John Steczkowski wrote:
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-mgs@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-mgs@autox.team.net]On
> > Behalf Of Russell T. Neyhart
> > Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 1998 12:44 PM
> > To: KILE, PAUL D
> > Cc: 'mgs@autox.team.net'
> > Subject: Re: Miata (MX-5) bashing (slightly long)
> >
> > KILE, PAUL D wrote:
> >
> > > The Miata is actually a Toyota Corolla disguised in a roadster body, it
> > > handles well,
> > > simulates all the right noises, has a great driving position and
> > > everything falls readily to hand.
> >
> > How 'bout actually a Mazda Protoge?
> >
> > Russ Neyhart
>
> Huh? About the only component they share is the engine, and even that's
> modified for use in the Miata (transverse to longitudinal mounting
> configuration, light flywheel, at a minimum), The Miata doesn't have
> Macpherson struts like the protege. Does anyone know if it shares anything
> else? I think the Miata has the most "soul" of any modern car. I used to
> think that of 911s, but they lost some of that with the latest model.
Sorry to be vague in my reply. I realize the differences between the Protoge
(one of which I own), and the Miata. I meant to state that it is akin to Mazda
Protoge rather than a Toyota Corolla. If anyone has access to a Beck/Arnley
Worldparts interchange guide (mine is from 1990 and has few Miata or Protoge
listings), you may find that many of the parts will cross over with ones from
late model 323's and Protoges, as well as perhaps some cross over with the Kia
Sephia, which may be using a licensed version of the 1990-1994 Mazda Protoge
BP-Code DOHC 1.8. The first version of the Protoge had a 1.6 liter SOHC 8V in
the hatchbacks, 1.8 liter SOHC 16V in the base sedans, and a 1.8 liter DOHC
engine akin to the one in later Miatas in the higher trim level sedans. For a
bit of LBC content, I can't wait to be able to work on and drive my '64 B, but
I also would consider a new Miata to replace my Protoge when the time comes.
Both are similar, yet very different vehicles, as has been discussed previously
in this forum, but I can appreciate both for their different attributes, and
both for fantastic top-down driving.
Russ
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