Another YouTube video of Razão Automóvel. All excuses are good when the idea is to spend an entire day at the Kartodromo de Palmela driving rear-wheel-drive sports cars. And what was the excuse? Answer the following question:
Of all the generations, which is the best Mazda MX-5?
We came to the conclusion that the most recent proposal is not always the most interesting. And we can apply the same principle to the engine… not always the most powerful offers the best compromise.
This video was just our first encounter with classics — subscribe to our YouTube Channel and don't miss the next ones. If you've seen the first season trailer, you know what we're talking about…
More modern, therefore better?
As you've seen, in our view the NC generation — despite all its qualities — has dangerously departed from the genesis of the Mazda MX-5. That said, the NB generation seems to us to get a better compromise in a head-to-head, where naturally — if you're interested in a used unit — price will be a determining factor.
Compared to the Mazda MX-5 NA, the MX-5 NB is better at just about everything — it's more powerful, more predictable, just as fun and less limited in everyday use. Some people put NA on a pedestal (which is even deserved) but as Guilherme Costa wrote earlier:
William CostaAt the risk of hurting the sensibilities of NA's staunchest supporters, I firmly assert that NB is better than NA in every way but design.
One more note if you want to buy a Mazda MX-5. If you're thinking about buying an NA-generation Mazda MX-5, beware of bodywork corrosion — early Mazda MX-5 units were flawed in this regard. As for engine reliability, finally, it's a Mazda. But strict maintenance is essential… of course!
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The latest generation Mazda MX-5
One more surprise. Our preference was not the 2.0 SKYACTIV engine, but the smaller and rotating 1.5 SKYACTIV engine. It has lung to give and sell...
As for the bodywork, between the normal version (canvas hood) and the RF (metal hood), we ask you the following question:
Do you really need the metal top?
If the answer is no — as ours was — we've come to the conclusion that to have the best Mazda MX-5 ever in your garage, you'll hardly have to go with the most expensive version. Sometimes less is more...
The same can be said for the sports exhaust (optional) on the Mazda MX-5 1.5 SKYACTIV. An option that doesn't add anything in terms of experience, because the original exhaust already does a good job.
Do you want to see some more images from this day? Browse the gallery:
Diogo Teixeira and Filipe Abreu.
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