Modern features I wish I could add to my miata
- MR shocks
- active swaybar preload
- Electronic stability with an enthusiast friendly "hard driving" setting
FWIW the new Porsche 911 has all the above.
#3 has been around for a few years now on 'vettes, porsches, the EVO, and a few others.
#2 showed up in a few big heavy Mercedes and BMW sedans.
#1 has been trickling down, the cheapest car with it now might be the Audi TT.
- active swaybar preload
- Electronic stability with an enthusiast friendly "hard driving" setting
FWIW the new Porsche 911 has all the above.
#3 has been around for a few years now on 'vettes, porsches, the EVO, and a few others.
#2 showed up in a few big heavy Mercedes and BMW sedans.
#1 has been trickling down, the cheapest car with it now might be the Audi TT.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 34,402
Total Cats: 7,523
From: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
A 100% CARB-legal turbocharger system.
Honestly, that's it.
Oh, and elesjuan, do you not have the cupholder insert which fits into the recess behind the shifter? Both of my Miatas have had this.
Honestly, that's it.
Oh, and elesjuan, do you not have the cupholder insert which fits into the recess behind the shifter? Both of my Miatas have had this.

Yep. I've got one and it's honestly only good for canned drinks, sadly.
Really want this:

No way in hell would spend $300 on that, though.

In any case if I decide to keep the car I have instead of getting an NB, then I'll be doing a lot of work to the interior to make it a nicer place to be.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 34,402
Total Cats: 7,523
From: Chicago. (The less-murder part.)
Hehe.
Yeah, in all seriousness it does of course depend upon the quality of the hardware and the completeness of the package, but for something of comparable mechanical quality to one of Bell's mid-level systems (a well-designed cast manifold, smooth downpipe, adequately sized bar-n-plate intercooler, and provisions to retain both power steering and aircon) along with an engine management solution that worked on the NB without a lot of shenanigans and did not preclude technically-savvy yet unscrupulous users from upgrading beyond the as-certified power level without sacrificing visual compliance, I'd happily pay $4-$5k.
To be fair to you (Andrew), I recognize that the Miata community is relatively small and filled with cheapskates as compared to, say, the BMW or Corvette crowds. But personally, I find this to be the only thing really lacking right now.
Yeah, in all seriousness it does of course depend upon the quality of the hardware and the completeness of the package, but for something of comparable mechanical quality to one of Bell's mid-level systems (a well-designed cast manifold, smooth downpipe, adequately sized bar-n-plate intercooler, and provisions to retain both power steering and aircon) along with an engine management solution that worked on the NB without a lot of shenanigans and did not preclude technically-savvy yet unscrupulous users from upgrading beyond the as-certified power level without sacrificing visual compliance, I'd happily pay $4-$5k.
To be fair to you (Andrew), I recognize that the Miata community is relatively small and filled with cheapskates as compared to, say, the BMW or Corvette crowds. But personally, I find this to be the only thing really lacking right now.
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,085
Total Cats: 375
From: Republic of Dallas

Actually there isn't much I'd change about the green car, maybe some-sort of electric AC but for now the zip-tied cruise control keeps me pretty happy. I really like how it's just man and machine in there, not one of these modern computer cars (Evo, Sti, GTR). Driving my car to the track, on the track, and home is a pretty romantic adventure. There's no "sit back and let the computer handle slip-angle", just a steering wheel and some pedals. I'm basically a vintage racer consideration my car is 22 years old now.






