Miata Mailing List: April 1993, Message #9
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   From: (none)
Subject: Movin On!
   Date: (none)

With regard to crusing speed, the Winter 92 Miata Magazine has an article 
about a Miata in the Silver State Classic race in Nevada.  This is a 90 mile 
run-what-you-brung one at a time against the clock or as fast as you can go.  

The couple from Houston equiped their Miata with 15" wheels and tires, header 
and exhaust improvements and the HKS intake.  They also added a hardtop, roll 
bar and 5 point harnesses.  other than that it was stock.

They entered the class with a top speed anticipated less than 110 mph 
sustained.  (reasonable considering 116 reported top speed for the car).  What
surprised them was how easily and willingly the Miata exceeded this average.  
They figured they were achieving 123 mph before slowing to attempt to meet the
110 average for a trophy. (they missed).

Along the same lines, a friend and his wife drove their Miata to Arizona from 
Austin.  (lots of flat, open & straight roads in West Texas)  They noted that 
at a sustained 90 mph they averaged 25+ mpg.  At 110 mph, mpg dropped to 17 
mpg.  Although 110 mph may be more fun, they reasoned the cost per mile was 
not worth the extra speed.  Besides, how many places can we drive safely at 90
mph much less 110. (I understand even the autobahn (sp) is becoming congested 
resulting in lower speeds)

I guess the bottom line on how fast to drive your Miata is to drive it as fast
as you feel comfortable.  (just don't get in my way/ or run me over whichever 
the case may be)

Eric Fancher
Tejas Miatas
Austin, Texas