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Comments
Chuck
justin: I imagine the overdrive gear on both gearboxes is practically the same. The 5 speed has more ratios, but they're a bit closer together so the 5th on the manual is about the same as 4th on the auto.
I believe the 6 speed is setup in a similar mannner (6th=5th=4th overdrives).
In other words, all will be loud.
Just did some more maintenance this weekend. That O2 sensor was kind of a pain to get to. Once it was loose, it came right out, but I had to cut the lead wire and splice it to the new one (aftermarket Bosch). Works like a charm.
I also changed the Turret oil. More accurately, I added oil, since it was virtually empty.
The diffy and trans are next, but I need (much) bigger sockets.
It's getting cold. Bummer.
-juice
But I imagine the 6 speed has lower (numerically higher) gearing at the final drive, to make it about even.
I have a question - anyone know what socket sizes you need for the tranny and diffy fluids? The instructions I've seen show photos but not those specs.
-juice
I applaud the fact that the six speed DOES improve performance. Test results indicate that 0-60 times improve by 0.3s for example (don't remember the 1/4 times).
And the extra shifting is not really noticeable. Very quickly you get used to the extra shift and it's easy to get into the rhythm of rowing through all six gears. Some people report that their 6 spd is notchy/clunky when engaging certain gears. Mine is quite smooth overall and has gotten better over the first 3000 miles or so. In highway driving at around 60 mph, you save about 100 or so RPM in sixth gear over the five speed.
But in the end, I don't think I would miss it much if I didn't have it already.
-juice
So which is better/more fun/etc.? My impression is that the RX-7s had more room, went faster, handled well. EPA numbers for the RX-7 were something like 20 city/26 hwy, which is not immensely less than the Miata (if true...). I almost never took the t-tops off, so I don't think the convertible will mean that much to me. Some of you have had both -- how do they compare?
Thank
The first generation RX-7 is a fun car but if you can afford the Miata, I think it is a much better choice. It's nearly ten years newer. The Miata will be much more reliable than the RX-7 (assuming you get a good one). I think the Miata will be quicker, handle better, brake better and get better gas milage. Convertibles are much different than t-tops. It's so easy to flip them down, you'll be doing it everytime the sun peaks through a cloud. I can't think of a single reason to get the RX-7 other than the initial price.
BTW, I wouldn't discount the 1.6l engines. The cars were lighter in the early years so the 1.6l cars are just as quick, if not quicker than the early 1.8l cars. Also, I believe the 1.8l started in '94 not '93.
Also, the B-series engines are pretty much bullet proof and the same can't be said of the rotary. How much does a rebuild on a rotary cost? I think it is around the neighbourhood of $1k to $2k. And for around $5k to $6k, you can find a very good example of an early Miata, which you probably don't have to worry about engine rebuild, and just gas and drive and enjoy yourself in it.
So here are my concerns about the Miata:
(1) driver room/comfort. When I see Miatas on the road, the drivers look scrunched (or, perhaps, the car fits like a glove but in a good way). But then, an RX-7 isn't a Caddy, either. From those who have lived in both, is there any real difference? BTW, I'm 5-9 and 210 lb.; let's just say I'm "sturdy."
(2) safety. RX-7 is hard top, Miata is convertible. Miata also looks smaller, but has the air bag. Significant other has expressed concerns about early widow-hood.
(3) road noise. hard top vs. convertible, again. Sometimes it's nice to hear the radio.
(4) maintenance. 85 vs. 91 is 6 years difference, but the 91 is still a 9-year old car. What am I looking at for suspension, transmission, electrical, etc., vs. the RX-7?
(5) actual performance. My recollection was that the RX-7s dominated their class is SCC racing, way back when. I'm not seeing the same things here about the Miata (but this might not be the right place to look). Cars are better so the Miata COULD be better (quicker faster, nimbler) than the RX-7 but still not be competitive; is it? Can someone who's been in both compare/contrast?
This is the Miata forum, so I expect a preference for Miatas. I just want some detail.
Sorry for the length.
I haven't owned a RX7, and only this year purchased my first ragtop ever, an '00 SE. I can't tell you in words the fun and excitement this car has given me, and my family too. We've got the other needs covered with an Explorer Sport and Buick LeSabre. This "toy" is simply that - a means to get in an open top and enjoy the wind whenever I want (wifey doesn't drive it!).
Personally, I think you'll be perfectly satisfied with the Miata. Everyone here says they're practically maintenance free, aside from the expected regular items.
And, since you're already planning to purchase a depreciated vehicle, I don't see where you can go too wrong.
My 2 cents.
Jim M.
Has anyone else tested a 2001 model and noticed same thing? Bear in mind that I am not a current Miata owner and this just the nature of the car.
But many a times, when cars reach the dealer, the tires are overinflated and the dealer may not have adjusted the tire pressure. A lot of people have found that when they pick up their new cars, the ride is very hard and turns out the tires are at least 5 to 10 psi over inflated. Check the pressure next time.
After stating that, shorter sidewalls will also change the ride, as will bigger wheels.
1) Park far away. Like, in the next county. Walking is good for you.
