Miata Mailing List: March 1998, Message #228

sponsored by

Over the weekend, the Peachtree chapter met at Roswell Mazda and we all 
got to see up close the new Miata etc.  Andy Cork was there with his 
INCREDIBLE Italia...you all have GOT TO SEE THIS CAR!

Anyway, went back on Sunday when everyone was gone and got the keys for 
a 1999 Starlight Blue w/leather.  And here are my brief impressions:

1) The looks: On the outside and up close, the car has lost a lot of its 
"zing" and gained a more "generic" look to it.  I think a lot has to do 
with the headlights (ala MX-3) and the ugly side mirrors.  The interior 
is simply plain.  Besides the gauges looking very nice, the door panels 
look like a plastic overdose and look familiar from the Ford line (my 
opinion folks).  The wheels...I'll pass.  Under the car, the muffler can 
looks bigger, but the exhaust note is quieter to me...sounds weaker than 
my '91 stock.  Subframe bars run vertically up and down the car, rather 
than across.  The wheel-wells have new features inside (rain/splash 
guards and vents) and they look like they need 16" rims to fill them up.

2) The engine...very nice layout (pretty much the same).  I have one 
thought, the new airbox has the snorkel turned and pointing 
forward...right into the back of the driver's headlamp.  Huh?  

3) The drive: First thing I did is opened it up.  Went to 5,500 - 6,000 
rpm in various gear changes.  I can say this...there wasn’t much of a 
smile on my face.  I was not really that impressed.  Felt a little 
faster, but nothing to write home about.  The handling was really nice, 
but not far from a used Miata with new shocks and sways, etc.  The 
corners were as any Miata could handle.  On the highway, the car felt 
smooth and I even tested the little wind-blocker.  Didn't really notice 
much difference, even with the windows rolled up.

4) Returned the car and picked up the accessory guide and brochure.  The 
front airdam they are selling for the new '99 looks Viperish and mean.  
I like it, but the side skirts look like an old kit off my '82 
Scirrocco.

Needless to say, I am not impressed what you are getting for 25-thousand 
big ones.  I think with the right tweaking and tuning, you can make your 
older Miata faster and nicer looking than a $25,000 1999.

This was just my impression of the new Miata.  I think I'll keep mine 
until the next design comes along.

-Peter/1991 Classic Red
Atlanta, GA


______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com