Why the Miata’s Size Is Just Perfect: Embracing the Unadulterated Joy of Driving

If you’ve ever found yourself in a conversation about the quintessential sports car, the Mazda MX-5 Miata will undoubtedly come up. It’s a vehicle that has captured the hearts of driving purists and automotive enthusiasts alike for its unpretentious charm and unparalleled driving experience. Yet, there’s a recurring murmur in the car community, a suggestion that the Miata needs to grow in size to accommodate a broader audience. To this, I say: embrace the Miata for what it is, or find another car that suits your size requirements.

The Miata is not just another car; it’s a philosophy, a testament to the joy of driving. It’s about the connection between driver and machine, the feel of the road through the steering wheel, and the responsive feedback from the pedals. It’s about the wind in your hair and the sun on your face as you navigate through winding roads with the top down. The Miata is about purity, and to alter its dimensions would be to dilute its very essence.

Talk about the big issue: the 2024 MX-5 update

It’s sparked a flurry of comments and criticisms, but let’s be real—most of the naysayers were never going to buy it in the first place. It’s easy to be an armchair critic, to say “if only it had this or that.” But the truth is, the market is already saturated with big, heavy cars. The Miata stands alone in its commitment to a lightweight, driver-focused experience. It’s a unique breed, and we should let it thrive in its niche for as long as possible.

The Miata’s size is a deliberate choice, one that ensures it remains a nimble and engaging sports car. It’s not meant to be a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s designed for those who appreciate the art of driving, for whom the car is more than just a means of transportation—it’s an extension of themselves. For those who find the Miata too small, there are plenty of other options on the market. But for those who fit, the Miata offers an unmatched driving experience.

Discuss the RX-8

It’s often overlooked, but it’s essentially a Miata chassis that’s been stretched and given a hardtop. It swaps out the ‘boring 4-pot’ for a ‘batshit crazy powerplant’ that’s unlike anything else on the market. Despite two decades of safety regulations, it’s lighter than a Porsche 944 and matches the weight of an E30 M3, but with extra horsepower. It’s a car that’s been engineered with an excess of capability—its brakes and tires are over-spec’d, and it handles the track with ease while other cars are left chewing through tires and brake pads.

The RX-8 is a marvel of engineering, with a suspension that’s adjustable for camber, caster, and toe, a six-speed close-ratio gearbox, and a torque-sensing LSD. The interior is driver-focused, with a big tachometer front and center and a shift reminder beep that’s music to any gearhead’s ears. The ergonomics are so well-designed that you don’t notice them, which is exactly how it should be.

When you push the RX-8 to its limits, it feels like an extension of your body. The chassis communicates with you directly, letting you feel the weight transfer to each tire. It invites you to play with oversteer, to brake like you’re in a 911, and to enjoy the pure sound of the engine as you shift at the perfect moment. And after a day of driving hard, it transforms into a comfortable cruiser, as quiet and smooth as any luxury car.

Moreover, the RX-8 is a bargain in the used sports car market. It offers a unique driving experience, day-to-day practicality, and the thrill of owning something that feels exotic without breaking the bank. Sure, it’s not the most powerful, and it has its quirks, but it’s a hidden gem for those who know what to look for.

Circle back to the Miata

The ND and NB models each offer something special. The ND is the modern interpretation of the Miata philosophy, with all the advancements in technology and comfort you could ask for. It’s the car you buy when you want a hassle-free, fun driving experience. The NB, on the other hand, is for the tinkerers, the ones who enjoy the ‘I built that’ factor. It’s a car that rewards you for the time and care you put into it.

The Miata has always been about choice and personal expression. Whether you prefer the out-of-the-box excellence of the ND or the customizable potential of the NB, there’s a Miata that’s right for you. And if you’re lucky enough to have a partner who shares your passion for driving, there’s nothing like the joy of sharing the Miata experience with them. It’s a car that brings smiles to faces, whether you’re behind the wheel or just along for the ride.

The Miata’s size is a feature, not a bug. It’s what makes the car special, what gives it its character. It’s a reminder that in a world of bloated, over-engineered vehicles, there’s still a place for simplicity and joy. So to those who think the Miata needs to be bigger: try it on for size, and if it doesn’t fit, that’s okay. There’s a car out there for everyone, but for those who fit into a Miata, there’s nothing else quite like it.

