, compared to all other cars its still light af.
As far as sales goes, that applies to all sports cars. The MX-5 was the small sports car for Boomers, and now the Boomers have got old and don't want a sports car anymore (or really any sort of traditional car with low step-in height). Gen X and Millennials either don't care about cars or can't afford the luxury of a second car.
@@BruceLeedar bingo
This video is on a another level. You've changed the game by giving dignity back to the people by trusting that they are smart enough to understand basic technical details on a product that should be valued for it's engineering but for whatever reason isn't in social and traditional media.
You can just feel the driving passion at Mazda when interview its employees!
It's the sum of its parts that make the NC even in its 1.8 form so endearing. As a Mazda salesman involved with the NA and thinking it be perfect then, Mazda didn't just rest in their laurels. They strived to make it better. Thanks guys.
Love the series and the depth. I was worried that not having someone involved with the development of the NC would make things superficial. Glad to see that Dave Coleman provides very interesting depth. Still would have liked to hear more about the NC1 design aesthetics. I love how it pays homage to the NA with the shape of the headlights and hood bulge. I like the neutral expression better as opposed to the later smiley faces.
I believe this is how I got to watch your YT channel for the 1st time. I was looking for some info on my NC Miata MY2012 and saw this. I was blown away how great this video footage was, and since I'm a mechanical engineer, I really loved the part with Ford/Mazda project leader. Such a first-hand info always enriches the value of the entire video content, I really appreciate your efforts on these technical videos. Greetings from Poland.
This is the best episode yet, I could hear him talk about the Motorsports and Business teams going back and forth all day! Lots of cool hidden details in the design of the chassis.
Fantastic series from my favorite auto reviewer. Thanks very much, savagegeese! I've just purchased an NC2 in November 2019 and this video makes me love it all the more. Plus, it was an amazingly fun shock to see Dave Coleman telling the story. I had lost track of him after we spent a few weeks together in Japan back in the early 90's! Love that he still has the passion for cars that we shared way back then as college students!
This documentary is what made me look for an NC... after 4 NAs and 2 NBs (2 MSM in fact), I am hooked on the NC..., especially after having owned a RX8, I was very familiar with the chassis..In fact, I just purchased a 2008 NC PRHT... Thank you Dave and Mr Goose :)
proud owner of NC3 PRHT here, I appreciate my car even more learning about what went on behind the scene, thank you @savagegeese
Me too!
Owned all 4 series now-found a 1 owner 13 prht in copper red- 39k and weekend toy. Cali car.
On 9/03 I took dlvry from oak tree Mazda in San Jose ca- special order shinsen….
223k on original clutch- miss her so….
These cars have a soul.
7 years strong with my NC in Malaysia. Love the video.
I want the uncut version of this, so good to hear all the details from Dave himself. He was always my favorite writer from Sport Compact Car.
This is such a great channel for automotive people. I just bought MX-5 NC in Nordic Green color. It was just a matter of time when I'm gonna have one.
Driving this car in the sunset on the open road at 80km/h with some Rock songs playing and roof off, it's just something on whole another level.
This is like watching the DVD commentary on a car. You get all the behind the scenes stuff you glaze over when looking over the car. Builds a much higher appreciation for what these people do when making a car like this.
I bought a 2013 with 22,000 miles in February. I love this car! I had a 2008 Mazdaspeed 6 beforehand and can honestly say this one is so much more fun. I was originally going to buy a 2013 Mazdaspeed 3. I decided late the night before to take one more look at the market and found an ad for my MX-5 Club Edition. It was stunning. I have always liked the Miatas but never thought I'd actually own one. But, when I saw this one it was love at first sight. I've since taken it on 4 road trips throughout the Southwest and can't wait for many more. This car still turns a lot of heads and gets many compliments. Also you don't see many on the road, which retains a unique look.
I'm on my third NC. I have 2 actually. Has an NC1 in college, now have 2 NC2 and love them. I absolutely love them.
WOW! What a great film. As a NC1 owner who's modified it for SCCA autocross and the new Time Trials program, this helps answer so many questions.
Having Mr. Coleman wall through this ND was fantastic. So much insight and knowledge.
I would LOVE to see this format with other vehicle manufacturers. Learned a lot from listening to Dave Coleman talk about the engineering process for the engine and chassis. It really makes me want to get an NC.
I worked for a local Porsche shop for a short while that made it's business on Maintaining, Storing, and Transporting 911 GT3 Cup Cars, now also touching into LMP, and Audi R8 Racecars
One of the crew cheifs was a Miata guy and had a NC, I was often working on it for him during downtime, which would give me an excuse to take it out and drive it. That's where I fell in love with the NC, and saw the light of Miata as a whole. Looking at late model NCs underneath compared to brand new fresh from the factory Porsche Racecars, it was crazy to see how good the quality of the Engineering was, at significantly lower pricepoint.
