I’ve had a ton of nice cars including a few Lambos, R8, lots of vtec cars, and currently a 7MT 992 911. When it comes to pure driving enjoyment, nothing tops my bone stock Grand Touring ND2 with its floaty OEM suspension. Truly the most fun car I’ve ever owned
Wow! That's some statement but i think i know where you're coming from. Currently got a 19 BRZ and apart from the good chassis i really don't like it! To me it's a soulless car that happens to be a sports car. Testing an ND2 this weekend and hoping it's what I'm craving..
If you have the coin for all that, I might steer you away from even the floaty, long bulky nosed ND2 and introduce you to an MR2 spyder. I tend to put 500 miles on my spyder for every 100 I put on my ND2 RF. Older cars just do it better. albeit my spyder is modified and my ND2 is a bone stock brembo recaro pack.
I owned an AP1 until Oct 2004 when I totaled it. 🤣 That sucker was so rear-snappy; sent me to a hospital for 3 days. 🤕🥴 Spine cracked (not broken) in 6 spots; laceration on the head; but it served me 3 years of fun - 3 summers of warm topless fun. 😁
@@Asiansxsymbol Ouch bro.Ya, I hear what you're saying about the AP1. I really only take it out in ideal conditions, and even then, I dare not test her. Sorry for your loss.
@@Asiansxsymbol I owned s2k and it was my high school crush. Finally got one as adult and loved and enjoyed it. I sold it after 4years and I am not looking back. I am glad you survived, no car or material is worth your life.
I daily drive an ND2 and the worst part is how small the trunk is, doesn’t fit much BUT it’s extremely fun, it makes you forget about all the little things about the car, I have a more “budget” setup, Ohlins Coilovers, Wilwood 6 piston, FM Wheels, and GWR SS exhaust. It’s my only car, sometimes I regret it in LA traffic, but overall worth it.
ND1 manual driving usually around the 405 and 101. I have the Goodwin exhaust as well. The SS are great without being too loud. I ended up keeping the baffles installed to quiet them down slightly.
I actually call my ND2 the Grocery Getter because of how much I can fit in the trunk and passenger seat lol. I've done $500 costco trips in my ND2. Heck I brought home a big cat tree with it, just had to put down the top!
Great video! ND2 is my everyday daily car. Makes every drive to groceries, tennis, hanging with friends, gym, getting food, commuting 2-3hrs 80 miles to my work, or anything fun. Top down even 5am or 3 am. When I need more people then I have my wife's civic sedan CVT. I'll get any used 4 door car/suv gas/ev as a third whatever vehicle.
@@naisbest3020 Love that car! Hope you kept al parts. I could buy one for 36k€ 15 years ago. I still regret not buying one. I now got my other dream car but it's so much more expensive to drive. (Had no issues so far but the stress)
I would add if you plan to track often are a more intermediate or higher level. Don't get the RF. The roof is not approved by most organizations and the only roll bar that exists will disable the roof feature
When I bought my ND1 GT in 2017, i immediately drove it to Long Road Racing and they engineered all the components to work together. They called it the ultimate MX5. With a cherry on top being an Edelbrock Supercharger. I highly recommend the upgrades. I also had a club version and agree with everything you said. Thanks for the confirmation. Great vid
I daily drive an ND2 (about 1k miles per month), why save the fun for the weekend? Mods are great for the track and weekends, but for a daily driver stock suspension is the best option. 16" wheels with yokohama tyres. Once you get used to the body roll the stiffer versions feel wrong.
I would have to disagree. With the proper coilovers, the ride can be firmer AND more compliant. I personally don't mind a few more bumps to have a more planted feel, but to each their own.
I agree with you Andy, our ND is totally stock with the 16" wheels and yokohama's but then i am 46 years old and only put 1000 miles a year on ours, I would love to drive it daily but i don't think i would get all my plumbing tools in it 🤣
For folks that don't like the body roll of the ND, I suggest getting sway bars first before springs or coilovers. I like Megan Racing. It was my third set of sways for my ND, others I tried were way too stiff and lost traction/mechanical grip.
Roll bars are for fine tuning. The roll in the Nds are massive. Using a swaybar to correct this in conjuction with the crappy oem struts will result in a very snappy car at the limit. Not good. High quality dampers should be the first mod
@@andrewrossnagel9433 most folks only want to spend a few hundred $$ on suspension so the best for that would be milder sways like Megan not other more stiffer ones like Racing Beat that does cause the snappyness at the limit. Hell stiffer sways causes more snappyness with good coilovers. I know I had many different setup, including 3 different sway bars, lowering coils, and now Ohlins. But the reality is most folks are vain and put on lowering springs instead. Given that sways and lowering springs cost about the same, for the ND if I had to pick one I choose milder sways every time. I'd rather leave the ND stock suspension than just put on lower springs. I had lowering springs only for several months they were just awful.
@@DaBinChe I have a Club model with Progress Lowering Springs (with the stock Bilsteins) and Racing Beat Sway bars set at their stiffest. I'm very pleased with the ride. It's very tire dependent though. Michelin PS4S is a comfortable ride, light steering and very good grip. Take those off and put on the Bridgestone RE71Rs and it quite different. Better and worse at the same time. The ride comfort goes to crap, but the steering gets heavier, better feel, and the grip level goes to a whole new level.
Selling my Turbocharged, fun NC2 and joining the ND club soon. Looking to get the Club Soft Top with Recaro Package in RED. NC had its worth in mods to keep it looking good and running powerful, so this video is a godsend for me. Looking at that spec in the new car feels like Mazda listened to tuners and racers as well as the design folk to make the ND2 my perfect upgrade, and seeing that a FRACTION of the mods I had to put into the NC to make it good are needed in the ND makes my heart and wallet so happy. :)
If I were getting an ND, I'd be tempted to get a 2018 and the smog-legal Edelbrock supercharger. Of course, Ohlin suspension and aftermarket exhaust would be added, also.
22 club sport trim (No Brembo, Bucket seat nor spoiler)is just as perfect as it gets for normal folks like myself. Demographic of most buyers are 50 plus years old. And let's face it, not all of us need a track car or any racing application. This car is comfy, nimble and just fun, making daily commuting bit more joyous.
Tbh, most guys don’t “get” the Miata until they’re 50ish. They are all trying to be the fastest street racer when the reality is, there’s always somebody faster than you, and there’s only so fast you can go without jail time.
This is the best ND2 review on youtube I swear. I daily my 2020 RF GT and love it. I used to daily motorcycles, but the ND2 is more luxury and slightly safer. Plan to add some minor mods after warranty period (like the fab9 versatune)
My ND2 is my DD (just as the NC and NA were previously). The beauty of the car is you can make it what you want it to be. That being said, I like them stock and my wife thinks the suspension is harsh as it is. (Whereas I'm like - this is aeons more compliant than the NA!)
If you don't mind putting in a little work, I recommend putting in the cusco chasis bracing. It'll run you a bit more than $1k and probably 3 hours of your time, but if you do all of them, it will make the care feel softer and the roll less ridiculous.
I got my dream car last year, a 19' club edition Miata RF. Been loving this car every second. I also daily for my Helpdesk job, and i carry a bunch of crap for work. Even full size combo printers fit in my passenger seat. Lol 😆 Mods: cobalt exhaust Short antenna FM kogeki bronze wheels
I did the Goodwin springs and alignment. The race muffler and some good tires. Even my wife notice the fun factor was up 100%. You have not done wrong if you leave the Club stock but it’s worth the trouble to upgrade.