Explore the legacy of the RX-8 and Miata

The RX-8, as we’ve established, is a marvel that shares its DNA with the Miata, but it’s not just a stretched-out version with a hardtop and a ‘batshit crazy powerplant.’ It’s a testament to Mazda’s engineering prowess and a symbol of what can be achieved when the focus is on driving pleasure over raw power or size.

The RX-8’s handling is a thing of beauty. It’s like a dance partner that knows your next move before you do, making every corner an invitation to a tango with the tarmac. The car’s ability to communicate with the driver is so direct that it feels like an extension of your own senses. It’s this kind of connection that makes a car more than just a vehicle—it becomes a conduit for the pure joy of driving.

But let’s not forget the practical aspects. The RX-8 is a car that you can drive to the office on a weekday and take to the track on the weekend. It’s comfortable and quiet when you want it to be, yet it can unleash its wild side at the drop of a hat. And when it comes to value, it’s hard to argue with the proposition it offers in the used car market. It’s a budget exotic that doesn’t demand a six-figure salary to own and enjoy.

However, the RX-8 isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. It’s for those who appreciate the nuances of a car that’s been designed with driving pleasure as its primary goal. It’s for those who understand that a car can be more than just a mode of transportation—it can be a source of excitement, a hobby, and even a passion.

This brings us back to the Miata, the car that has been the poster child for driving enjoyment for over three decades. The ND and NB models represent two different philosophies within the same framework. The ND is the modern iteration, with all the latest tech and comforts, while the NB offers a more raw and customizable experience.

The ND is the Miata for those who want to enjoy the drive without the fuss. It’s for those who value the reliability and ease of use that comes with a modern car. On the other hand, the NB is for the enthusiasts who relish the opportunity to tinker and personalize. It’s for those who find joy in the process of making a car truly their own.

The Miata’s size has always been a point of contention for some, but it’s also one of its greatest strengths. It’s what allows the car to be so agile, so in tune with the driver’s intentions. It’s a car that doesn’t need to be big to make a big impression. It’s a car that proves that sometimes, less really is more.

And let’s not overlook the social aspect of owning a Miata. It’s a car that brings people together, whether it’s through shared drives, track days, or simply the nod of understanding between Miata drivers on the road. It’s a car that has a community, a culture, and a spirit all its own.

The Miata’s size is a deliberate design choice that serves a specific purpose. It’s not a compromise; it’s a commitment to a set of values that prioritize the driving experience above all else. It’s a reminder that in a world where cars are often judged by their horsepower or their 0-60 times, there’s still something to be said for the simple pleasure of a well-balanced, responsive, and engaging ride.

To those who think the Miata should be bigger, I say this: the Miata isn’t just a car; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of the joy of driving, and it’s a celebration that’s best enjoyed in its purest form. If the Miata doesn’t fit you, that’s okay. There are plenty of other cars out there that might. But for those who fit into a Miata, for those who get it, there’s nothing else that compares.

In the grand tapestry of automotive history, the Miata stands out as a vibrant thread, one that weaves together the past and the present, the classic and the contemporary. It’s a car that has stayed true to its roots while evolving with the times. It’s a car that has inspired a legion of fans and a new generation of drivers. And it’s a car that, despite its size, has left an indelible mark on the world of motoring.

As we look to the future, let’s not forget the lessons that the Miata teaches us. Let’s not get caught up in the race for bigger, faster, and more powerful. Let’s remember that sometimes, the best things come in small packages. Let’s remember that the essence of driving pleasure isn’t measured in cubic inches or kilowatts, but in the smiles per mile. And let’s remember that for those who understand and appreciate what the Miata represents, there’s simply no substitute.

The Miata’s legacy is one of joy, of passion, and of an unwavering commitment to the art of driving. It’s a legacy that deserves to be celebrated, preserved, and continued. So to those who say the Miata needs to be bigger, I say this: the Miata is perfect just the way it is. And for those of us who love it, that’s all that matters.

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