MX5 Vs MR2

Joshy

Joshy

Joshy

Soldato
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Say hypothetically you had the want for a cheap to buy, cheap to run bit of top down action, which would you choose and why? An old MK1 MX5 or a MK2 MR2?

On paper the MR2 seems like a far better car, bagging you a lot more powerful, more comfortable, newer car for your money (It seems that R reg MR2s can be had for roughly what you'd pay for a half decent G/H/J plate MX5).

The only reason I can see for going for the MX5 is the "hype" surrounding the driving experience. Is this actually hype or are they nearly as good as people say?

Any thoughts, comments or wild card suggestions appreciated.
 
The MX5 is a cracking car to drive, really simple but really good. They are far from quick, more nippy but they deliver in spades in the twists and show that you can have great fun at sensible speeds. Just got my wifes back from Centre mavity on Tuesday and it's now doing what I would expect it to do, thought I still think the steering is perhaps over sensitive which Chris Franklin agreed with. Mk2 and Mk1 are probably even better to be fair. You can make the MX5 a rapid little car if you want to spend on it but the core ingredients are superb.
 
Was going to ask about that actually Housey (in a new thread)

Has the new geo set made much difference?

Sorry for off topic
 
MX-5 everytime,

Such a solid car. bulletproof engine and drivetrain, and sublime handling. The engine can also take a turbo with ease if you want raw power, but anyone can get a car to go fast in a straight line, its all in the cornering :)

Make sure you get an model newer than 1993-1994 as these had a short nose crank which caused issues at cam belt change.
 
ZG002 said:
Was going to ask about that actually Housey (in a new thread)

Has the new geo set made much difference?

Sorry for off topic
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Honestly no, not a huge difference. It has given the steering more feel, it has dialled out a lot of the fidgeting over cats eyes and on some road surfaces and has generally made it more predictable, which was what I asked Chris to do as it's my wife's daily not mine. But all of the changes are subtle and to be fair I have not had time to drive it much to evaluate. I jumped out of my RS4 and into the MX5, blatted it for 10 miles and then got back in my RS4 so I need to play myself into it again but in my short run the elements above were easy to spot. Still not convinced the front end is quite as good as I would expect, but need time to fully form a conclusion.

Going to Silverstone at the weekend with group of buddies so might take the MX5, not least as they are all pitching up on bikes.........and a Carrara GT :D
 
Thanks for that :)

Think I will be after same (but older with the broken geo) sport roadster for my next car. After the swift sport I have now I think it will be a ok upgrade :), Enjoy Silverstone pics and mini review of Carrera GT please :p :D
 
Are we comparing na to na?

If so i think it would be more fair to use a mk1or mk3 mr2 as its more similar in many ways

Mx5 - drifty but slowish really,revvy
Mr2 mk2- nippier not at all drifty
Mr2 mk1- driftyish and similar to mx5 performance wise, revvy
Mr2 mk3- similar to a mx5 ... More girly

But if its a turbo car i dunno if they would be really on anyones list at the same time
 
Clarkey said:
Coming from a TT soarer it will feel like the engine isn't even working though.
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This is my main concern, but the situation at home is set to change drastically in a few months meaning I just won't be able to haemorrhage nearly the amount of money I currently do running the Soarer :(

Insurance is £700+ less on both cars, plus there's the bonus of not getting 12MPG around town and (hopefully) the reduced temptation to spend all my spare cash on go faster bits!

Time to grow up already :(
 
MR2 for me.

I had the most fun I have ever had out of a car when I had my MR2 turbo rev 1. The fact that the rev 1 can be naughty was the appeal for me.

Terrible in the wet but sublime in the dry if you knew your limits and that of the car.
 
One of the best driving experiences I can remember in my MX5 was at a small OCUK meet before I had the supercharger, blasting through some lanes hot on the tail of MeAnBoy in his mk1 MR2. It was absolutely brilliant fun and such an amazing rush :cool: Power isn't everything :D
 
Got myself an MX5 about 2 months ago, just got the tracking sorted as it was way off and honestly I love the way it drives, as do others that have had a spin in it. Pics for anyone interested! 55 plate, 1.8 option pack, it's been lowered to the proper spec as well, cost the guy about £200 to do so, it's in excellent condition as well!

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Howard said:
One of the best driving experiences I can remember in my MX5 was at a small OCUK meet before I had the supercharger, blasting through some lanes hot on the tail of MeAnBoy in his mk1 MR2. It was absolutely brilliant fun and such an amazing rush :cool: Power isn't everything :D
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Yes that was brilliant, MeAnBoy was being chased by two Mk1 MX5's :D
 
I've owned a 1997 N/A MR2 (173bhp) and a 1993 MR2 Turbo at ~260bhp, and two MX5's both at standard power and latterly one of them at 250bhp.

I'd say the MX5 is the sportier, lighter and better handling machine. The mk2 MR2 feels more suited to cruising and is faster than the MX5 but loses out in cornering / handling / fun characteristics.

For comfort & Speed choose the MR2

For fun, adjust-ability in the chassis, drifting and general arsing about choose the MX5. If the lack of power really bothers you then more power is easily possible, but will put a dent in your wallet.
 
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