NC Article

Short article about the NC on the AutoWeek website.

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070605/FREE/70601001/-1/mmstoryfull

For the most part the reviewers don't seem to be... "performance oriented"... but some of the comments are interesting. I'll say two things about the latest installment of the Miata/MX5:

• The styling is clean, but uninspiring. I found the sinuous curves of the NB much more appealing.
• Mazda continues to underpower the Miata relative to its competition. I'm not suggesting it needs 300+ hp and 450 ft/lbs of torque. But they need to find a way to get 190 hp out of the NC's normally aspirated engine (not out of the question given what Honda gets out of the S2000's four-banger) to give them that last little edge over the Skystice. Then make the Mazdaspeed version to compete with the RedGXP...

Mazda's always had balance right, and given a choice between more power or perfect balance, I'll take balance any day. But I don't think Mazda has to limit itself to an "either or" solution.

Anyway, I recently sold my NB, but those two points above are why I’m not considering an NC as my next car. I’ve kinda been dragging my feet on getting another car, hoping to read something about a MazdaSpeed Miata, but Mazda’s silence will have me buying something else very soon. I know Mazda will be devastated... ;)

Go ahead, go get the Porsche that will match your lederhosen. ;)

What's on your list currently?

Hi Rich... Bill is really loving your old NB. It's in good hands.

If you look at the bottom of that article, there is a link to this one. It states "racers must wait until mid-2008 for a MazdaSpeed edition. The MazdaSpeed version's 2.3-liter turbo loses some horsepower in packaging the intercooler and larger radiator.".

So whatcha gonna get, cheesecake?

I have had my NC for a year now, and I am happy with it. I haven't managed to do any motorsports in it due to financial concerns (not so much the entry fees as the risk of wearing out or damaging things), so I can't say how well it really handles. However around town (in my somewhat more spirited than I should be style of driving ;) ) I love how my NC handles. Even though it has a "mere" 170hp keep in mind it is much lighter. Solstice/Sky is about 2800lbs, Honda Civic Si is 2900lbs, and the Miata is a shave under 2500lbs.

I need to start coming to events. Maybe if you want, I can give you a spin in my NC.

S2000, do it now.

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Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

S2000, do it now.

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Yup... ~2800 pounds and 237 HP... nice combination...

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Originally Posted by Dave04

Yup... ~2800 pounds and 237 HP... nice combination...

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Don't forget....



VTEC FTW!

Isn't the S2K front wheel drive?
and costs alot more?

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Originally Posted by Billy Blaze

Isn't the S2K front wheel drive?

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No.

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Originally Posted by Billy Blaze

and costs alot more?

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New, maybe.

interesting, i though all Hondas were FWD....goes to show what i know.

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Originally Posted by Billy Blaze

interesting, i though all Hondas were FWD....goes to show what i know.

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For years, Honda only sold FWD vehicles and marketed it as providing better performance. Then they made a real sports car and abandoned that marketing.

Yup... RWD... and "costs a lot more" is very relative... while it does cost more than a Miata, you are getting a bit more too.

EDIT: oh... and the limited slip diff is standard...

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Originally Posted by Billy Blaze

Isn't the S2K front wheel drive?

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:scratch:

You need to get out more, Billy.

St00k?

Just be very careful with it. You mis-shift and you'll over-rev the engine... cracking valve keepers or breaking them and dropping valves.

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

Go ahead, go get the Porsche that will match your lederhosen. ;)

What's on your list currently?

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• 2003 - 2004 Porsche 911 (if I'm really going all out... you know, mid-life crisis and all ;))
• BMW 135i (if I dare risk BMW's plunging quality and the risks inherent in buying a first year car :scared:)
• S2000 (if I thumb my nose at the rest of the family and buy another 2-seater)

I like the Mazda RX8, except for two things (that I've mentioned in previous posts): I'm just not a fan of the wanker engine (personal preference), and I have no Mazda dealership within easy distance from my house (for routine maintenance). I've also considered an Infiniti G37 Coupe, but at 8,234 pounds (or something close to that), it's just too fat.

