Mazda Miata MX-5 (Hard top)

Mazda’s new MX-5 with the power of folding hard top is easily the best Miata yet. The MX-5 roadster already has one of the most simple soft top, so i won’t really looking for replacement. It is also the risk with the resulting complexity and weight of that hard top could loosen Miata’s focused reflexes, in fact the hard top does add about 70 pounds of extra weight. But the average driver doesn’t feel any difference in the miata’s performance.

To counter the added weight mazda had to make some changes at their front end and on rear spring. A notable exception in this mazda from the later one was measure interiors, at 70mph with the hard top the mazda is much quieter and more civilized inside. Changing from a cozy hard top to an open top sports car is a simple almost effortless two step task, up or down the whole production takes place in under 12 seconds.

Unbelievably trunk space is not compromised and a hard top MX-5 has a little more overall cargo volume. Thanks to a slightly higher rear deck let. Base price for a miata with the power of attractable top is about 1800$ more as it is similar to soft top miata, with the added comfort, convenience and true convertibility are more than worth it. Thankfully the addition of folding hard top doesn’t noticeably change the MX-5 miata’s character. It is still one of the best roadsters around and its latest version is frankly the best miata yet.

Miata Performance, Engine & Power Specs:

• 1,992 cc 2 liters in-line 4 front engine with 87.4 mm bore, 83.1 mm stroke, 10.8 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder MZR

• Premium unleaded fuel 91

• Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 30 and EPA city (mpg): 25

• Multi-point injection fuel system

• 12.7 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank

• Power: 124 kW, 166 HP SAE @ 6,700 rpm; 140 ft lb, 190 Nm @ 5,000 rpm

Brakes, Suspension & Handling Specs:

• Four-wheel ABS

• Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs

• Electronic brake distribution

• Immobilizer

• Wishbone front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs , multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs

• Tire kit

Mazda MX-5

Mazda also emphasized on balance for the MX-5 and have achieved a 50:50 weight distribution, making this one of the best Mazda drift cars.
It has very neutral balance so it's a great car for beginners. It’s a small, lightweight sports car that loves to be driven hard. The higher up in the revs, the better! It’s a real driver’s car and is designed for only that purpose alone.

Drifting the MX-5 in stock form is somewhat of a challenge, but that also makes it a great car to learn from. The weight is its ultimate advantage as the older MX-5 weighs just under 1000kg and the newer models are a little heavier; just over 1000kg. Power output is ranging from 115hp on older models to 160hp on newer models.

You don’t see this car very often in drifting because it is generally considered to be more of a beginner’s car, but personally I can never get enough of this car.

Mazda RX-8

Designed to follow in the footsteps of the RX-7, the Mazda RX-8 was released to the market as its successor. It still retains the original concept as a sports-coupe, only now it’s a 4-door coupe with suicide doors on the back.

It’s a well designed car that comes very close to 50:50 weight distribution. The 1.3 liter rotary engine that has been taken under hands is now smaller in size and weighs less than previous rotary engine. It has better fuel economy and increased power output.

But unlike its big brother the RX-7 it doesn’t have a turbocharger. So unfortunately it is lacking a bit in power. 

There are two versions available, the first one with a 5 speed manual with about 190hp, the other with a 6-speed gearbox delivering about 230hp. Of course it's the latter one you want.

Mazda RX-7

The RX-7 is the best car Mazda has to offer. It has been in production since the late eighties but only the two latest models, the FC3S and FD3S, are the ones you occasionally might spot on the road. The FC model is actually already getting pretty rare these days.

Beneath the bonnet lies the famous rotary engine. It's a revvy engine with great response and gives an awesome sound. The downside is that it can be quite thirsty. The light-weight rotary engine is placed right behind the front axle resulting in great overall balance. The RX-7 is probably the best choice in Mazda drift cars.
In Japan there are plenty of parts available, but in other parts of the world it’s not always easy to find 2nd hand parts. So be sure to have a part supplier in case you need repairs. Aftermarket support is plentiful, finding a company to tune your RX-7 is probably a bigger worry.