My friend has an ND2 and I have a 2.5 NC and we challenge each other all the time 😁👍🏼 the ND2 is still faster at lower speeds especially that he has the soft top and I have the hard top version of the NC which is literally the heaviest Miata, but just to not confuse anyone, he's never more than a car length away from me, and on very high speed, at like 180km I pass him, but I mean realistically nobody is driving miatas at that speed 😁 If you want the best it's ND2, if you want the cheapest way to have something close to ND2, get a soft top NC and 2.5 swap it! The performance will be very similar and the weight difference wouldn't be felt I promise you, I know people bash on the NCs all the time, but as I have driven and been in both, the NC if modified is a lot of fun 👍🏼 Just do not compare them stock 🤣💔
@@raghibfarrash2183 I have both. ND is my favorite but still enjoy the NC and it looks hot with the hard top. It’s a blonde-redhead thing. What pulls your trigger or what mood are you in. In disclosure I’ve left the NC stock and it has a auto. The other one is called the hooligan. It does thing…
@@tomwinner5350 Cool man enjoy the heck out of them, yes an automatic hardtop NC would be the mildest comfiest Miata you can get, it wouldn't set any record any where it's just convenient 🖤 a perfect cruiser. I myself care for a more aggressive driving style, changing gears and taking corners at higher speeds and what not and in that sense I felt I had to mod my NC or just get an ND and call it a day 🤷🏽♂️
You should compare it when you do performance upgrades and a tune next, we just did a turbo kit with methanol and one of our custom tunes on an ND2 a few months ago and it's a weapon!
i just got a 2016 with less than 16k miles my favorite car even compared to the camaro and mustangs i drove i also drove a 350z and yes the 350 was like 5k cheaper but not nearly as nice
The red is all i need its already my favorite color to begin with, and then mazda goes and makes the best looking red paint ever with the crystal soul red in 2019
@@davepaturno4290 red is the only color I have on my 2 door cars and I will always buy only red 2 doors, satin grey is cool for a temporary wrap to change it up.
The ICE MX5's demise has been greatly exaggerated, given its excellent fuel mileage. Currently, only 3% of vehicles sold are EVs. WE still have plenty of time to enjoy the ICE MX5. Also, the 2016 and 17s are prime candidates for the Edelbrock supercharger that puts out 200 HP at the wheels.
@@vagabond1776 they reduced the size of the fuel injectors on the ND2... also I think it needs a bit more time to develop kits for nd2 and for tuners to get more experience with them to make safe reliable power.
JHC! If they can’t figure out a kit when the ND2 is in its 5th model year, they aren’t trying, or they’re effing morons! How much time do they need? Are they waiting for democrats to outlaw gasoline?!?!?
Hey love the del sol and have been comparing the nd to it a lot and thinking about replacing the sol with the nd, what are the major difference in your opinion between the two?
This always was the ultimate car. I own MKIV Supra since before the movie came out and I raced in Spec Miata. Miata was the ultimate sports car since day 1. You can't beat physics.
The ND2 suspension is definitely soft for performance driving. I think they didn’t want to sacrifice ride quality for some of the older customers. My buddy put ohlins DFV on his and it completely transformed the car. Corners very flat and is very stable mid turn over bumps but the DFV has very good ride quality.
There's also an aftermarket steering wheel (looks like a Guardian Designs) in the soft top, which makes such a nice difference over the junk OEM wheel. I'm curious what else was modified aside from the items mentioned.
@@judge831 I'm curious...what is there to love about the stock wheel? It was a distraction immediately after getting into the car for the first time. Too large of an OD, too thin of a rim, and the material is awful - slick, hard and uncomfortable. They put far nicer wheels in the 3 and even the current SUV's. It's not a wheel that belongs in a sports car and I've never heard anyone say that they "love it." As for the seat height, that can be easily addressed. I recommend the Aurora Fab kit.
+1 for the Guardian Design steering wheel. Much better tactility than the OEM. Let’s be honest you spend 99% of your time in the car touching the steering wheel, so get a good one.
Awesome review on a well modded ND.2. Love the ND.2. Fenton, I'd like to see you drive the new BRZ/86 and get your thoughts comparing to the ND.2 vs s2000 :)
Just put the ulter exhaust for good sound in the modified one and you have the perfect miata. In stock one at least change sway bars. Reduces body roll enough for b roads and maintain comfort.
I noticed both cars have aftermarket steering wheels. One flaw to me that I don't hear mentioned in reviews is how skinny the stock steering wheel is. I don't have large hands but even then I feel the wheel needs to be thicker.
The weight loss on the stop techs and volks, make a huge difference in unsprung weight, letting that super expensive kw set up even better than just the kw’s alone.
I had an NC3 as my daily driver for 6 years and had the exact same opinion about the suspension. Too much roll, and not enough feel for grip at the limit. I replaced it with a BMW 3 series but I'm seriously considering an ND2.
My NC1 has Progress springs, adjustable Koni shocks, beefier sways, a shock tower brace, CAI, and custom exhaust routing with Magnaflow muffler. It is a pleasure to drive. My goal is to buy a different type of car to compliment the NC. Maybe an NC1 NSX
Seriously, you young guys, "dont think i could daily an nd 2" . Back in aincient history, last century, I daily drove a Caterham 7. In the UK, in snow. Dont give up your youth so easily. You will probably have kids and your choices will become limited. Toughen up, please, before we all give up hope for you, and you dont need 4wd in snow just the right tyres.
just got a used ND2 club rf, came with progress springs installed already and the suspension seems quite good with stock bilsteins...also has front sway bar (karcepts)...
That is pretty much perfect. I have been through over 10k of suspensions on my 4 ND’s and I have found the Progress springs on the stock Bilsteins and good front sway bar to be everything you need for a street car.
@@Chilicharger665 yeah this is my first miata. previous owner autocross/tracked this car and did the suspension mods himself and said the stock springs seemed too soft with the stock bilsteins. i'm very happy with it as is, not sure how much more i'll mod the car. considering the s/c possibly...just don't wanna deal with any smog issues :D
I'd love to know exactly which version of the 16" Volk TE37 wheels he's running? I've got the factory Brembo brakes, which I assume are similar to those Stoptechs. There are so many width, face, and offset options, I'd love to know which will clear the brakes and the ones on the modified ND2 look great!
I could not stand the body roll in this car! I immediately purchased a set of Cusco sway bars and it completely changed the driving experience for me. From the factory I didn't like the driving dynamics and handling characteristics. After the sway bar install, it felt like a real sports car. Aftermarket sway bars are a must for this car.
The two most available used parts for the nd are the BBS wheels and Bilstein struts. Get a Grand touring and put your own wheels and struts / springs on. This will fix the body roll and give you a wider stance. You can get a gt now with the lsd.
