Which convertible is better looking to you? Which would you buy and why?

[masraum]

Originally Posted by berettafan

it means likes to take it up the ass.


I had a Miata for a while. got all kinds of 'where's the rainbow sticker?' comments from friends. you learn to ignore it.

heck even the purple one above looks like a great car.

Maybe this one would seem a bit more manly to most folks.

Miata V8 Swap - 2016 MX-5 V8 Engine Flyin' Miata

As soon as the fourth-generation ND Miata hit the streets, the mad scientists at Flyin' Miata were all over it, figuring out a way to cram a GM V8 between the lovely little roadster's wheelwells.

By January, they'd gotten the basics figured out. And today, it's all buttoned up and ready to rock. Feast your eyes on the 525-horsepower V8 MX-5 Miata.

When we spoke with Flyin' Miata's Keith Tanner back in January, he told us that the ND V8 swap was shaping up to be a little easier than NA, NB and NC projects—mainly thanks to the ND's roomier engine bay. As with most modern engine swaps, it still wasn't easy.

Of course, the upgrades don't stop with the engine. That honking GM LS3 is connected to a six-speed T56 Tremec manual transmission, spinning a Camaro SS differential. And check out the Corvette-style exhaust, with twin mufflers laid laterally behind the bumper cover. Fabricator Kyle Tigar got the drivetrain and exhaust to tuck under the factory hood and under the Miata's floor like it was there from the factory.

The car weighs in at 2592 lbs, ready to drive with a full tank of gas, with 53.4-percent front, 46.6-percent rear weight distribution. That compares mighty favorably to the 2328 lbs and 52:48 distribution of the stock car.

We've reached out to Tanner to find out more details about the car, and we'll report back with all the nitty gritty. In the meanwhile, maybe start scraping together funds for your ND Miata swap—Tanner told us back in January that having the conversion done at his shop should cost a smidge less than $50,000.

I also have a soft spot for their Targa Newfoundland car which is also sporting a Chevy LSx V-8.

[pwd72s]

Naw..you NEED a Corvette z zero six. Here's an "owner review"...

(sorry..link starts video in the middle...back up to the start and have no beverage in your mouth, or it'll come out your nose.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXylNx5pC70#t=169

[racer]

Ranked on appearance:

3 -The new Miata
4 - BMW Z4
2 - 986 Boxster
5 - M3 convertible from the early 2000s
1 - S2000
6 - Toyota MR2 Spyder

I like the verticality of the windscreen on the S2000. (That's why I like old 911s and 914s - makes it easy to see out) The more the angle, the less I like.

I also prefer the E36 M3 Vert to the E46.. Simple lines.. nice and straight. Simple.

No MB SLK on that list?

As for buying? either a Boxster or a new Miata

[strupgolf]

Here's one for sale. Great ride, tight, and open air rag top.

[jcommin]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

^^
I want the chef's special - not on the menu.
Actually, I find all the listed options boring. I wouldn't pay the price for any of them.

I'm with you on this - the Ford is the better choice.

[jcommin]

Originally Posted by DWBOX2000

To the orginal question, I would take a Boxster, S2000 (for uniqueness) and any of the others in that order. Really not a bad choice IMO.

Just curious how old are the guys that throw the "hairdresser" term around? Do you even know what it means?

I found the hair dresser comments potentially offensive too. It reminds me of a time when I was buying my 944 in 1983 and I considered a 3 series BMW. I was talking to a colleague who used a different word than hair dresser - that was before PC.

I guess nothing has changed much in over 30 years except code words.

[J P Stein]

Paul:
I kinda liked the Z-06 Vette till you posted that vid. Where did you find that douche?
(I really doan wanna know)...

I can live with the hair dresser jab.

Unfortunately, I can no longer drive AX. That stroke did me in. The old brain can't process the info fast enough so the Boxster drivers are safe.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Saw one of these the other day. Almost acceptable.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by masraum

If you'd said 987 Boxster instead of 986, it would have been at the top of both lists easily.