Honestly, nothing is really grabbing me right now... ::Yawn::

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Originally Posted by Kestrel

• 2003 - 2004 Porsche 911 (if I'm really going all out... you know, mid-life crisis and all ;))
• BMW 135i (if I dare risk BMW's plunging quality and the risks inherent in buying a first year car :scared:)
• S2000 (if I thumb my nose at the rest of the family and buy another 2-seater)

I like the Mazda RX8, except for two things (that I've mentioned in previous posts): I'm just not a fan of the wanker engine (personal preference), and I have no Mazda dealership within easy distance from my house (for routine maintenance). I've also considered an Infiniti G37 Coupe, but at 8,234 pounds (or something close to that), it's just too fat.

Honestly, nothing is really grabbing me right now... ::Yawn::

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Elise?

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Originally Posted by Billy Blaze

Isn't the S2K front wheel drive?
and costs alot more?

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Originally Posted by altiain

:scratch:

You need to get out more, Billy.

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No kidding!! ;) :clap:

Maybe one day.

[QUOTE=Kestrel;132723]

• 2003 - 2004 Porsche 911 (if I'm really going all out... you know, mid-life crisis and all ;)) (if I thumb my nose at the rest of the family and buy another 2-seater)[/COLOR]

QUOTE]

I know that the porsche is a 2+2, but have you ever sat in the back? Its not really a 2+2, more like a 2+.5

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Originally Posted by Ataim

I know that the porsche is a 2+2, but have you ever sat in the back? Its not really a 2+2, more like a 2+.5

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My kids are (a small) 9 and 4. They'll fit... damn it! ;-)

Besides, the car is mostly a daily commuter and fun toy for me, not the car we'll take on family driving vacations to Juno, Alaska. We've got the Honda Odyssey for that. On the other hand, if I'm being realistic, I should have at least the capability of hauling me and both kids to the store or something if my wife is away with the minivan. That's why the pure 2 seater would be... impractical.

But fun...

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My kids are (a small) 9 and 4. They'll fit... damn it!

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In 3 years they will be 12 and 7. It will be a very tight fit. Just be honest, you want a Porsche! :-)

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Originally Posted by gabkwong

In 3 years they will be 12 and 7. It will be a very tight fit. Just be honest, you want a Porsche! :-)

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Yup. Kind of a "dream car" of mine from way back. But my guess is I'll end up being more practical and get the BMW (if you can call that "practical").

And in the meantime, I'm driving around in my 1999 Honda CRV, enjoying no car payments and thinking maybe I'd just be better off driving around in that POS for a while... ::Hmm::

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Originally Posted by Kestrel

Yup. Kind of a "dream car" of mine from way back. But my guess is I'll end up being more practical and get the BMW (if you can call that "practical").

And in the meantime, I'm driving around in my 1999 Honda CRV, enjoying no car payments and thinking maybe I'd just be better off driving around in that POS for a while... ::Hmm::

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I know precisely what he is talking of. My wife and I are wanting to start a family. So we figure that if I have the child and she is out, the Miata would be fine. If it's me, my wife, and the child we would take her Fit.

I know that this is all thrown out the window if/when a 2nd comes, but since we are only planning on having a first, that's a ways down the road.

PS: Also if the sports car would only be used for around town when his wife isn't coming, then the a small backseat is acceptable.

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Originally Posted by Kestrel

And in the meantime, I'm driving around in my 1999 Honda CRV, enjoying no car payments and thinking maybe I'd just be better off driving around in that POS for a while... ::Hmm::

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Let's watch the unauthorized use of the trademark please. ::Bust1::

© 2008, POS Enterprises, L.L.P. POS and the POS shield design are registered trademarks of the Performance Oriented Sport Racing Team. The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks. Unauthorized use of any such Trademarks, including reproduction, imitation, dilution or confusing or misleading uses, is prohibited under the trademark laws of the United States and other countries. You are expressly prohibited from using or misusing any Trademarks.

;)

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

© 2008, POS Enterprises, L.L.P. POS and the POS shield design are registered trademarks ...

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You need to make that your autosig.

I also just discovered that Quaife is now selling a differential for the NC. $1295 list price though.

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Originally Posted by MX-5EE

I also just discovered that Quaife is now selling a differential for the NC. $1295 list price though.

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Seems like I spotted them on Ebay recently too.