I'm also an RX-8 owner so I may be a tad biased, but God be Damned If that is not one of the single best cars to come out of the 2000-2010 decade, so incredibly good out of the box.
As an NC owner, the deep dive into specifics was absolutely fascinating! Amazing series 👏
definitely not saying anything new but this is the best channel on TH-cam. The level of quality is not only apparent in the video editing and the camera work, but in the people. Love all your videos! Thank you
Absolutely love my '07 NC1. A great daily driver that makes going to the grocery store a mini adventure. Also love my brother's little red 1990 model. I recently drove mine from Detroit to Tucson and had a fun, relaxing and comfortable ride the whole time. This video bolstered my view that the NC was and is a TRUE Miata in every sense of the word.
Oh man, love the series! If there was a series with the engineers about all the Mazdaspeed cars, I think I'd wet my pants from joy
Just re-watched this - when it was released I owned a 2006 NC, my 4th MX5. I currently own a Lotus Elise but I am seriously considering going back and getting a really nice, late NC3. People think I'm mad that i might replace a Lotus with 'just' as Mazda, but people who understand enginering and enjoy driving really 'get' the Nc/Mk3. Loved my old cars, with winky-wonk headlights, but the NC is the best 'sports car' of them all. My 2006 was so good on track, forgiving, strong, balanced, easy to drive quickly.
Brilliant piece this, well done.
This is amazing. I'm glad Mazda has people like this in staff. This is how it should be in the entire auto industry. Also, now I miss our old RX8.
Been driving an 06 for about 6 months... loving it! But this vid is the best thing I've seen in ages - answering questions about what is missing, what to change etc. And whether I should sell this one and buy a later one.... hmmm!
The NC is an underrated gem
Yes the ND is a better car but the NC has its own charm
A friend of mine owns a red NC and it’s so nice to drive one every time
@@lifeofmike556 No you can’t argue the NC is quicker than the ND. I’ve owned an NC2 for 5 years and now an ND2. The ND2 is quicker and a better performer is every metric.
@@erickelly4107 maybe because I've driven the 2.5L NC so long I forgot
@@lifeofmike556 but it's tunable...
I loved my NC and NEVER should have sold it. Might have to start shopping for another. The ND just doesn't do it for me.
Same here
I like the looks of the ND but I find the cabin too cramped, once again. I fit much better in the NC, at least I feel that I do. Plus, no PRHT in the ND, unless you want the RF, which I don't care for.
OMGWTFLOL I felt exactly the same on those issues when I purchased a NC a few months ago. The other kicker for me was the ND has direct injection which is well known for carbon issues. That sealed the deal to buy a NC
NC might be the best chassis and have the best gearbox but good googly moogly is it ugly. Every iteration. From the melted stick of butter to the maniacally laughing toucan.
This makes me proud to own a Mazda even though it's not a Miata. Purity of purpose.
I have watched this episode like 6 times...can't seem to get enough of Dave Coleman in-depth knowledge, passion and mazda continuing pursuit in evolving the Mx5 for the car enthusiasts. Thanks for the dedication and effort put into producing these wonderful mini series.
Currently have owned a 2006 NC1 for 7 years and have had a 90 and 94 NA. Received WAY MORE comments from strangers on the NAs than I have ever received on the NC1. That being said, the NC1 is a way better car (and safer) than the NAs. The NAs were just so small that you had to obsessively watch out for other drivers to keep from getting hit. I spent a lot of money on upgrades for the NAs to get better performance, but never felt the NC really needed anything. Great car, easy to drive and just plain fun!!
What a great video. Dave Coleman discussing the technical bits was the highlight for me. I thought I knew a lot about my car, but it turns out the rabbit hole goes way deeper than I imagined.
Dave Coleman is a legend. He's the reason for the 240 craze in the US. Flat black has it's origins with that same Silvia. Sport compact car was the best car magazine maybe ever while he was there and now he's helped make mazda what they are today. I hope someone does a documentary on him at some point.
I keep coming back to this series, so yeah I’m a serial commenter. Thank you for this! The series made me put having either an NC or ND2 on my bucket list.
I'm a devout NB man but always loved the looks of the NC. I honestly never realised what a massive leap forward this car was until now. I might reconsider my position;o). Thank you for the info and a really well made video. A joy to watch.
I bought a used NC last year after i test drove the ND and fell in love with it (got to store to check mazda 3 originally but left the store with MX5 on my mind) still love the ND design more than NC but really dont know where i will store the small things in the ND once i buy it in few years, its my primary car, used also for long trips in europe from time to time, ND seems to me was really designed just for the track even though they say RF is supposed to be for daily drivers. Love how i can actually carry things inside my NC.
ND has the exact same storage as NC minus the glove box.
