Technical Features
Project Miata: Introduction
By By: Michael Fonseca
Jul 1, 2004, 10:45

Buying a new car can be an experience that is extremely fun or it can be one that you absolutely dread. Most car enthusiasts would agree that test driving new cars is an absolute blast and I for one agree. With that in mind I drove just about everything that was sporty and under $30,000. I wanted something that was fun to drive, reliable and of course I wanted something that could be modified. I did my research at home and decided not only on the contenders but what I could realistically afford.

First up was the Acura dealer and a test drive of a 2000 Integra GS-R. I liked the car but insurance was quite expensive. I also didn’t really want a front-wheel drive car again as I have been itching for something rear wheel drive. If you read the Car Lounge you already know that rear-wheel drive is the greatest thing ever, period!

Strangely enough, the next stop was the Dodge dealer. It took a few dealers to find one that had an SRT-4 in stock that they would let me drive but I eventually located one. That car was ridiculously fast considering it was bone stock and only $20,000. It snapped my neck back into my seat, the exhaust popped and snarled, and the seats were nice and supportive. In the end there were a few things I didn’t like such as the shifter, poor ergonomics, and the lack of rear power windows. Overall a nice fast car for $20k but I just wasn’t sold on it.

While looking at an RX-8 at the Mazda dealer I happened to notice a used Miata. After a test drive I was sold; I just had to have one of these little roadsters. It was an incredibly fun car to drive that could serve double duty as a daily commuter and a project car.

My particular Miata is a nicely equipped 1999 model. It has the leather package, cruise control, power everything, air conditioning (yes, that’s an option), as well as a Torsen limited slip differential. I also have a hardtop for the winter months. When shopping for a Miata I wanted to make sure I bought a car with a LSD as it is almost essential with any rear wheel drive car. An LSD will not only help give you extra traction in slippery conditions but it will also help put the power down coming out of a tight corner.

Having limited driving experience with rear-wheel drive cars I was a little apprehensive about pushing the car until I got a good feel for it. After a few months of ownership and several thousand miles in all types of weather conditions I am now completely comfortable in the car. I firmly believe every car enthusiast should drive a Miata, whether it is a first or second generation model. Everyone should get the pleasure of driving one of the last true driver’s cars. Gone are features such as traction control, power tops, and excess weight. The Miata is light on its feet and it is one of those rare cars that makes the driver feel truly connected to the road. Yet it remains civil enough to drive everyday.



One of the great things about the car is the fact that is has 50/50 weight distribution. Combine that with the fact that it weighs only 2300 pounds and you’ve got a car that is sure to please. The car is neutral in stock form although it can be coaxed into oversteer – but that's not always a bad thing! In its stock form it does exhibit some body roll but the car has very sharp reflexes and is a true delight.

Although the Miata will not win any stoplight races, the car makes very good use of its 140 horsepower. It is geared very tightly, which helps with acceleration, but also makes the car a bit buzzy on the highway. The engine has a very nice exhaust note for a stock vehicle and once the tach swings past 4000 RPMs it seems to come into its own. The shifter is one of the best I’ve ever used. The throws are short and crisp with no notchiness whatsoever. Gear changes can be accomplished with a quick flick of the wrist.

When people hear roadster they usually think of a small rattletrap with a leaky roof, which will make you want to trade the car in any time the top isn’t down. The Miata suffers none of those problems. Even though it was built and delivered sometime in 1998, my car does not have a single rattle and I’ve yet to see a leak. Let’s hope I didn’t just jinx myself though.

Although a very good car out of the box, any enthusiast will tell you it can be made better and I plan to do just that. In the upcoming months, project Miata will be transformed into my very own street legal go-kart. As such the car will not only be faster, but have some chassis improvements as well as some safety equipment added. Stay tuned to tripleZoom to learn more!

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