NB1 vs NB2 Mazda MX-5 Miata | ALL THE DIFFERENCES!

Considering a NB1 or NB2 Mazda MX-5 Miata? This video is the ultimate comparison between the two versions of the NB Miata! I go over everything that is different between the earlier cars (99-00) and the later Miatas (01-05). My car is 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata with the popular equipment package and leather package. The silver car is a 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata Special edition. Let me know which you'd choose!

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[CashedOutCars]

Updates to the info in this video!
-NB1 was available with a 6 speed and 3.9 for the 1999 and 2000 Special editions
-NB1 has VICS (Variable Intake Charge System) to help make power across a wider RPM range

[danielhurley]

Great video. I didn't know that the NB1 and NB2 were so different. I have an 2003 "Special Edition" (NB2), and I love it. More "cool" than the NA I had originally, but just as much fun (and better audio system). I only drive it about 3500 miles a year, so I'll be leaving it to my kids when I die. I'll never sell it. I'm 73 now.

[maxbarzagli]

I prefer the Nb1, it's slightly more old school and the face doesn't laugh too much. Love it💪🏻

[teggsr]

Don't forget that the NB1 10th Anniversary Editions had the 6 speed in them as well. That one also had the 3.9 ratio.

[rickmcarthur]

I have a 2003 nb2 I bought about 3 months ago. I had a 2000 nb1 about 6 years ago but I got t-boned in it. Had it fixed but never was quite the same so I traded it. Loved the car. Didn't know there was a difference until I bought this one and started noticing differences in the two cars. Then stumbled across your video. Very informative. Both mine are white with beige interiors. My nb2 has a hardtop and a soft top which I've never put back on it. Still debating that one. Love the cars. Thanks

[skmafia]

I love the look of nb1s compared to nb2s but the inside interior of a nb2 is definitely nicer

[Revmatchmedia]

I’ve been looking at Miatas and I was not aware that there were 2 variations of the NB! Great video and explanation. I’d say I’m a fan of the NB2 because of the more aggressive front bumper and the projector headlight design.

[roddydykes]

Man I love the NB1 gauges and “infotainment”. Properly 90s. More character than that 2000s fake aluminum look that was so popular (my 350z will filled with it)

[Savorychicken]

I like my Mazdaspeed Miata. It has a lot of add ons specifically for it. Crazy how it only costed another 1k from the dealer when it was launched. I also used to have a nb1 and it was great as well.

[mikewoodworth]

Bought one two weeks ago 30000 on the clock.... Awesome Makes Driving fun

[kaneinkansas]

I think the single most important advantage for both the NAs and the NBs is that they have four wheel double wishbone suspensions. This is much better for keeping the wheel flat against the surface and so much better road holding and absorption of curves and bends. One generally doesn't buy a Miata for speed, but for tactile handling. I would think that the engine that is most reliable and easy to maintain would be the preference. And of course, don't buy an automatic transmission - if you do that, then you might as well buy any other convertible that comes along, provided it has good quality.

[compy]

nb2 definitely has a more premium looking interior but I kinda like how the nb1 is like an na8 without pop ups. Not that I don’t like pop ups

[lolsmol]

I have an 01 SE and I love it so much!

[jonathanfoster]

Projector and HID retrofit on NB1 makes a huge difference at night!

[schreiber]

Defi army have to go with the nb2 because that what I got. The car just looks more modern and polished. With just a few upgrades these cars are fantastic!

[IT-frwb]

Just bought a 99 nb1 to replace our low k 2003. flood event unfortunately got what was a mint one (2cm of water in t foot-well in NZ means it’s a write-off). t 99 is a beaut, 6 speed, leather seats, Naardi wood bits, + t 1840 motor....loving it. Really enjoy having one of these brilliant babes in t garage!

[kencarnley]

I have a NB1. First time I have heard the reference 1 vs 2. Mine is a 99. My Mother purchased it new. She was 78 at the time. I am now the caretaker of it. About 70k miles. It is an Auto which is understandable. Very smooth shifting. Taking it out of overdrive does make a big difference.

[bmtbx]

One thing you missed is that the nb1 has VICS (variable intake charge system) where as in the nb2 it has been replaced with the vvt and the intake was changed due to emission regulations

[PeatyR]

Thanks for this! very informative. I had a 99 sold it with 200K miles and got a 2001 SE with 43K miles and a hard top. Both are fun cars but the NB2's headlights are so much better and the VVT / 6-speed (SE) really do make it a more fun car to me. My 99 had a cast iron exhaust manifold, in 2000 they went to a tubular header which I did retrofit to my 99. Not really and NB1 VS NB2 difference but it was a nice change from 99 - 2000

[daviewavie]

The nb2 has a taller surf board looking headrest.

I like the NB2 because it came in British racing green as the 2001 se. But the 2000 se is really beautiful too. I like the wood trimmed tan interior/polished wheels/tan top look.