I think my miata ruined me.

[varg]

That's the thing though, it's not really the weight that kills it. After letting a seasoned autoxer drive it today we came to the conclusion that it's steering response. Thinking about it some more, the e30 is the only awd Bmw that I've owned that has different strut towers (straight up and down) versus it's rwd counterpart. I honestly think that is what makes the car feel anemic, the lack of front camber and possibly caster. I may opt for plates and offset bushings to try and fix it.

Judging by the specs given on this sheet (the only ix alignment specs I could find) the only spec that is far from what it is on a 2wd car is the dramatically lower caster. They actually call for slightly more negative camber vs an 'i'. Is sluggish steering response just a matter of weight distribution* and a not-so-sporting steering rack? perhaps more chassis flex?



*I could not find ix specific weight distribution specs

[Kershaw]

Let me know how that goes. I'd be interested in the results.

[Julien]

I think people needn't drive one to know that it's not exactly feasible to get anything like a Miata experience out of one. I mean, it's a 3,000lb AWD sedan, that's all that needs to be said for that conclusion to be drawn. If you put the coilovers and better tires on it you might get it to drive kind of like an older GTR, that would be cool. If only it had GTR drivetrain durability :???:



Wow, that's pretty much how I fit now. Is that seat bolted directly to the floor? We're talking about a 9" height difference here...

That's the thing though, it's not really the weight that kills it. After letting a seasoned autoxer drive it today we came to the conclusion that it's steering response. Thinking about it some more, the e30 is the only awd Bmw that I've owned that has different strut towers (straight up and down) versus it's rwd counterpart. I honestly think that is what makes the car feel anemic, the lack of front camber and possibly caster. I may opt for plates and offset bushings to try and fix it.

[kronus]

Get an M coupe. Like a 24v E30 but even better.

like a 24v e30 but with annoying brittle plastic all over the place like a proper e36.

and enough torque to break the diff off the trunk floor :(

[Julien]

I'm interested in how you modified you floor boards. Did you follow a DIY somewhere or just started cutting and filling. I want to do this for better clearance.

The previous owner of my Miata did the modifications to the floorboard. From what I understand is you cut the two humps that the rear section of the seat sits on.

[stonea]

This thread is making me consider selling the Z3 and buying a Miata. Anyways I love my ix, but I learned early on what it is and isn't. I use the ix for a decent fun daily and picked up a 325i to toy around with. I've been on the fence about what to do with the Z3 recently.

[Kershaw]

I have the same issue with my ix. It feels cumbersome. The turning feels heavy. It doesn't feel light and nimble. I feel like I have to be going much faster in the car than my last rwd e30, a 325es, to be having fun. After driving a friends 318 touring I was blown away how nimble it felt.

So I doubled down on my mistake and bought a turbo kit. Now it's going to be cumbersome, heavy, quick pos.

Two years ago I sold my rx8, I really missed rwd, so now I have a 95 325is, but it has an open diff with ASC. It's just not the same. The rx8 was a blast. I loved that car. I've always really wanted to pick up a miata.

[graveshaker]

it had a kirkey seat, modified floorboard (cut risers) and a deep dish steering wheel. getting in and out wasn't an elegant sight, but once I was in, life was good

I'm interested in how you modified you floor boards. Did you follow a DIY somewhere or just started cutting and filling. I want to do this for better clearance.

[markseven]

BRZ.
Ellis Juan.
Done.

Probably the only true driver's cars on the market today (available as brand new). However, there is a significant cost disparity between an old Miata and an old BRZ / FRS. I do not count the NC or ND as Miatas...


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[rwh11385]

BRZ.
Ellis Juan.
Done.

[markseven]

I have a NB on one of 949's suspension kits. Mate this with Japanese reliability, and it's a match made in heaven.

The E30 has the superior driver interface though.

[ELVA164]

This thread is mainly to poke fun at the fact that a 200k+ mile Miata has ruined my perception of what I consider a fun vehicle. I never once mentioned I wanted my e30 to drive like Miata.

Oops...

:(

Edit:
Modified a sport seat to fit with a helmet

Haha, reminds me of my Triumph Spitfire! The only reason I fit in it with the hard top on was because the bottom of the seat was destroyed.

[e30austin]

Get an M coupe. Like a 24v E30 but even better.

[JeLani]

I think my miata ruined me.

Sell

[varg]

And what I find amusing is that a number of people replying to this thread giving advice about a 325ix have probably never driven an ix.

I think people needn't drive one to know that it's not exactly feasible to get anything like a Miata experience out of one. I mean, it's a 3,000lb AWD sedan, that's all that needs to be said for that conclusion to be drawn. If you put the coilovers and better tires on it you might get it to drive kind of like an older GTR, that would be cool. If only it had GTR drivetrain durability :???:

Edit:
Modified a sport seat to fit with a helmet (pic)

Wow, that's pretty much how I fit now. Is that seat bolted directly to the floor? We're talking about a 9" height difference here...