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Originally Posted by MX-5EE

I also just discovered that Quaife is now selling a differential for the NC. $1295 list price though.

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I broke a trunion shaft and the case on a quaife diff in my vw. I dropped $900 on the diff, broke it 3 days later, then sent it to quaife. The would not warranty the diff because "we only warranty the diff internals, not the case or trunions." So I was left with a $1000 paper weight.

btw, I'll take the NC. It makes enough power.

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Originally Posted by Kestrel

Yup. Kind of a "dream car" of mine from way back. But my guess is I'll end up being more practical and get the BMW (if you can call that "practical").

And in the meantime, I'm driving around in my 1999 Honda CRV, enjoying no car payments and thinking maybe I'd just be better off driving around in that POS for a while... ::Hmm::

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The new 135i isn't going to be the lightest car on the market, but it's going to be a screamer. Everything I've read suggests that this will probably be the next "iconic" BMW that defines the company and the market, much like the 2002 and the E36 M3 did before it. How can you go wrong with a beautiful rwd coupe with BMW's chassis dynamics and a twin turbo motor making over 300 hp? Especially with a base price in the mid-30s. I'm going to be looking at one very hard as a replacement for the RX-8 in two or three years.

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Originally Posted by altiain

The new 135i isn't going to be the lightest car on the market, but it's going to be a screamer. Everything I've read suggests that this will probably be the next "iconic" BMW that defines the company and the market, much like the 2002 and the E36 M3 did before it. How can you go wrong with a beautiful rwd coupe with BMW's chassis dynamics and a twin turbo motor making over 300 hp? Especially with a base price in the mid-30s. I'm going to be looking at one very hard as a replacement for the RX-8 in two or three years.

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I just wish they would sell the fuel efficient inline 4 sedan and wagon models in the US instead of just the coupe. I already have my fun car, and I am happy with it :)

Now a fuel efficient luxury car, that I would be interested in.

As for the Quaife diff, I more pointed that out because I am happy that companies are now finally starting to give serious aftermarket support to the NC. I will have to remember what you said though about the quality. I really would like some sort of LSD at some point.

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Originally Posted by altiain

The new 135i isn't going to be the lightest car on the market, but it's going to be a screamer. Everything I've read suggests that this will probably be the next "iconic" BMW that defines the company and the market, much like the 2002 and the E36 M3 did before it. How can you go wrong with a beautiful rwd coupe with BMW's chassis dynamics and a twin turbo motor making over 300 hp? Especially with a base price in the mid-30s. I'm going to be looking at one very hard as a replacement for the RX-8 in two or three years.

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I agree. It's only a couple of hundred pounds lighter than the 3 Series, and the reviews are saying it has some slight understeer under hard cornering. But the aftermarket will solve that, and I like the size and shape of the 1 series better than the 3 (and the 3 ain't bad) -- just suits me better.

My only two concerns with the car -- aside from it being a 1st year edition in 2008 -- are:

1. Run-flat tires and no spare (not a big deal, as I'd throw out the run-flat crap, and just use AAA if I had a flat), and
2. BMW's declining repair record/reputation. I don't expect a high-performance car to never need repair, but I'm hearing/reading horror stories about people being without their car for months. OK, BMW provides a loaner, but who wants to pay $40k to drive around in a 3 year old Ford Focus... and who's got time to go back and forth to the dealership? You're not a student anymore you know altiain, so you don't have all that free time on your hands. ;-)

Of course, a 3 year old Porsche 911 isn't likely to be a "model of low and inexpensive maintenance" either. Well, I'll just keep mulling it over and driving my POJ*


* Respecting the expressed wishes of our esteemed member, POS Racing, I will henceforth refer to the rust-on-green 1999 Honda CR-V that I am currently driving as POJ. Although I am not convinced of his exclusive rights to the term he refers to (having seen this used in many wirtings, I believe it has become "un-trademarkable", much like "Aspirin" lost it's exclusive rights to that brand name when it became generally synonymous with "pain-relief medicine"), I will acquiesce to Mr. Racing's demands in the name of peace and harmony on this Forum.

