6 Reasons Why The Mk2 MX-5 Is Better Than The Mk1

The Mk1 MX-5 is loved by all, leaving the Mk2 as the awkward middle child. But here’s why it’s actually better in many ways!

A massive thank you to The Smoking Tire for providing us with their footage. Make sure you subscribe!

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----- Music by -----

---- Credits ----

"Modified Mazdaspeed 'NB' Miata - One Take" by TheSmokingTire

"RX-7" by Kartik Ghansela

[JMNTN]

Pop up headlights make all these reasons invalid

[DGOfTheCentury]

So essentially what you are saying is put the MK2 engine and trans into a MK1...GOT IT!

[mat_bb]

Mk2 is the better car, Mk1 is the better Miata

[throttleresponse]

About two years ago, I bought a Mk1 for only £250. Of course, it was all completely broken, but at least the pop-ups worked!

[Ryukachoo]

1:50
only mazda could find a way to ONLY make an extra 20 horsepower from a turbo

[BobMcCoy]

Better Aero, Cheaper & Better Gearbox?




Nah, I'll take pop-up headlights 😁

[geennaam]

just stop praising this car so much, grand tour is also doing it and i want to get an mx-5 in a while, so let these glorious machines be unknown a bit longer

[boy]

4:04 lol I had to pause to see what are those objects that flew out, and my goodness it was worth it

[oldcarproblems]

NB's aren't any cheaper than NA's in the US. Both great cars.

[brettcannon]

I looked for one over a year under $6k, mostly NAs. I found a rust free 2001 NB $3500 2 weeks ago and couldn't be happier with my decision. They are bargains!

[MotoGamesTV]

Rubbish. 6 speed in 10th Anniversary edition (also offered in Miracle and Sportive and some other) wasn't for motorway cruising, it was for acceleration, combined ratio of diff and gearbox made 6th gear even slightly shorter than 5th in 5-speed version...

Oh, and 152 BHP/160 PS was in Japan. Europe had only 146 PS with variable timing.

[BondTheOGYT]

I'm surprised Alex isn't praising the Mk1 over the Mk2 😂😂

[diamondback]

When I went to buy my first MX-5 I had a choice between an NA, NB and an NC model. I bought the NA. Never regretted it a day since. I still drive that car every day.

[claytonor]

I didnt initially like the NB, but after seeing better examples of it than CT's miata showdown that may or may not have been biased- i fell in love, so much so that the Mk2 is my favorite of the Miatas by far- its faster, handles still pretty well, and has beautiful styling changes that may be subtle, but make a big difference if you look at em both for awhile.

[Shazzkid]

3:07 but the final drive ratio is the same on the 5 and 6 speed speed GBs, so no improved mpg on motorway.

[bobbyross]

I bought an NB over an NA, and it was the best decision I've ever made! Love the car to death.

[Kentageon]

I own one of the factory turbocharged MX5's. It's the second MX5 I've ever owned, and is by far the funnest car I've ever owned. A few bolt on upgrades bring the horsepower up to 211, with 183 foot pounds of torque.

[BlendyStick]

The sixth gear was actually not too far off fifth gear in a regular 5-speed. The extra gear was added in the lower end to even out the progression through ratios. The 6-speed however had a 3.9 rear end as opposed to the 4.3 on 1.6L models and 4.1 on previous 1.8L models, which is where the real difference lies.

[EthanHacks]

5spd doesn't cut it on the highway? try a 4spd

[kenssto]

I'm pretty sure the final drive ratio in the 6 SPD ends up being the same as the 5 SPD.
so theoretically it should be quicker in the lower gears, but the delay in the extra shift adds time too.
so it's kids a wash.. I think.