This is long, intended for performance oriented drivers seriously considering buying a Miata. The reviewer has only superficial knowledge of the MX-5. With a little research he would find out the factory delivers these cars softly sprung because half the owner base are not sports car enthusiasts, but instead are cute-car fans who buy Miatas as fashion accessories. These buyers want a soft ride, automatic transmission, and steel targa top, and Mazda happily caters to them because the profit from the optioned-out Miatas they buy subsidizes the Miata’s ongoing production and development. There aren’t enough stick-shifting motorheads left to justify a dedicated, no-compromise sports car, as Honda found out from the failure of its excellent S2000. Every Miata’s underpinnings are designed for performance, like its all-alloy, fully adjustable wishbone suspension. Foregoing the luxury options leaves you with a car that retains all the elements of driving greatness. It is up to the buyer to finish the job. Racers and serious back-road bandits have a huge aftermarket of reputable vendors to choose from to upgrade the Miata’s suspension and powertrain, and thus deliver exactly the kind of performance they want from a Miata that is uniquely theirs. If you want a faster Miata, bypass the Club, which is a cash cow for the dealers. Every experienced racer who buys a Club knows he has to replace the shocks and brakes because the Club versions cannot stand up to track use. The Club is an overpriced, under-perorming sales manager’s delight. The Miata for the sports car enthusiast to buy is the little-known base-level Sport. It is a completely finished car, from AC to cruise control, and incorporates the powered-up ND2 engine, but is also the lightest of the series and the most desirable for competition. For example, the Club comes with 17” wheels but the racers know 16” wheels result in faster lap times, and the Sport comes with 16” wheels. With the thousands you save on foregoing the Club’s frills, you can afford to transform your Sport into a back-road Porsche stalker by purchasing high-quality bolt-on replacements like a coilover kit equipped with premium Ohlins shocks, or a race-spec brake package that includes must-have metallic brake lines. Join a local Miata club and find out from the fast guys what to add and who to use for service. Online, miata.net is a valuable resource. An example of a service provider who can make a big improvement in your Miata’s handling without your having to buy new hardware: an alignment shop with a background in setting up race cars. Miatas are delivered with imprecise wheel alignment. Get the alignment specification list from Flyin Miata, a respected aftermarket builder, and have your alignment shop use those specs as a guide to set up your Miata to deliver on its potential. Turn-in and lateral grip are greatly enhanced. A note about performance. Faster is not necessarily better. Adding forced induction disturbs the car’s balance and, more importantly, goes against its ethos: on a tight, twisty road, an expert driver in a well-sorted sports car will run away from an average driver in a faster performance car. This is the defining characteristic of the 1960s British sports car that was the Miata’s inspiration. Any fool can point his 500 hp car and stand on the accelerator, then have to slam on the brakes at the next corner. The skilled MX-5 pilot can heel-and-toe his way around corners at higher entry speeds, and get back on the power earlier. Dropping V8 Mustangs in the twisties through superior driving technique is gratifying, and fun! The ND2’s motor achieved its higher redline and greater power by old-fashioned hot-rod techniques that include improving the breathing, reducing the mass of reciprocating parts, and using exotic alloys to produce a reliable, high-revving engine with 13:1 compression and a wide power band. There is no aftermarket “tune” for this car because it is not needed. The stock ND2 is a genuinely fast car - getting to 60 in 5.7 seconds and capable of 135 mph - that also is super reliable and cheap to maintain, AND delivers mid-30s fuel economy, even when driven fast. I purchased my ND2, a 2019 Sport with no fancy paint or other options, in August of that year and so far have accumulated 21 thousand miles of back-road delight. I’m retired now and don’t autocross or track, and my car’s mostly stock setup is perfectly acceptable for 7/10ths driving on back roads. Maintenance cost has been minimal - a few years ago Consumer Reports named the ND as the cheapest to operate car sold in America. A sports car! Just for fun I checked Edmunds the other week and discovered I could sell my pristine four-year old Sport with 21k miles at a $900 profit! But this baby isn’t going anywhere. If the MX-5 appeals to you in a way an auto-trans quarter-mile monster doesn’t, you have the makings of membership in a vanishing niche of car enthusiasts, those to whom becoming expert multitaskers at steering, braking, shifting and accelerating provides a sense of fulfillment that is lived out when taking on a challenging road. To get across it swiftly, smoothly, and safely results in a level of engagement that cannot be equalled by owning a faster, heavier performance machine. In American culture the sports car will always play second fiddle to the muscle car (which I also like - I grew up on Mopars). But then again, the Miata was designed in California and has achieved sales success here in the USA by shrewdly appealing to two owner types. Faster compacts like the GR86 might hold more people and stuff, but they will never equal the experience of driving top-down on a summer’s day in a featherweight sports car on a demanding road. Do it well and you will know the ultimate driving experience.
Flyin Miata stage 2 sway bars (front frame reinforcement, billet clamps , adjustable sways) my RF absolutely digs its claws into the corner and body roll is gone.
I really love the ND2 Miata and would love to own one but, as an affordable sports car, it is hard to justify it's $35,755 price tag (Club soft top w/Brembo package) against a similarly optioned 2022 Subaru BRZ ($28,955). Granted, the BRZ is a hardtop but I bet many enthusiasts cross-shop these two cars. Also, if you want to track the Miata, many track day organizations require a roll bar in the Miata but not in the BRZ. So added cost there, too ($1000 or so).
I wish the brz was built like the nd2 and s2000 underneath. Instead its a bunch of stamped steel instead of aluminum. Also I just don't trust subaru as much if this is a car I keep for 10 years. Still haven't decided though. The brz price is so attractive.
right on the price tag doesn't make sense. for an extra 10k you can get a way faster sports car or sedan. after modding the miata you're looking at 40k+ for a slow sports car
@@electricfeel9501 Like what? None of those 'way faster sports car' or 'sedan' for extra 10k have the cornering ability to sustain high cornering speeds like the BRZ and MX-5s unless you spend a lot on very wide and grippy and expensive tyres that don't last long
If I wasn't planning on heavily modifying the ND2, I would have bought a Grand Touring with GT-S (suspension upgrade). I went with a used Sport for $24k allowing me to dump money into however I want to modify the vehicle. I'll still be right at or a little over the cost of the Grand touring once I have everything I want done on the car. Buying new is not the only option when it comes to sports cars, especially if you are going to rip a lot of stuff out anyway.
Can you recommend an aftermarket LSD? I'm considering a Club ND2 but don't like the suspension. If I could save money on the base, I could go with an aftermarket LSD and get better suspension from the money
After trading my my wrx for a nd2, I did notice that the nd2 has wayyyyy softer suspension. Feels like bumps and potholes don't even exist, by comparison. My gf is very happy about it, lol.
@@ki_charger Kinda. It's way smaller, lighter and lower, and I definitely feel it "hop" around more when accelerating around corners which is fun. It sort of feels like I took a go kart into actual traffic. I enjoy the soft top a lot. It's got decent power when there's no passenger. The shifter is way more precise. But on the flip side, when driving the wrx the turbo makes it sound/feel like an airplane taking off, whereas the Mx5 kinda just makes straining noises past 2.5k rpm (it pulls fine, just doesn't sound great). The awd gets traction in all weather, can accelerate out of corners better, and with the turbo you can pass people without shifting as low. It's more stable on the highway, and is less likely to result in death in an accident. Overall I prefer the Mx5 but do occasionally miss the turbo/awd and carrying capacity of the wrx. I would say the wrx is much more enjoyable on the highway due to better stability/power and not making straining noises, whereas the Mx5 is much more enjoyable on local roads where it's less straight, traveling at lower speeds/revs the engine purrs, you get to enjoy the amazing shifter, and putting the top down isn't deafening. Also, the sound system is actually pretty solid unlike the wrx.
If you’re trying to slide it, the smaller wheelbase is going to make it always feel snappier than a gr86. I’d say get used to low grip tires and an aggressive 2 way or 1.5 way lsd. Then add coils and a roll bar for chassis stiffening
I got tired of looking for another equivalent S2000 and I've been looking elsewhere lately.I know this place is more of Car Track relative places but may I interest you in some Go kart experience like 100/125cc TAG or even less powerful LO206. I would love to hear your take on it.
I have an e92 M3 that's supercharged but was thinking about getting one of these since it seems like a cool duo. Has anyone regretted one of these when they're used to more capable cars?
I have a w204 c63 coupe, e550 twin turbo coupe, had a e90 330i, ive driven m5s, m3s, 911s, cayman, newer c63s, and on twisty roads the miata is far far more fun, I actually bought one over a 991.1 911 carrera s. The miata nd2 is the most fun car at any price u can spend millions and no car will come close to the fun of the miata, other then a lotus elise, air cooled 911, and a few other old british roadsters. Even Gordan Murray creator of mclaren f1, and Christian Von Koenigsegg said this in the new top gear podcast.
