Team-BHP - View Single Post - RX-8 vs. MX-5

Mpower · 14th May 2008, 05:36

I almost bought a Miata and my good friend Ananth owns one. No argument that the miata is awesome sports car, but we are talking about perception here which is driven mostly by its cute looks/petite proportions and mild engine. Bottom line is that it doesn't appeal to the majority of the sports compact crowd.

I know many a hopped up-Civic or WRX owner who wouldn't be caught dead in a Miata. Even the Gen1 Elise (not sold in US) had similar issues and Lotus made a serious effort to correct with a massive dose of testosterone for the Gen2

The biggest market for the Miata is the senior crowd (baby boomers) who grew up with British sports cars and find the Miata nostalgic. The distant second is the hardcore enthusiast crowd like yourself. The even more unfortunate thing is that women dont buy this car in large numbers either.

PS: my comments are relevant to the US only

As far as the RX8, my comments are from a coworker who leased it for 3 years. Loved the way it rode but kinda relieved to see it go. Performance starts dropping off after 30K.

Another friend has a Gen3 Rx-7 turbo going on 3rd rebuild in less than 60K miles. In fact a popular sign that RX7 owners flash to each other is the number of rebuilds

14th May 2008, 05:36	#20 (permalink)
Mpower Team-BHP Moderator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chicago/B'lore Posts: 3,668	I almost bought a Miata and my good friend Ananth owns one. No argument that the miata is awesome sports car, but we are talking about perception here which is driven mostly by its cute looks/petite proportions and mild engine. Bottom line is that it doesn't appeal to the majority of the sports compact crowd. I know many a hopped up-Civic or WRX owner who wouldn't be caught dead in a Miata. Even the Gen1 Elise (not sold in US) had similar issues and Lotus made a serious effort to correct with a massive dose of testosterone for the Gen2 The biggest market for the Miata is the senior crowd (baby boomers) who grew up with British sports cars and find the Miata nostalgic. The distant second is the hardcore enthusiast crowd like yourself. The even more unfortunate thing is that women dont buy this car in large numbers either. PS: my comments are relevant to the US only As far as the RX8, my comments are from a coworker who leased it for 3 years. Loved the way it rode but kinda relieved to see it go. Performance starts dropping off after 30K. Another friend has a Gen3 Rx-7 turbo going on 3rd rebuild in less than 60K miles. In fact a popular sign that RX7 owners flash to each other is the number of rebuilds __________________ The difference between the men and the boys....................is the speed of their toys. Last edited by Mpower : 14th May 2008 at 06:35.