MX5 - Does it replace my Z4???

Mafoo · Post by **Mafoo** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 9:32 pm

Well a month has gone by since I said goodbye to the Z4 and entered the frenetic world of the low powered high reving kind.

It was such a dilemma doing so. My main concern was always going to be the power thing. Going from 231bhp to just 129............"I must be mad"...........it rang in my ears for days.

A month late - do I regret it? Its a mixture of yes and no. A brief summary as follows :-

Power - I miss the Z's acceleration and its top end. However, it begs to be revved and the engine/exhaust note is hypnotically good
Comfort - For a lightweight the MX5 is remarkably smooth and takes British potholes in its stride.
Equipment - Loads of toys. The BMW style infotainment system is a peach
Build Quality - Surprisingly good for something so lightweight and stripped out. Pretty good quality material used too in most areas
Drive - I urge you test drive one just to use its gearbox
Looks - In my eyes it is Bangle-esque. It seems to be as Marmite as the Z4 when it was released

Clearly, it is a different beast to a higher powered Z4 but it is all about the ride. Chuck this thing onto a B road and speed no longer seems to matter. It sticks to tarmac and the steering is absurdly responsive. It delivers in proper sports car style whereby it is not about power but overall driver involvement.

Overall - I have no doubt I will return to the Z4 fray one day but in the meantime I think this car will keep me more than entertained

Now - bring on the mods

A couple of pictures.

LeeZ4MR · Post by **LeeZ4MR** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 9:36 pm

I really like that

I was stood next to one recently and had a good look around it and I must say I would love a go in one.

paulgs1000 · Post by **paulgs1000** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 9:43 pm

Love the orange highlights

Interesting move and an interesting post

We had a Mk2 MX5 for many years and it always put a smile on my face. It was brilliant for a blast on the back roads of Northumberland and was just as much fun on urban streets and roundabouts. My wife liked it so much that we kept the No plate as a momento and moved it onto our Zeds (until the M).

Moving to the Zed (even a 2 litre) at the time, felt a very special move and I found the drive very involving. Having said that no doubt the latest Zed looks much more modern (very Zed like) and I'd be fascinated to take a test drive of one. Thanks for posting

Mafoo · Post by **Mafoo** » Mon Nov 07, 2016 9:46 pm

LeeZ4MR wrote:I really like that

I was stood next to one recently and had a good look around it and I must say I would love a go in one.

Do it for instant grin satisfaction.

I was adamant that I was going to buy the 2L but the increased power didn't translate in the road. It was nowhere near as fun either. Most reviews have said the same thing saying that the car was built around the smaller engine thus more "pure"

Matt64 · Post by **Matt64** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 10:33 am

Good choice, I have just come from over 10 yrs of various forms of mx5 ownership. The last one being a home brewed turbo which took me forever to build and tune right. An mx5 will always put a grip on your face & I do miss mine. However I am loving my 1st Z4 massively!

Chris_D · Post by **Chris_D** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 10:53 am

Matt64 wrote:...will always put a grip on your face....

I've had a few girlfriends who could do that

we know what u meant tho

maxman · Post by **maxman** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 10:57 am

Looks a class act in those colours.One thing with a Mazda is ,no need for extended warranty ,as they are ultra reliable .

gov · Post by **gov** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 11:15 am

I've always liked Mx5's and the new model even more so - even old ones still have that charm about them and they were light years ahead of MGF's ! My problem is size - as a virtual giant I just don't fit in it

I presume the new model isn't any bigger in cabin size - very nice looks though - enjoy.

Sae · Post by **Sae** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 11:22 am

Nice

In todays cyclist strewn a/b roads, its not about speed anymore, id imagine it feels like a right go-kart, would like to try the coupe targa top one

ZermattV · Post by **ZermattV** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 11:27 am

I had a Mk2.5 before the Zeds.... lovely cars with a great owners club , yours looks stunning with the highlights ... well played sir

MACK · Post by **MACK** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 11:37 am

How does it compare for interior space with your old zed? I take it from your original post the ride is a vast improvement over your old car too.

Yorkie Z · Post by **Yorkie Z** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 12:33 pm

What's it like to slide around.?

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 4:14 pm

maxman wrote:Looks a class act in those colours.One thing with a Mazda is ,no need for extended warranty ,as they are ultra reliable .

Unless you're talking about the rotary rx8 Mazda? I had a new one of those in 2006

Rob

buzyg · Post by **buzyg** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 4:25 pm

Great colour combo.

Much as I do love the looks of the Mx5, the drop in power and lack of leg room would be a definite no no for me.

Guess I'll have to just enjoy being driven about in my sons old mk2.

maxman · Post by **maxman** » Tue Nov 08, 2016 4:52 pm

Smartbear wrote:
maxman wrote:Looks a class act in those colours.One thing with a Mazda is ,no need for extended warranty ,as they are ultra reliable .
Unless you're talking about the rotary rx8 Mazda? I had a new one of those in 2006
Rob

I will give you that one.

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