MX5 Vs MR2

[Joshy]

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.

 

[Joshy]

Coming from a TT soarer it will feel like the engine isn't even working though.

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

 

[Joshy]

MX-5. I'm not a massive fan of the way the MR2 (Mk1 or 2) drives.

Care to elaborate?

 

[Joshy]

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.

Just the sort of man I needed to hear from!

Surely the MR2 (The NA one in particular) was still a pretty good handling car? I understand that it perhaps would be as good as the lighter, Five, but it isn't a pig in the twisties, is it?

 

[Joshy]

Am I missing something here, if you want top down action surely the MR2 is irrelevent as only the Mk3 MR2 is a convertible

As usual you're right (ish as the post above explains), but it does mean that you are being a bit of a pedant .

A T-Bar is good enough for me .

 

[Joshy]

I don't really think the CRX is even on the same page, it's FWD for a start!

'Basically a Civic underneath' is that supposed to be some sort of a plus point? He wants a sports car not a mediocre early 90's hatch thats now suddenly the best thing since sliced bread because it has a 'scene'

To be fair, it's not too off the wall, and it is certainly something I'll (briefly) look into.

Not necessarily after a traditional sports cars as such, just a car that is relatively cheap to run but still managed to be fun and interesting. As much as one would perhaps suit me given the situation I find myself, I don't want a harm/hot hatch.