Miata vs. Corvette
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: South Florida FL
I weighed all my options and chose not to go with run flats. I do not drive my car often, do not go on long trips and I have AAA. So I'm taking a calculated risk. The benefit outweighs it though in the end I opted for Nitto NT05's because I plan on making big power with my car and I need the extra traction. I do not drive in the rain or put a lot of miles on it so it was an easy choice once I had decided against the runflats.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Charleston West Virginia
I just checked the DOT number on one of my rear tires; Lazer Guided scoffed at the idea of original tires on this car. The DOT number was DOT M60N A60R 459; based on Tire Rack's data, this tire was manufactured on week 45 of what is apparently 1999 since starting in 2000 there would have been 4 digits. It's a 2000 car so my guess is, these are the original tires (car has 21,000 miles). I'd say that's where my problem is, huh?
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 578
Likes: 1
From: Boiling Springs Pennsylvania
Oldtimer
I have owned a 1991 Miata for 5 years; there is one turn that I consistently can run at 60 mph. I recently bought a 2000 Corvette convertible (love it) but I tried the curve at 60 and it went sideways before either I or the stability control fixed it! I was not expecting this at all. The front tires are new but the rear tires probably only have 25% tread left. So what's up? I know new tires would be better on wet roads, but on dry roads, I would think less tread would actually be better. So what do you think? (Also, the Corvette only has 21,000 miles; could these be the original tires and do they get hard as they get older? (Has Goodyear run flats.)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 213
From: Pittsburgh PA
I just checked the DOT number on one of my rear tires; Lazer Guided scoffed at the idea of original tires on this car. The DOT number was DOT M60N A60R 459; based on Tire Rack's data, this tire was manufactured on week 45 of what is apparently 1999 since starting in 2000 there would have been 4 digits. It's a 2000 car so my guess is, these are the original tires (car has 21,000 miles). I'd say that's where my problem is, huh?
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Charleston West Virginia
One last question (maybe). The car lot just put new tires on the front which were the runflat Goodyear F1 GS. How much would it mess things up if I put non run flats on the back, maybe even not Goodyears, or should I stick with what they put on it this time around. I do plan on using it for some trips but could also take my chances of running non run flats as long as it doesn't mess with the handling.
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 578
Likes: 1
From: Boiling Springs Pennsylvania
Oldtimer
One last question (maybe). The car lot just put new tires on the front which were the runflat Goodyear F1 GS. How much would it mess things up if I put non run flats on the back, maybe even not Goodyears, or should I stick with what they put on it this time around. I do plan on using it for some trips but could also take my chances of running non run flats as long as it doesn't mess with the handling.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 18,048
Likes: 53
From: long Island NY
I would say it very could be a combined issue of bad rear tires, worn shocks, maybe the way you came into the turn which will be different on the two cars. I will tell you I had a 10'MBCLK63 follow me into a off ramp at a good rate of speed and that boy spun out pretty good and my car didn't make a chirp I will admit my car is set up real good but so was his from the factory. I know its not the same exactly as your situation just trying to say fresh tires and suspenion is all the difference. Not to hijack but to the OP I'm about to put up my 04Z complete suspension shocks, springs,links came off my car at 14k never seen a race or rain. PM if interested.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Charleston West Virginia
I'd say I better not do anything to mine right now other than tires. I just feel blessed to have what I have. Maybe somebody else out there interested but thanks for the early offer Dave. Since I don't intend to race or anything, the tires may do the trick for me.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 18,048
Likes: 53
From: long Island NY
I hear you, I owned a 99'vert and it was night and day. Do the tires, summer tires really after two years change even worse in multi climate areas.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: St. Petersburg, FL
I had a slightly modded '96 Miata and I can confirm, it cornered and handled like it was on rails. They make incredible autocross cars for the simple fact that they are light, nimble, perfectly balanced and have a very simple but most effective independent double wish bone suspension with coilovers front and back. Don't forget, the first generation Miatas are almost perfect copies of the original Lotus Elan. Of course, they lack the engine power to run with a C5 but they will corner faster every time. As mentioned, it simply comes down to the laws of physics. Of course, I sold mine to buy a C5. Why? Well, I did look like a circus bear in a toy car driving around in the thing. It just lacked ooomph and was definitely too small for comfortable cruising. However, I may add a race version to my stable one day. Maybe with a 5.0 or LS1 engine conversion........
