>Mazda Miata
>Honda Whatever-its-called (the new Cabrio)
S2000?
>Porsche 968
>
>I know all about the 968 and M030 suspensions (and I know approximately
>where Matt Murray lives), but I need to know about the other two.
>
>I heard through the grapevine that the obvious car - the 1999 with the
>Sport Package - may not be the way to go. What other years/options
>should I consider or do you think the '99 Sport will eventually win out?
I've actually heard the opposite about the '99 Sport.. (i.e. it's great).
I know the Miata Sport is softer than the 94-97 R-pkg it replaced. I don't
think the '99s had enough development time to shine. The 1.8L in the '99
Miata makes more usable power, is slightly stiffer and rides on 15" alloys
from the factory. If SSB is any measure, the '99 should show an advantage
to the 1st gen. Miata's pretty soon.. (with equal drivers of course..)
As far as fitting, er.. I doubt it.. I'm 5'11'' and barely keep my head off
my HardCore roll-bar in my '95R. I felt the '99 interior was a bit more
cramped but I don't have the seat time to really be positive.. I don't like
the added clutter of the '99s HVAC/gauges either. A friend who's around
6'4'' (very long legs) couldn't begin to drive my car without catching bugs
in the teeth.. :)
Currently, I'm equal in skill set (read: little..) to another few Miata
folks driving '99s and our times are very close. So close, the car has very
little to do with anything.. :) My '95R is very capable and I'm confident
it'll be very competitive w/ the '99 in BS. The pilot needs the work.. :)
I've recently driven a '99 Sport and felt both were similar in the speed
department with the '99 having a slight edge.. I guess that's considerable
since mine is broken in and has a few parts (exhaust, K/N e.t.c.) The '99
should be faster, everywhere.
>Or am I better off waiting awhile and see who/what comes out on top? Or
>should I save my pennies and gamble on the new Honda when it comes out?
I might not go grab a '99 or a S2000.. IF you can fit, a '94-97 Miata could
be had for $11k or so.. Add on Konis, tires, sway-bar and cat-back exhaust
and you're still barely breaking $12k without giving up much (well,
$10k-20k depending on options you listed) at all.. The numbers on the
S2000 are appealing but it's high HP numbers are WAY up the rev. range.
It's not really what I'd call light (2800-3000lbs?) and IMHO, it's just
plain UGLY.. :) I guess time will tell.
-Brian
porterb@mediaone.net
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