Decided to track this instead of my m3

[graveshaker]

I was going to build up my m3 as a track toy and weekend cruiser but decided to buy a Miata instead. I've seen read and heard about Miata's being an inexpensive track and autocross car but never driven one. After a couple test drives I was sold at the idea. I picked this one up for the low, not the prettiest but it has components that I would have invested in any way. Components such as hard top, roll bar, flares, coil-overs, aluminum radiator, race seat, harness, steering wheel and decent wheels. The only things that I may add for the time being are hawk pads and better tires. It has the long nose crank and it has limited slip. This thing is a blast driving, yeah it's slow but my goodness does it corner.

[Exodus_2pt0]

Nice! I love mine, but its a rust bucket.

[FredK]

Sweet. It's a crazy good driver development car.

[graveshaker]

Most all the ones I looked at had rust issues or was way too perfect to use as a track car. This one was right in the middle. No serious rust and just the right amount of patina.

[flyboyx]

i think i remember from the thread you posted a couple years ago about starting a new career that you were a pretty tall guy. do you have any ergonomic issues fitting into the car?

good find at any rate.

[graveshaker]

i think i remember from the thread you posted a couple years ago about starting a new career that you were a pretty tall guy. do you have any ergonomic issues fitting into the car?

good find at any rate.

I'm 6 2 and 235lbs. The race seat and small diameter steering wheel helps greatly. The stock Miatas I test drove was a huge challenge getting in and out. The biggest issue is the non adjustable steering column and rather large wheel.
The look on people face when I show up is priceless.

[aegul44]

Little of topic but I never understand the concept of comparing e30 with miata. I see many people who are in the market either for e30 or miata so I've always wondered about its popularity. Test drove two miatas but come on, miata is not even comparable with e30, there are not in same league. Miata is a small car with small engine where e30 is much better looking classy car and more power for almost same price range. To me e30 is all day. Sorry if I offended miata guys.

By the way nice looking miata, If I had one for free, those would be the mods I would do. Good luck with it.

[graveshaker]

Little of topic but I never understand the concept of comparing e30 with miata. I see many people who are in the market either for e30 or miata so I've always wondered about its popularity. Test drove two miatas but come on, miata is not even comparable with e30, there are not in same league. Miata is a small car with small engine where e30 is much better looking classy car and more power for almost same price range. To me e30 is all day. Sorry if I offended miata guys.

By the way nice looking miata, If I had one for free, those would be the mods I would do. Good luck with it.

Comparing an e30 and miata as daily drivers seems pointless I agree. But comparing them for dedicated track day use, the miata in my opinion wins ever time. I will not point out weaknesses in either car because this thread was not intended to be a comparison thread.

[varg]

Little of topic but I never understand the concept of comparing e30 with miata.

Same. They're vastly different cars. Pretty much the only thing they have in common is being RWD, and available cheap. I think the scarcity of cheap RWD cars with performance/fun potential forces people to choose between very different cars. When I was looking for my next project I was looking at E30s, FB/C RX7s, Z31 300ZXs, even Starions. What directly competes with a miata in the cheap used market? Nothing. Everything is either way heavier, FWD, or way more expensive. What directly competes with an E30 in the cheap used market? Nothing. Everything is either way heavier, FWD, or way more expensive.

[ak-]

You made the right choice!

[MikeK]

Sweet. It's a crazy good driver development car.

How come I've never seen one in your driveway...? ;)

[e30onBBSs]

That thing is sweet! Stock engine?

[djjerme]

[ttrousdell]

great cars. Ive ridden in a few and they always perform well at autox.

[graveshaker]

That thing is sweet! Stock engine?

Yes stock.