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 65
From: Rochester Hills MI
stock vs stock, you should be able to take that turn at least 15 mph faster than the miata. there is a 60mph turn i take in my cobalt ss (its actually a very capable car for handling), and i can take the same turn 25 mph faster (85) in the vette if that tells you anything.
the miata chassis may as well be jello compared to the vette. they flex a whole lot, and this is the main limiting factor for miatas. yes they are very capable, but IMO, a stock vette will outperform any miata in 30mph+ corners given the same type of rubber with a decent driver. the vette is just a far more difficult car to drive. that is why people say they cant handle well, but in reality they just dont know how to drive one. you can also fit way more rubber under a vette.
there is pretty much no option to upgrade the rear diff without some serious customization, so you can forget about launches, and worry about your car breaking every time you get on it.
the miata chassis may as well be jello compared to the vette. they flex a whole lot, and this is the main limiting factor for miatas. yes they are very capable, but IMO, a stock vette will outperform any miata in 30mph+ corners given the same type of rubber with a decent driver. the vette is just a far more difficult car to drive. that is why people say they cant handle well, but in reality they just dont know how to drive one. you can also fit way more rubber under a vette.
there is pretty much no option to upgrade the rear diff without some serious customization, so you can forget about launches, and worry about your car breaking every time you get on it.
Last edited by SaberD; Jan 31, 2012 at 12:50 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
However, as the editors of countless magazines often state, You can always "feel" the extra weight of larger sportcars, so even though they are likely to traverse a corner faster than lighter, lower horsepower sportscars, the heavier car instills the fear of dying far more often.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,237
Likes: 11
From: Lacombe Louisiana
stock vs stock, you should be able to take that turn at least 15 mph faster than the miata. there is a 60mph turn i take in my cobalt ss (its actually a very capable car for handling), and i can take the same turn 25 mph faster (85) in the vette if that tells you anything.
the miata chassis may as well be jello compared to the vette. they flex a whole lot, and this is the main limiting factor for miatas. yes they are very capable, but IMO, a stock vette will outperform any miata in 30mph+ corners given the same type of rubber with a decent driver. the vette is just a far more difficult car to drive. that is why people say they cant handle well, but in reality they just dont know how to drive one. you can also fit way more rubber under a vette.
there is pretty much no option to upgrade the rear diff without some serious customization, so you can forget about launches, and worry about your car breaking every time you get on it.
the miata chassis may as well be jello compared to the vette. they flex a whole lot, and this is the main limiting factor for miatas. yes they are very capable, but IMO, a stock vette will outperform any miata in 30mph+ corners given the same type of rubber with a decent driver. the vette is just a far more difficult car to drive. that is why people say they cant handle well, but in reality they just dont know how to drive one. you can also fit way more rubber under a vette.
there is pretty much no option to upgrade the rear diff without some serious customization, so you can forget about launches, and worry about your car breaking every time you get on it.
I dont think you could be more wrong!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 65
From: Rochester Hills MI
vette:
14" cg
width: 73.6in
skid pad: 1.03 g
slalom: 69.4
miata:
18" cg
width: 66.1
skid pad: 0.98 (mazdaspeed) 0.90(mx-5)
slalom: 67.7(mx-5) 69.1(mazdaspeed)
like i said, stock for stock as far as handling goes, the miata has nothing on the vette except for less weight. i didnt post the numbers for the base vette, because due to the runcraps, i think the information is useless. in a constant corner, skid pad numbers will be the main determining factor.
14" cg
width: 73.6in
skid pad: 1.03 g
slalom: 69.4
miata:
18" cg
width: 66.1
skid pad: 0.98 (mazdaspeed) 0.90(mx-5)
slalom: 67.7(mx-5) 69.1(mazdaspeed)
like i said, stock for stock as far as handling goes, the miata has nothing on the vette except for less weight. i didnt post the numbers for the base vette, because due to the runcraps, i think the information is useless. in a constant corner, skid pad numbers will be the main determining factor.