SWAY BARS SWAY BARS SWAY BARS SWAY BARS SWAY BARS SWAY BARS. They make a night and day difference, especially on track. Do this before dropping four figures on coilovers and ruining the ride. My NC can attest to that, will be putting them on my ND1 soon.
@@PeterPangea Honestly, no, I don't think it is THE question. The comparison has been on my mind though since I just got an FD. Having driven an S2000, they're quite different experiences despite having similar weights and layouts.
Like Burgerfriesandacoke mentioned below I have the exact same experience. I went through an F12, 488, 458 (two of them), LP560-4, MP12-C, 08 Viper, 13 Viper GTS, Lancer EVO, Maserati Quattroporte GTS, M-B CLS63 AMG... and right now I own a 23 Boxster GTS 4.0 (6-Speed Manual), 23 CT5-V Blackwing (6-Speed Manual), 23 Cayenne, 23 BRZ (6-Speed Manual), 22 Tacoma TRD Pro (6-Speed Manual), 22 Camaro LT1 (6-Speed Manual), and a 07 E60 M5 (6-Speed Manual). I wanted to test out the ND2 Miata and loved it so I just added a 23 Miata Grand Touring (6-Speed Manual) as well. Exact same reason and opinion about this car. This car is just something that gives a go-kart feel. I had driven a Lotus Elise before and it feels just like it (almost). Not bad for a $33K car!
Modified is way better but I guess it depends on personal standards. I would buy the cheapest one and modify it. Buying club is a waste of money if you want to upgrade power. Club set up for stock is good enough. ND2 is okay compared to ND1. Does not get you wet enough to justify the cost difference. If the ND3 had 8k with turbo. Now we talking business. Only other packages that would be interesting are a cup car or the flyin miata v8 package.
Man the RF looks great but I hate that Mazda made it a retractable hard top instead of a targa. Been a while since I drove an ND, how's the steering feel?
Can someone tell me which tires to get for everyday use? I NEVER track the car, but im always having fun when in out and about. Preferably some that are better than the standard ones in the rain too. One thing is dry performance, but the standard tires just feel like ice skating on wet roads.
Tires are all about compromise. Better grip (stickier compound) means less tread life and often more expensive. Better wet performance means worse dry performance. Better steering feel (turn in, transitions, etc) means harsher ride from stiffer sidewall. So it really depends on what you're looking for in your experience with your car. Where do you live and what is your car and its exact setup? Give more detail in how you drive and what you expect from getting new tires. I got a new 2021 Miata Club ST 3 months ago and was surprised how stiff it rode. The Club has Bilstein shocks and 25% stiffer rear springs. I decided to go down to a 16" wheel to get more sidewall in the tires for more compliance, so from stock 205/45R17 to 205/50R16. The wheels I got are also much lighter than stock, so with less unsprung weight, they can react more quickly to changes in the road. The Firestone Indy 500 tires (Bridgestone RE003 in other markets in the world) I decided on give me so much more confidence than the stock BS S001 did. I never felt comfortable pushing it with the S001s. That said, the Indy 500s (RE003) probably have slightly less grip in the rain, not a problem for me in San Diego.
@@andrewrossnagel9433 I agree, Ohlin's are pretty nice. I'm just making the point that many "street racers" (non xcross/track) use coil overs and they would be much better off with spring/struts on regular roads.
I’ve had a ton of nice cars including a few Lambos, R8, lots of vtec cars, and currently a 7MT 992 911. When it comes to pure driving enjoyment, nothing tops my bone stock Grand Touring ND2 with its floaty OEM suspension. Truly the most fun car I’ve ever owned
Wow! That's some statement but i think i know where you're coming from. Currently got a 19 BRZ and apart from the good chassis i really don't like it! To me it's a soulless car that happens to be a sports car. Testing an ND2 this weekend and hoping it's what I'm craving..
@@patrickbateman7122 how was it?
@@angelulloa717 i couldn't fit 😪
@@patrickbateman7122 get in the hard top rf? It was too small for me but the softtop was fine. Try that if you need an inch more clearance.
If you have the coin for all that, I might steer you away from even the floaty, long bulky nosed ND2 and introduce you to an MR2 spyder. I tend to put 500 miles on my spyder for every 100 I put on my ND2 RF. Older cars just do it better. albeit my spyder is modified and my ND2 is a bone stock brembo recaro pack.
Adding power makes you faster on the straights. Subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere.
-Colin Chapman
(Founder Lotus)
I give the Miata operators much respect when I'm prowling in the S2K.
I owned an AP1 until Oct 2004 when I totaled it. 🤣 That sucker was so rear-snappy; sent me to a hospital for 3 days. 🤕🥴 Spine cracked (not broken) in 6 spots; laceration on the head; but it served me 3 years of fun - 3 summers of warm topless fun. 😁
@@Asiansxsymbol Ouch bro.Ya, I hear what you're saying about the AP1. I really only take it out in ideal conditions, and even then, I dare not test her. Sorry for your loss.
@@Asiansxsymbol I owned s2k and it was my high school crush. Finally got one as adult and loved and enjoyed it. I sold it after 4years and I am not looking back. I am glad you survived, no car or material is worth your life.
I daily drive an ND2 and the worst part is how small the trunk is, doesn’t fit much BUT it’s extremely fun, it makes you forget about all the little things about the car, I have a more “budget” setup, Ohlins Coilovers, Wilwood 6 piston, FM Wheels, and GWR SS exhaust. It’s my only car, sometimes I regret it in LA traffic, but overall worth it.
I have a manual NC1 in LA traffic, still love it! But I have no serious hills on my route.
ND1 manual driving usually around the 405 and 101. I have the Goodwin exhaust as well. The SS are great without being too loud. I ended up keeping the baffles installed to quiet them down slightly.
Update: I no longer drive an ND2, was in an accident, and it was completely destroyed, hope to drive one again soon, drive safe guys 🤕
@@suika301 Duude, fuck. RIP modded ND2. Hopefully you came out of that /okay/.
I actually call my ND2 the Grocery Getter because of how much I can fit in the trunk and passenger seat lol. I've done $500 costco trips in my ND2. Heck I brought home a big cat tree with it, just had to put down the top!
Great video! ND2 is my everyday daily car. Makes every drive to groceries, tennis, hanging with friends, gym, getting food, commuting 2-3hrs 80 miles to my work, or anything fun. Top down even 5am or 3 am. When I need more people then I have my wife's civic sedan CVT. I'll get any used 4 door car/suv gas/ev as a third whatever vehicle.
there is literally nothing that can take the place of physical lightness in a sports car. it's just a difference experience. /E.
That’s why I dropped 200+ lbs off my NSX
I have a Caterham 7 and can vouch for that.
@@naisbest3020 would love to see a pov drive in the NSX! I still want one!
That is so true! Always love my ND.
@@naisbest3020 Love that car! Hope you kept al parts. I could buy one for 36k€ 15 years ago. I still regret not buying one. I now got my other dream car but it's so much more expensive to drive. (Had no issues so far but the stress)
I would add if you plan to track often are a more intermediate or higher level. Don't get the RF. The roof is not approved by most organizations and the only roll bar that exists will disable the roof feature
When I bought my ND1 GT in 2017, i immediately drove it to Long Road Racing and they engineered all the components to work together. They called it the ultimate MX5. With a cherry on top being an Edelbrock Supercharger. I highly recommend the upgrades. I also had a club version and agree with everything you said. Thanks for the confirmation. Great vid
Sounds great! Curious...what did all the mods and installation cost?