@@johnnyparker2128 sorr mate but you must not have owned a NC. Yes it has glove box, but also it has much deeper storage under your armrest, maybe 2 or 3 times bigger, that can serve as cupholder for 2 cups as well, then you have two more cupholders on the door which are perfect for me and i believe the ND could easily have it but it wouldnt fit the cool style, then on NC you have also Nets on the doors which are perfect for keeping neon vests, which are mandatory to have in Europe in case you stuck on the side of the road, and then you have the cubby between the seats and the empty space infront of gearbox. Let me tell you when you daily drive this and its your only car, all of these space matters. And glovebox is key because it has so much room, so i wouldn't say "just". That being said i dont think it will stop me from buying ND, just gonna have carry stuff in my trunk...
@@johnnyparker2128 open the trunks side by side. BIG difference!
Agree - the NC has decent space for luggage and makes an excellent tourer. The ND is a clever thing, but too limited in luggage capacity for longer European trips, meaning UK to Spain, or Italy.
@@andyholmes4777 exactly. in the end i sold my NC and bought a GR86 for that reason
This is one of your best videos you’ve ever produced. Fascinating to hear the engineering background on my favorite iteration of the Miata. Great job!
I had to watch this video twice (back to back) it was so good! What fantastic insight from Dave Coleman! This series continues to impress.
My favorite documentary series! Thanks!
Huge thanks to savagegeese for this great series. I was getting impatient about this video being late, but it was so worth the wait.
The history and background that Dave Coleman, Tom Matano, Ken Saward, and others have brought to every video have raised the level of these videos beyond anything else I've seen to date on the Miata story.
I've seen and known some of this before, but have never seen it all in one place, nor presented as well.
The passion for valuing responsiveness over numbers that Dave Coleman shares only strengthens my enthusiasm for how Mazda thinks as a manufacturer.
At this point I'm torn between the NC and the ND, and am leaning towards the NC, but I think I'll need to wait and see that last video in the series before I make a decision.
I can't wait.
I've driven every generation of the Miata. I owned a 2010 MX-5 Grand Touring with Sport Package triple black 6 speed. It was setup for C Street auto-x. I put different brake pads, Koni Sport shocks, aggressive alignment for max camber, changed fluids, 16mm solid and adjustable H&R rear sway bar, and a set of RE71R tires. Man was that car fun to drive. So well balanced, a little oversteery if you where not smooth in transitions but man would it rotate. Drift missile when you wanted it th-cam.com/video/yXcZc9YLyqg/w-d-xo.html , could throttle steer it like my Corvette. Blast to drive. I daily drove the car (including winter-stupid fun in the snow, never once got stuck) without changing a thing (other than tires) from the auto-x setup for about 3 years. I miss the car. The things that took a little away from its Miata-ness, like the bigger size and little bit heavier made it a better DAILY driver. I packed it too the gills more than once. Great gas mileage as well. Put a ton of miles on it. A change in my life was the only reason for selling. Wish I still had it. Oh BTW, took it to the drag strip once. Ran a 14.7@93mph. BONE STOCK before I set it up for auto-x. Not too shabby. th-cam.com/video/tEA-GVkC9XI/w-d-xo.html
The ND is really a better Miata, as it should be, its newer. That being said the ND1 setup for auto-x to make it fast, is a stupid stiff front bar that was ripping the sub frames out, and I've driven them. You have to trail brake A LOT. It will NOT turn unless your on the brake at all. I hate that, it doesn't fit my driving style and it was not fun. My NC was FUN and FAST.
Hopefully the refined ND2 is better in auto-x trim. I really like the ND and I can see myself owning one for sure.
The hate on the NC is stupid, they handle good with a couple tweaks. I showed more than a few disbelievers in the NC that they can go at a auto-x or two. The NC properly setup is as fast as a Scion FRS with the TRD package. th-cam.com/video/QqvHel8hdGc/w-d-xo.html
P.S. I appreciate the robustness of the NC, I drove the piss out of that car and it never once complained. Took it like a champ.
Loved this in the shoppe session with one of the actual engineers. Would LOVE to see this more often.
I just watched an NC Miata video that made me change my mind on the new Supra. Didn't see that coming. Great job!
Just bought a NC3 (facelifted NC2 basically). I will be watching this every so often for years.
I loved my 2006 NC Miata. It was an uncommon off-white color in the base trim and was an absolute blast to drive. I often got compliments on it even though it's a common car, and I have a 911 now but still think about going back to a Miata sometimes.
I think it's not necessarily bad that the NC was bigger, softer, and more comfortable. It feels way more substantial and I did whole-day road trips in the NC with the roof down and didn't feel tired afterward. The NC still has amazing handling, it just feels a little more mature than an NA or NB.
being a first-time miata owner, and an NC1 owner at that, i love this car. it’s peppy, while being forgiving to a new owner like me. the engine gleefully sings as i glide across the highway. i love this car so much, i wouldn’t wanna trade it for anything for the foreseeable future. it’s so interesting seeing what was happening behind the scenes at mazda and ford, and the unusual culmination of american cost-cutting and japanese engineering. thank you savagegeese