Turbo v Supercharged v ITB: DRAG RACE

Thanks to BBR for lending us their cars:

What’s the best way to tune a Mazda MX-5 Mk3? Well, we’ve got three different options joining us to find out!

Alongside the stock Mk3, we’ve got our hands on one with a turbocharger, one with a supercharger, and one with individual throttle bodies!

So let’s see how these cars compare. Starting with the stock MX-5, it’s packing a 2-litre naturally-aspirated 4 cylinder that can produce 160hp and 188Nm of torque. It tips the scales at 1,100kg.

Alongside it, we have the Mk3 with individual throttle bodies. As a result, this car is now housing a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder, and it also comes with a couple of other mods including new camshafts and a huge rear wing. As a result, this car can now put down 239hp and 285Nm, and it still weighs the same as the stock car, at 1,100kg.

Then we have the turbo and supercharged cars. They both come with the same 2-litre NA 4 cylinder, weighing 1,100kg. However, while the supercharged car can produce 248hp and 289Nm, the turbocharged Mk3 can produce 262hp and 306Nm.

So will the most powerful car snatch it? There’s only one way to find out… LET’S RACE!

[carwow]

Turbo v Supercharged v ITB: Which would you choose? VOTE below!

[OwenSimpsonUK]

Nick is such a likeable dude. He's just happy to be there. Love seeing him on the drag races

[hawkx]

Sam is a hell of a driver, first with no wheel spin in the drag races and SECOND in that brake test he was braking and downshifting so the car stops faster than all of the others, thats what driving knowledge and skills truly are !

[shushu]

The "hello Mat" at the brake test got me good 🤣

[vincentwood]

The thumbnail incorrectly shows a positive displacement supercharger when, in fact, it was a centrifugal supercharger.

[stuartsmith]

Thank you BBR for many decades of helping out car enthusiasts 🔥🔥🔥

[stephen]

The ITB car also had 20% greater displacement, using a 2.5l engine instead of the factory 2.0l. And with a 5 speed instead of a 6 speed, and unknown rear end gearing for each car, they will all behave differently in different tests. The ITB car would best best on track with no boost spikes to deal with. Surprised it took the longest to stop, but maybe has a more track focused brake pad that needs some heat before it stops good.

A better test would be a lap around a small track, all by the same driver.

[gtbr]

The "Hello Nick" and "Hello Mat" were hilarious 😆

[broosewee]

Nick is the epitome of what an MX-5 experience is like. Just drive and be happy with the roof down.

[edmurth]

The “hello Matt” at the end was the definition of comedy timing 😂

[terranceaskew]

Glad yall posted this video. Really helps to keep me motivated towards my custom supercharger setup (H22/Prelude).

[Mithrandir]

That was a great back and forth between Mat and Nick. Especially the 'Hello Mat!" at the end.

[Draykh]

one of the most enjoyable videos yet, everyone was great and the cars were cool. Nice to see what different modifications can do to the same platform. BRAVO!

[Gobbbbb]

Hello Nick!

Also this goes to show what I've tried to explain for years. Big brakes DO NOT mean you will stop faster, as it's a limitation of the tyre. While yes they probably do provide extra stopping power, the tyres can't cope. Big brakes mainly just dissipate heat much better and will stop like this over and over, while stock would struggle with repeated stops.

[jo.jokergamer]

This is amazing way to race and see the difference! Please do it with all car models and brands! Every car by it self, like this one! Great job ! 💯

[EverydayCars]

I loved the "Hi Matt" at the end from Nick. Made me chuckle since he finally won at something with the stock car.

[TomoReso]

roots or twin screw would be interesting. However this supercharger shows great compromise between a turbo and n/a. ❤

[josephkelly]

So much MX5 content on the tube lately, love it, what a great little car

[todd]

My experience with forced induction is the supercharger feels like u r driving a much bigger engine like a v6 or v8. The torque is now! A turbo feels like a standard Miata engine until the boost hits and then runs like a scalded dog. Fast.

[Telecasterland]

That individual throttle body just sounded and drove so well. It's my pick by far.