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Originally Posted by Kestrel

* Respecting the expressed wishes of our esteemed member, POS Racing, I will henceforth refer to the rust-on-green 1999 Honda CR-V that I am currently driving as POJ. Although I am not convinced of his exclusive rights to the term he refers to (having seen this used in many wirtings, I believe it has become "un-trademarkable", much like "Aspirin" lost it's exclusive rights to that brand name when it became generally synonymous with "pain-relief medicine"), I will acquiesce to Mr. Racing's demands in the name of peace and harmony on this Forum.

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::Banana::

Oh yea, don't be a :cat: get the 911! ;)

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Originally Posted by Kestrel

I agree. It's only a couple of hundred pounds lighter than the 3 Series, and the reviews are saying it has some slight understeer under hard cornering. But the aftermarket will solve that, and I like the size and shape of the 1 series better than the 3 (and the 3 ain't bad) -- just suits me better.

My only two concerns with the car -- aside from it being a 1st year edition in 2008 -- are:

1. Run-flat tires and no spare (not a big deal, as I'd throw out the run-flat crap, and just use AAA if I had a flat), and
2. BMW's declining repair record/reputation. I don't expect a high-performance car to never need repair, but I'm hearing/reading horror stories about people being without their car for months. OK, BMW provides a loaner, but who wants to pay $40k to drive around in a 3 year old Ford Focus... and who's got time to go back and forth to the dealership? You're not a student anymore you know altiain, so you don't have all that free time on your hands. ;-)

Of course, a 3 year old Porsche 911 isn't likely to be a "model of low and inexpensive maintenance" either. Well, I'll just keep mulling it over and driving my POJ*

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The funny thing is… a 135i has about the same horsepower, about the same weight, a bigger trunk and more rear seat space than a late 996-era 911. A guy I work with has a beautiful ’00 or ‘01 996, and he’s let me drive it a couple of times. It’s a good car, but not a great car. The ergonomics are a little strange, the seats are flat and unsupportive, the interior is chintzy, and it isn’t exactly blindingly fast. Personally, the E46 M3 grabs me more than a 996 as both a fun car and a daily driver.

As for service work… I drive a first year RX-8, so I’ve had my fair share of service loaners. :wink: Truthfully, I don’t mind – even though I drive a lowly Mazda, I’ve always been put in nice, late model rentals. The last time my car was in the shop I got a brand new CX-7, and that’s only because the CX-9 that they had was already out with someone else. Last I checked the local BMW dealers all had service loaners, and they were either 325is or X3s – not exactly a Ford Focus. Besides, almost all dealers have extended hours these days. Dropping my car off for warranty work isn’t something I look forward to, but it’s pretty painless.

I think I’d much rather spend ~$40k on a brand new Bimmer than a five or six year old 911 (because you’re gonna spend more than that on a decent three year old one). Then again, if I could afford a three year old 911, I’d be looking real hard for the right one year old Cayman S instead, but that’s just me.

Don't forget about the free service for 3 years on the BMW!

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Originally Posted by altiain

The funny thing is… a 135i has about the same horsepower, about the same weight...

<snip>

... one year old Cayman S instead, but that’s just me.

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altiain, I'm enjoying your perspective on my 135i v 996/7 deliberations! Maybe some moderhater should split off this discussion into a "Cheesecake Contemplates a New Car" or "BMW 135i or Slightly Used Porsche 911... which would you choose?" thread, since we've drifted from the original meaning of the post.

But to continue the drift ('cuz I find it much more interesting than the original content anyway), unfortunately the Cayman S falls into the same "impractical" bucket as an S2000 or MazdaSpeed MX5 NC -- no room for me and 2 kids. I really like the Cayman S! And didn't I read somewhere that a Cayman S now holds the record for the fastest lap of the Nurburgring in a production car? Well, whatever the case, the Cayman S is one hot car...

So if it's a new 135i (easily $40k when optioned up a little) versus a used 911, here's an example:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=236238003&dealer_id=47344293&car_ye ar=2003&model=911&num_records=50&systime=&make2=&s tart_year=2003&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&c ertified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type =both&distance=25&marketZipError=false&search_lang =en&make=POR&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Ais psearchform&min_price=333&drive=&default_sort=pric eDESC&max_mileage=30000&style_flag=1&sort_type=pri ceDESC&address=75034&advanced=y&end_year=2008&door s=&transmission=Manual&max_price=50000&cardist=12(and you're right... since it's now 2008, this is actually a 5 year old car!).

