You want an NA Miata? Flyin’ Miata’s Keith Tanner offers advice. | Articles

Which NA Miata Is Right for You?

Photograph Courtesy Mazda

In 1994, the NA Miata underwent a refresh that included a move from the original 1.6-liter engine to a 1.8-liter engine. Other upgrades included larger brakes, a larger fuel tank and a larger, stronger rear end fitted with an optional Torsen differential. The passenger side of the dash gained an air bag. The available alloys grew from 14×5.5 inches to 14×6.

“The first thing you want to do is decide if you want the 1.6 or the 1.8,” Keith says. “The 1.8 is definitely the performance option. Plus, it’s got more parts in common with the later cars.”

Some, such as Keith, still prefer the 1.6-liter for its interior and also the engine. “The 1.6 has a different character to it,” says Keith. “It’s a revvier engine–it wants to be spun past 4000 rpm. When you drive a 1.6 and a 1.8 back to back, the 1.6 has a sportier feel, but it doesn’t make as much power or low-end torque, so it is slower.”

For those seeking even more power, Miata got another 5-horsepower bump in 1996.

As far as trim levels, Keith suggests considering an NA Miata with the R package. It came with Bilstein shocks, manual steering and a Torsen limited-slip differential. Because it lacks power steering, they’re often less expensive unless the seller is in the know. It was only offered with the 1.8-liter cars, so 1994 and up.

“It’s more of a road race package,” Keith says. “The manual steering is a downside for autocross. It might be a cheap way to get a Torsen. I wouldn’t necessarily seek one out otherwise, because those shocks are probably toast by now. You can mix and match parts [between different NA Miata trims].”

As far as any special editions, most of the changes to those cars were merely cosmetic and nothing performance-oriented.

Things to Look Out For

Photograph Courtesy Mazda

Let’s face it, the NA Miata is an antique, and age takes…