2) Better yet, don't park. Just keep driving. Ahhh...
Take care.
Joe W.
* park further away from the entrance
* always try to find end spots (50% fewer dings right there)
* if at an end spot park way, way towards the outside line
* or parallel park if available
* in a crowded lot, try to avoid facing driver doors (passenger seats are often empty)
Dave: why sell? Keep it as an extra vehicle.
-juice
the sheet metal on the miata is absolutely more vulnerable to dings than any other can i have owner. to remove the dings, some have said that dry ice works. check out www.miata.net . they have tons of valuable info, all of it without the sarcasm and useless chatter found on many web sites.
Park in the far corners of the lot, and park next to an island or curb -- that alone will cut the door-ding probability by 50%.
And one other thing: if there's a slope to the parking lot, think about what whether your nice remote parking spot is uphill or down from runaway shopping carts!
I haven't tried the dry-ice ding removal technique yet (I'm waiting for summer. I live in Vermont. If the technique is going to be effective, it'll be more so when the car body is warm than when it's cold), but I have experimented with "circuit-cooler" aerosol sprays, and it shows definite promise. Dings were at least diminished. Anybody else have experience with the dry-ice ding removal technique?
The paint is the known-for-peeling Crystal White, too. Go figure.
Thank God for garages.
-juice
Chuck
I'd make him earn the $115.27. At least.
-juice
http://thejuiceman.homepage.com/care.html
They're on my Scooby because I park in a car port with the fire place that sticks out a bit on one side and a 626 on the other. They work for when I'm the one opening the door.
-juice
from another previous post...I fit in my toyand I am over 250lb and 6 feet tall...it can be tough getting in and out with the top up but the car is too great to let that stop me...This is my first post here so Hi Ho to you all...
The years I'm interested in are either a 97 or a 99 since they have the passenger airbags. Thanks for any help, hopefully I'll be joining the ranks soon...
Good luck,
Ace
Ace
Last month, I traded in the A4 for a different choice -- a 2001 Mercedes Benz SLK 320 - V6, 6-speed. It stretched the budget beyond my target (hoping for about a $25k outlay for a new miata or a trade-in A4 + $25k for the 330CiC... this ended up to be about +28k).
Reasons for decision:
- Retractable hard top makes the SLK 2 cars in 1, very rigid/safe/quiet as a coupe, and of course a nice roadster.
- 6 speed/V6 -- granted, this shifter is a short throw but not as easy as a Miata's, but it's a better shifter than I had expected. The V6 is very strong, 0-60 in 6.6secs.
- Dealer experience -- a single-brand dealer, loaner program, 4yr/50k free maintenance
- Interior -- a beautiful tan/black two-tone interior that clinched the choice for me.
I don't think this vehicle can be the track star the Miata can be, so I will have to get my kicks elsewhere.
Thanks for the feedback - WarpDrive and Jwilson -- on this decision.
PS -- new 2002 Audi A4's look good, too! July '01.
Tell your girl friend the trucks do not meet roof crush standards that cars must meet (150% of the weight of the vehicle on its roof without crushing).
With the rollbar, your Miata would easily exceed that. Probably several times over. And it's more likely to allow you to steer clear of any accident in the first place.
Hop over to Miata.net. They have a full page documenting the Miata's safety records, and the vendors links will allow you to shop for roll bars.
Good luck.
-juice
But, at 2000# you really don't want to get hit by an Xterra, yellow or whatever.
Both you & your gf are both right. Now, sitting in my driveway, I have a lovely '94 Oldsmobile you could have .... hmmm, maybe not.
Take care.
Joe W>
Take care.
Joe W>
When my wife went to buy her '95 626, I kept her from even driving a Miata, knowing she'd change her mind.
Biggest mistake in my life!
We later drove a '99 and she loved it. I had her sold on a used one.
At least now we have both, and all is well in the juice household.
-juice
Good luck
Chuck
but sold it because it was my only car and I needed a larger one. Well all that has changed since I bought a new Beemer 5 series. The Beemer is excellent in every way but I really felt a loss at the fun factor my Miata provided. So last week I decided to shop around. First, I decided to test drive a few of the new roadsters out there. I drove the Honda S2000, the Audi TT, the Mercedes SLK, and last, the Miata. Don't know what it was about the Miata but, again, I was smitten. The 2001 LS has become so refined without losing its "true sports car" qualities that endeared me to my '97. The seats are very comfortable and the transmission (5 speed) is a dream. The Bose CD stereo radio is top notch. The color, silver, is beautiful and the wheels are too. To think that I got all this for tens of thousands less than the others I tested. The price was right at my dealer: $20,500 plus taxes, etc. I really am pleased and smile whenever I look at it or drive it. I am an old retired guy who used to have an MG, TR2, and Speedster in the late fifties and sixties. This Miata is much better than those ever were and it has the same CHARACTER! Ron
Sure, most times I'm conservative and run the engine a low rpms. Yet, when the urge hits me, I'm probably more able to keep the engine at the rpm range I want - something the 5 sp may not be as apt to deliver.
$0.02.
BTW - Happy New Years to all!
Jim Mahone