Miata Mailing List: January 1999, Message #117

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In a message dated 1/1/99 9:39:08 PM SA Pacific Standard Time, Larry@Miata.net
writes:

<< Sorry Bob I still disagree.  I think you miss my point.  We are talking
what the
 factory produces here.  Mazda produces a 20k Miata and the AVERAGE owner
drives it
 that way.  Honda will be producing a 30K car and the average owner of it will
 drive it that way.

***  Find me a 99 that "lists" for 20k :)

 Yes it is probably at a higher level of performance than a
 stock Miata but the average owner of both cars will drive them the way they
come
 from the factory.  

*** True but neither this thread (check the title) nor what I was talking
about has anything to do with a stock miata.   My point is that for an
enthusiast, there are many mods made for stability and power which will not be
necessary (all right, I've not seen one) on the 2000 to be an equitable car
after we get through moding the Miata.

Is the average Honda 2000 owner buying it because it is a
 higher performance car than the Miata.  Maybe but more likely they buy it
because
 they want a Honda sports car and if it was on the par with the Miata they
would
 still buy it and probably not modify it.

The reason a person buys a honda vs a mazda is quality and retained value as
well as dependability.   I don't understand your "... if it were on par with a
miata...."   Is there any doubt in your mind that the 2000 will not be all the
car any stock miata is and lots more?   There should not be.   I realize I'm
approaching LIST HERESY here but let's get real.    Miatas are NOT holding
value and are getting more expensive and uglier and cheaper.   :)

I have no idea what the "average" 2000 buyer will be like, but hell yes the HP
will be a consideration.   If it weren't why do folks modify miatas for more?
Have you not been reading the list, miata mag, or gone to a national, or other
get together in the last two years?   The miata is a great car but it ain't
THAT great....    (opps, now I've done it)    But as I've said before, if I
wanted a more powerful car, I would have bought one or three.

:)   bob