@@jimknowles5483 initial costs were about 16k
The shifting is direct straight to the transmission and it does feel a lot like the S 2000 . Love mine .
I daily drive an ND2 (about 1k miles per month), why save the fun for the weekend?
Mods are great for the track and weekends, but for a daily driver stock suspension is the best option. 16" wheels with yokohama tyres.
Once you get used to the body roll the stiffer versions feel wrong.
I would have to disagree. With the proper coilovers, the ride can be firmer AND more compliant. I personally don't mind a few more bumps to have a more planted feel, but to each their own.
I thought the stock Bilstein dampers in my ND2 rode horribly. Jiggly and maintained poor contact with the road. My coilovers are much better.
What are "tyres"? Some kind of illness?
@@Asiansxsymbol the plural of tyre. They are the rubber things wrapped around wheels.
I agree with you Andy, our ND is totally stock with the 16" wheels and yokohama's but then i am 46 years old and only put 1000 miles a year on ours, I would love to drive it daily but i don't think i would get all my plumbing tools in it 🤣
For folks that don't like the body roll of the ND, I suggest getting sway bars first before springs or coilovers. I like Megan Racing. It was my third set of sways for my ND, others I tried were way too stiff and lost traction/mechanical grip.
How is this said sway bar pair with some nice coils?
@@jeff346 Great. I have Ohlins Long Travel from SakeBomb.
Roll bars are for fine tuning. The roll in the Nds are massive. Using a swaybar to correct this in conjuction with the crappy oem struts will result in a very snappy car at the limit. Not good. High quality dampers should be the first mod
@@andrewrossnagel9433 most folks only want to spend a few hundred $$ on suspension so the best for that would be milder sways like Megan not other more stiffer ones like Racing Beat that does cause the snappyness at the limit. Hell stiffer sways causes more snappyness with good coilovers. I know I had many different setup, including 3 different sway bars, lowering coils, and now Ohlins. But the reality is most folks are vain and put on lowering springs instead. Given that sways and lowering springs cost about the same, for the ND if I had to pick one I choose milder sways every time. I'd rather leave the ND stock suspension than just put on lower springs. I had lowering springs only for several months they were just awful.
@@DaBinChe I have a Club model with Progress Lowering Springs (with the stock Bilsteins) and Racing Beat Sway bars set at their stiffest. I'm very pleased with the ride. It's very tire dependent though. Michelin PS4S is a comfortable ride, light steering and very good grip. Take those off and put on the Bridgestone RE71Rs and it quite different. Better and worse at the same time. The ride comfort goes to crap, but the steering gets heavier, better feel, and the grip level goes to a whole new level.
Selling my Turbocharged, fun NC2 and joining the ND club soon. Looking to get the Club Soft Top with Recaro Package in RED. NC had its worth in mods to keep it looking good and running powerful, so this video is a godsend for me. Looking at that spec in the new car feels like Mazda listened to tuners and racers as well as the design folk to make the ND2 my perfect upgrade, and seeing that a FRACTION of the mods I had to put into the NC to make it good are needed in the ND makes my heart and wallet so happy. :)
If I were getting an ND, I'd be tempted to get a 2018 and the smog-legal Edelbrock supercharger. Of course, Ohlin suspension and aftermarket exhaust would be added, also.
Nobody could really describe nd2 mods as well as you. Subbed.
22 club sport trim (No Brembo, Bucket seat nor spoiler)is just as perfect as it gets for normal folks like myself. Demographic of most buyers are 50 plus years old. And let's face it, not all of us need a track car or any racing application. This car is comfy, nimble and just fun, making daily commuting bit more joyous.
Tbh, most guys don’t “get” the Miata until they’re 50ish. They are all trying to be the fastest street racer when the reality is, there’s always somebody faster than you, and there’s only so fast you can go without jail time.
This is the best ND2 review on youtube I swear. I daily my 2020 RF GT and love it. I used to daily motorcycles, but the ND2 is more luxury and slightly safer. Plan to add some minor mods after warranty period (like the fab9 versatune)
threw some eibach F&R sways bars and Ohlins coil overs on, and now it's a serious, serious handling machine
My ND2 is my DD (just as the NC and NA were previously). The beauty of the car is you can make it what you want it to be. That being said, I like them stock and my wife thinks the suspension is harsh as it is. (Whereas I'm like - this is aeons more compliant than the NA!)
If you don't mind putting in a little work, I recommend putting in the cusco chasis bracing. It'll run you a bit more than $1k and probably 3 hours of your time, but if you do all of them, it will make the care feel softer and the roll less ridiculous.
Love the ES parked at the end of the video!
I got my dream car last year, a 19' club edition Miata RF. Been loving this car every second. I also daily for my Helpdesk job, and i carry a bunch of crap for work. Even full size combo printers fit in my passenger seat. Lol 😆
Mods:
cobalt exhaust
Short antenna
FM kogeki bronze wheels
I just got the same exact car but in soul red with the same wheels! Congrats!
I did the Goodwin springs and alignment. The race muffler and some good tires. Even my wife notice the fun factor was up 100%. You have not done wrong if you leave the Club stock but it’s worth the trouble to upgrade.
All you need is a Suspension upgrade stickier tires and an Exhaust. And the car is perfect
I love my stock ND1 EXCEPT for when it's raining. It's so light and low and hydroplanes very easily!
Try a different tire, maybe... When my wife had a Fiat 500 a change in tire made all the difference
Would love to hear your take on a 2.5 swapped NC Miata vs. a modified ND2.
no, just NO!
nah jk that'd be cool lol.
My friend has an ND2 and I have a 2.5 NC and we challenge each other all the time 😁👍🏼 the ND2 is still faster at lower speeds especially that he has the soft top and I have the hard top version of the NC which is literally the heaviest Miata, but just to not confuse anyone, he's never more than a car length away from me, and on very high speed, at like 180km I pass him, but I mean realistically nobody is driving miatas at that speed 😁
If you want the best it's ND2, if you want the cheapest way to have something close to ND2, get a soft top NC and 2.5 swap it! The performance will be very similar and the weight difference wouldn't be felt I promise you, I know people bash on the NCs all the time, but as I have driven and been in both, the NC if modified is a lot of fun 👍🏼
Just do not compare them stock 🤣💔
More torque = better
@@raghibfarrash2183
I have both. ND is my favorite but still enjoy the NC and it looks hot with the hard top. It’s a blonde-redhead thing. What pulls your trigger or what mood are you in. In disclosure I’ve left the NC stock and it has a auto. The other one is called the hooligan. It does thing…
@@tomwinner5350 Cool man enjoy the heck out of them, yes an automatic hardtop NC would be the mildest comfiest Miata you can get, it wouldn't set any record any where it's just convenient 🖤 a perfect cruiser. I myself care for a more aggressive driving style, changing gears and taking corners at higher speeds and what not and in that sense I felt I had to mod my NC or just get an ND and call it a day 🤷🏽♂️
Those N. Cal roads look fun.
Got dang that aftermarket seat is LoW ! Lol
You should compare it when you do performance upgrades and a tune next, we just did a turbo kit with methanol and one of our custom tunes on an ND2 a few months ago and it's a weapon!
Do you have a link to or any further info on this kit? Considering getting a new 22 ND2 but cannot find any turbo kit avail. Thanks.
i just got a 2016 with less than 16k miles my favorite car even compared to the camaro and mustangs i drove i also drove a 350z and yes the 350 was like 5k cheaper but not nearly as nice
My problem with the ND2? The lack of color options. The red looks good, but everyone gets red
Yea I wish they had more colors to pick from.
Everyone?
The red is all i need its already my favorite color to begin with, and then mazda goes and makes the best looking red paint ever with the crystal soul red in 2019
@@Sideways_Singh You have a huge number of choices of wrap colors - no need to be limited.
