Great to hear your happy. Nothing like that great note!

 

You must be from the Northeast, because you're probably dealing with the same batch of snow and crappy weather that we've had here in Massachusetts over the past 2 weeks.

I hate winter! No motorcycling, dirtbiking, sports-car driving, beach-8itches, or comfortable outdoor sports, and your car gets all messed up from road salt and potholes.

 

I dont mind the snow that much. It can be fun, although dangerous as well, but it also looks nice and is fun to mess around in and what not. But the salt. Sigh. Also all the parks along the river are just dead trees so its kind of awkward... cause i live along the Mississippi where you usually have nice views.

 

I've owned an NA and an NB and ended up getting a G35. I think the NA/NB are purer sports cars, their parts are ridiculously cheap and if you plan on tracking it, its a great pick. The hardtops are practically the same for the 1989 - 2005 Miatas (the frankenstein blots change a bit as do the defroster cords, but simple mods). I'm looking at this from strictly a track point of view mind you. I ended up selling my 1999 NB to a racer and got into a G35. I have yet to take it to the track, but the creature comforts are wonderful! I stayed away from the NC because they were more expensive to mod. (not sure if you can put both the soft/hardtops up with a rollbar(?) but I know I could on my NA/NB.

Really the G35 and NC are way different cars, we're talking about a 2+2 luxury coupe vs. a 2 seat roadster. The miata was GREAT in the summer, with the top down and low weight, it was like being in a super gokart. The G35 is a lot more refined, but a lot heavier too. For me, it was a good trade, I use it mostly for going to and from work. Even though its <10min drive, I really enjoy the heated seats right now and the comfortable seats/quietness. Honestly that was the biggest difference... the noise. Keep in mind, I had an NB right before with a hardtop, but this G35 has sound deadening material under pretty much every piece of trim I've taken off. (I did a few light mods to the radio/changed the cabin airfilter). I've had my G35 for about 3 months and I love it. I am looking forward to taking it to the track soon.

I will say getting a full set of 14" tires (NB Miata) costs almost as much as a single 19" on the G35. I'm not a fan of staggered wheels either, I think I'll get a set of non-staggereds for the road courses. I like being able to rotate my tires. I'll deal with the slight traction loss... I mean I can by no means drive this car (or the miata for that matter) at 100%. I got my G with pretty low miles (39,000 on an '06), but have a feeling repairs will be more costly. I'm hoping it will be reliable, I dont drive it too hard, I push its handling on on/off ramps, but am not one to peel out and do speed shifts, I like g-forces, but you can get higher g's in a corner than off of acceleration (one of the things I loved about my NB miata). I will say its a much heavier car and not as easy to toss around, but again, I consider it a totally different class. Depending on what you want to do with your car, the NC may be a better choice, these are just my observations.

I've taken a WRX, MR2 Turbo, Miatas, and a CTS-V (2004) to road courses around VA and W.VA. The Miata was a TON of fun (and why I bought another one). Some of it is knowing you can floor it practically full time. I had to be wary with the CTS-V as to not put it into a wall. You get a lot braver risking a $3k car compared to a $30k car. For that reason I see no point in modding MY car. I cant drive it at 100% on the track, so I keep it all stock. Once I reach its limit, I may upgrade it, but I'm content with 298hp (or whatever it is).

EDIT: I did do a pretty neat mod (non-performance) last week and once I get some video footage, I plan on sharing it =D Stay tuned...

 

Curious... no hints?

 

Yeah im all for fun, but speed is a pretty big deal around here, and paying 13k for a slow car id just regret. What really sold the g35 for me though is the fact that it didnt feel as heavy as it was. I tossed it around some corners and it felt WAY better than my grand prix GTP did, yet it weighs the same. Plus the g35 stock is miles ahead of the miata.

I didnt like the idea of having to turbo a car and change the whole suspension and sway bars just to get it where it should be. The g35 stock has near no body roll, its low enough, fast, and sounds great, etc. The interior proportions feel great. It feels like im in my teg but with a lot more power and class.

 

so I guess you've decided then?

 

yes.

 

haha well welcome to the family man.

 

Hmmm....that's funny I've owned my Miata for 24 years this month....have never had anything other than normal maintenance needed....I must add though it has 72,000 miles on it.

Now my 2003 G coupe has never needed anything...bought it December 2002....I'm getting close to going over the the 23,000 mile mark.

 

I think he means build quality not quality of parts. aka the interior squeaks and the body is loose etc. Could be wrong.

 

You are right....

 

Try the mazdaspeed miata. It's turbocharged at the factory so you get a little more power on the lightweight miata.