Miata Mailing List: November 1993, Message #23
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   From: "Stephen H. An" 
Subject: Re: Latest issues of the Mag
   Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1993 11:44:28 -0500


Did everyone see the ad for a headlight duct in the Fall 93 issue (on
the first couple of pages)? I'll refrain from commenting about its
looks, but these people want $149 unpainted and another $75 for
painting.  Lotsa talk lately about air intake temperature as well,
Norm Garrett must be rev'ving up for his NACA duct (produced by my
friend at Vantage). I am interested in any comment from people who saw
the JPEG picture.
    

    comparison (I sold my 70 914 to buy my 91 Miata.)  The 914 was designed 
    with similar intentions as the Miata (except that the stylists were on 
    vacation).

Except for the shifter, I really loved my old 914. WRT styling, I also like
its 70's awkwardness, esp. in green, a real 70'ish color. I am a fan of
Albrecht Goertz.

    Has anyone ever heard of a side-by-side car comparison where 
    you only get to drive one side?  Is a pretty 911, thought.
    
This is really unfortunate, because an old can only be appreciated
behind the wheels, especially "Der NeunElfer". There is no substitute
for that boxer 6, the noise, smoothness, tractibility and best of all
the mechanical immediacy.  I am sorry but the miata motor just can't
touch it. The old 911 is always exciting to drive, where the stock
miata is lethargic around town. Oversteering and opposite lock all the
way, the steering wheel is there to rest of hands, you just steer with your 
right foot kind of cruising.

    philosophical battle I have with myself in my head.  I love the balance 
    of the stock car, but the supercharger idea does get my adrenaline 
    pumping.  The only solution I've come up with is to own (at least) two 

But I feel the miata just isn't balanced, it is grossly under-torqued.
If it wasn't the the insurance, I bet we would see 150 ps in it by
now. Go drive a BBR turbo car sometime (I reckon the supercharged as
well), you will never want to touch the stock car again.  150 ps/150
lb-ft in a miata-size car is really perfect for a miata-size roadster,
the power is always there when you want it. I just don't want to have
to red-line the car on every shift to do anything.
    
About collectibility and rarity of miatas, hell there a already 250K of
them running around, that's more than 911's, MG's, TR's that's ever been 
produced. I am not even talking of rare cars here.
    
just some more idle drivel...

cheers,

	-Steve.