128i Convertible or Mazda Miata

[walsh416]

I already did a search and couldn't find another topic on this, so it seemed time to start one. I have a family of 6 and my wife has a Toyota Sienna and I drive a 2001 Mazda Protege. I'm torn between getting rid of my current Mazda and getting the 128i Cab or keeping the mazda and getting a used 2006 miata. Help is needed!!

[atr_hugo]

What do you want the car to do? The Miata is a great sports car - down on power - but absolutely one of the most direct/communicative great handling cars available. (I owned a Miata for 8 years.)

If you want a convertible and less sport (but more power) than the Miata, the 128i would be a good bet. (And I won't even discuss the two additional seats in the 128i. ; -)

[walsh416]

Thanks for the speedy reply atr_hugo. I already have the Protege as a less-that-perfect but still functional 'people hauler' when my wife isnt around, so i'm getting more interested in the Miata, particularly the '06 one becuase that is the one I fit in because of ti's redesign.

[x97Melbourne]

Have you test driven both cars? They are totally different cars and I think a test drive would make you decide instantly.

Anyone over 5'10" wouldn't be happy in the Miata.....its tiny!!

My other thought is....and I am sure others will have a different opinion....the Miata is a bit FEMANINE. But, hey, some say the 1-series is too.....

[Tom K.]

Hugo makes some good points.

I traded a Z4, which is slightly larger than the Miata, in on the 128i 'vert. for more room and comfort, especially on long trips with my wife. A big issue for me was getting in and out of the Z with the top up - it started really getting difficult as age & arthritis take their toll on my neck and back!

The 128i ride should be much better than the Miata, but you won't lose too much in handling - as long as you specify the sport package. Of course, the choice really depends on your wants and needs.

Tom

[hbiscuit]

Originally Posted by x97Melbourne

Have you test driven both cars? They are totally different cars and I think a test drive would make you decide instantly.

Anyone over 5'10" wouldn't be happy in the Miata.....its tiny!!

My other thought is....and I am sure others will have a different opinion....the Miata is a bit FEMANINE. But, hey, some say the 1-series is too.....

a miata isn't any more feminine than a 1 series convertible.

[Zuzu]

Ahhhhhhh...The 135i vert is far from feminine..:biggrin:

[walsh416]

Originally Posted by x97Melbourne

Have you test driven both cars? They are totally different cars and I think a test drive would make you decide instantly.

Anyone over 5'10" wouldn't be happy in the Miata.....its tiny!!

My other thought is....and I am sure others will have a different opinion....the Miata is a bit FEMANINE. But, hey, some say the 1-series is too.....

I have driven both cars and agree that they are different beasts. Mazda's redesign of the Miata for 2006 actually lets all of my 6' 2" fit in with room to spare. And I have heard many say that both are feminine, but I disaggree that either one of them are.

[sethchan]

The problem with the Miata is that there are not a lot of options with regard to the seating position. So not very good for long trips. I'm 5' 11" without especially long legs, and I find that I I have to have the seat pushed so far back that I can't lean the seat back much. I don't think there's a tilt, either.

But it is a GREAT car for an hour or two a day. Very responsive handling and enough power to do what I wanted it to do. Until I got my 135i, it was the most fun car I'd ever driven.

[Sephiroth]

S2000 is another option. No option for a PRHT but still one of the best driving roadsters out there.

[EspressoBoy]

I once looked at the Miata. I think of it as a small summer car, and because it's been around a lot longer, it does have the female/gay image. But the truth is, anything pretty and vert will get that image. And really what is wrong with that? Woman/ Gays have good taste!

Other than that issue, I do have to say... test drive both. Obviously I would be very biased to go with BMW 128 for 2 reasons...

1. BMW cars (the drive is amazing)
2. I drive a 135i so I know how good the 128 already is! nice!!!!!

So if you are looking for general comments, the 128 is an eye catcher, and oh does the Miata have roll bars that pop up? The 128/135 cab has bars that pop up when the car rolls over, so you don't have ugly metal to see. Very cool!!!! If I lived in a place where summer was year round, I would love to have the cab! Nice car!

EspressoBoy

[Heinzftw]

I would get the 128i. BUT!, if the mazdaspeed MX-5 was available. It would get that in a heartbeat.

[spudw]

Tough call. I love the Miata - had one for 4 years. It's a drivers car and is endlessly entertaining. Agree with Hugo that it's a sharper handling car than a 128i, likely even compared to 128i with sport package.

128i vert is likely a gem. I would insist on the sport pkg to bring it a little closer to the Miata. You'd get the benefits of Protege and Miata in a single, higher quality car.

My choice would be the 128i (with sport pkg) to simplify and b/c it's a step up in quality over the Mazda.

But if you can swing 2 cars, what about selling the Protege, getting a 128i coupe and getting an older Miata for sunny Sundays?

[ExMX5]

I've had an '07 MX-5 - love it but you just can't go touring with one.

The other thing I dislike about her is the fact the engine sounds like a diesel below 3000rpm (minus the pull) - either drive it like you stole it or walk.

Both are great car choices. Completely different price bracket as well.