A low mileage used 911 in [what appears to be] excellent condition for $47k. Talk 'um down a bit, and that should be had for $43-$44k. So is it worth $4,000 -- and 5 years and 27k miles -- to get an "exotic dream car". That's a rhetorical question of course, because it will come down to personal preference... and possibly a "seat of the pants, go with your heart" decision. Heck, I bought a 1972 Volkswagen Bus that I knew was in lousy shape, just because I had to have one (That was in 1985. I bought it for $1,200, paid about $1,500 in repairs, owned it for 8 months, and gladly unloaded on someone for $100. I haven't made that mistake since...). Maybe I'm just trying to talk myself into ignoring my better judgment and just "go for it" again. But I keep remembering what happened last time I did that with the VW...

::BaHump::


_____________________

PS. Sorry about the long link thing in the post. I don't remember how to do the cool thing where you see a "link", not the full web address...

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Originally Posted by Miatamoto

Don't forget about the free service for 3 years on the BMW!

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Yeah, that's an excellent point. I've never really considered leasing a car, but perhaps that's the easy answer: Lease a BMW for 3 years, and then turn it in when the maintenance and repair costs [could] start hitting. Over the past 8 years, I've averaged well under 10,000 miles per year (closer to 5,000), so that wouldn't factor in...

Oh, and it's actully 4 years maintenance included now!

Have you looked at the Porsche CPO Program = http://www.porsche.com/usa/pre-owned-vehicles/approved/

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Every Porsche Approved vehicle comes with a comprehensive Warranty
- If sold while under the new car warranty, Coverage is up to 6 years or 100,000m/160,000km total , whichever comes first
- If sold once the new vehicle warranty has expired, Coverage is 2 years from the date of sale or up to 100,000m/160,000km, whichever comes first

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kestrel

altiain, I'm enjoying your perspective on my 135i v 996/7 deliberations! Maybe some moderhater should split off this discussion into a "Cheesecake Contemplates a New Car" or "BMW 135i or Slightly Used Porsche 911... which would you choose?" thread, since we've drifted from the original meaning of the post.

But to continue the drift ('cuz I find it much more interesting than the original content anyway), unfortunately the Cayman S falls into the same "impractical" bucket as an S2000 or MazdaSpeed MX5 NC -- no room for me and 2 kids. I really like the Cayman S! And didn't I read somewhere that a Cayman S now holds the record for the fastest lap of the Nurburgring in a production car? Well, whatever the case, the Cayman S is one hot car...

So if it's a new 135i (easily $40k when optioned up a little) versus a used 911, here's an example:

A low mileage used 911 in [what appears to be] excellent condition for $47k. Talk 'um down a bit, and that should be had for $43-$44k. So is it worth $4,000 -- and 5 years and 27k miles -- to get an "exotic dream car".

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Meh. It's a 911, but it looks like a pretty basic example of a Carrera. No upgraded brakes, base 17" wheels, etc. It looks well maintained, but it's a pretty plain Jane example of the breed.

By contrast, you could spend an extra $2k and get this 2006 Cayman S with the Sport Chrono Pack and satnav. Three years newer, still under warranty, better interior, better exterior (imho), and much better equipped.

So it's gotta have a backseat to pass it under the "family friendly" radar? The check this out. 2005 BMW M3 with Competition Package, Premium Package, satnav, sunroof, etc. Look at this interior:

http://images.autotrader.com/images/..._A.562x421.jpg

How gorgeous is that? Here's your '03 911 by comparison:

http://images.autotrader.com/images/..._A.565x377.jpg

Looks kinda antiquated to me. Is that a steering wheel from a schoolbus in there? :wink:

I'm just giving you a hard time. I understand the allure of the 911 - they've always been high on my list of dream cars as well. However, after driving an "average" 996, I came away unimpressed. It's a good car, but it wasn't anywhere near as magical as I thought it should be.

Of course, to each their own. You might drive a 996 Carrera and fall in love. But I'd cross shop the E46 M3, the 135i, the Cayman, and perhaps a few others. Who knows which one you will prefer?