MM Static-Review: 2016 Mazda Miata
08-22-15, 08:53 AM
#16
Lexus Champion
08-22-15, 09:16 AM
#17
It is assumed that a higher price is better in all respects and therefore not in the same category. But is it always true?
Last edited by chikoo; 08-22-15 at 09:48 AM.
08-22-15, 09:29 AM
#18
Lexus Fanatic
08-22-15, 10:05 AM
#19
Regarding the tiers, they are artificial. Created by salespeople to differentiate their target customers, not the products.
Let me ask you this:
What would it take to make the Miata to be a competition to the Z4? Bumping up the price?
Last edited by chikoo; 08-22-15 at 10:15 AM.
08-22-15, 10:32 AM
#20
Lexus Fanatic
Perhaps offering 85 more HP with a turbo for starters. Perhaps an optional I6. A more luxurious interior.
And Audi TT, MB SLK belong in the discussion with a Z4.
08-22-15, 10:35 AM
#21
Pole Position
I test drove the 2016 Miata the other day. It is an absolutely fantastic little car. My local dealer had a surprising number of manual transmission cars available, but only in the grand touring trim. The transmission and clutch are excellent, it's a really easy car to drive with very predictable bite points and easy take up. Ride and handling are really most excellent.
I'm waiting for the club trim to be available as that car has different suspension, additional bracing and the limited slip differential but the car really is excellent and easily worth the money.
I'm waiting for the club trim to be available as that car has different suspension, additional bracing and the limited slip differential but the car really is excellent and easily worth the money.
08-22-15, 10:39 AM
#22
Pole Position
While setting aside "brand" name, most people would never consider a Mazda to be anywhere near the brand recognition of BMW.
Perhaps offering 85 more HP with a turbo for starters. Perhaps an optional I6. A more luxurious interior.
And Audi TT, MB SLK belong in the discussion with a Z4.
Perhaps offering 85 more HP with a turbo for starters. Perhaps an optional I6. A more luxurious interior.
And Audi TT, MB SLK belong in the discussion with a Z4.
08-22-15, 10:39 AM
#23
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
08-22-15, 10:42 AM
#24
Lexus Fanatic
The interior of the grand touring is high quality. It doesn't give up that much to the Z4. As for the bigger engines and more equipment etc, the car's primary goal is light weight. The power to weight ratio is just fine. It's way more fun than a Z4 - and much more bang for the buck.
08-22-15, 10:48 AM
#25
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I test drove the 2016 Miata the other day. It is an absolutely fantastic little car. My local dealer had a surprising number of manual transmission cars available, but only in the grand touring trim. The transmission and clutch are excellent, it's a really easy car to drive with very predictable bite points and easy take up. Ride and handling are really most excellent.
It's been very difficult to get available manuals here....they pretty much all come off the truck pre-sold, at least for now.
I'm waiting for the club trim to be available as that car has different suspension, additional bracing and the limited slip differential but the car really is excellent and easily worth the money.
The LSD and shock-tower brace are indeed standard now on the Club and Grand Touring models. I didn't see any reference to them when I first checked the web site.....but it's included on the build-your-own feature now.
08-22-15, 10:49 AM
#26
Pole Position
It's closer than you'd expect, but depends upon what you're measuring or value. The Mazda feels like it has more power than it does, and the connection to the road and level of involvement are better than in the Z4. It's a much lighter car so you'd expect that. The Mazda will obviously lose in a straight line, but it holds its own when it comes to cornering.
08-22-15, 10:54 AM
#27
Lexus Fanatic
It's closer than you'd expect, but depends upon what you're measuring or value. The Mazda feels like it has more power than it does, and the connection to the road and level of involvement are better than in the Z4. It's a much lighter car so you'd expect that. The Mazda will obviously lose in a straight line, but it holds its own when it comes to cornering.
08-22-15, 10:59 AM
#28
While setting aside "brand" name, most people would never consider a Mazda to be anywhere near the brand recognition of BMW.
Perhaps offering 85 more HP with a turbo for starters. Perhaps an optional I6. A more luxurious interior.
And Audi TT, MB SLK belong in the discussion with a Z4.
Perhaps offering 85 more HP with a turbo for starters. Perhaps an optional I6. A more luxurious interior.
And Audi TT, MB SLK belong in the discussion with a Z4.
More HP or less. For ages, BMW cars were less powerful, less luxurious than even a Nissan, for crying out loud. Yet BMW was on top. Why? Because of the price? No. They were able to demand that price for it was about how it connected with the driver. It is in that regard that I look at the roadsters. They are not a means of showing off luxury. For that, go for a 7 series.
08-22-15, 11:04 AM
#29
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
No offense, people, but I did not start (or intend) for this thread to be a war between the Miata and Z4 as to what is applicable and what isn't. Like most of my reviews, I tried to accurately describe this vehicle as it is, from stem to stern, and what one is getting.
08-22-15, 11:12 AM
#30
Lexus Fanatic
How about Mazda Miata vs a Mini roadster or Subi BRZ? That to me is the closest American competitors. I would believe Mazda themselves and accredited journalists have made that comarison.