07-04-2019, 09:11 PM
Thanks, guys!
You're right, LR. It's made on the same assembly line in Hiroshima, Japan as the MX-5 (ND) "Miata". Main difference is that the Spider has the FCA 1.4L SOHC turbo vs. the MX-5's options of 1.5L or 2.0L naturally aspirated. The manual transmission is the gearbox from the previous MX-5 (NC), as is the Aisin 6-speed automatic in our car (initially a concession to Ms. Stichill). She can drive stick, but correctly predicted that in general neither of us want to fool with a manual most of the time. I find that the auto still delivers plenty of fun and excitement in manual mode during spirited driving.
The Spider also has (IMO) more refined suspension tuning and less twitchy steering than the MX-5. Entering a corner, the chassis sets and exhibits less body lean than the MX-5, yet the ride is nicely compliant over rough roads. It's been a long time since I've driven a rear-wheel-drive sports car...was quickly reminded just how great they are!
I think appointment-wise the Spider and MX-5 are pretty comparable. The MX-5 may have a few more gadgets in some areas than the Spider, but the Spider has nicer interior materials and more sound-deadening. The choice comes down to which styling you prefer and whether or not you're looking for a more refined driving experience. Our car is in the Lusso ("Luxury") trim...you can also get the racier Abarth version if you want to head for the track on weekends.
It's been hot and humid here recently; I haven't been too motivated to get on a bike. It's nice to have option of heading out with the top down wearing shorts, a T-shirt, and lightweight shoes. You get so used to ATGATT that you forget it's possible to be enjoy the open road, even on a hot day, if you take the convertible.
![[Image: 0077c7f2e32693eb1cc29672456050ef.jpg]](https://cb1100forum.net/forum/uploads/imp/201907/0077c7f2e32693eb1cc29672456050ef.jpg)
You're right, LR. It's made on the same assembly line in Hiroshima, Japan as the MX-5 (ND) "Miata". Main difference is that the Spider has the FCA 1.4L SOHC turbo vs. the MX-5's options of 1.5L or 2.0L naturally aspirated. The manual transmission is the gearbox from the previous MX-5 (NC), as is the Aisin 6-speed automatic in our car (initially a concession to Ms. Stichill). She can drive stick, but correctly predicted that in general neither of us want to fool with a manual most of the time. I find that the auto still delivers plenty of fun and excitement in manual mode during spirited driving.
The Spider also has (IMO) more refined suspension tuning and less twitchy steering than the MX-5. Entering a corner, the chassis sets and exhibits less body lean than the MX-5, yet the ride is nicely compliant over rough roads. It's been a long time since I've driven a rear-wheel-drive sports car...was quickly reminded just how great they are!
I think appointment-wise the Spider and MX-5 are pretty comparable. The MX-5 may have a few more gadgets in some areas than the Spider, but the Spider has nicer interior materials and more sound-deadening. The choice comes down to which styling you prefer and whether or not you're looking for a more refined driving experience. Our car is in the Lusso ("Luxury") trim...you can also get the racier Abarth version if you want to head for the track on weekends.
It's been hot and humid here recently; I haven't been too motivated to get on a bike. It's nice to have option of heading out with the top down wearing shorts, a T-shirt, and lightweight shoes. You get so used to ATGATT that you forget it's possible to be enjoy the open road, even on a hot day, if you take the convertible.