The seat is tearing apart and the pedal covers are falling off, so why did I enjoy driving the Miata so much last night?
The light traffic on Sunset certainly helped, but it was mostly because I found that this two-seater is shockingly comfortable for my 6'2" frame. I don't even have to put the seat back all the way. The spacious foot box helps too as you're not forced to constantly shift around to keep your feet properly aligned.
Yes, getting in and out is a bit comical, but no more so than our Viper. And that car feels claustrophobic compared to the Miata. Never would have guessed that from the outside.
Ed Hellwig, Editor, Inside Line
bankerdanny says:
10:38 AM, 08/20/10
I grew up with British sports cars, 2 Triumph Spitfires (including a '63 serial # 1007) and a '69 MGB (Black Tulip, wire wheels, electric overdrive). In the mid 80's I bought a '71 MGB GT for myself.
Both the Spitfire and the MGB are incredibly spacious. I'm 6-4 and I didn't need to have the seat all the way back in either car and there was no problems with headroom when the top was up.
Now the Midget was a different story. A friend of mine had a mid 60's Sprite (the Austin version of the Midget), I couldn't even sit in it.
coxwill says:
11:09 AM, 08/20/10
Not related:
How come a bunch of the Inslide Line cars don't floor mats?
lucasstarbuck says:
11:20 AM, 08/20/10
As one of a couple where we are both 6' tall, our 1990 Miata is a pleasure to drive! Couldn't agree more about the comedy that ensues when we leave the vehicle (especially when there is a member of the public ready with a quick wit), but sitting inside is a much better experience than some of the other Japanese sports car offerings (I'm thinking Nissan Silvia, Honda Prelude/Integra and some others).
Just a shame ours has suffered a short nose crank issue and will be heading to a specialist mechanic! Seems like many early Miatas were affected by the problem, and rebuilding is a good cure. Has Edmunds done any coverage on restoring this car - one of the most popular, cost effective sports cars ever made?
carlisimo says:
02:02 PM, 08/20/10
The tightest fit is actually in the 2001-2005 Miatas.
All NBs ('99-'05) are tighter than the NA because of increased crumple zones (on basically the same chassis), and then in 2001 they added extra padding to the seats seats just to make things even tighter. I'm 5'-7" but my left knee often hits the steering wheel when I shift.
huyracing says:
02:17 PM, 08/20/10
yeah these are roomy enough, especially with the top down.
s197gt says:
07:45 PM, 08/20/10
"How come a bunch of the Inslide Line cars don't floor mats? "
no unintended acceleration.
actually, i think they do that to keep them fresh for when they sell/return the cars. as for the miata, they were probably stinky and tattered so they probably just threw them out.
kevm14 says:
05:44 AM, 08/21/10
Is it me or are the brake and throttle pretty far apart? Maybe too far apart?
bimmerd says:
11:00 AM, 08/21/10
"Is it me or are the brake and throttle pretty far apart? Maybe too far apart?" - kevm14
Agreed. At least in the picture above, the pedals do appear a bit far apart for easy heel-and-toeing...any comments from drivers?
dashpot says:
06:20 PM, 08/22/10
"Agreed. At least in the picture above, the pedals do appear a bit far apart for easy heel-and-toeing...any comments from drivers?" - bimmerd
The gas pedal is on a fairly long rod that's easy to bend to your preferred spacing by hand. The bigger issue is the distance from you knees to the steering wheel. I always banged my knee on the wheel bottom when H&Ting when I first got the car. It wasn't resolved until I installed a spacer on the steering shaft. All better now.
jetsolver says:
12:01 AM, 08/23/10
Replace the pedal covers, in particular the clutch one before you kill someone else!!!