@@davepaturno4290 red is the only color I have on my 2 door cars and I will always buy only red 2 doors, satin grey is cool for a temporary wrap to change it up.
The ICE MX5's demise has been greatly exaggerated, given its excellent fuel mileage. Currently, only 3% of vehicles sold are EVs. WE still have plenty of time to enjoy the ICE MX5. Also, the 2016 and 17s are prime candidates for the Edelbrock supercharger that puts out 200 HP at the wheels.
Why only the ‘16 & ‘17 recommended for the supercharger, and not later models???
@@vagabond1776 they reduced the size of the fuel injectors on the ND2... also I think it needs a bit more time to develop kits for nd2 and for tuners to get more experience with them to make safe reliable power.
JHC! If they can’t figure out a kit when the ND2 is in its 5th model year, they aren’t trying, or they’re effing morons! How much time do they need? Are they waiting for democrats to outlaw gasoline?!?!?
The question would be if he upgraded the swaybars. It has such a huge impact.
Nice vidéo ! You need to test à BBr Super 220, it is a blast to see, feel and hear the engine revving @ 8000 rpm !
I love how the check engine light is flashing in the modified Miata 😂😂.
I daily my nd2 rf, lol I have a e550 coupe that I can daily but the nd2 is so fun the benz just sits there 😂
I’m planning to get a nd2 this year. I want to confirm that volk te37 is 25 mm offsets? I like this set up volk and bbk
Nice video, I have a 2007 true red Mazda Miata hardtop retractable NC in mint condition. We used to have a NA which I miss.
Where's that road?
Vs Honda s2000 which one better? But I more like this car interior
my favorite car of all time is a Honda Del Sol. Just purchased a ND2 MX-5 yesterday and I'm having a ball.
Hey love the del sol and have been comparing the nd to it a lot and thinking about replacing the sol with the nd, what are the major difference in your opinion between the two?
This always was the ultimate car. I own MKIV Supra since before the movie came out and I raced in Spec Miata. Miata was the ultimate sports car since day 1. You can't beat physics.
The ND2 suspension is definitely soft for performance driving. I think they didn’t want to sacrifice ride quality for some of the older customers. My buddy put ohlins DFV on his and it completely transformed the car. Corners very flat and is very stable mid turn over bumps but the DFV has very good ride quality.
There's also an aftermarket steering wheel (looks like a Guardian Designs) in the soft top, which makes such a nice difference over the junk OEM wheel. I'm curious what else was modified aside from the items mentioned.
I think it just has the suspension, BBK, wheels/tires, exhaust, steering wheel, and seat
I love the stock whe on my ND1. I definitely wish the seat was lower though.
@@judge831 I'm curious...what is there to love about the stock wheel? It was a distraction immediately after getting into the car for the first time. Too large of an OD, too thin of a rim, and the material is awful - slick, hard and uncomfortable. They put far nicer wheels in the 3 and even the current SUV's. It's not a wheel that belongs in a sports car and I've never heard anyone say that they "love it."
As for the seat height, that can be easily addressed. I recommend the Aurora Fab kit.
+1 for the Guardian Design steering wheel. Much better tactility than the OEM. Let’s be honest you spend 99% of your time in the car touching the steering wheel, so get a good one.
Detailed list:
Suspension:
KW Clubsport coilovers
Progress swaybars front and rear
Swaybar bracket reinforcements front and rear
Goodwin front stb
Power:
Flyin Miata midpipe
HKS catback
Brakes:
Stoptech front BBK
Raybestos ST-45 pads front and rear
Wheels/tires
Te37 sonic wheels
Rt660 tires
Engine:
Flyin Miata oil cooler
Verus AOS
Interior:
Bride Air seat
Guardian Designs 300 mm steering wheel
Blackbird Fabworx rollbar
Awesome review on a well modded ND.2. Love the ND.2. Fenton, I'd like to see you drive the new BRZ/86 and get your thoughts comparing to the ND.2 vs s2000 :)
Is the steering wheel in that RF stock? I've asked Mazda about getting one and they said they don't make one like that.
How about the 990S
Just put the ulter exhaust for good sound in the modified one and you have the perfect miata. In stock one at least change sway bars. Reduces body roll enough for b roads and maintain comfort.
I noticed both cars have aftermarket steering wheels. One flaw to me that I don't hear mentioned in reviews is how skinny the stock steering wheel is. I don't have large hands but even then I feel the wheel needs to be thicker.
Do you have an aftermarket steering wheel on there
Could you test the 2022 ND3 MX-5 with kinamatic posture control / Dynamic Yaw Control in club sport... Interested
The weight loss on the stop techs and volks, make a huge difference in unsprung weight, letting that super expensive kw set up even better than just the kw’s alone.
-watches video with machine grey RF - Oh yeah this is the one I want
-watches video with soul red RF - No wait its this one
Repeat
What steering wheel are in those? The first one imparticular 2:29 ? Thank you!
Same question
I had an NC3 as my daily driver for 6 years and had the exact same opinion about the suspension. Too much roll, and not enough feel for grip at the limit. I replaced it with a BMW 3 series but I'm seriously considering an ND2.
My NC1 has Progress springs, adjustable Koni shocks, beefier sways, a shock tower brace, CAI, and custom exhaust routing with Magnaflow muffler. It is a pleasure to drive. My goal is to buy a different type of car to compliment the NC. Maybe an NC1 NSX
Seriously, you young guys, "dont think i could daily an nd 2" . Back in aincient history, last century, I daily drove a Caterham 7. In the UK, in snow. Dont give up your youth so easily. You will probably have kids and your choices will become limited. Toughen up, please, before we all give up hope for you, and you dont need 4wd in snow just the right tyres.
I daily a ND1 rf miata in the winter in the US. I am also 188cm lol
just got a used ND2 club rf, came with progress springs installed already and the suspension seems quite good with stock bilsteins...also has front sway bar (karcepts)...
That is pretty much perfect. I have been through over 10k of suspensions on my 4 ND’s and I have found the Progress springs on the stock Bilsteins and good front sway bar to be everything you need for a street car.
@@Chilicharger665 yeah this is my first miata. previous owner autocross/tracked this car and did the suspension mods himself and said the stock springs seemed too soft with the stock bilsteins. i'm very happy with it as is, not sure how much more i'll mod the car. considering the s/c possibly...just don't wanna deal with any smog issues :D
3:07 dampers have little to do with body roll. That's the sway bars.
I knew you had a video. 🥰
I'd love to know exactly which version of the 16" Volk TE37 wheels he's running? I've got the factory Brembo brakes, which I assume are similar to those Stoptechs. There are so many width, face, and offset options, I'd love to know which will clear the brakes and the ones on the modified ND2 look great!
I could not stand the body roll in this car! I immediately purchased a set of Cusco sway bars and it completely changed the driving experience for me. From the factory I didn't like the driving dynamics and handling characteristics. After the sway bar install, it felt like a real sports car. Aftermarket sway bars are a must for this car.
The two most available used parts for the nd are the BBS wheels and Bilstein struts. Get a Grand touring and put your own wheels and struts / springs on. This will fix the body roll and give you a wider stance. You can get a gt now with the lsd.
I hope Brembo makes calipers for the GT as well as BBS makes wheels for the GT down the road.
This is long, intended for performance oriented drivers seriously considering buying a Miata.
The reviewer has only superficial knowledge of the MX-5. With a little research he would find out the factory delivers these cars softly sprung because half the owner base are not sports car enthusiasts, but instead are cute-car fans who buy Miatas as fashion accessories. These buyers want a soft ride, automatic transmission, and steel targa top, and Mazda happily caters to them because the profit from the optioned-out Miatas they buy subsidizes the Miata’s ongoing production and development.