What he said ^^^^

Thou I would not kick any of the cars on your list out of the garage.
Thou, thou... Loved my Miata but it cured me of the convertible thing... my next fun car will most likely be a coupe.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

What he said ^^^^

Thou I would not kick any of the cars on your list out of the garage.
Thou, thou... Loved my Miata but it cured me of the convertible thing... my next fun car will most likely be a coupe.

That's the funny thing. I'm NOT a convertible guy. I really don't give a crap about having a convertible. For the past 16 years, I've owned a '88 911 Targa, 1997 Mazda Miata, 2004 Mazda Miata turbo, 2008 Boxster S RS60 Spyder.

I look for the best car for the money. That's what I keep finding. I came close on a 1984 911 coupe back in 2000, but the '88 was a much better car. Then, a miata seemed like the best hold-me-over car after the 911, but I did have the removable hardtop that I eventually put on the wife's miata. I also looked at several Cayman, but the Boxster was the best car for the money that I found.

Apparently, it's my fate to be topless.

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by cantdrv55

The new Miata
BMW Z4
986 Boxster
M3 convertible from the early 2000s
S2000
Toyota MR2 Spyder

The choices are all over the place, I know. These are the verts I like however but I am biased. I think the Z4 is most beautiful so I bought one but if I were to choose based on performance and value, it would have to be the 986.

I know this is a Porsche forum but seriously? The 986?

I've voted for the Z4 twice with my wallet - the first Z4 roadster, and then a Z4 M Coupe. I plan to own an M Roadster some day. Really beautiful design, the best-looking BMW of the Bangle era and drawn by current design chief Anders Warming.

My second choice would be the Honda S2000 for it's clean simply lines and high-revving nature. I've long dreamed of an S2000 and CBR600RR sharing the garage.

The M3 convertible is nice, but the US models aren't much for performance compared to the Euro cars.

The 986 is nice but it's overshadowed by the 987 and the interior for the time is underwhelming. If I wanted a nice-looking car with good performance but a poor interior, I'd prefer the Pontiac Solstice GPX.

Last is the MR2 for it's squashed Boxster looks and it's a bit small for me. I'd go with the Miata over it, which seems similar in size but is more roomy for me.

[LeeH]

If you already have a Boxster and really want a Caymen...

[bri450sl]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

From that list... The Boxster is the most desirable but I'm 51 and would never even consider a convertible.

I think you need to buy what you want and who cares what others think. I love my convertable and I'm 53.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by epbrown

I know this is a Porsche forum but seriously? The 986?

I've voted for the Z4 twice with my wallet - the first Z4 roadster, and then a Z4 M Coupe. I plan to own an M Roadster some day. Really beautiful design, the best-looking BMW of the Bangle era and drawn by current design chief Anders Warming.

I didn't realize, have never seen, an M-anything based on a Z4. I know I used to like the M versions of the Z3, but didn't realize they had ever done anything with the Z4.

[jyl]

Convertibles I find attractive, that aren't terribly old - cars modern enough to have all mod cons.

Jaguar XK8. If it didn't have to live up to the XKE, this car would get a lot more attention.

Mercedes CLK. Not a frivolous two seater like the SLK, not a big barge like the E class.

BMW 3 series, mid 1990s to 2000. Clean lines, the last of the classic Beemer looks.

Porsche 944 convertible. This Porsche is at the bottom of its desirability curve, will only become more desirable from here.

Porsche Boxster. Hairdresser jokes aside, in BRG with a black top, this car looks very much like a Supermarine Spitfire. There is not a car or woman, no matter how beautiful, who wouldn't benefit from more Spitfire.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

Saw one of these the other day. Almost acceptable.

Nice!

I'd even start cutting my own hair for that car.

I tried to buy a silver one of those here in NZ but the guy wouldn't compromise on price - pity.

[DWBOX2000]

Great post, fun to read. As usual, no definitive answer on the original question but I guess there is no real answer right.

Oh yeah, no one ever answered my age question, at least I do not think so. Too bad.

Having a couple "hairdresser" friends, I guess I am a bit more sensative to the phrase. I wouldn't feel right not saying anything.

Well back to the 986 forum.

David