Finally made it in for a test drive
I know that hurricane weather is hardly ideal for test driving a convertible, but I made it out to freeman mazda this morning and test drove an mx5. The car I drove was a PHRT Touring 6-speed.
Before I drove the car I was worried about the car feeling sluggish. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the car felt surprisingly quick. Pay no attention to the various 0-60 numbers you see reported. The mx5 is not slow (I've seen 6.5 to as high as 7.9)
The transmission was fantastic. The clutch travel is short and effortless. I drive an 07 Mustang GT and the clutch is my car is WAY stiffer and travels maybe 2.5 times as far before being fully pressed. Very impressed with the transmission.
Handling was obviously great. I've never driven a car that small before and it felt great. The steering felt just right. Not too light or too heavy. My Mustang's steering is very light, which makes it feel numb with not very much input.
Overall I was very impressed with the mx5 and I'm strongly considering it for my next car.