There aren’t enough stick-shifting motorheads left to justify a dedicated, no-compromise sports car, as Honda found out from the failure of its excellent S2000. Every Miata’s underpinnings are designed for performance, like its all-alloy, fully adjustable wishbone suspension. Foregoing the luxury options leaves you with a car that retains all the elements of driving greatness. It is up to the buyer to finish the job. Racers and serious back-road bandits have a huge aftermarket of reputable vendors to choose from to upgrade the Miata’s suspension and powertrain, and thus deliver exactly the kind of performance they want from a Miata that is uniquely theirs.
If you want a faster Miata, bypass the Club, which is a cash cow for the dealers. Every experienced racer who buys a Club knows he has to replace the shocks and brakes because the Club versions cannot stand up to track use. The Club is an overpriced, under-perorming sales manager’s delight.
The Miata for the sports car enthusiast to buy is the little-known base-level Sport. It is a completely finished car, from AC to cruise control, and incorporates the powered-up ND2 engine, but is also the lightest of the series and the most desirable for competition. For example, the Club comes with 17” wheels but the racers know 16” wheels result in faster lap times, and the Sport comes with 16” wheels.
With the thousands you save on foregoing the Club’s frills, you can afford to transform your Sport into a back-road Porsche stalker by purchasing high-quality bolt-on replacements like a coilover kit equipped with premium Ohlins shocks, or a race-spec brake package that includes must-have metallic brake lines. Join a local Miata club and find out from the fast guys what to add and who to use for service. Online, miata.net is a valuable resource.
An example of a service provider who can make a big improvement in your Miata’s handling without your having to buy new hardware: an alignment shop with a background in setting up race cars. Miatas are delivered with imprecise wheel alignment. Get the alignment specification list from Flyin Miata, a respected aftermarket builder, and have your alignment shop use those specs as a guide to set up your Miata to deliver on its potential. Turn-in and lateral grip are greatly enhanced.
A note about performance. Faster is not necessarily better. Adding forced induction disturbs the car’s balance and, more importantly, goes against its ethos: on a tight, twisty road, an expert driver in a well-sorted sports car will run away from an average driver in a faster performance car. This is the defining characteristic of the 1960s British sports car that was the Miata’s inspiration. Any fool can point his 500 hp car and stand on the accelerator, then have to slam on the brakes at the next corner. The skilled MX-5 pilot can heel-and-toe his way around corners at higher entry speeds, and get back on the power earlier. Dropping V8 Mustangs in the twisties through superior driving technique is gratifying, and fun!
The ND2’s motor achieved its higher redline and greater power by old-fashioned hot-rod techniques that include improving the breathing, reducing the mass of reciprocating parts, and using exotic alloys to produce a reliable, high-revving engine with 13:1 compression and a wide power band. There is no aftermarket “tune” for this car because it is not needed. The stock ND2 is a genuinely fast car - getting to 60 in 5.7 seconds and capable of 135 mph - that also is super reliable and cheap to maintain, AND delivers mid-30s fuel economy, even when driven fast.
I purchased my ND2, a 2019 Sport with no fancy paint or other options, in August of that year and so far have accumulated 21 thousand miles of back-road delight. I’m retired now and don’t autocross or track, and my car’s mostly stock setup is perfectly acceptable for 7/10ths driving on back roads. Maintenance cost has been minimal - a few years ago Consumer Reports named the ND as the cheapest to operate car sold in America. A sports car! Just for fun I checked Edmunds the other week and discovered I could sell my pristine four-year old Sport with 21k miles at a $900 profit! But this baby isn’t going anywhere.
If the MX-5 appeals to you in a way an auto-trans quarter-mile monster doesn’t, you have the makings of membership in a vanishing niche of car enthusiasts, those to whom becoming expert multitaskers at steering, braking, shifting and accelerating provides a sense of fulfillment that is lived out when taking on a challenging road. To get across it swiftly, smoothly, and safely results in a level of engagement that cannot be equalled by owning a faster, heavier performance machine.
In American culture the sports car will always play second fiddle to the muscle car (which I also like - I grew up on Mopars). But then again, the Miata was designed in California and has achieved sales success here in the USA by shrewdly appealing to two owner types. Faster compacts like the GR86 might hold more people and stuff, but they will never equal the experience of driving top-down on a summer’s day in a featherweight sports car on a demanding road. Do it well and you will know the ultimate driving experience.
I DD my NDRF(v1) with coils, exhaust and sway bars and it's a good time. That stock soft suspension is the first and only real fault of the car imo.
What coils and sways do you recommend? I am about to take delivery of a ND2 RF Club and I want to lower it a bit + reduce roll.
Flyin Miata stage 2 sway bars (front frame reinforcement, billet clamps , adjustable sways) my RF absolutely
digs its claws into the corner and body roll is gone.
We had similar views on our stock ND1 Miata. We have some mods planned as well!
What overhead mirror is that
I really love the ND2 Miata and would love to own one but, as an affordable sports car, it is hard to justify it's $35,755 price tag (Club soft top w/Brembo package) against a similarly optioned 2022 Subaru BRZ ($28,955). Granted, the BRZ is a hardtop but I bet many enthusiasts cross-shop these two cars. Also, if you want to track the Miata, many track day organizations require a roll bar in the Miata but not in the BRZ. So added cost there, too ($1000 or so).
I wish the brz was built like the nd2 and s2000 underneath. Instead its a bunch of stamped steel instead of aluminum. Also I just don't trust subaru as much if this is a car I keep for 10 years. Still haven't decided though. The brz price is so attractive.
right on the price tag doesn't make sense. for an extra 10k you can get a way faster sports car or sedan. after modding the miata you're looking at 40k+ for a slow sports car
@@electricfeel9501 it’s not about having a fast car.. it’s about having a fun slow car…
@@electricfeel9501 Like what? None of those 'way faster sports car' or 'sedan' for extra 10k have the cornering ability to sustain high cornering speeds like the BRZ and MX-5s unless you spend a lot on very wide and grippy and expensive tyres that don't last long
If I wasn't planning on heavily modifying the ND2, I would have bought a Grand Touring with GT-S (suspension upgrade). I went with a used Sport for $24k allowing me to dump money into however I want to modify the vehicle. I'll still be right at or a little over the cost of the Grand touring once I have everything I want done on the car. Buying new is not the only option when it comes to sports cars, especially if you are going to rip a lot of stuff out anyway.
What is the best trim to get this car in ???
It needs better sway bars
Can you recommend an aftermarket LSD? I'm considering a Club ND2 but don't like the suspension. If I could save money on the base, I could go with an aftermarket LSD and get better suspension from the money
After trading my my wrx for a nd2, I did notice that the nd2 has wayyyyy softer suspension. Feels like bumps and potholes don't even exist, by comparison. My gf is very happy about it, lol.
Is the mx5 more fun than your wrx? I drive a legacy spec b and am considering an mx5 because I want something more enjoyable
@@ki_charger Kinda. It's way smaller, lighter and lower, and I definitely feel it "hop" around more when accelerating around corners which is fun. It sort of feels like I took a go kart into actual traffic. I enjoy the soft top a lot. It's got decent power when there's no passenger. The shifter is way more precise. But on the flip side, when driving the wrx the turbo makes it sound/feel like an airplane taking off, whereas the Mx5 kinda just makes straining noises past 2.5k rpm (it pulls fine, just doesn't sound great). The awd gets traction in all weather, can accelerate out of corners better, and with the turbo you can pass people without shifting as low. It's more stable on the highway, and is less likely to result in death in an accident.