[ZIPNBYE]

To all, as a long-time Miata owner (1990 bought in 1993, turbo'd in 1997, sold in 2006 and now a 2007 PRHT bought new in 2006), plus a new 135i owner (as of yesterday, ironically, per the OP's post, having sold my Protege), I can talk to the Miata and other options.

If you're one to fidget while driving, the lack of seat movement may bother you, but I always found my 1990 to be utterly comfortable on long drives, and I recently pulled off a 20hr marathon drive home from Grand Junction, CO to Edmonton, AB (2,100km) in one sitting in my 2007. The seats in the 3rd gen (2006+) are a little shy of lumbar support, but that's been a complaint with Miatas since 1990 (okay, 1989 technically), but easily fixed by whatever means you find usefull.

As to their image...sure, from the mindset of V8 owners, anything small is feminine. But, drive one and all that will be behind you...as you seek out curvy roads far out of your usual route.

Much of the complaints on the 3rd gen (re: tractor / diesel noise) are dealt with very effectively by replacing the oem mid-pipe and muffler...much as many BMW owners do. Apart from that, they styling of the 3rd gen (2006-2008, with the 2009 models seeing a mid-cycle face-lift) leaves some cold, or finally turns some on (with respect to the 1st gen 1990-1997 or 2nd gen 1999-2005 cars). I for one never liked the 2nd gen cars, either in their initial 1999-2000 form or their face-lifted 2001-2005 guise.

So, to the OP, if you're looking for a canyon-carver, the Miata really is your choice. If you're looking for a boulevard cruiser, I'd say the 128i Cab is your choice. From a personal aspect, I say sell the Protege and buy a 3rd gen Miata and a 135i Coupe. :biggrin:

[ZIPNBYE]

...and, for relatively little money, you can now bolt on a Cosworth supercharger kit, which has been dyno'd by Good-Win Racing (a reputable dealer) at 260bhp at the rear wheels...which is double what a stock 3rd gen Miata puts out at the rear wheels. $5,499 and 10-12 hours of your own simple wrenching.

[crex]

Originally Posted by ZIPNBYE

...and, for relatively little money, you can now bolt on a Cosworth supercharger kit, which has been dyno'd by Good-Win Racing (a reputable dealer) at 260bhp at the rear wheels...which is double what a stock 3rd gen Miata puts out at the rear wheels. $5,499 and 10-12 hours of your own simple wrenching.

which is more fun the miata or the bmw 135i in everday driving?

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by DocHoliday

which is more fun the miata or the bmw 135i in everday driving?

Miata, by a mile. I had a Miata before my M Coupe, and it's the only car I've owned that I actually miss. I'll eventually buy another. The best part about Miatae is that the limits are accessible without frightening the public. The worst thing I ever did to my Miata was putting Bridgestone SO-3's on it. It handled better, but it took away the easy four wheel drifts and feeling of power that less grippy tires had.

Also, if you ever grow tired of the Miata, it's easy to build a reasonably cheap Spec Miata and have fun racing. Just try that with a convertible BMW!

Drive both, the answer should be obvious.

[BlackjackMulligan]

I drove a Miata at a Mazda event in a couple of slaloms and had a BLAST. Mind you, I drove to the event in my former Porsche Boxster and was still very impressed. I find that only non-enthusiasts think the Miata is effeminate.

[Bionic]

To ZIPNBYE...

Grand Juntion, CO? You didn't happen to visit Flyin' Miata while there? The fiancee and I happen to be a fan of their stuff.

The one thing no one has mentioned about the Miatas is that even though they are cheap (especially used), they are freaking bullet-proof. We've got a '94 with an aftermarket turbo set up (from FM), that has 10,000 track miles on it, and has 92,000 overall (turbocharged since 24K). No issues on it at all.

You can drive a Miata like you are mad at it almost everday. Just change the fluids and brakes ($25 a rotor, $50 for pads) and the car will run like a top.

Of course, it does feel like a Japanese Roadster built to an affordable price (which it is), but it weighs 2/3rds of what our M5 does and that is the "sportiness" you feel in the seat of your pants. There is no substitue for a light sporting car.

Phil

[ZIPNBYE]

Phil,

But of course I was at Flyin' Miata! I've been a long-time client, having built up my 1990 into a turbo-charged beast (started that in 1997). I know Bill, Teri, and crew very well. My 2007 is starting to sport some of their parts now too.

My non-stop road trip home was after attending their 10th Annual Open House in 2007. I missed this year's event due to my Miata being in the body shop after an errant Sonoma pickup rear-ended me at the end of July.

Nice to find a few like-minded people here -- Miata and 1-series owners. :biggrin:

[uofmtiger]

I find that only non-enthusiasts think the Miata is effeminate.

Which is most people. The Miata is "THE" chick car. The car is small and "cute" and most average or above average sized men would have a hard time fitting in them (at least the earlier models that gave the Miata its girlie rep). In fact, "Yes Dear" did an entire episode making fun of one of the male characters for buying a white Miata..

Of course, the comments and snickers may only make you stronger...ask "a boy named Sue".:smile: