Miata beats Corvette...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 329
Likes: 1
From: Bowie Texas
Miata beats Corvette...
We went on a road trip today and my wife & I drove the Vette and my son & his wife drove our Maita. Filled up when we left town and when we got back. The Vette held 11.8 gallons and the Miata 10.2. I could have got better since I didn't baby the car but I don't think he did either.
Still its amazing that a 350 hp V-8 will even get close to the mileage a 140 hp 4 cyl. I think on a long highway run the Vette would beat the Miata. I guess we will have to do another road trip and find out.
Still its amazing that a 350 hp V-8 will even get close to the mileage a 140 hp 4 cyl. I think on a long highway run the Vette would beat the Miata. I guess we will have to do another road trip and find out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
Yep,,,and they get amazing mileage if you actually try
!!!I got a calculated 33.7 on a club economy run,,,and I was passing vettes that were "******* it" on the 2 lane highway. Took 2nd place in the C5 class!!!
!!!I got a calculated 33.7 on a club economy run,,,and I was passing vettes that were "******* it" on the 2 lane highway. Took 2nd place in the C5 class!!!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
A Vette will always beat a Miata to the next traffic light and it will always beat one to the next gas station. 
Yup, after 10 years in Miati I have finally crossed over to the dark side
I've just purchased a 2000 coupe with 72k on it and promptly found myself surrounded computers and electrons bound and determined to do me in. And I thought my 2002 Miata was over-computed!!!
My wife and I decided we wanted a more comfortable cruiser and something we could put more than a suitcase and a half in. The Miata is not a car to take you 400 miles in a day.
I'm just hoping I can sort out the wanton movements of the driver's seat, the HVAC dim read-out and the dreaded "why is the battery at 8 volts"? quiz. I've already had the driver's seat out and cleaned the contacts and resoldered the HVAC resistors. All to no avail. Man! the computers and sensors in the car
I've been lurking and using the search function for the last week and you guys are a great resource, just like the guys in the Miata forum. I'm looking forward to learning and having a good time over here.
So, at any rate, howdy, from sunny Los Angeles....
Yup, after 10 years in Miati I have finally crossed over to the dark side
I've just purchased a 2000 coupe with 72k on it and promptly found myself surrounded computers and electrons bound and determined to do me in. And I thought my 2002 Miata was over-computed!!!My wife and I decided we wanted a more comfortable cruiser and something we could put more than a suitcase and a half in. The Miata is not a car to take you 400 miles in a day.
I'm just hoping I can sort out the wanton movements of the driver's seat, the HVAC dim read-out and the dreaded "why is the battery at 8 volts"? quiz. I've already had the driver's seat out and cleaned the contacts and resoldered the HVAC resistors. All to no avail. Man! the computers and sensors in the car
I've been lurking and using the search function for the last week and you guys are a great resource, just like the guys in the Miata forum. I'm looking forward to learning and having a good time over here.
So, at any rate, howdy, from sunny Los Angeles....
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,989
Likes: 352
From: Carson City Nevada
A Vette will always beat a Miata to the next traffic light and it will always beat one to the next gas station.
Yup, after 10 years in Miati I have finally crossed over to the dark side I've just purchased a 2000 coupe with 72k on it and promptly found myself surrounded computers and electrons bound and determined to do me in. And I thought my 2002 Miata was over-computed!!!
My wife and I decided we wanted a more comfortable cruiser and something we could put more than a suitcase and a half in. The Miata is not a car to take you 400 miles in a day.
I'm just hoping I can sort out the wanton movements of the driver's seat, the HVAC dim read-out and the dreaded "why is the battery at 8 volts"? quiz. I've already had the driver's seat out and cleaned the contacts and resoldered the HVAC resistors. All to no avail. Man! the computers and sensors in the car
I've been lurking and using the search function for the last week and you guys are a great resource, just like the guys in the Miata forum. I'm looking forward to learning and having a good time over here.
So, at any rate, howdy, from sunny Los Angeles....
Yup, after 10 years in Miati I have finally crossed over to the dark side
I've just purchased a 2000 coupe with 72k on it and promptly found myself surrounded computers and electrons bound and determined to do me in. And I thought my 2002 Miata was over-computed!!!My wife and I decided we wanted a more comfortable cruiser and something we could put more than a suitcase and a half in. The Miata is not a car to take you 400 miles in a day.
I'm just hoping I can sort out the wanton movements of the driver's seat, the HVAC dim read-out and the dreaded "why is the battery at 8 volts"? quiz. I've already had the driver's seat out and cleaned the contacts and resoldered the HVAC resistors. All to no avail. Man! the computers and sensors in the car
I've been lurking and using the search function for the last week and you guys are a great resource, just like the guys in the Miata forum. I'm looking forward to learning and having a good time over here.
So, at any rate, howdy, from sunny Los Angeles....
Last edited by o2bnkc; Sep 5, 2011 at 10:03 PM. Reason: spelling
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
From: nj
I recognize your user name; mine is different here.
I've been hanging out/lurking here for about a year. I sold my 95 B&T to a fellow miata.netter a couple of years ago. I am looking for a 2001-2003 convertible vette.
I'm curious why you didn't go for a convertible.
I have found that this forum is as helpful, interesting, and funny as miata.net.
Although there are some posts here -- see above -- that demonstrate ignorance from alleged car enthusiasts. And it's not even Tuesday.
I've been hanging out/lurking here for about a year. I sold my 95 B&T to a fellow miata.netter a couple of years ago. I am looking for a 2001-2003 convertible vette.
I'm curious why you didn't go for a convertible.
I have found that this forum is as helpful, interesting, and funny as miata.net.
Although there are some posts here -- see above -- that demonstrate ignorance from alleged car enthusiasts. And it's not even Tuesday.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,284
Likes: 235
From: Rockledge FL
There is an old guy that I see going down US1 the same time as me almost every morning in a first gen red miata that will try to kill himself and everyone around him to be the first car going onto a long sweeper to merge onto the bridge going to the barrier island. I havent determined what pisses him off more, when he i get on the sweeper first and leave him or I get on the sweeper first and do 5 under.
still funny every time though.
still funny every time though.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
MX5s have a very high (numerically) gear ratio, so their fuel mileage is not like that of a Honda Civic, which can get 40 MPG on the highway.
And most car magazine comparison tests regarding street "fun factor" show the MX5 placing near the top every time. I can understand why - 800 lbs lighter than a C5. Take both cars to a track and the C5 wins every time. Then again, how often do we track our cars vs. drive them on the streets?
But getting back to that HVAC display fade issue - one of the circuit boards needs to be removed and its resisters resoldered. It took me about 1 hour from start to finish.
And most car magazine comparison tests regarding street "fun factor" show the MX5 placing near the top every time. I can understand why - 800 lbs lighter than a C5. Take both cars to a track and the C5 wins every time. Then again, how often do we track our cars vs. drive them on the streets?
But getting back to that HVAC display fade issue - one of the circuit boards needs to be removed and its resisters resoldered. It took me about 1 hour from start to finish.
Last edited by Dave68; Sep 5, 2011 at 10:57 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,475
Likes: 10
From: Wake Forest NC
I have an '04 'Vette Coupe and my wife has an '08 MX-5 PRHT. I figured, I have my sports car, now she has hers. I can drive mine, her her's.
But let me tell ya - every time I drive her Miata I am blown away by its handling, acceleration, and stopping power. She drives it top down half the year here in NC and we once took it on a trip and got everything we needed in that tiny trunk.
Don't get me wrong - I love the blazing power, etc, on my 'Vette, but I never would have suspected in 1,000,000 years that I would enjoy driving the MX-5 as I do. She drives it as a cute little convertible. I drive it like a sports car.
I suspect some who blast Miata may have never driven one. To those or any die hard 'Vette fans - if you ever get the chance to drive a Miata, go for it. I'll bet you will have a different impression of it than you would have thought. It won't "convert" you, but you'll have a thrilling experience you won't forget.
.
But let me tell ya - every time I drive her Miata I am blown away by its handling, acceleration, and stopping power. She drives it top down half the year here in NC and we once took it on a trip and got everything we needed in that tiny trunk.
Don't get me wrong - I love the blazing power, etc, on my 'Vette, but I never would have suspected in 1,000,000 years that I would enjoy driving the MX-5 as I do. She drives it as a cute little convertible. I drive it like a sports car.
I suspect some who blast Miata may have never driven one. To those or any die hard 'Vette fans - if you ever get the chance to drive a Miata, go for it. I'll bet you will have a different impression of it than you would have thought. It won't "convert" you, but you'll have a thrilling experience you won't forget.
.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 13,586
Likes: 1,352
From: Home of the VOLS ! Knoxville, TN. Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '15, '16-'17-'18-'19
I have driven a Miata before, a 2004 model, and was not a bit impressed with the car. It is too little inside for big guys.