Overall I prefer the Mx5 but do occasionally miss the turbo/awd and carrying capacity of the wrx. I would say the wrx is much more enjoyable on the highway due to better stability/power and not making straining noises, whereas the Mx5 is much more enjoyable on local roads where it's less straight, traveling at lower speeds/revs the engine purrs, you get to enjoy the amazing shifter, and putting the top down isn't deafening. Also, the sound system is actually pretty solid unlike the wrx.
How do you set up your ND to make it really great for easy to initiate and easily controllable oversteer? Similar to what people say about the GR86?
If you’re trying to slide it, the smaller wheelbase is going to make it always feel snappier than a gr86. I’d say get used to low grip tires and an aggressive 2 way or 1.5 way lsd. Then add coils and a roll bar for chassis stiffening
How close (or far) is the modified nd2 vs the Lotus Elise?
I like it. But they never should have got rid of Mazdaspeed. Boost FTW 🥇🏆
MazdaSpeed still exists in Japan. You can order mazdaspeed parts for the MX5 and 3 and 6. They just don't release a badged car either a turbo.
Plus it doesn’t have Glue gunk problems in the oil like the “ GR86 “……..MX5 rules ❤
thoughts on the gr86 vs this car?
Are these the backroads in the Livermore / Altamont area?
How's carbon built-up in these?
Mine had that really annoying brake squeal too
Looking for a small urban GT. 😢
Any sway bar changes on this car?
I got tired of looking for another equivalent S2000 and I've been looking elsewhere lately.I know this place is more of Car Track relative places but may I interest you in some Go kart experience like 100/125cc TAG or even less powerful LO206. I would love to hear your take on it.
That'd be fun. I've karted a few times but never got super into it. It's physically exhausting!
After having ND1 for 3 years (zero issues) I hate heavy cars! MX5 is a lot of fun if you are not short and complexed like some car "journalists"!
I have an e92 M3 that's supercharged but was thinking about getting one of these since it seems like a cool duo. Has anyone regretted one of these when they're used to more capable cars?
I have a w204 c63 coupe, e550 twin turbo coupe, had a e90 330i, ive driven m5s, m3s, 911s, cayman, newer c63s, and on twisty roads the miata is far far more fun, I actually bought one over a 991.1 911 carrera s. The miata nd2 is the most fun car at any price u can spend millions and no car will come close to the fun of the miata, other then a lotus elise, air cooled 911, and a few other old british roadsters. Even Gordan Murray creator of mclaren f1, and Christian Von Koenigsegg said this in the new top gear podcast.
@sidewayssingh3276 Thanks for the insight. I am likely gonna get an Nd2 with an EB supercharger and MCS 2W coils. I think the car will be a riot
SWAY BARS SWAY BARS SWAY BARS SWAY BARS SWAY BARS SWAY BARS. They make a night and day difference, especially on track. Do this before dropping four figures on coilovers and ruining the ride. My NC can attest to that, will be putting them on my ND1 soon.
What part of California is this?
Is the steering wheel on both cars aftermarket? I don't remember the miata having a sport steering wheel
Yes the modified one has a Guardian Designs wheel and the ‘stock’ one has a Corksport wheel.
Miata vs S2000 vs FD RX-7 - the eternal question
Is that really a question...? ND2 is the best car overall, FD has the highest performance potential, and the s2000...has VTEC lol
@@PeterPangea Honestly, no, I don't think it is THE question. The comparison has been on my mind though since I just got an FD. Having driven an S2000, they're quite different experiences despite having similar weights and layouts.
Like Burgerfriesandacoke mentioned below I have the exact same experience. I went through an F12, 488, 458 (two of them), LP560-4, MP12-C, 08 Viper, 13 Viper GTS, Lancer EVO, Maserati Quattroporte GTS, M-B CLS63 AMG... and right now I own a 23 Boxster GTS 4.0 (6-Speed Manual), 23 CT5-V Blackwing (6-Speed Manual), 23 Cayenne, 23 BRZ (6-Speed Manual), 22 Tacoma TRD Pro (6-Speed Manual), 22 Camaro LT1 (6-Speed Manual), and a 07 E60 M5 (6-Speed Manual). I wanted to test out the ND2 Miata and loved it so I just added a 23 Miata Grand Touring (6-Speed Manual) as well. Exact same reason and opinion about this car. This car is just something that gives a go-kart feel. I had driven a Lotus Elise before and it feels just like it (almost). Not bad for a $33K car!
I'd like to compliment my MX5 with a second gen NSX - speed and reliability.
Is there a turbo kit available for the ND2 mx-5 miata?
Several.
Very good advice👍 please review nd1+ bbr tb vs nd2. Having hard time to decide what to do next with my 2016 sport with 27k miles...🙏🙏🙏
The new ND3 version with kinematic dynamics will sort out the soft suspension....
Modified is way better but I guess it depends on personal standards. I would buy the cheapest one and modify it. Buying club is a waste of money if you want to upgrade power. Club set up for stock is good enough. ND2 is okay compared to ND1. Does not get you wet enough to justify the cost difference. If the ND3 had 8k with turbo. Now we talking business. Only other packages that would be interesting are a cup car or the flyin miata v8 package.
Man the RF looks great but I hate that Mazda made it a retractable hard top instead of a targa. Been a while since I drove an ND, how's the steering feel?
Its a retractable top but it’s more like a targa than a vert.
The steering is good. Better than an S2000 but that's not saying too much. Wish it had more weight though.
@@fish_n_shift I don't like it because it weighs more than the convertible without being stiffer.
It technically is a targa. Only the roof above the driver and passenger is removed. It is just done in a powered manner rather than physical removal.
@@EjinRenos Yeah it’s a targa experience with none of the benefits of having a targa. Just feels like missed potential by Mazda to me.
the stock one needs lowering springs and a exhaust or muffler delete. Then maybe ill keep it like that
Coilovers are always better than lowering springs, if you actually care about driving
Is this mines road?
Can you tune a ND2 yet?
One day… ;(
If the new mx5 or nb had 3.5l v6 EcoBoost and manual transmission that would best set up
Can someone tell me which tires to get for everyday use? I NEVER track the car, but im always having fun when in out and about. Preferably some that are better than the standard ones in the rain too. One thing is dry performance, but the standard tires just feel like ice skating on wet roads.
Tires are all about compromise. Better grip (stickier compound) means less tread life and often more expensive. Better wet performance means worse dry performance. Better steering feel (turn in, transitions, etc) means harsher ride from stiffer sidewall. So it really depends on what you're looking for in your experience with your car. Where do you live and what is your car and its exact setup? Give more detail in how you drive and what you expect from getting new tires.
I got a new 2021 Miata Club ST 3 months ago and was surprised how stiff it rode. The Club has Bilstein shocks and 25% stiffer rear springs. I decided to go down to a 16" wheel to get more sidewall in the tires for more compliance, so from stock 205/45R17 to 205/50R16. The wheels I got are also much lighter than stock, so with less unsprung weight, they can react more quickly to changes in the road. The Firestone Indy 500 tires (Bridgestone RE003 in other markets in the world) I decided on give me so much more confidence than the stock BS S001 did. I never felt comfortable pushing it with the S001s. That said, the Indy 500s (RE003) probably have slightly less grip in the rain, not a problem for me in San Diego.
looks familiar...is that Mines Rd.? I love bombing around there in my own ND! ;-)
Yes yes it can
If your not tracking your ND, most coilovers ruin you traction and you bounce all over the road.
If theyre cheap yeah. Ohlins or anything decent will not have that result.
@@andrewrossnagel9433 I agree, Ohlin's are pretty nice. I'm just making the point that many "street racers" (non xcross/track) use coil overs and they would be much better off with spring/struts on regular roads.