Poor modern imitation
Posted: Wed Aug 30, 2006 11:20 am
Just been to my local Mazda dealers and had a look over the new MX5 (Miata) while I was there.
The MX5 has much smaller luggage capacity. The boot (trunk) is only half the size of the Elan's and there is not any space behind the seats.
The pedals are too close together to heel and toe. Not to mention the brakes are over servoed and the flywheel is too heavy so the engine is slow to gain and loose revs.
Things are a bit better on the move. Suspension technology has moved on a bit, the ride is good, bumps are handled well and the car holds a line through a corner. The steering however feels dead and does not give much feedback. Understeer is the normal behaviour with a lot of effort required to get the tail out.
The MX5 is still a good driver's car compared to most other moderns but you still can't beat the old Elan for performance, driving pleasure and practicality from a small sports car
The MX5 has much smaller luggage capacity. The boot (trunk) is only half the size of the Elan's and there is not any space behind the seats.
The pedals are too close together to heel and toe. Not to mention the brakes are over servoed and the flywheel is too heavy so the engine is slow to gain and loose revs.
Things are a bit better on the move. Suspension technology has moved on a bit, the ride is good, bumps are handled well and the car holds a line through a corner. The steering however feels dead and does not give much feedback. Understeer is the normal behaviour with a lot of effort required to get the tail out.
The MX5 is still a good driver's car compared to most other moderns but you still can't beat the old Elan for performance, driving pleasure and practicality from a small sports car