Unless you are 5'7" and 160 lbs, this car is not for you.
Unless you are 5'7" and 160 lbs, this car is not for you.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 329
Likes: 1
From: Bowie Texas
I bought the 1999 Miata 1n 2003 for $5600 because I needed a inexpensive car that got pretty good mileage for a 70 mile commute. I didn't expect to keep it long since it already had 119,000 miles on it. I could have bought something like a Civic that got better mileage but just didn't want to drive one. Gas was less than $2.00 so 30 mpg was good enough.
Now it has nearly 230,000 on it and other than oil changes and tires I have spent less than $1000 on it including a new top. It has truly been the best car I have ever owned. My wife now drives it more than I do since I am in a van pool to get to work but it still gets drove nearly every day. It still has the original clutch and I have never put a battery on it.
Don't get me wrong I love the Corvette! I always wanted one and now that I do I realize what a great car they are. It is a blast to drive, turns heads every where I go and is comfortable to boot.
Speaking of turning heads that's another + for the Miata. I have always drove it fast and have never even been stopped in it. Its like it has stealth paint on it or something. I have had the Corvette since June and have been stopped twice and received one ticket.
Now it has nearly 230,000 on it and other than oil changes and tires I have spent less than $1000 on it including a new top. It has truly been the best car I have ever owned. My wife now drives it more than I do since I am in a van pool to get to work but it still gets drove nearly every day. It still has the original clutch and I have never put a battery on it.
Don't get me wrong I love the Corvette! I always wanted one and now that I do I realize what a great car they are. It is a blast to drive, turns heads every where I go and is comfortable to boot.
Speaking of turning heads that's another + for the Miata. I have always drove it fast and have never even been stopped in it. Its like it has stealth paint on it or something. I have had the Corvette since June and have been stopped twice and received one ticket.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 329
Likes: 1
From: Bowie Texas
My wife loves to drive it as she is 5'0 but on days she has to go to the bank she drives her Yukon cause the teller can't see her and she can't reach the window.
Pro
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 503
Likes: 16
From: Virginia Beach VA
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
I recognize your user name; mine is different here.
I've been hanging out/lurking here for about a year. I sold my 95 B&T to a fellow miata.netter a couple of years ago. I am looking for a 2001-2003 convertible vette.
I'm curious why you didn't go for a convertible.
I have found that this forum is as helpful, interesting, and funny as miata.net.
Although there are some posts here -- see above -- that demonstrate ignorance from alleged car enthusiasts. And it's not even Tuesday.
I've been hanging out/lurking here for about a year. I sold my 95 B&T to a fellow miata.netter a couple of years ago. I am looking for a 2001-2003 convertible vette.
I'm curious why you didn't go for a convertible.
I have found that this forum is as helpful, interesting, and funny as miata.net.
Although there are some posts here -- see above -- that demonstrate ignorance from alleged car enthusiasts. And it's not even Tuesday.
This forum has been a great resource for me as well. A lot of accumulated knowledge that will be invaluable going forward.
Hope you find the Vette that suites you.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
I just rented a 2011 Mustang and was impressed at just how quiet it is on the highway. I didn't like the steering but the 6 banger is no slouch (as is the case with the Camaro 6 banger) and the mileage is decent. However, at 3600 lbs, the Mustang is not nearly as fun to drive as the MX5.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
MX5s have a very high (numerically) gear ratio, so their fuel mileage is not like that of a Honda Civic, which can get 40 MPG on the highway.
And most car magazine comparison tests regarding street "fun factor" show the MX5 placing near the top every time. I can understand why - 800 lbs lighter than a C5. Take both cars to a track and the C5 wins every time.
But getting back to that HVAC display fade issue - one of the circuit boards needs to be removed and its resisters resoldered. It took me about 1 hour from start to finish.
And most car magazine comparison tests regarding street "fun factor" show the MX5 placing near the top every time. I can understand why - 800 lbs lighter than a C5. Take both cars to a track and the C5 wins every time.
But getting back to that HVAC display fade issue - one of the circuit boards needs to be removed and its resisters resoldered. It took me about 1 hour from start to finish.
My worst mileage, ever, was 17mpg after a day at Buttonwillow Raceway. Usual average is around 25mpg.
Yeah, the Miata hit's 3800 rpm around 70mph. A high speed touring machine it's not. Tight mountain corners is where it shines. If you want a good time see if you can get a ride in one with a super charger with 190hp at the rear wheels on that winding road.