Is the current Mazda MX-5 Club still the answer®? | Track Test

J.G.
By J.G. Pasterjak
Dec 11, 2024 | Mazda, FIRM, Mazda Miata, Mazda MX-5, Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park | Posted in Features | Never miss an article

Photography by Chris Tropea

They say Miata is always the answer. Well, “they” say a lot of stuff, but in this case, they may be onto something, because after 30-plus years and four generations, there hasn’t been a single Miata that hasn’t made a difference in our world. (Yes, we see you, too, NC, and you are loved.)

The latest Miata news: enough updates …

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Comments
Andy Hollis
Andy Hollis
8/28/24 8:37 a.m.

Yes

Coniglio Rampante
Coniglio Rampante GRM+ Memberand Reader
8/28/24 9:18 a.m.

Longtime Miata owner/fan here, but GRM has authored some fairly recent articles about the Toybaru Twins that have influenced me to change my answer from a firm "yes" to an equivocating "maybe."

theruleslawyer
theruleslawyer Reader
8/28/24 9:22 a.m.

Depends on the question. Its one of very few affordable new cars that I'd take on a track. Throw used and modifed cars in there.... well its a different ball game.

JG Pasterjak
JG Pasterjak Production/Art Director
8/28/24 9:44 a.m.
Coniglio Rampante said:

Longtime Miata owner/fan here, but GRM has authored some fairly recent articles about the Toybaru Twins that have influenced me to change my answer from a firm "yes" to an equivocating "maybe."

Honestly I think if I'm cracking my wallet in this segment it would be at a Toyota or Subaru dealership as well. The big brakes on the tS were kind of a game changer.

Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
8/28/24 10:46 a.m.

After reading this article it seems like you really can't go wrong with either.

The tS might be more track-ready straight out of the box, but it doesn't take much to dial in a Miata.

I guess it depends on what your end goals are.

ClearWaterMS
ClearWaterMS HalfDork
8/28/24 11:16 a.m.
Coniglio Rampante said:

Longtime Miata owner/fan here, but GRM has authored some fairly recent articles about the Toybaru Twins that have influenced me to change my answer from a firm "yes" to an equivocating "maybe."

I think the Toybaru twins would get my vote as well save for a few things

1. factory support/warranty support

2. Mazda supports SCCA and grass roots racing better than Toyota/Subaru does. 

While I agree the Toybaru twins are better cars, Mazda is my preferred provider.  

camopaint0707
camopaint0707 HalfDork
8/28/24 11:19 a.m.

nd2 is literally cheating at this point

maschinenbau
maschinenbau GRM+ Memberand PowerDork
8/28/24 11:22 a.m.

After being without mine for almost 6 months now, I miss it so much and will probably buy another. A new ND3 with the dynamic handling changes described above, plus the (finally!) updated infotainment system might be worth it.

CrashDummy
CrashDummy Reader
8/28/24 11:23 a.m.

It would be interesting to see where a Twin with similar prep to Andy's Triple Threat MX-5 lands on the speed chart. My gut is that the Miata has fantastic track car bones but that the factory suspension and tire choices knee-cap its lap time more than most. Therefore, it responds much better than most to mild go-fast mods. 

Colin Wood
Colin Wood Associate Editor
8/28/24 11:30 a.m.
CrashDummy said:

It would be interesting to see where a Twin with similar prep to Andy's Triple Threat MX-5 lands on the speed chart. My gut is that the Miata has fantastic track car bones but that the factory suspension and tire choices knee-cap its lap time more than most. Therefore, it responds much better than most to mild go-fast mods. 

I like this idea. Imagine how much fun it would be to prepare a Miata and a GR86/BRZ using as many of the same parts as possible.

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